Sketch Frenzy Friday: Just Saying Word Bubble

Good morning and Happy Friday!   What a great week, I'm so excited for the start of February which is Aidan's birthday month and I'm a strong believer in celebrating your birthday for the entire month so we're all about birthday's this month.  In honor of birthday's I have a fun birthday card for this weeks Sketch Frenzy Friday sketch challenge.  There are lots of fabulous metallic products in the Occasion catalog so I decided to focus on lots of gold today.  The cardbase is Whisper White and I added a layer of Basic Black that's embossed with the Big Shot and the Flower Garden Textured Embossing Folder.  Next I added a piece of Gold Fancy Foil Designer Vellum (I backed it with a piece of Whisper White cardstock so it really pops).

The greeting is from the Just Saying stamp set and it was Heat Embossed with Basic Black Embossing Powder and the Heat Tool before cutting it out with the Big Shot and the Word Bubble Framelits.  Next I cut a piece of Gold Foil Cardstock with the Chalk Talk Framelits to get the shape and then embossed it with the Perfect Polka Dot Textured Embossing Folder.  A piece of Gold Baker's Twine is the perfect final elegant touch.

What to you think of all this bling?  I love what an elegant touch this adds along with the black and I'll definitely be using this on other projects.  Make sure to check out all the other cards from the Sketch Frenzy Design Team and we would love for you to play along with us!

Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend!

Diana

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Blog: Use Your Markers

Good morning!  I'm looking forward to a great week and can't believe January is almost over, crazy.  Today over on the Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Blog we're showcasing ideas using our fabulous Stampin' Write Markers.  I love these markers, they were actually one of my first "major" paper crafting tools and I love their versatility (I got a full marker set even before I had all the ink pad colors so I could have access to all the colors as I built up my supplies). 

For my card I decided to make a birthday card for my niece and used the Sketch Birthday stamp set.  The cardbase is Marina Mist an I added a layer of Whisper White cardstock that was embossed with the Big Shot and the Arrows Textured Embossing Folder.  I used some Rich Razzleberry DSP from the Polka Dot Parade Designer Series Paper and matted it with Basic Black ink.  I used the new Banner Punch (a FREE item during Sale-a-bration that begins on Tuesday and this punch will be in next years Annual Catalog so you'll definitely want to get this while you can for FREE).  I added some Basic Black 1/8" Basic Black Taffeta Ribbon around the DSP.

 

The stamped image is from the Sketched Birthday set and after stamping it in Basic Black I used my Stampin' Write Markers to color in the cake (it looks so yummy!)  I used the 2 1/2" Circle Punch to punch out the cake and then matted it with a circle cut with the Big Shot and the Circle Collection Framelits and Smoky Slate cardstock.  For a little extra bling I used a Two Way Glue Pen to add some Dazzling Diamonds around the candle.  The final touch was to add the birthday greeting that's from the same stamp set and was cut out with the Big Shot and Itty Bitty Banners Framelits.

 

This card turned out so fun and I really could eat that cake!  My markers are some of my most used crafting tools and if you don't have them yet, Sale-a-bration is the perfect time to add them to your crafting toolbox (that's actually when I got mine initially). 

 

Enjoy and make sure to check out the other great project ideas the SSI design team have for you!

 

Diana

 

 

Proverbial Stampers Sketch Challenge: Perfect Pennants

Good morning!  We're starting the last week in January, so crazy.  I'm also excited since it looks like we may be getting some warmer weather in the area and I can't wait to begin thawing out.  We were very busy this weekend and were able to get a lot done including a fun kid's valentine class where they got to make all the valentine's for their class (so fun!) and I also got to spend some time in the studio and was working on making birthday cards for all our February birthdays and had lots of fun.  Today I'm sharing the card for this month's Proverbial Stampers Sketch Challenge.  This card has a Pool Party cardbase and then I added a layer of Very Vanilla cardstock.  I cut a circle out of Pear Pizzaz cardstock with the Big Shot and the Circle Collection Framelits and then embossed it with the Hexagon Textured Embossing Folder.  I added a strip of  Afternoon Picnic Designer Series Paper and matted it with Wisteria Wonder cardstock that was punched with the Scallop Border Punch. 

 

The greeting is from the Perfect Pennants stamp set and I used Stampin' Write Markers to color in the stamp and then cut it out with the Pennant Framelits and the Big Shot.  I used dimensionals to attach the greeting to the cardfront.  The final touch was to a bow using the Crushed Curry Chevron Ribbon. 

The Perfect Pennant stamp set has to be one of my most favorite sets in the Occasions catalog (at least so far!) and the fact that there are matching framelits are the bomb!  You won't regret buying these items and right now you can earn FREE Sale-a-bration items for every $50 you spend so now is the time.

 

Enjoy and have a great week!

 

Diana 

Scrappy Saturday: Week 2

Happy Saturday!  I looking forward to a weekend of fun and hoping to get back into the regular family routine after all the effects on our plans and schedule with this "snow storm".  I'm excited to have some kid's over this morning to make some fun Valentine Projects (and they'll leave with all their class treats ready to go and the parents will have a completed card and gift for their little one, which is perfect!)  Today I'm sharing this weeks scrapbook page I made for Scrappy Saturday.  This page is the matching page to go along with last week and is from our Disney Halloween Cruise where they had a family Halloween dance party, complete with costumes.  We had so much fun dressing up and dancing with the cast members and characters, and the kid's even got to go trick-or-treating!  The funniest thing happened during the party, as you can see Chris was the Mad Hatter and I turned around and he was posing for pictures with this woman we'd never seen before, apparently the Mad Hatter was one of her favorite characters so she wanted a picture and Chris was happy to oblige.

 

I used My Digital Studio on this page and loved playing around with all the different digital images, including the bats, tags, etc.

 

 

I would love for you to join me on my scrapping challenge this year, let's see how much progress we can make.  If it's digital or traditional scrapping now is the perfect time to preserving all those memories.

 

Take care!

 

Diana

Sketch Frenzy Friday: You're Lovely

Happy Friday peeps!  It's time for the weekend and lots of family time but first I have a fun card to share with you for this weeks Sketch Frenzy Friday Sketch Challenge.  In just four short days Stampin' Up!'s largest sale of the year begins, Sale-a-bration so I thought I would share a couple of the fun SAB items you can earn for FREE during this promotion in this card.  The cardbase is Pistachio Pudding and I added a layer of Sahara Sand cardstock under the Sweet Sorbet Designer Series Paper (this year's SAB DSP).  I used the Chevron border Punch along the bottom to punch out the negative so the Sahara Sand layer shows through.

The main stamped image is from the You're Lovely stamp set (another SAB option) and was colored in with Stampin' Write Marker's before cutting it out with the Big Shot and the Deco Labels Framelits.  I matted this with a piece of Basic Black that was cut with the same framelit and was embossed with the Decorative Dots Embossing Folder (yes, another SAB option).  The final touch was to add some Summer Starfruit Stitched Satin Ribbon for the tails. 

This sketch is really fun and I decided to rotate it on it's side for a fun twist.  Have I got you excited for Sale-a-Bration?  Get ready since you aren't going to want to miss out on all the fun.

 

Have a great weekend,

 

Diana

Hand Stamped Sentiments Color Challenge: Perfectly You

Good morning from snowing VA!  While we certainly didn't get all the snow that was forecast we are waking up to a little snow that Aidan's very excited to play in.  Today I wanted to share the card I made this weeks Hand Stamped Sentiments Color Challenge.  As soon as I saw these colors I knew it would be perfect for a Valentine's card and I decided to use the Perfectly You Hostess set (unfortunately I discovered after making the card and as I was typing this post up that this set was in the Holiday catalog and has since retired, sorry!)  The cardbase is Wisteria Wonder and I added a layer of Sahara Sand cardstock that was embossed with the Big Shot and the Decorative Dots Embossing Folder (you can earn this folder for FREE during Sale-a-bration, whoo hoo!)

Next I added pieces of designer series paper from the 2013-2015 In Color Designer Series Paper Stack (Strawberry Slush and Coastal Cabana).  I did mat the Strawberry Slush piece on Whisper White cardstock.  I also added a piece of Wisteria Wonder Chevron Ribbon and Silver 1/8" Ribbon.  For the greeting I used Stampin' Write Markers to ink up the stamp from the Perfectly You stamp set and after stamping cut it out with the Big Shot and the Hearts a Flutter Framelits.

 

I love how soft and sweet this card turned out, perfect for letting someone know you're thinking of them this Valentine's Day.  I'm so excited to start using some of these light and springy colors to help bring on spring (and the warmer weather).  This is such a fun fresh color combination, what can you come up with it? 

 

Hope you have a great day and get to do a little crafting and if you have bad weather in your area, be safe!

 

Diana  

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Scrapbook Sketch: Castaway Cay Remembering

 

 

Happy Monday!  What a wonderful weekend, unfortunately for me I'm off to work this morning while Chris and Aidan enjoy the last day of their long weekend.  It's the third Monday, so you know what that means, it's Scrapbook Sketch Challenge time over on the Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Blog.  I like this sketch since it lends it self t so many possibilities.  With all the blocks I knew it would be perfect for all the fun we had on our fall Disney Cruise when we spent a wonderfully relaxing day on Castaway Cay.  I used the blocks to show all our memories as well as the fabulous cabana we were able to rent for the day (definitely the ultimate in pampering). 

 

My Digital Studio is a great tool and I love how easy it  to create projects quickly and easily.  I was able to find a photobox page template first and adjust the sizes before I started adding in the pictures and other elements.  Below is the list of items used on this page. 

Here's the supply list for this page:

 

    Background

     Designer Series Paper\_Designer Kits\Downtown Grunge - designer series paper\Downtown Grunge - 4

Embellishments
    _Designer Kits\Paradise Found - embellishments\Paradise Found - flower 2
    _Designer Kits\Paradise Found - embellishments\Paradise Found - flower 1
    Grosgrain Ribbon - bow\Calypso Coral Grosgrain Ribbon - bow
    Natural Designer Buttons\Naturals Designer Buttons - large brown 1

Stamps
    _Designer Kits\Paradise Found\Paradise Found - island time, Color = 68,91,112
    _Designer Kits\Paradise Found\Paradise Found - leaf 1, Color = 131,158,117
    _Designer Kits\Paradise Found\Paradise Found - leaf 1, Color = 131,158,117
    _Designer Kits\Paradise Found\Paradise Found - leaf 1, Color = 131,158,117
    _Designer Kits\Paradise Found\Paradise Found - trees
    _Designer Kits\Family Fun Photobook\Family Fun Photobook - best times, Color = NOT QUITE NAVY 52,103,120

Punches
    Basics\1.25 Square Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper\_Designer Kits\Paradise Found - designer series paper\Paradise Found - 12
    Basics\1.25 Square Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper\_Designer Kits\Paradise Found - designer series paper\Paradise Found - 2
    Basics\1.25 Square Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper\_Designer Kits\Paradise Found - designer series paper\Paradise Found - 7
    Basics\1.25 Circle Punch, Fill Color = BASIC BLACK 19,27,29
    Basics\1.25 Circle Punch, Fill Color = BASIC BLACK 19,27,29
    Basics\1.25 Circle Punch, Fill Color = BASIC BLACK 19,27,29
    Extras\Flag Punch, Fill Color = 228,218,198

I hope you enjoyed today's page and we'd love for you to take the time to play along.  We're offering the opportunity to earn FREE blog candy when you play along with this sketch and add your creation to the blog so have fun and I can't wait to see what you come up with.

Take care,

Diana

Scrappy Saturday Week 1: My New Year's Goal

Good morning and Happy Saturday!  I hope you're off to wonderful fun things with your family, we are.  So one of my goals for the year is to work more on my scrapbooking and am working to get one page completed a week.  I've decided to help keep me accountable and working on this goal I'm turning Saturday into Scrappy Saturday and will be sharing with you the page I made that week.  I'm not going to go into details about each page but will share the page and you can let me know if you have any questions. 

 

My Digital Studio is really helping me work on my pages since I can work on them anywhere, anytime so I know I'll be using it a lot.  This weeks page is from our September Disney Cruise.  It was a fun Halloween themed cruise and it was wonderful to see all the characters in their costumes. Aidan's still at the age where he likes to get the character autographs but only if he hasn't gotten pictures with the characters in specific outfits (it amazes me that he remembers from vacation to vacation).

  

Supply List:

Background
     Designer Series Paper\_Designer Kits\Wicked Fun - designer series paper\Wicked Fun - 5

Embellishments
    _Designer Kits\Witches' Brew Washi Tape - embellishments\Witches' Brew Washi Tape - chevron 1 (re-colored) Color = GUMBALL GREEN 105,132,51
    _Designer Kits\Witches' Brew Washi Tape - embellishments\Witches' Brew Washi Tape - chevron 1 (re-colored) Color = GUMBALL GREEN 105,132,51
    Natural Designer Buttons\Naturals Designer Buttons - large brown 1

Stamps
    Fantabulous You\Fantabulous You - you are crazy awesome, Color = RICH RAZZLEBERRY 149,69,103
    _Designer Kits\Wicked Cool\Wicked Cool - bats, Color = BASIC GRAY 118,122,121
    _Designer Kits\Spooky Bats\Spooky Bats - bat 1, Color = 230,WATERMARK 255,255,255
    _Designer Kits\Spooky Bats\Spooky Bats - bat 1, Color = 230,WATERMARK 255,255,255
    _Designer Kits\Wicked Cool\Wicked Cool - bats, Color = SMOKY SLATE 180,176,173

Punches
    Extras\Embark Graduate - punches\Embark Graduate - banner 2,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper\_Designer Kits\Wicked Fun - designer series paper\Wicked Fun - 6
    Extras\Embark Graduate - punches\Embark Graduate - banner 2, Fill Color = SMOKY SLATE 180,176,173
    Basics\1.25 Circle Punch, Fill Color = 225,225,224
    Borders\Tasteful Trim Shape 3, Fill Color = BASIC GRAY 118,122,121
Enjoy! 

Sketch Frenzy Friday Sketch Challenge: New Design Team Opportunity, So Exciting!

I'm so excited it's Friday!  Not only is it almost the weekend but I'm so excited to announce a new design group I've been selected to and can't wait to share some great projects with you in the upcoming months.  The Sketch Frenzy Friday Blog offers fun new sketches each week that you can play along with.  This sketch is great since it can be used for so many things and I decided to make another love/Valentine card (I've got hearts and glitter on the brain!)

The cardbase is Basic Gray and I added a layer of Blushing Bride My Digital Studio using the Be Mine Frameable Printable.  I shrunk the page down and then printed it out so I could cut it out with the Big Shot and the Hearts Collection Framelits.  I used the Paper Piercing tool and the Occasions Paper Piercing pack to make the heart outline.  Next I added some hearts that I punched out with the Small Heart Punch and Red and Silver Shimmer Paper (dimensionals were used to pop each of the little hearts up)  The final touch is the sentiment is from the Best of Love Hostess Stamp set (you only have until the end of the month to get this stamp set, so don't miss out!) and it's stamped with Real Red ink. 

Cardstock.  The designer series paper is actually printed from

 

I really like how this card turned out, nice and sweet with just the right amount of glitter which is a requirement for almost all valentine cards (in my opinion).  I hope you enjoyed and that you're able to play along with us this weekend and share all creations using the linky button on the blog.

 

Have a great weekend!

 

Diana

Quick and Easy Cards using My Digital Studio and the Do Your Best Printable Download

 

Good morning! I have to say, what do we need to do to help slow down time, I can't believe we're already half the way through January, I still see Christmas lights up around the neighborhood. This is always a touch time of year, getting back to the school and work routine and I wanted to do something to help encourage my son, Aidan, during these days when he would pretty much rather be anywhere other than school. I've decided to start sending little random notes in his lunchbox or backpack to remind him of activities, encourage him, or just let him know we love him but I'm short on time, but My Digital Studio (MDS) to the rescue. MDS has this great download, Do Your Best Printables (Item #134922) that has 5 pages of predesigned little notes, embellishments, stamps, and punches that are perfect for the occasion. All I did was open the download and then picked the images I wanted. For some I also recolored them (I have a boy so most of the pictures with pink were immediately changed), you can also resize these so you can make them bigger or smaller to fit what you want to do (I could see making cute little tags for treats to encourage the kids during SOL testing. When I was happy with the pages I sent them off to be printed with Stampin' Up's awesome professional print services (but if your in a time crunch you can also print them on your home computer). I used the heavy cardstock so some of the images I can just cut apart, right a little note and they're good to go.

Below I have four cards I made using some of the images from the download and then embellished them with a little paper, ribbon, buttons, glitter, etc. for a little added fun. Below each picture I've listed everything I used.

Cardstock: Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake, Pacific Point
Accessories: Cherry Cobbler Chevron Ribbon, Basic Black Button, Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine, Chevron Embossing Folder, Big Shot

Cardstock: Basic Gray, Pumpkin Pie, Brushed Silver Cardstock
Accessories: Silver Shimmer Paper, 1/2" Circle Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, Hexagon Embossing Folder, Labels Thinlit Die, Big Shot

Cardstock: Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry
Accessories: Silver Shimmer Paper, Envelope Punch Board (to make the matching envelope

Cardstock: Pacific Point, Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, Real Red, Whisper White

Accessories: 3/4" Circle Punch, 1" Circle Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, Lattic Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Dimensionals

I hope you enjoyed today's cards and it's given you a little inspiration on what you can do using MDS in your everyday cardmaking to let those special people in your lives that you're thinking of them and think they are Fantastic.

Thanks,

Diana

Paper Craft Crew Sketch Challenge: MDS Hybrid Card

Hey there friends!  I'm so glad you were able to come back and check out the fun card I have for you today.  Today I'm sharing my card for the Paper Craft Crew Sketch Challenge since it's a hybrid card using elements from My Digital Studio (no stamping was used in this card).  I love all the great digital downloads that are available for purchase to be used with My Digital Studio (or other graphics programs you may have) including the printables, in this case the Do Your Best Printable Download, since all these little cards are already predesigned and placed on an 8 1/2" x 11" piece of paper, all you need to do is print them out (you are able to change up the printables including changing colors, elements, etc. that I did do on some of the other print pieces).  I printed several of these sheets out during the recent print sale for some fun projects I'm working and decided this this would be perfect.

 

The cardbase is Crumb Cake cardstock and then I added a piece of Real Red Core'dinations cardstock that was embossed with the Big Shot and Hexagon Embossing Folder before sanding it to bring out the embossed design.  Next I added a piece of Coastal Cabana DSP from the 2013-2015 In Color Designer Series Paper Stack as well as part of a piece of Going Gray cardstock that was cut with the Big Shot and the Top Note Bigz Die that's peeking out the right side.  On top of the DSP I added the MDS element and then finished it off with some Basic Gray 1/4" Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon as well as a couple of hearts in Silver and Red Glimmer papers and the Small Heart Punch and Heart Collection Framelits.

This card is so cute and fun and it came together in a snap using My Digital Studio (this tool is really great for so many different things), you've got to give it a try, a 30 day trial of the software is FREE.  Please let me know if you have any questions on how you can get started with any of these fabulous tools.

 

Enjoy,

 

Diana

Proverbial Stampers Color Challenge: Best of Love

Happy Monday!  What a great weekend, not only did the weather warm up so we were able to enjoy being outside (it made my runs this weekend much more enjoyable) but I got together for some stamping on Sunday with the ladies, it's always so fun when we get together and stamp.  Today I'm sharing one of the cards I designed for yesterday's class using the Proverbial Stampers Color Challenge this week.  I love this color combo, it works for so many occasions and I decided to use it for another Valentine's/Love card.  The cardbase is Coastal Cabana and I added a layer of Crumb Cake cardstock.  I used the Best of Love Stamp set (you only have until the end of the month to purchase this or any of the other Best of Sets so make sure you get yours!) and stamped the "love" on the bottom in Real Red Ink.

I love the flag/banner look so for this card I used a piece of Real Red DSP from the Perfect Polka Dot DSP package as well as a piece of Basic Gray cardstock that was embossed with the Big Shot and the Chevron Embossing Folder.  The main stamped image was from the same Best of Love stamp set and I used Stampin' Write Markers to color directly on the rubber before stamping.    The final touches to the card was to add a piece of Coastal Cabana Ruffled Ribbon along the top and a little heart that was punched out of Silver Glimmer Paper using the Small Heart Punch (I used a dimensional to help the heart pop up). 

 

This card is just too stinkin' cute and fun!  This is such a fun and fresh color combination you should give it a try.  Enjoy and have a great day!

 

Diana

Occasions Catalog is Live!

I don't know if you've heard, but the Stampin' Up! Occasions Catalog "Celebrate the Everyday" is live!  There are so many great products in this catalog I'm having so much fun playing with the new products and know you'll enjoy them just as much, there truly is something for everyone, View the products and Shop Online here!

 

I know that sometimes a new catalog can be overwhelming, so I thought I'd share with you my

Top 7 Occasions Catalog products (so far)!

 

These are not in any particular order.. just my top 7 Favorite products in the new catalog!

 

Scalloped Tag Topper Punch #133324, pg 35

 

Perfect Pennants Bundle, Clear Mount #134816, $41.50

Perfect Pennants Bundle, Would Mount #134815, $48.50

 

Arrows Textured Embossing Folder #132187, $7.95

 

Fresh Prints DSP Paper Stack, #132996, pg 33

 

Natural 5/8" printed Chevron Ribbon (like light weight burlap), #132982, pg 18

 

Love You to the Moon, Clear Mount #133143, $17.95

Love You to the Moon, Wood Mount #133140, $24.95

 

 

Happenings Simply Sent Card Kit, #133329, pg 31

 

If you do not have a catalog, contact your demonstrator for a copy.

If you do not have a demonstrator, I'd be happy to send you a catalog, just contact me.

Shop the Occasions "Celebrate the Everyday" catalog here

View the catalog online here:

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Color Challenge: Love You to the Moon

Whoo hoo, it's Friday!  Boy has it been cold this week, I'm really looking forward to things warming up this weekend.  So I've really had a thing for all things hearts and Valentine's this week, I just love all the great new products Stampin' Up! is offering to let the special people in your lives how much you adore them.  Today I decided to play along with the Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration blog color challenge, what a fun color combo.  For this card I used So Saffron for the cardbase and then added a layer of Smoky Slate cardstock that was embossed with the Big Shot and the Perfect Polka Dot Embossing Folder.  I added a couple small stripes of cardstock in Primrose Petals and  Bermuda Bay Cardstock. 

Of course I had to add some hearts, the large heart was cut with the Big Shot and the Hearts Collection Framelits using some Primrose Petals Core 'dinations Cardstock.  I embossed the heart with the Argyle Embossing Folder (I actually embossed the wrong side but I decided to go with it and sanded the cardstock and it kind of reminds me of a sweater).  I also added a small glitter heart using the Silver Glimmer Paper and Small Heart Punch.  The greeting is from the new Love You to the Moon stamp set (so cute), and I used Stampin' Write Markers to color directly on the rubber to add lots of colors to the image.  The Big Shot and Chalk Talk Framelits made cutting out both these layers a breeze.  The designer series paper I used behind the greeting is Kaleidoscope Designer Series Paper (I love all the different patterns in this package!)  The final touch was to add a double bow made with Whisper White Baker's Twine.

 

This card is so fun and full of texture and elements that all work well together, I love it!  I hope you enjoy and make sure to play along with this color challenge, it's fun to try to new things.

 

Diana



Stylin' Stampin' Squad January 2014 Blog Hop: Occasions Catalog and Valentine's Day

Thank you so much for joining us for our January Stylin' Stampin' Squad Blog Hop! Love is in the air and our talented group of design team members have a Whole Lotta Love Goin' On as we are excited to be sharing some NEW Occasions Catalog goodies and some Valentine's Day projects with you this month!

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’ Squad blog hop – Pamela W. of Stinky Tofu. 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 fun Valentine's card. The cardbase is Bermuda Bay and I added a Basic Black layer that was embossed with the Big Shot and the Arrows Textured Embossing Folder. I added a piece of Kaleidoscope Designer Series paper that was matted with Basic Gray cardstock. A piece of Whisper White 3/8" Taffeta and Bermuda Bay 1/8" Taffeta Ribbons make a fun accent. The greeting is from the Love You to the Moon stamp set and I used Stampin' Write Markers to color in the stamp before cutting it out with the Big Shot and Oval Collection Framelits. A piece of Silver Glimmer Paper cut with the same framelits make the perfect frame and the perfect touch of sparkle.

I've really been in the Valentine mood lately so I decided to make this cute decor piece to match my card, perfect for valentine's. I started with this wood carved love sign, sanded it down and painted it with White paint. I traced and cut out a template of this letters so I that I could cut it apart and use different papers for each of the letters. I used DSP from the Kaleidoscope DSP package for the "l" and "v", Silver Glimmer Paper for the "o", and some Strawberry Slush Core'dinations Cardstock that was embossed with the Big Shot and Hexagon Textured Embossing Folder. After gluing all the pieces of paper down I did go along and sand all the edges for a distressed look.

 

I decided to used to use lots of little elements help decorate my piece, including some Whisper White Baker's Twine (to attached the little heart piece), the "love you" flag using the Love You to the Moon stamp set, the Small Heart Punch punched out the cute little hearts of Strawberry Slush DSP and Silver Glimmer Paper. I stamped the little heart and arrow with the same stamp set and punched it out with the Hexagon Punch. I used My Digital Studio and the Be Mine Digital Download for the elements and after shrinking it down I printed it out and used the Ticket Duo Punch to punch out the elements. I also added a bow made with Basic Black 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon and the "xoxo" was cut out with the Big Shot and the Circle Card Thinlit die piece.

Close up of part of the Love sign

Here's another close up, love all the fun elements on this decor piece.

I really love how this piece turned out, and the great thing is that with the color palette in the Kaleidoscope DSP this piece isn't over the top girly, perfect for a house full of guys. These wood decor pieces are great accents for all sorts of places, such as your mantel, table, or even window transoms, love them!

 

I hope you've enjoyed today's projects and you have plenty of time to get your valentine projects done. Make sure to continue you on the hop, the next stop is Darla and Nancy, just click the "next" button below. You can get to any of the hop sites by clicking on any of the links in the list below.

 

Blog Hop Participants:

1. Anastasia R. of Stampin' Blondie
2. Cynthia R. of Ink-a-Doodle Creations
3. Dawn S. of Dawn's Creative Chalet
4. Kathy P of Katrina P's Creative Corner
5. Pamela W. of Stinky Tofu
6. Diana E. of Stampin' Fun with Diana
7. Darla R. & Nancy K. of Stampin With Darla and Sisters
8. Jamie H. of Unique Ink
9. Rose C. of Stamp with Rose
10. Kim R. of Stamping with Kim
11. Darcy J. of DJ's Stampin' Place
12. Bree R. of Craft-Somnia
13. Kristina M. of Mama's Sanity
14. Annie L. of Love Me Cards
15. Jennifer B. of NW Stamper
16. Tonya B. of Stampin' with Tonya
17. Heidi B. of Stuck on Stampin'

Paper Craft Crew Sketch Challenge: Giggle Greetings Congrats!

Good morning!  How are you surviving the first full work/school week of the new year?  We're back to the busy routine but the fact that we've made it to Wednesday is great and I decided to make a celebratory card for this weeks Paper Craft Crew sketch challenge to help celebrate.  The cardbase is Raspberry Ripple cardstock and I added a piece of Birthday Basics Designer Series Paper, along with some Gumball Green 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon.  The main stamped greeting is from the Giggle Greetings stamp set and was cut out with the Big Shot and the Labels Collection Framelits and colored it in with Stampin' Write Markers.

I added several fun little decor elements to the card as well, the Basic Gray Chevron pieces were punched out with the Chevron Border Punch, the little flag is punched with a new sneak peak SAB item, the Banner Punch.  The oh, so cute, arrow was cut with the Big Shot and the Label Card Thinlit Die Set (I love all the little accent pieces that come with each of the Thinlit card sets, AWESOME!)

 

This card is so cute, it would make anyone who receives it smile and the images in this stamp set just make me laugh, so fun!  You should definitely take the time to play along with this sketch or save it for future inspiration, it's great.

 

Happy Stamping,

 

Diana

 

Hand Stamped Sentiments Challenge: Love You to the Moon

Good morning and Happy Monday!  After a very cold, wet weekend I'm looking forward to drying out this week (even if it will be really cold) but I seem to have hearts and Valentine's on my mind which is warming me up.  When I saw this weeks Hand Stamped Sentiments Challenge those birds immediately made me think of hearts so I decided to go with it.  The cardbase is Crumb Cake and I added a layer of Very Vanilla Cardstock that I stamped hearts from the Hearts a Flutter stamp set in Crumb Cake, Primrose Petals, and Soft Suede ink (I also sponged around the edge with Crumb Cake Ink).

I used the Big Shot and Hearts Collection Framelits to cut a hearts out of Soft Suede cardstock and Primrose Petals Core d'inations cardstock.  I used the Perfect Polka Dot Embossing folder on the Soft Suede heart and sponged it with Soft Suede Ink, and the Primrose piece was embossed with the Beautifully Baroque Embossing folder before sanding it to accent the embossing and sponging around the edge with Soft Suede ink.  Since I believe all Valentine's deserve glitter I added a small heart punched with the Small Heart Punch and Champagne Shimmer Paper. 

 

The greeting is from the Love You to the Moon stamp set (new in the Occasions catalog), stamped it with Primrose Petals ink, cut flag tails, and then distressed the edges before sponging them with Soft Suede ink.  The final touch was to add some Primrose Petals 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon, and Victoria Trim Ribbon for a soft romantic touch.  Now check out the inspiration picture we were provided, definitely gives you lots of directions to go.

 

I really like the soft, romantic, elements to this card, so fun!  I hope you enjoy, I know we're still recovering from Christmas but Valentine's will be here before we know it so it's not too early to start planning and working on your projects.

 

Enjoy,

 

Diana

 

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Framelit Fridays: Giggle Greetings

Good morning and welcome is the first Friday of 2014!  Today I'm excited to play along with the Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Blog designers to share some of our favorite projects using framelits.  I'm constantly amazed at all the great framelits Stampin' Up! offers and how it makes crafting so easy and fun.  Today's card uses the Chalk Talk Framelits and while these framelits are perfect for making tags I decided to use it to cut the main stamped image on omy card.  The cardbase is So Saffron and then I added a piece of I Am Me Designer Series Paper.  I used the same DSP package to make the flag element along with the Real Red 1/4" Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon.

 

The main stamped image is from the Giggle Greetings stamp set and I stamped it with Basic Black ink and then colored in the cherries and bowl with Stampin' Write Markers, a blender pen, and Classic Ink Pads before cutting it out with the Big Shot and the Chalk Talk Framelits.  The final touch was to add a big knot made with the Smoky Slate Chevron Ribbon (have I mentioned this chevron has become my favorite in this catalog?) 

 

I like how using the framelit gives you a unique shape on the card to change things up, this stamp is also way too cute!  Make sure to check out the projects from the other Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration designers for some other fun ideas.

 

Enjoy and have a great weekend!

 

Diana

Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge: Perfect Pennants a Mixture of Old and New

Good morning!  Unfortunately our holiday vacation has come to an end and today we're heading back to school and work (cue sad music).  We had a wonderful time and always hate for our vacations to end.  With our crazy, travel filled vacation I haven't had much crafting time over the past week and a half so I'm looking forward to getting back into the studio for some quality time.

 

I did have a few moments and I whipped up with fun and fresh card for the Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge.  This card is a mix of fun items from the current catalog as well as a sneak peak of a fun new stamp set from the Occasions Catalog that is being released tomorrow (so exciting!)  For this card I decided to go with a square card and the cardbase is Strawberry Slush and then I added a layer of  Soft Suede that was embossed with the Big Shot and the Modern Mosaic Embossing Folder.  The designer series paper is from the Festive Prints DSP package and is in the Holiday catalog so today is the last day to order (love how you can use this paper for non-holiday projects) and is matted on a piece of Pistachio Pudding cardstock.  The ribbon is Strawberry Slush Ruffled Ribbon.

 

For the main stamped image first I stamped the swirl images from the Everything Eleanor stamp set in Crumb Cake ink and the greeting is from the new Perfect Pennants stamp set and was stamped in Strawberry Slush Classic Ink.  I matted this layer on Strawberry Slush cardstock before attaching it to the card.  For the final decorative elements I added a Pistachio Pudding In Color Boutique Details and used the Tape It stamp set to make the Washi Tape element (it was stamped on Crumb Cake ink with Soft Suede ink before being cut out with Paper Snips).  I attached this element with dimensionals and added a couple of small pearls for the final touch.

 

I so love mixing the old and new items in this card and am glad I have these products in my stamp studio so I can continue to use them, if you don't have anything from the Holiday Catalog that you love don't miss out and place your order today so you'll have everything you need for your upcoming projects.

 

Good luck today!

 

Diana