Friday, January 30, 2015

Sketch Frenzy Friday Sketch Challenge: Snuggles and Smootches

Good morning and Happy Friday.  It’s time for our weekly Sketch Frenzy Friday Sketch challenge.  This week we were given a really fun layout that allowed me to use some great products and accessories for lots of fun textures and dimensions (it really is fun pulling things together to create something new and fun for someone you care about!)  I’m sorry, I’m still stuck on the “love” theme, I can’t help it.  Valentine’s Day will be here soon and since I’m having a fun Valentine’s class this weekend it’s on my mind.  I started with Real Red for the cardbase and then added a piece of Gold cardstock that was embossed with the Big Shot and Happy Heart Embossing Folder and then matted with Basic Black cardstock.  I used a couple of pieces of DSP from the Stacked with Love Designer Series Paper Stack for the flags in the top left corner (and the DSP was the inspiration for the colors I used today).  I added a bow made with Gold Baker’s Twine and attached it over the flags.

I added a piece of Calypso Coral Chevron Ribbon along the bottom middle of the cardfront and really adds a fun texture.  For the greeting I used the Snuggle and Smootches stamp set and stamped the “love” greeting in Versamark Ink and then used the Heat Tool and Gold Embossing Powder to heat emboss the text.  I used the Decorative Accent Punch to punch the greeting out and of course dimensionals were used to attach the greeting to the card (this way it straddles the ribbon easy peasy!).

I love you how you can get so many different looks on projects from the same stamp set, this is a very elegant looking card but I wouldn’t think that just looking at the stamp set images, it’s all about the papers, techniques, and embellishments you use to make it your own.  The other design team members shared some fun cards as well so please go check them out and then play along with the sketch, I would love to see what you come up with, it’ll be great for any project on your To Do list this weekend.

Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today’s card:

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog


 Have a great day and relaxing weekend!

Diana
Pin It!

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Wedding Cards: Big News

Good morning!  Are you still digging out of snow where you live?  Snow for us was a bust, but that beats the alternative so I'm not complaining.  Today over on the  Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration blog it's all about weddings and that's sure to cheer up anyone this time of year.  I don't make wedding cards often but it's always nice to have some in my card stash ready to go when the need arises (or I have a friend who needs a wedding card).  I did use color on my card that definitely can go along with the snowy feel that so many are dealing with. 

For the cardbase I stared with Smoky Slate cardstock and then added a piece of Coastal Cabana cardstock that I embossed with the Big Shot and Stylish Stripes Embossing Folder and then wrapped a piece of Silver 5/8" Satin Ribbon around the cardfront for a touch of elegance.  The greeting is from the Big News stamp set and this one is AWESOME!!!  It has stamps for just about any occasion so you're all set.   I stamped the text in Coastal Cabana and Basic Black ink before cutting it out with the Big Shot and the Apothocary Accents Framelits.  I sponged around the edges with Smoky Slate ink and then added a couple of pearls to the corners of the greeting layer to really help dress the card up for the occasion.  The final touch was to add a Lace Paper Doily to the back of the greeting layer (I cut the doily in half and then attached each piece of the greeting layer so it would cover both the top and bottom.  You'll notice there is some space between the greeting and the doily, I actually used dimensionals between the layers for some extra texture.

I really like these soft, springy colors, perfect to help lift you out of  winter funk and help celebrate a joyous occasion.  Make sure to check out the other cards the design team is sharing, they're beautiful!

Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today's card:

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog



Have a great day and enjoy!

Diana
Pin It!

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Sale-a-bration Paper Pumpkin Style...


For the first time ever, Stampin' Up! has lowered the price of the 3 month prepaid subscription. During Sale-A-Bration (January 6-March 31) you  can save money and instantly qualify for a FREE product!
 
 
Why did we choose to discount the 3 month subscription? Because all good things come in threes! Here are three things we know you'll love.
  1. Save $5.00 on your subscription.
  2. The price point instantly qualifies for a FREE Sale-A-Bration product.
  3. Skip to the fun for three months with all the stamps, ink, and paper ready to go for amazing papercrafting projects.  

Watch this quick video to see what comes in a Paper Pumpkin Box!

 
 
Pin It!

Monday, January 26, 2015

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Masculine Monday Mash Up: Amazing Birthday

Happy Monday!  What a great relaxing weekend (I love those) and were starting the week off with a new snow storm and while it's not supposed to be nearly as bad for us as others, we'll see how it goes.  It's time for Masculine Monday over on the Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration and I always love these posts or all the great "dude" inspiration that's so fun and I decided to combine it with the Proverbial Stampers January sketch challenge (doubling up for double the fun!).  There's also some great new products that really help with these types of cards, especially the Adventure Bound Designer Series Paper Stack (love the realistic graphic images!).  I started with Crumb Cake for the cardbase and then added a piece of Always Artichoke cardstock that was embossed with the Big Shot and Alphabet Press Embossing Folder (after embossing I sponged all over the cardstock with Crumb Cake ink to really help make the embossing pop.  Next I added a piece of the Adventure Bound Designer Series Paper Stack, this brick pattern is fun.  I used the Big Shot and Woodgrain Embossing Folder to emboss a piece of Early Espresso cardstock.
 
For the stamped image I started with Very Vanilla cardstock and stamped the chevron woodgrain print from the Truly Grateful stamp set with Crumb Cake ink and then sponged all around the edges.  The greeting is from the Amazing Birthday stamp set and I used Stampin' Write Markers (in Cajun Craze, Early Espresso, and Always Artichoke).  For even more texture I added a piece of Natural 5/8" Chevron Ribbon. I trimmed of the edges of the ribbon and pulled some strands to distress it, tied a knot in the middle and then attached it so the chevron pattern wasn't showing (this ribbon is so versatile, love it!!!)

This card has so much texture and dimension, I just want to touch it.  Make sure to check out all the other design team cards, I've seen some of them and they are awesome.  You'll definitely be adding some of these to your CASE it list.



Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today's card:

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog



Have a great day, be safe and enjoy!

Diana
Pin It!

Sunday, January 25, 2015

Can You Case it? Design Team - Designers Choice CYCI #54

Good morning!  We're enjoying a great weekend, even if our "snow event" turned out to be a non-event, we'll have to see about the next one.  Today I have some very exciting news...as you may recall a few weeks ago I was invited to be a guest designer over on the Can You Case It? blog, this is a great group of talented ladies and I had fun playing along.  Well today I get to announced that I've joined their design team which means you'll be getting new inspiration every Sunday morning with this great challenge site.  For the first weeks challenge we were given the freedom to use any products and layouts we wanted so we had a lot of freedom.  Of course, this time of year I decided to make a Valentine's card using the Groovy Love stamp set (we actually made this card in this month's Just Cards class.  I have a lot of guys in my life so you need Valentine's cards that don't have lots of girly colors.  I started with Island Indigo cardstock for the cardbase and then added a layer of Crumb Cake cardstock that was embossed with the Big Shot and the Happy Heart Embossing Folder

Next I added a piece of Typeset Speciality Designer Series Paper for the newsprint look (this is a great package of DSP as it has lots of different prints that are neutral to work with lots of different types of projects).  Next I took a piece of Very Vanilla cardstock and Stamped the heart image from the Groovy Love stamp set (in the middle) using Island Indigo ink before punching it out with the Sweetheart Punch.  I used both pieces, the stamped heart was attached to the card and then I took the framed piece, sponged around the edge with Island Indigo ink and tied a bow around one of the edges with a  piece of Island Indigo 1/4" Cotton Ribbon before attaching it to the cardfront with dimensionals on all four corners to provide a shadowbox effect.  I added a couple more hearts using the Gold Glimmer Paper and the heart Punch from the Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack.  The greeting is from the same stamp set and since I made this card for Aidan I thought the "born to be loved" sentiment was perfect.  I stamped it with Memento Ink on Island Indigo cardstock before cutting it out with the Big Shot and Itty Bitty Banners Framelits and attached it to the cardfront with dimensionals.

I had a lot of fun making this card and can't wait to give it to my little man.  Make sure to check out the other design team cards, there wonderful and you'll get lots of fun, fresh ideas.  Then play along and share what you made so we all can enjoy!

Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today's card:

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog



Enjoy the rest of your weekend and be safe!

Diana
Pin It!

Friday, January 23, 2015

Sketch Frenzy Friday Sketch Challenge: Hip Notes

It’s Friday again my friends and it sounds like we’re going to potentially have an interesting one if the weather has it’s way (they’ve mentioned the SNOW word that has Aidan very excited!)  I will also have a very exciting announcement on Sunday so you’ll have to make sure to check back on the weekend.  Before then, it’s Friday, which means it’s time for our weekly Sketch Frenzy Friday Sketch challenge.  This week we were given a really fun layout that once I again I choose to highlight some great designer series paper we have (and best all, it’s FREE right now during Sale-a-bration with a qualifying order, yeah!!!)  I started with Calypso Coral for the cardbase and then added a piece of Sahara Sand cardstock.  The greeting is stamped down at the bottom and uses the Hip Notes stamp set (this stamp can be used for several occasions, in this case it’s a birthday card for a friend) and was stamped in Soft Suede ink.  The DSP is from the Best Day Ever Designer Series Paper package (this paper has such great colors and prints it’s perfect to get us ready and with matching accessories and stamps, all that you can get for FREE, what’s not to love?)  So I added three strips of the DSP to a piece of Soft Suede cardstock before attaching it to the cardfront.

The final touch was to add three little flowers that I punched out with the Petite Petals Punch using Calypso Coral, Coastal Cabana, and Crushed Curry cardstock, embossed them with the Big Shot and Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder.  I used a bone folder to help curl the petals of the flowers before attaching them to the card with glue dots.  To add a little somthin-somethin to the card I added rhinestones to the centers of two of the flowers and a bow made from the Baked Brown Sugar Think Baker’s Twine to the center flower (I actually had that bow tied from another project that didn’t work out so it was perfect!)

I love you we have so many great accessories that you can make a quick card with very minimal stamping that will still grab your attention!  The other design team members shared some fun cards as well so please go check them out and then play along with the sketch, I would love to see what you come up with, it’ll be great for any project on your To Do list this weekend.

Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today’s card:

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog


 
Have an enjoyable Friday and hope you get some crafting time!

Diana
Pin It!

Monday, January 19, 2015

Stylin' Stampin' INKpiration Scrapbook Sketch Challenge: Christmas Memories

Good morning!  Another great weekend and boy were those some interesting games yesterday to set up the teams playing in Super Bowl in a couple weeks.  The boys are enjoying an extended holiday to celebrate MLK Jr. Day while I have to work (I must admit I'm a little jealous!!)  I did take timeout from all the activities to hop onto My Digital Studio to make my layout for his months Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration scrapbook sketch challenge.  This time we were given a two page layout so I thought it would be perfect for our Christmas Day pictures.  It was such a great fun, and relaxing family day and it was fun to relive all the memories while making these pages.
 

 Here's the sketch we were given and I stayed pretty true to the layout.  I created one page with all the elements and then just created a mirror image of the page so I didn't have to create the second page from scratch (super easy).  The other designers are sharing some alternate ideas using this layout so make sure to go check them out and then play along (I'm sure you have some pictures that are just waiting to get added to a page to preserve your memories).

 Below are the details on the elements used on these pages:

Page 1 Supply ListEmbellishments
    Cherry Cobbler Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon\Cherry Cobbler Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon - flag
    Burlap Ribbon\Burlap Ribbon - flag
    Natural Designer Buttons\Naturals Designer Buttons - small dark 2

Stamps
    _Designer Kits\Candlelight Christmas\Candlelight Christmas - overlay pinecones, Color = SOFT SUEDE 124,103,74
    _Designer Kits\Daily December Memories\Daily December Memories - christmas, Color = 77,56,50
    _Designer Kits\12 Days of Christmas\12 Days of Christmas - holiday memories, Color = 230,WATERMARK 255,255,255

Punches
    1.25 Square Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper\_Designer Kits\Holiday Harmony II - designer series paper\Holiday Harmony II - 12
    1.25 Square Punch, Fill Color = 225,225,224
    1.25 Square Punch, Fill Color = 225,225,224
    1.25 Square Punch, Fill Color = 225,225,224
    Extras\Embark Graduate - punches\Embark Graduate - banner 2,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper\_Designer Kits\Holiday Harmony II - designer series paper\Holiday Harmony II - 8

Page 2 Supply ListEmbellishments
    Cherry Cobbler Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon\Cherry Cobbler Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon - flag
    Burlap Ribbon\Burlap Ribbon - flag
    Natural Designer Buttons\Naturals Designer Buttons - small dark 2

Stamps
    _Designer Kits\Candlelight Christmas\Candlelight Christmas - overlay pinecones, Color = SOFT SUEDE 124,103,74
    #hashthis\#hashthis - lovehim, Color = 230,WATERMARK 255,255,255
    _Designer Kits\See Ya Next Year\See Ya Next Year - best buds, Color = 230,WATERMARK 255,255,255

Punches
    1.25 Square Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper\_Designer Kits\Holiday Harmony II - designer series paper\Holiday Harmony II - 12
    Extras\Embark Graduate - punches\Embark Graduate - banner 2,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper\_Designer Kits\Holiday Harmony II - designer series paper\Holiday Harmony II - 8

Enjoy and have a great day!

Diana
Pin It!

Friday, January 16, 2015

Sketch Frenzy Friday Sketch Challenge: You Plus Me

Good morning and Happy Friday!  How have you survived the week?  This week continues to provide lots of excitement to start the new year, hoping for some extra rest (and crafting time this weekend).  Before the weekend gets started it's time for the Sketch Frenzy Friday sketch challenge and we were given a great one this week.  I have to admit one of the things I like best about sketch challenges is that it helps get you outside of your normal layouts and gives you a jumping off place for your projects so things are always fun and exciting.   Of course I'm still all over Valentine's right now so I've got another one for you today.

I started with Smoky Slate for the cardbase and added a piece of DSP from the Stacked with Love Designer Series Paper Stack.  You'll notice all my layers have round corners today, I used the Project Life Corner Rounder Punch and it was so easy (this really is a must have punch even if your not into the Project Life system).  Next I added a piece of Coastal Cabana cardstock that was embossed with the Big Shot and Happy Hearts Embossing Folder.  I layered that with a piece of Basic Black cardstock that I punched with the Confetti Hearts Border Punch and layered a piece of Silver Glimmer Paper behind (a great way to just add a little sparkle to your projects!


For the greeting I used the You Plus Me stamp set (awesome set!!) used my Stampin' Write Markers to color it in before stamping on Smoky Slate cardstock and punching it out with the Scalloped Oval Punch, sponged around the edge with Coastal Cabana ink and then attached it to the cardfront with dimensionals.  For a final touch I added a bow that I tied with Basic Black Baker's Twine and I used two pieces of twine in my bow for a bigger effect.  I used a Glue Dot to attach the bow (they are perfect for attaching embellishments to cards and they don't move.)

I have to admit I whipped this card up pretty quickly but love how it turned out, it also doesn't have any pink so it will work for the "dudes" in my life.  I really love sending cards to friends and family and when you can give one you made it makes it even more special.  I can help you make Valentine's cards (or any occasion) for your loved ones, just ask me!

Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today's card:

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog



Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend!

Diana

Pin It!

Monday, January 12, 2015

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Card Sketch Challenge: Remembering Your Birthday

Happy Monday!  We had a great weekend that was really busy with lots of family fun that's always great.  We also enjoyed the break in cold weather, even if it was just for a day.  Today it's time for the monthly card sketch over on the Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration blog.  We were given a really fun sketch challenge this month and I used it for a birthday card I needed this month.

I started with Island Indigo cardstock for the cardbase and then added a piece of Going Gray card stock that was embossed with the Big Shot and Chevron Embossing Folder.  Next I took a piece of Gold Foil Paper and cut half  a circle out with the Big Shot and Circle Collection Framelits.  Then I used the Little Letters Thinlits Dies to cut out the H and B and used the negative image for my card.

I added a piece of Island Indigo Chevron Ribbon as an accent.  The greeting is from the Remembering Your Birthday stamp set, it was stamped in Island Indigo ink on Whisper White cardstock and then cut out with the Itty Bitty Framelits (and then I sponged around the edge with Basic Gray ink).




This card really turned out great, I love it's simplicity and since my friend with the birthday is a guy it's a perfect "dude" card.  The other designers came up with some great cards for inspiration so please check them out on the blog and then come play along and see what you can come up with.










Below are easy ordering links for the products use on today's card:

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog



Enjoy and have a great week!

Diana
Pin It!

Sunday, January 11, 2015

Can You Case It Color Challenge: Guest Designer

Good morning!  We're looking forward to a beautiful Sunday and a little break from the cold before the next drop happens tomorrow so we'll be taking down our outdoor Christmas lights and getting my long run in to enjoy.  I recently was honored to be contacted by the Can You Case It? challenge blog an was asked to be their guest designer this week for their color challenge this week which was based on a card I shared in November, so exciting!  This is a great group of designers and it's fun to play along with them this week.  As you know I'm all into Valentine's projects right now and there is a fun little set that was released in the main Idea Book back in June but I didn't get it before recently but it's cheeky and perfect for right now, a little humor is always fun.

I started with Crumb Cake for the card base and then added a piece of Pool Party Cardstock that I punched along the edge with the Confetti Hearts Border Punch (this new punch is awesome!!!).  Behind the hearts I added a strip of Gold Glimmer Paper for sparkly little hearts and then tied a piece of Gold Baker's Twine around the cardstock.  Before attaching the cardfront to the cardbase I used the Paper Piercer and the Essentials Paper Piercer Pack to punch a heart shape.

I used the Groovy Love stamp set to stamp two heart shapes, the animal print on Crumb Cake cardstock with Crumb Cake ink and a second with the heart outline with Pool Party ink on Very Vanilla cardstock.  Both hearts were punched out with the Sweetheart Punch.  The greeting ("You Make my Heart go Boom Boom" I love it!!!!) is from the same stamp set and is heat embossed with the Heat Tool and Gold Embossing Powder using Versamark Ink.  I used a dimensional to attach the Vanilla heart to the cardfront.

I have to admit this card turned out so pretty and whimsical at the same time and I know my sweetie will enjoy it!  You should definitely go check out the other cards the design team created using the same colors and then play along, you'll really enjoy it!

Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today's card:

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog



Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Diana
Pin It!

Friday, January 9, 2015

Sketch Frenzy Friday Sketch Challenge: Memorable Moments

 Happy Friday peeps!  I don’t know about you but I’m certainly ready for the weekend…I’ve been working on getting rid of this bug that just won’t seem to go away so I’m hoping for a little rest along with all the family fun we have planned, including Pinewood Derby, Basketball games, etc.  Before I get started on all the weekend fun, it’s time for our weekly Sketch Frenzy FridaySketch challenge.  This week we were given a great basic layout that we could really play with.   We recently celebrated a couple of friends milestone birthdays so I decided to use this sketch for one of the cards (and had to wait until I gave the card in order to share it!)

I started with Blushing Bride for the cardbase and then added a piece of Lost Lagoon cardstock that was embossed with the Big Shot and the Beautifully Baroque Embossing Folder.  Next I added a piece of DSP from the Flower Pot Designer Series Paper Pack (I used the DSP Blushing Bride Chevron Ribbon behind my stamped accent piece.  For the stamped piece I used the Memorable Moments stamp set to stamp the greeting so I could personalize it for my friends 40th birthday (love the flexibility this stamp set offers for personalization!).  After stamping, I cut it out with the Big Shot and Label Collection Framelits before attaching it to the cardfront with dimensionals.

 
This card turned out nice and fun and pretty all at the same time and it really suits my friend so I hope she likes it.  The other design team members shared some fun cards as well so please go check them out and then play along with the sketch, I would love to see what you come up with, it’ll be great for any project on your To Do list this weekend.

 
 
 
 
 
Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today's card:

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog




Have an enjoyable Friday and hope you get some crafting time this weekend!

Diana
Pin It!

Thursday, January 8, 2015

Styin' Stampin' INKspiration January Blog Hop: New Occasions Catalog Fun



Happy Thursday, it’s blog hop time friends!  With the release of the Occasions catalog this week it’s only fitting that this month the designers are sharing projects made with their favorite items from the new catalog.  Since Valentine’s is the first big event of the new year (and a holiday I love, but actually I love all holidays!) most of my preorder products are loved themed so that’s what I’m sharing with you today.  I also love that the new sets in the Occasions catalog are not strickly “Valentine’s Day” but are more generic so you can use them for other occasions throughout the year.

As you hop along, please be sure to comment and show some love on every blog! We are always excited to hear from our followers! You should have just left stop number (#5) on the Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Blog Hop - (Jennifer G. at Jenny G Paper Crafts). If so, you are in the right spot. If a link doesn't work or you get off track, you will find the full blog hop lineup below.


 The first project I have for you is a card that uses two new sets, You Plus Me, and Big on You.  I started with Basic Gray for the cardbase and then added a piece of Stacked with Love Designer Series Paper (you’re going to love this new paper stack, on side of each paper is full of color while the reverse sides are all black and white for even more uses, plus you save 15% when you buy the DSP and stamp set bundle, BONUS!)  Next I wrapped some Basic Black Baker’s Twine around the DSP and tied a nice little bow.  The big greeting is from the Big on You stamp set and is stamped on Coastal Cabana cardstock with Black Memento Ink.  The little accent is from the You Plus Me stamp set and after using my Stampin’ Write Markers to color on the stamp and stamping on Whisper White cardstock I punched it out with the Oval Punch and made a mat using Basic Black cardstock and the Scalloped Oval Punch.  This is a nice simple card that doesn’t scream girly so I may be giving this to my sweetie!!

Of course I had to make a matching gift for my card so I made this little treat using the French Fry Die and my Big Shot (super easy I love these, and they hold a lot!!).  The box is Real Red and then I added a strip of DSP once again using the Stacked with Love Designer Series Paper Stack (I attached it to the box first and then trimmed it so it fit the curve of the box).  The tag was made by stamping the greeting from the You Plus Me stamp set and then I cut it out with the Project Life Cards and Labels Framelits and attached it to the box front with some Coastal Cabana Thick Baker’s Twine (I will admit I also used a dimensional on the far end of the tag to attach it permanently to the box so it didn’t dangle the wrong way).  I used a little hear that I punched out of Silver Foil Cardstock using the Confetti Hearts Punch as a fun little accent.  It’s super easy to fill this I just took some kisses and put them in a cello bag and tied it with Basic Black Baker’s Twine so it all coordinates.

I will admit with all boys in the house I tend to try to make projects that aren’t always girly so by adding the Coastal Cabana with the Basic Black and Real Red it gives me something even the guys will appreciate.

Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today’s projects:

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog



Make sure to check out the rest of the blog hop for lots of other great ideas.  If you click the “Next” button, you’ll go to Kim’s site but you can also access any of the hopper’s site from the full blog list below.
http://rydenkim.blogspot.com/2015/01/ssinkspiration-january-blog-hop.html
 
 Blog Hop Participant List:
  1. Cynthia at Ink-A-Doodle Creations
  2. Donna at Organized Chaos
  3. Jennifer C. at Happy 2 Scrap 4 Life
  4. Kathy at Katrina P's Creative Corner
  5. Jennifer G. at Jenny G Paper Crafts
  6. Diana at Stampin Fun with Diana
  7. Kim at Stamping with Kim
  8. Heidi at Stuck on Stampin'
  9. Darcy at Dj's Stampin Place
  10. Melissa at Stamp Doc
  11. Carrie at Carrie Stamps
Enjoy and have a great day,

Diana
Pin It!

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Reusing Christmas Items to Get a Head Start on 2015!

Good morning!  Well, we’ve had our first little blow of winter and it did not go well.  Despite just getting a little snow the roads were bad and school situation was crazy.  Thankfully we’re all safe and hoping the school district and county learn from these issues for the next snow we get.  The snow was perfect for the post we’re sharing today.  Over on the Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration blog we’re sharing ideas of ways to reuse Christmas items for next year.  I love all the great cards and such we receive as gifts but I can’t keep it all so typically I have to throw it all way, but not today.  I decided to save a few of my favorite items and recycle them into new projects (and get a head start for next year!!) 
 
The first project I have for you is a beautiful Christmas card I received from my friend, Patti Chesky (I’ve always loved her creations), check out her blog HEREI decided to take this card and turn it into a gift bag.  All I did was add a piece of Always Articoke cardstock that was embossed with the Perfect Polka Dot Embossing Folder, a piece of DSP from the Trim the Tree Speciality Designer Series Paper, as well as some of the Cherry Cobbler ribbon from the Holiday catalog.  This bag turned out so pretty and I’ve already stashed it with my gift packaging supplies so I’m ready to go.
Here’s the picture of Patti’s original card.
 
 
I decided to do a second project as well.  I received this beautiful gift bag from a friend.  With all the glimmer in the paper I knew this would be perfect for the background of a card, so I just cut it down.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the final card I used Crumb Cake cardstock for the cardbase and then matted the gift bag piece with Early Espresso cardstock.  The greeting is from the Bright & Beautiful stamp set and it was cut out with the Big Shot and Apothocary Accents Framelits.  I added a couple pieces of Early Espresso Baker’s Twine to tie the greeting to the card front and then added a couple Garden Green Candy Dots on the greeting piece so they look like they’re what are attaching the baker’s twine to the greeting piece.
 
This card is simple and elegant and I can’t wait to use it next year to send holiday wishes.
Make sure to check out all the other great cards the design team is sharing for ideas on how you can reuse some of the items you have lying around before you throw them away.
Enjoy!
Diana
Pin It!

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration New Catalog Countdown: Big Day


Happy New Year!!  We are so glad you chose to ring in the new year with us...and for your SSINKspiration, we have a fabulous surprise for you!!

TODAY!!! our new Occasions and our Sale-A-Bration Catalogs go LIVE!!

Thank you for counting down with us as we showed you sneak peeks of some of the AMAZING new stamp sets you'll be seeing in the new catalogs!
 
Good morning!  Boy, is it hard to get back into the routine…but we’ve made it through the largest hurdle.  I have to admit one of the things that have made this week a little easier is today’s release of the Occasions catalog and the start of Sale-a-Bration and all the fun that this involves.  I am beyond excited about all the new products that are available to us starting today, and the ability to get FREE products right now with all of my purchases, really makes this girl happy.  Since the catalog was released this morning today’s the final post on our Stylin’ Stampin’ INKspiration new catalog countdown and this one’s fun since it’s open to whatever we want to use.  It’s so hard to pick my favorite products but I’ve loved the chalkboard effect that’s been so popular so when I saw that we now have Chalkboard paper and ink pads, oh my!

For this card I started with Sahara Sand for the cardbase and then added a piece of Bermuda Bay cardstock that was embossed with the Big Shot and Decorative Dots Embossing Folder.  Next I added a piece of Birthday Bash Designer Series Paper.  The greeting is from the Big Day Stamp Set (a FREE item during SAB) and was stamped on Chalkboard Paper with Rose Coral ColorBox Chalk Ink (this stuff is awesome but it only works on the Chalkboard Paper, it won’t have the same effect on our Basic Black Cardstock).  The final touch was to add a piece of Crushed Curry Chevron Ribbon and I tied a bow around it with Calypso Coral Baker’s Twine.

This card turned out so fun and is super easy with these great new products I can’t wait to use them more, in fact we’ll be making this card during this Sunday’s Just Cards Class so you can make it yourself.

Make sure to check out all the other great cards the design team is sharing using their favorite products from the new catalogs and get ready to place your order!

Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today’s card:

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog


 
Thanks for the countdown love!  If you're just getting here, don't forget to check back on the last 5 days worth of sneak peeks!


Have a great day!

Diana
Pin It!

Monday, January 5, 2015

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Color Sketch Challenge: Simply Wonderful

Good morning and Happy Monday!  For most of us it's the return to school and work after the Christmas break, which is a little sad, but it had to come eventually.  At least to help brighten your day over on the  Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration blog we have the monthly color challenge and this one is lots of fun.  I decided to mix some old and new products on today's card for lots of fun.

I started with Crumb Cake for the cardbase and then added a layer of Island Indigo cardstock that's embossed with the Big Shot and Hexagon Embossing Folder.  Next I added a strip of Sticky Strip to attach the Soft Sky Seam Binding Ribbon.

For the greeting I used a new stamp set that will be available for FREE starting tomorrow during Sale-a-bration, Simply Wonderful.  I stamped the greeting with Night of Navy ink on Soft Sky cardstock before cutting it out with the Big Shot and Circle Collection Framelits (and then sponging around the edge with Night of Navy Ink.)  I created a matt for the greeting using the Starburst Framelits and Night of Navy cardstock.  Dimensionals were used to attach the greeting to the cardfront so it can stand up over the ribbon.  The final touch was to add some sequins (I had some extras from the Many Merry Stars Simply Created Kit on my desk and wanted to use some up, remember today is the last day to buy this kit and it's currently on sale so don't miss out, I had lots of fun with it!!)

This is a great, easy card with lots of details that really help elevate it and you can make them up quickly in case you need them in the future.  This color challenge is lots of fun and the other design team members have created some fabulous cards for further inspiration so make sure to check them out and then come play along with the fun.

Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today's card:
Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog


Have a great day and enjoy!

Diana
Pin It!

Sunday, January 4, 2015

SSI New Catalog Countdown: You Plus Me

 
Happy New Year!!  We are so glad you chose to ring in the new year with us...and for your SSINKspiration, we have a fabulous surprise for you!!

On January 6th our new Occasions and our Sale-A-Bration Catalogs go LIVE!!

Countdown with us as we show you sneak peeks of some of the amazing new stamp sets you'll be seeing in the new catalogs!

Today's sneak peek set is called You Plus Me
 

I have to admit, as soon as Christmas is over I'm all about Valentine's projects and I was so excited when I saw the products offered in the new Occasions catalog, they're so fun and versatile, I've already had fun playing with them and know that you will too.   For this card I started with Smoky Slate for the cardbase and then added a piece of Calypso Coral Cardstock that was embossed with the Big Shot and the Happy Heart Embossing Folder and matted it with Island Indigo Cardstock.  Next I added a piece of DSP from the Stacked with Love Designer Series Paper Stack.  I used some Island Indigo 1/4" Cotton Ribbon across the DSP and used Sticky Strip to make sure the ruffles I created stay in place.  For a little bit of glimmer I glued a few small silver hearts that were punched out with the Confetti Hearts Punch and Silver Foil Cardstock.

The greeting is from the You Plus Me stamp set and was stamped on Smoky Slate cardstock with Mememto Ink before cutting it out with the Big Shot and Oval Collection Framelits and attached it to the cardfront with dimensionals.

The great thing about this stamp set it isn't exclusively for Valentine' Day, you can use it for all sorts of projects and any occasion, which makes it perfect.  The other designers are sharing some awesome cards using this same stamp set so you'll want to check them out, you'll have to add this stamp set to your wish list after seeing these ideas!

Below are easy ordering links to the products used on today's card:

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog



Thanks for the countdown love!  If you're just getting here, don't forget to check back on the last 3 days worth of sneak peeks!

Pin It!

Search This Blog