Can You Case it? Design Team - Sketch Challenge CYCI #72

Good morning!  Just popping in to share with you a fun card for this weeks Can You Case It? Sketch challenge and make one last appeal to you to make sure you don’t miss out on a truly awesome product from the Occasions Catalog that will not be available after June 2, that’s the Adventure Abounds Designer Series Paper Stack.  This package has a ton of super awesome graphic prints, as well as photographic prints that are AMAZING!!!  Plus since this is a small package it’s inexpensive and perfect for card making (as well as home décor pieces).  It’s also great for “dude” cards so run, don’t walk, out to make sure you  have this paper in your crafting toolbox.  This paper is perfect for guys so I decided to use it for a Father’s Day card today.

I started with Island Indigo cardstock for the cardbase and then added a piece of the Adventure Abounds DSP (this woodgrain is beautiful!). Instead of adding embellishment accents I decided to stamp directly on the DSP using the Gorgeous Grunge stamp set to mimic these elements.  For the main stamped image I used the Traveler stamp set (it’s perfect since Chris shares and supports my love of travel) and stamped it with Island Indigo ink and then sponged around the edge using Soft Suede ink before matting it with Early Espresso cardstock.  I used a couple different patterns from the DSP stack for the flags and used the new Banner Builder Punch (you will love this!!) to punch the tails on the flags.  The final touch was to stamp the greeting in Mossy Meadow ink using the Guy Greetings stamp set (I was so excited to see that this set is carrying over to next years Annual Catalog.

 

 

 

I love the colors and textures in this card that that you can really achieve with the DSP, it’s a simple and elegant card, plus it’s mailable, and it’s always a great thing to get a head start on those Father’s Day cards!  Make sure to check out the other design team creations for further inspiration and then come play along, we love to see what others create.

 

 

 

 

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

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

                                                          

I hope you enjoyed today’s card and enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Diana

Fab Friday Sketch Challenge: Cheery Hello Wishes

Good morning!  While it was definitely hard to head back to work yesterday after the long holiday weekend the fact that we’re already at Wednesday and the midpoint of this week is a little bonus. Today I decided to change things up and have a little fun with a sketch challenge over on the Fab Friday blog, this is one of the challenge blogs I love to play along with and it’s been awhile so this is fun.  Since we only have a week left to enjoy all the fun things in theis years Occasions catalog, as well as the retiring products I decided to use several of the items in this card for fun. 

I started with Tangelo Twist for the cardbase and then layered a piece of Hello Honey cardstock that was embossed with the Big Shot and Tiny Triangles Embossing Folder.  Next I cut a piece of the Birthday Bash Speciality Designer Series Paper and attached it along the side of the card.  I took another of the DSP prints (this is one of my favorites from this package and matted it with Old Olive cardstock.  I added a bow using the White/Tangerine Tango Two-Tone Trim (love how soft this is). 

 

 

For a little fun, instead of stamping the greeting I used one of the dies from the Label Card Thinlit Die (retiring) and cut it out using Bermuda Bay cardstock.  Since the die doesn’t have a dot for the “i” I thought it would fun to use one of the Bermuda Bay Sequins from the trim as the accent to my “i”.   

What do you think, this card is so bright and cheery, it’s in your face and you can’t help but smile.  Perfect to lift anyone’s day! 

 

 

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

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Happy Stamping,

Diana

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Kit Projects: Hello Life

Good morning!  One of the great additions to our recent catalogs are Simply Created Kits, which provides cute project ideas with all the supplies, and instructions, and all preparation is complete.  It's a great way for anyone to make cute projects quickly, easily, and without a lot of supplies.  This years Occasions catalog is no exception and the one kit I instantly fell in love with was the Hello Life Kit.  Today over on the Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration blog we're providing some alternate project ideas using these great kits.

With the Hello Life kit you received twice as many elements as you needed to make the photo display so you have extras to either add to the display grid, or in this case I used several pieces to make this cute card.  All I added was some Smoky Slate cardstock or the cardbase,  piece of Basic Grey cardstock that I embossed with the Big Shot and Polka Dot Embossing Folder, and some Basic Black Baker's Twine.  I used the coordinating Hello Life stamp set for the greeting on the photo frame.

All the little elements are so cute on their own and the work equally well together for the perfect accent elements.  I still have lots of pieces left from the kit so I can't wait to make more cards with the elements so they don't go to waste.

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

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Happy crafting,

Dian

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Blog Card Sketch Challenge: Really Good Greetings

 Good morning!  After a whirlwind weekend full of Disney, fun, and running, I ended the trip on a redeye home last night and have just landed (boy I really need a vacation to recover from these vacations, but it’s back to work we go!)  It’s the second Monday of the month so over on the Stylin' Stampin' INKspirationblog it’s time for a card sketch.  I know I’ve said it before how much I enjoy card sketches as it allows you to change up your card layouts and really help stretch you creationally.  I really liked this month’s layout as it shows the On Film Framelits and love the photo look on cards right now.

I started with Smoky Slate for the cardbase and then added a piece of Pistachio Pudding cardstock that was embossed with the Big Shot and Beautifuly Baroque  Embossing Folder.  For the “picture frame” I used one of the extra pieces from the Hello Life Simply Created Kit (but you could also create one using DSP and the On Film Framelits).  For the “picture” I stamped the greeting from the Really Good Greetings stamp set (using Stampin’ Write Markers) and then used the Dotty Angles stamp set using Silver Encore Ink.  Next I wrapped a piece of Pistachio Pudding Thick Baker’s Twine around the “picture frame” and tied a bow.  The final touch was to add a little bling by punching out a butterfly using the Itty Bitty Butterfly Punch and then embossing it with the Big Shot and Fancy Fans Embossing Folder.  I used a blendabilities marker to color some rhinestones to attach for the body of the butterfly

 

 

 

The mix of soft color and bold black, which hints of silver are really fun and I was really surprised at how much I liked this card after I finished it.  The other design team members are sharing some great cards so please go check them out and then come play along and share what you create!

 

 

 

 

 

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

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Have a great day!

Diana

Can You Case it? Design Team - Sketch Challenge CYCI #69

Happy Sunday!  What an amazing time!  I’ve having so much fun this weekend at Disneyland and this morning I’m running my last race, the Tinkerbell Half Marathon.  It’s so much fun running through the parks, seeing the characters, costumes, spectators, and everything, it really makes for a memorable experience.  Of course since it’s Sunday it’s time for the weekly Can You Case It? Sketch challenge and I decided to pull out a new stamp set, From the Herd, and enjoy some time coloring with this card.

I started with Tangerine Tango cardstock for the cardbase and then added a piece of Whisper White Cardstock with a piece of Birthday Bash Speciality Designer Series Paper along the bottom.  I used Black Memento ink to stamp the main image and then a mix of my Blendabilites markers and Stampin’ Write Markers to color in all the fun barn animals.  For the two little flags I not only used a different pattern of DSP from the same package but also used a piece of Pear Pizzaz Chevron Ribbon.  The greeting is from the same stamp set and is stamped on Night of Navy cardstock with Versamark ink and heat embossed with the Heat Tool and Whisper White Embossing Powder.

 

What do you think, too much?  These guys are too cute!!  I had been looking at this stamp set but hadn’t got it yet and then I received it free for a Stampin’ Up! event I went to last weekend (love being a SU demo) so I knew I had to use it, and come on we all used to love to color as kids and I’ll tell you it’s still as relaxing today!  The designers are sharing some other great cards so go check them out for further inspiration and come play along, you can use this for any project you need, card, scrapbook page, home décor, etc.

 

 

 

 

 

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

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Have an enjoyable Sunday!

Diana

Can You Case it? Design Team - Sketch Challenge CYCI #68

Happy Sunday!  It’s been another crazy weekend, but I guess at this point that should be the norm (would hate for lift to be boring!)  Had fun hanging out with the family yesterday and then had some girlfriend fun last night, whoo hoo!  I’m heading to Disneyland next week for the Tinkerbell Race weekend so today it’s all about getting everything packed and ready to go (it’s crazy how much “stuff” I need to pack on “race-cations” but I’m really looking forward to this trip, haven’t been to Disneyland since I was in high school.  Of course since it’s Sunday it’s time for the weekly Can You Case It? Sketch challenge and I really had fun with the clean, simple sketch we were provided.  I know with the excitement of the retiring products announcement I’ll be focusing this month on stamps and products that we’ll be saying goodbye to but we can’t forget some of the fabulous products in the Occasions catalog as well.  So I decided to focus on the Adventure Awaits product suite for today’s card.

I started with Smoky Slate cardstock for the cardbase and then added a piece of You Plus Me Designer Series Paper (love all these basic black and white patterns that can be used for any occasion).  Next I took a piece of the Adventure Bounds DSP (love these beautiful photographic prints) and I stamped the greeting with the Adventure Awaits Stamp set using Memento Black ink and I matted it with Smoky Slate cardstock before attaching it to the cardfront.

Now I had loads of fun with the embellishments (may have gone a bit overboard, but that’s OK).  I started by punching out a piece of Silver Foil Cardstock with the 1 3/8” Circle Punch and then embossed it with the Tiny Triangles Embossing Folder.  I added a piece of Basic Black Chevron Ribbon as a little flag sticking out from behind the circle.  I used some Basic Black Baker’s Twine and made several loops and attached them so they peaked out from behind of the boy I made using the Island Indigo ¼” Cotton Ribbon. 

What do you think, too much?  This is definitely not a “mailable” card but I love how soft it is and would certainly brighten up a day when there isn’t a specific holiday/occasion to celebrate.  This is the best time to surprise someone, when it’s truly unexpected.  The designers are sharing some other great cards so go check them out for further inspiration and come play along, you can use this for any project you need, card, scrapbook page, home décor, etc.

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

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

 

Have an enjoyable Sunday!

Diana

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Masculine Monday: Guy Greetings

Happy Monday!  I hope you enjoyed your weekend, why is it that the weekend flys by and week days last so much long?  Just doesn't seem right.  Since it's the fourth Monday of the month it's time for Masculine Monday on the  Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration.  I always have fun with these posts as it gives me an excuse to work on those "dude" cards.  My dad's birthday is next month so I decided that this would be the perfect opportunity to get his card finished.

I started with Lost Lagoon for the cardbase and then added a piece of DSP from the Adventure Bound Designer Series Paper Stack (I sponged all over the DSP with Sahara Sand and Early Espresso ink for a more distressed look.  The stamps are from the Guy Greetings stamp set and I stamped the car in Early Espresso and the words in Blackberry Bliss ink.

Along the left side of the card I added a piece of Typeset Specialty Designer Series Paper (that was sponged with Lost Lagoon and Sahara Sand ink) and matted it with Blackberry Bliss cardstock.  The final touch was to added some Lost Lagoon and Blackberry Bliss 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon.

This card is nice and simple with an elegance that I hope my dad will appreciate, the different patterns are fun to play against each other.  The other design team members are sharing some great cards as well so make sure you check them out for further inspiration (remember father's day isn't too far away so if you don't have any guy birthdays coming up this set would also be great for getting a head start on Father's Day cards and projects.

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

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Enjoy and have a great week!

Diana

Can You Case it? Design Team - Sketch Challenge CYCI #67

Happy Sunday!  What is this?  I really thought it was spring but it’s been downright cold, really hope this doesn’t last long.  Of course, just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy all the beauty of spring.  For this weeks Can You Case It? Sketch challenge we were given the theme of Mother’s Day, which naturally leads us to flowers.  I know I shared recently how I’ve fallen in love with the Painted Blooms Designer Series Paper so it was a natural selection for this card.

I started with Sahara Sand cardstock for the cardbase and then added a piece of Painted Blooms Designer Series Paper.  For the main stamped image I used the Crazy about You stamp set and stamped the leaves in Wild Wasabi ink and the “Mother’s Day” in Pacific Point ink.  I used the coordinating framelits to cut out the happy using Rich Razzleberry cardstock and the Big Shot.  I matted this layer with Pacific Point cardstock before wrapping some Wild Wasabi Cotton Twine (from the Painted Blooms Cotton Twine Pack) around the layer and tying a bow.

For a final touch I stamped a flower from the Petite Petals stamp set (using Pacific Point ink and Soft Sky cardstock) and punched it out with the Petite Petals Punch.  I curled the edges of the flower using my bone folder and attached it to the cardfront with a glue dot.  For mom, this card needs a little dazzle so I added a pearl to the center of the flower which is the perfect addition.

I love the colors and different elements in this card, it just makes me smile.  You still have time to finish your cards and projects for the special ladies in your life, don’t wait I can help.  Make sure to check out the other design team creations for further inspiration and then come play along, we love to see what others create.

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

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

 

Have an enjoyable Sunday!

Diana

Sketch Frenzy Friday Sketch Challenge and SSINK Favorites: Blooming with Hope

Good morning!  It’s been such a beautiful week and despite my allergies playing games I’m really enjoying this time of year.  Also, this years retiring list was released and several of my favorites are on it so I’ll be showing them some extra love between now and the end of May so we can all enjoy.  Everything blooming was definitely the inspiration for my card today which plays double duty both as my Sketch Frenzy Friday Sketch Challenge and Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration blog Friday Favorites by using the Painted Blooms Designer Series Paper as the foundation (this paper is stunning).

I started with Rose Red for the cardbase and then added a piece of Soft Sky cardstock that was embossed with the Big Shot and Fancy Fans Embossing Folder (so sad it’s retiring).  I added a piece of Whisper White cardstock to the bottom and stamped the greeting from the Bloom with Hope stamp set (it’s a hostess exclusive so also retiring and my Friday Favorite item) using Pacific Point ink.  I wrapped a piece of Pear Pizzaz Chevron Ribbon (sniff, sniff, also retiring) around the center to hide the seam.

For the main focal piece I decided to let the DSP pattern be the star so I just matted it with Rich Razzleberry cardstock before attaching it to the cardfront.  For a final accent I took a Pacific Point Button from the Brights Button Pack and tied a bow using a piece of Strawberry Slush Thick Baker’s Twine (it’s a 2013-1025 In Color so we knew everything using this color would be retiring).

I love how this paper uses some of the bright colors but they’re not crazy and work so well together, plus since there’s variants in the coloring you can use other colors, such as Pear Pizzazz and Strawberry Slush and they coordinate well.  I know I’m coming late to using this DSP but it’s stolen my heart so be on the lookout as it will be making frequent appearances so you can fall in love as well!

 

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

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Have a great weekend,

Diana

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Blog: Teacher Appreciation Gifts

Good morning!  With the come of spring it means the countdown has officially started for the end of the school year (I know Aidan’s looking forward to summer break).  As we look to the end of school year activities one thing that’s always on my “to do” list is teacher appreciation gifts so today over on the Stylin’Stampin’ INKspiration blog we’re sharing ideas perfect for teacher gifts.  We give Aidan’s teachers gifts all year long for all the holidays so this isn’t the first time we’ve let his teachers know we appreciate they’re service but I like to do something special at the end of the year.  When the Occasions catalog was released and I saw the Berry Basket die an idea immediately popped into my head and this is the result.  I made an uber cute berry basket to hold a set of coordinating note cards.

I used Wild Wasabi cardstock for the basket base and after cutting it out with the Big Shot and Berry Basket Bigz L Die I embossed it using the Delicate Dots Embossing Folder.  I used a piece of DSP from the Painted Blooms Designer Series Paper package for the trim of the basket and used the Mini stapler to assemble the box and attach the trim (the whole box comes together in just a couple of minutes, which is perfect!)  I added a bow using the Whisper White Organza ribbon. 

I made the tag for the box using My Digital Studio (I’m so going to miss this program) and started by using the Decorative Label Punch in MDS and creating the tag inside the punch so I knew when I printed the tag it would perfectly fit in the punch, then I just attached it to front of the box using dimensionals.

To make the matching note cards I started with the Crumb Cake Note Card set (these are perfect since they’re a little smaller than traditional A2 cards and already come precut and scored with matching envelopes.  All I did was add a piece of the coordinating Painted Blooms Designer Series Paper and a piece of Pear Pizzaz Chevron Ribbon.  The greeting is from the Lovely Amazing You and I stamped it in Rich Razzleberry and Pacific Point ink, punched it out with the 2” Circle Punch and then punched out mats using the 2 3/8” Scalloped Circle Punch.  I did use dimensionals to attach the greeting so it popped up over the ribbon.  The final touch was a few rhinestones for a little bling.  I decided to make thank yous for the basket since I’ve noticed we get a lot of notes from teachers so I thought they would get more use out of them.

These are too cute and I love the floral patterns in this DSP (do you know that the DSP was created based on actual watercolor paintings some of the artists in the home office created (awesome!)  Now I have one teacher gift ready to go, just a few more and we’ll be all set.  The designers are sharing more great ideas over on the SSINK blog so check them out for more ideas!

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

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Happy crafting,

Diana

Can You Case it? Design Team - Color Challenge CYCI #64

Happy Easter!  I don't know about you but I love this holiday as we get to spend time with our family and remember what's really important.  Before we head off to enjoy the day I wanted to share the card I made for this weeks Can You Case It? color challenge.  This color combo is so fresh and spring like but I decided to not make an Easter card (let's admit it I've been sharing a lot of those recently).  The Hello Life stamp set (that coordinates with the fabulous kit) is so fun and I love the main saying from the set I decided to use it has the focal point for this card.

I started with Crisp Cantaloupe for the cardbase and then added a piece of DSP from the Stacked with Love Designer Series Paper Stack and wrapped a piece of 5/8" Whisper White Organza Ribbon.

For the main stamped image I stamped the greeting from the Hello Life stamp set using Tuxedo Black Memento Ink on Whisper White cardstock.  Next I used the flower image from the Bloom with Hope stamp set and stamped it randomly in Crisp Cantaloupe and Pistachio Pudding ink (some of the flowers were stamped off and others were full strength for different dimensions to the flowers).  I used a piece of Pistachio Pudding cardstock to mat the stamped piece and then attached it to the cardfront with dimensionals.


This is a nice and simple card that really lets the message be the focus and I love how the Black really pops against the other colors.  The Crisp Cantaloupe and Pistachio Pudding are two of the 2013-2015 In Colors that will be retiring at the end of June and all the products using these colors will definitely be on the retired list when it's released on April 21 and will only be available while supplies last so make sure to stock up on all your favorite colors (including ink refills) while they're still available.

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

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Have a wonderful Easter!

Diana

Sketch Frenzy Friday Sketch Challenge and Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Blog Stamp Set Focus: Sheltering Tree

Happy Easter!  We’re wrapping up our vacation and heading home today (always the sad part) but we’ve had such a fun and relaxing time with lots of memories to cherish.  Today’s card is a combo using this weeks Sketch Frenzy Friday Sketch challenge along with the Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration blog stamp set focus, using Sheltering Tree.  This stamp set is so fun, you can create a beautiful card for any season or occasion using the different stamps included in the set. It’s a builder set so you can use any of the pieces necessary and colors to build the image you want.  With the arrival of spring, and Easter only two days away, I used that as inspiration for this card, as well as a memory of when I was young. 

When I was a child my grandparents gave us decorative sugar eggs for Easter and they were so pretty, they looked like sugar eggs on the outside and were hollow and had an oval opening and showed a fun Easter scene inside the egg (of course these were all made of sugar) but I decided to use this memory as inspiration for this card.

For this card I started with a cardbase of Blushing Bride and then added a layer of Chocolate Chip cardstock.  I stamped the image on a piece of Whisper White cardstock using the Sheltering Tree stamp set.  I built it using lots of the stamps and colors so I had a pretty spring scene.  Next I took a piece of Coastal Cabana cardstock and cut an opening out using the Big Shot and Oval Collection Framelits, then embossed it with the Delicate Dots Embossing Folder and then added faux stitching using a Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write Marker.

I created the flowers using the flower punch from the Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack and Blushing Bride and Strawberry Slush cardstock.  After punching out the layers I curled the petals using a bone folder and then attached little pearls in the center of each.  The final touch was to add the greeting, I decided to get a head start on Mother's Day and used the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set and punched out the greeting using the Modern Label Punch and attached with dimensionals.  For a final bit of bling a colored a couple of pearls using a blendabilities marker before attaching them to the greeting piece.

This card has lots of elements that really add to the beauty and elegance of the card.  It really does remind of those Easter eggs from my childhood and I love it!

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

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Have a wonderful Easter Sunday and enjoy time with your family!

Diana

Easter Basket: For Peeps Sake

Good morning!  This week is flying by and I have so much to do before we head out for Spring Break.  Since we’ll be on vacation the week before Easter (getting home just in time) I want to make sure I have everything ready before we leave so I’m not stressed.  I recently got the new Berry Basket BigzL Die and knew as soon as I saw it that it would be perfect for Easter so I decided to make this for Aidan’s treat from Mommy and Daddy.  I have to admit I love this die (it made this project so easy and really made me miss when we had a lot more Big Shot Dies (hint, hint Stampin’ Up! for the next calendar.) 

I used Crumb Cake cardstock for the basket base and you have to cut two pieces for the basket (which means you can get one basket out of an 8 1/2” x 11” piece of cardstock.  I also cut two handle pieces and two trim pieces using the Best Day Ever Designer Series Paper.  After cutting out the pieces I used the Hardwood stamp set to stamp the woodgain on all the Crumb Cake pieces using Crumb Cake ink.  I used Tombow Liquid Glue to attach the two pieces at the bottom and then used the Mini Stapler to staple the DSP trim piece to the basket which helps form the basket.  I added two handles but you could easily just use one in the center (I’ve made other baskets using the one handle). 

For the tag I used the For Peeps Sake stamp set and after stamping the greeting and easter egss I used the Ornate Tag Topper Punch to punch the tops of the tag and attached the tag to the basket handle using some ribbon from the Best Day Ever Designer Accessory Package.

After adding some paper grass to the basket I started filling it and have to say, I was shocked at how much this basket holds (more candy for Aidan, oh my!!)  It’s nice to have container projects that hold different amounts to suit your needs.  I’ve really been having fun playing with this stamp set (as you can tell) it’s so cute!!!

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

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

 

Happy crafting,
 

Diana