4th of July Treats: Wood Words

Happy Independence Day!  As you know I love most holidays but the 4th of July is one of my favorites as it's always been a time to spend with family and appreciate all the freedoms we have and those who have given so much to provide those freedoms, it's not to be taken for granted.  Even though Aidan's getting older he still likes to get little treats for the holidays so this time I decided to use the new Wood Words Bundle to make this cute patriotic crate filled with tasty treats.

You could easily make this crate using the coordinating woodgrain designer series paper but I wanted a different feel for mine so I used the Whisper White Thick cardstock, Big Shot, and Wood Crate Framelits to cut it out (the thick cardstock gives the crate a little more strength).  Next I used the Woodgrain stamp set and stamped it using Sahara Sand ink (I stamped off one so it was a little lighter).  Then I used the star from the Wood Words stamp set and stamped using Real Red and Pacific Point ink.

I found these great Red, White, and Blue candies and filled a 3"x6" gusseted bag (this bag holds a lot of candy!) and then tied the top using some Pacific Point 1/4" Stitched Edge Ribbon.  The tag was cut out with a die from the same stamp set and was then stamped using the Tabs for Everything stamp set and tied the tag to the treat using some Whisper White Baker's Twine.

This treat is so cute and definitely has the patriotic feeling I was going for (and who doesn't like chocolate?)

Below are easy ordering links for the product's used on today's project:

Product List

Wood Words Clear-Mount Bundle [145316]	Hardwood Clear-Mount Stamp Set [133035]	Tabs For Everything Photopolymer Stamp Set [143907]	Big Shot [143263]	Pacific Point 1/4" Stitched-Edge Ribbon [144199]
Gusseted Cellophane Bags [141704]	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [100730]	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock [140272]	Twine Baker's Whisper White [124262]

Have a Happy and Safe Independence Day!

Diana

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Color Challenge SSINKCC46: Lovely Inside & Out

Good morning!  It was another wild and crazy  weekend and I had fun with just a mom/son weekend while hubby was out camping.  Because we were on the go I didn't get as much stamping time as I would have liked but I knew I had to play along with this months color sketch over on the SSINKspiration blog since it combines one of the new 2017-2019 In Colors with a couple of classics.  I also decided to play with some fun new items as well, yeah!

I started with Pear Pizzaz cardstock for the cardbase and then stamped with the Hardwood background stamp and Crumb Cake ink (I stamped off first to lighten up the image).  Next I took a piece of Whisper White cardstock and used the Big Shot and new Lovely Words Thinlits to cut out the "friend" window.  These new thinlits are great, not only can you cut out and use jus the words but they also fit in our other framelits for lots of options.

Next I took the Wood Words stamp set and stamped the floral image a few times using Berry Burst ink ad then colored in some of the flowers with the Daffodil Delight watercolor pencil and blender pen and the leaves with the Pear Pizzaz Stampin' Write marker. 

For the thanks I used the Lovely Inside and Out stamp set (it coordinates and is a bundle with the Lovely Words Thinlits so you save 10% when you buy both) and stamped using Berry Burst ink on Daffodil delight ink before punching it out with the Classic Label Punch.  It may be hard to see but then I cut a little piece of a White Doily and tucked it under the Whisper White layer so it just peaks out from below where the thanks is.  The final touch was to tie a tiny bow using the 1/4" Copper Trim and attached it with a glue dot (this ribbon is so amazing since you can keep it thin or you can fan it out like I did for a softer look and it holds the shapes (I know this ribbon is on backorder right now but order it now so you get in line and will get yours as soon as the next shipment arrives, you'll want to use it all year long!)  To finish the card I attached the entire cardfront to the cardbase with dimensionals so it pops up and has some extra depth. 

This card has a fun mix of floral and texture that is really on trend right now and the burst of colors are sure to brighten anyone's day.  Make sure to check out the other design teams cards using the same color sketch and then we would love for you to play along and share what you create.

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

Product List

Lovely Inside & Out Clear-Mount Bundle [145324]	Wood Words Clear-Mount Stamp Set [143928]	Hardwood Clear-Mount Stamp Set [133035]	1/4" Copper Trim [144179]	Classic Label Punch [141491]
Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [100730]	Daffodil Delight 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [119683]	Pear Pizzazz 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [131201]	Stampin' Dimensionals [104430]

Enjoy!

Diana

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Color Challenge SSINKCC41: Paper Pumpkin Anniversary

Good morning and Happy Monday!  It's the last day of vacation before we all head back to work and school and after being busy all break we're taking this last day to just chill out and relax (which is perfect since it's chilly and rainy here today).  Today the SSINKspiration blog is kicking off a new year of challenges and inspiration and what better way than with a color sketch?  With all the Christmas and holiday projects that were flying around I decided to change things up with an anniversary card (which is perfect since I have friends who celebrated their anniversary and needed to make them something special).

I started with Crumb Cake cardstock for the cardbase and then added a piece of Blushing Bride cardstock that was stamped with the Hardwood stamp set using Blushing Bride ink and then sponged all over with Crumb Cake ink.

Next I took a piece of Mint Macaron cardstock and used the Big Shot and Detailed Floral Thinlits to cut out the two pieces and then used the Fine Tip Glue Pen to attach it and then wrapped a piece of Very Vanilla 1/2" Lace Trim around the middle and tied a little knot.

For the greeting I was a little stumped since I couldn't actually find any anniversary stamp in my current collection (how is that possible?) so I went to my Paper Pumpkin stamps and was able to build this stamp which is perfect!  I stamped the greeting with Mint Macaron ink on Very Vanilla cardstock and then cut it out with the Big Shot and Layering Ovals Framelits.  I created a scalloped mat for the greeting using the same framelits and some Crumb Cake cardstock and then attached the greeting with dimensionals.

The soft colors and textures on this card are perfect for anniversary greetings and know my friend will love it!  Make sure to check out the other design teams creations using this color combination and we would love for you to come play along with us!

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

Enjoy!

Diana

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Card Sketch SSINKCS36: Suite Saying Basketball Wishes

Happy Monday!  After a wonderful on the go and relaxing visit to Williamsburg we're heading back home today and back to school and camp.  I have a little fun project to share with you today, it's time for this months sketch challenge over on the SSINKspiration blog.  I enjoyed using this sketch for a thank you card I needed for a thank your for Aidan's summer basketball coach for the end of season party.

I started with Pumpkin Pie cardstock for the cardbase and then added a piece of Crumb Cake cardstock as a mat for the Whisper White card front.  To the card front I added a piece of Basic Black cardstock that was embossed with the Big Shot and the Sparkle Embossing Folder. On top of that I added a strip of stripped DSP from the Neutrals Designer Series Paper Stack.  Next I took a piece of Crumb Cake cardstock and stamped it with the Hardwood stamp set, I stamped it off using Sahara Sand ink to mimic the hardwood of the basketball court.

For the greeting, I used the Suite Sayings stamp set and just inked the thanks before stamping on Whisper White cardstock.  For the net effect behind the greeting I used the Timeless Textures stamp set and used Basic Gray, stamping off first.  This layer was matted with Pumpkin Pie cardstock before attaching it, over a flag of 5/8" Burlap Ribbon.

The final touch was to add a basketball and since I don't have a current basketball stamp I had to get a little creative and cut out a piece of Pumpkin Pie cardstock using the Big Shot and Layering Circles Framelits then hand drew the lines using a Sharpie and then embossed it with the Softly Falling Embossing Folder before attaching to the card front with dimensionals.

This card was a lot of fun and I'm hoping coach appreciated it.  The other design team members have some great cards using this sketch so go check them out for further inspiration and then play along with this month's challenge for lots of fun.

Enjoy!

Diana

Better Together Detailed Floral Birthday Wishes

Good morning!  I hope you had an enjoyable weekend, it was crazy hot here (which is normal for this time of year) so we worked to stay as cool as possible.  Today I wanted to share a card I made for a dear friend using used some new catalog goodies, and showed off one of the new 2016-2018 In Colors, Sweet Sugar Plum.

I started with Sweet Sugarplum cardstock for the cardbase and stamped using the Hardwood stamp set.  Next I took a piece of Very Vanilla cardstock and cut it with the beautiful floral design using the Big Shot and Detailed Floral Thinlits Die (you need to cut it twice, once for the design and once for the edge, both pieces are in the set) and then I stamped all over the cardstock using the floral image from the Timeless Textures stamp set using Crumb Cake ink (I stamped off once to lighten the design) and then sponged around the edges using Crumb Cake ink.  Before attaching the cut out piece the cardfront I wrapped a piece of Sweet Sugarplum 3/8" Ruched Ribbon around it and tied a know (this ribbon is so soft and pretty, I love it!!)

For the greeting, I used the new Better Together stamp set (this set as a greeting for almost every occasion so it's really worth the money to invest in a set that you can use a lot) using Sweet Sugarplum ink on Very Vanilla cardstock and then cut it out using the Big Shot and Layering Circles Framelits (I used the same framelits to cut the scalloped circle mat out of Sweet Sugarplum cardstock).  Before attaching the layers I sponged around the edge using Crumb Cake ink and then attached the greeting to the cardfront with dimensionals.  The final touch was to add a strip of pearls along the bottom of the greeting to fancy it up!

I had fun using all these new catalog items to make this monochromatic card (I even stamped on the envelope to dress it up) that turned out beautifully and I know my friend loved it.

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

Enjoy!

Diana

Paper Players Color Challenge: Confetti Celebration

Good morning!  We're wrapping up the school year this week (Aidan has 1 1/2 days left and looking forward to the start of summer).  Today I'm playing along with the Paper Players color challenge and as soon as I saw the colors I new I had to participate as I love these colors as they are very patriotic and this time of year very fitting.

I started with Cherry Cobbler cardstock for the cardbase and then added a piece of Dapper Denim cardstock behind the Whisper White cardfront.  To create the cardfront I started by stamping using the Hardwood stamp set and Crumb Cake ink (I stamped off once so the color was lighter) and then embossed it with the Big Shot and Lucky Stars Embossing Folder.  Finally I used a sponged to gently rub some Crumb Cake ink over the cardfront to really highlight the stars.

Next I took a piece of Cherry Cobbler Designer Series Paper from the Regals Designer Series Paper Stack and cut it out using the Big Shot and Layering Circles Framelits.  The stars were also created using framelits, this time the Stars Collection framelits and I created the star outline using Dapper Denim cardstock and the smaller star using Silver Glimmer Paper (which was attached with a dimensional so it pops up).

For the greeting I used the Confetti Celebration stamp set (even though it has a lit of birthday stamps this stamp works for any celebration) and stamped in Dapper Denim ink on Whisper White cardstock and then cut out with the Layering Ovals Framelits and lightly sponged around the edge with Crumb Cake ink.  I used a dimensional to attach the greeting to the cardfront.  The final touch was a small Metallic Enamel Star.

The love the rustic look with the patriotic color scheme, it's classic and very homey. 

 

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

 

Enjoy!

SSINKspiration May Blog Hop: Flowers, Flowers Everywhere!

Good morning!  Blog hops are one of my favorite times of the month since we designers get together to share a whole bunch of great projects using a fun theme.  This months theme is all about flowers and given the cold, rainy weather we've been having the past few weeks (and we're not in the pacific northwest) I'm looking forward to this bit of spring.

 

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 - Heidi at Stuck on Stampin'. 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. 

 

 

 For my project I decided to use a mixture of retiring products along with some items carrying over.  I started with Mint Macaron cardstock for the cardbase and then took a piece of Crumb Cake cardstock and stamped it using the Hardwood stamp set and Crumb Cake ink, before cutting it out with the Big Shot and the Hexagon Hive Thinlit die (retiring).  For a fun effect I added a piece of Typeset Speciality Designer Series Paper (retiring), it gives a fun antique look.  Next I used the Big Shot and Botanical Builder Framelits (so happy these are carrying over) to create  several different coordinating flowers, sponged them and even used the Woodgrain Embossing folder to add texture to one of the leaves.  In the center of the flowers I used pearls, Metal Rimmed Pearls, and It's My Party Enamel Dots (retiring) for fun accents.

 

The greeting uses the And Many More stamp set (retiring) and was stamped on Very Vanilla cardstock using Mossy Meadow ink and punched it out with the Word Window Punch (retiring).  Of course I add to add some more texture so I added a strip of Blackberry Bliss 5/8" Stitched Cotton Ribbon (retiring) and a bow out of Basic Black 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon (retiring).

 

Sometimes there are cards you make and you want them nice and easy, other's you like to fuss and play with and just make it over the top and this card definitely fits the second type and I love it.  Someone very special will be getting this card and hope they appreciate it half as much as I enjoyed making it.

 



 

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

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 Darcy’s site but you can also access any of the hopper’s site from the full blog list below. 

 

Blog Hop Participant List:

1. Diana at Stampin Fun with Diana
2. Darcy at Dj's Stampin Place
3. Kim at Stamping with Kim
4. Darla at Stampin with Darla
5. Heidi at Stuck on Stampin'

Enjoy!

Diana

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Card Sketch: Guy Greetings

Happy Monday!  It was a nice and relaxing weekend but I have to say I will be so happy when school gets out, Aidan was assigned one last major project so we spent most of Sunday working on the project (and no access to my computer for my tasks).  Thankfully Aidan's project is almost finished, we just have a little more to do.  Of course I did take some time to get into the studio and create, including my card for this month's Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration card sketch challenge.  I decided to get really crazy with things and combined the sketch challenge with the Fab Friday color challenge.  I'm in the frame of mind for guy cards with Father's Day coming up so I decided to take a more masculine take for this sketch and the colors work perfectly for this.

I started with Crumb Cake for the cardbase and stamped with the Woodgrain stamp set and then sponged around the edge with the same color ink.  Next I added a piece of Night of Navy cardstock as well as a piece of Hello Honey cardstock that was embossed with the Big Shot and ZigZag Embossing Folder.  Next I used the Guy Greetings stamp set and stamped the antique car image in Marina Mist Ink on Very Vanilla cardstock and cut it out with the Big Shot and Circle Collection Framelits.  I sponged around the edge with Marina Mist ink and then matted the car with the 2 1/2" Circle Punch and Gold Foil Sheets.  I created a second mat using Night of Navy cardstock and the Starburst Framelits.

 

The greeting is from the same stamp set and was stamped with Night of Navy ink and cut out with the Project Life Cards and Labels Framelits.  I also sponged around the edge of the label with Marina Mist ink.  I created a little accent piece behind the greeting by punching out a piece of Marina Mist cardstock and the 1 1/4" Circle Punch.  Of course I used dimensionals to attach the greeting to the cardfront.

 

 

I really like how this card turned out by combining both of these challenges and may have to remake this card and change up the greeting for a Father's Day card.  This months Just Cards Class is going to be "all about the guys" so we'll be making perfect cards for all the dude's in our lives, no matter the age and this will be one of the cards we make so make sure you don't miss out!

 

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

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

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration: Design Team Family Christmas Cards

 Merry Christmas!  I hope you are enjoying a wonderful day with your family.  This is a day we like to just chill and relax and enjoying the family time.  Today on the Stylin’ Stampin’ INKspiration blog we didn’t want to leave you lacking inspiration so we thought we would share our families Holiday cards with you.  Given that I make cards it’s kind of expected and anticipated to see what I come up with and usually I design and make my cards in the summer so I just have to add the picture and write in them so the hard part is finished before the holiday craziness starts.  This year I was running behind so I didn’t make our card until Thanksgiving so it had to be a bit easier but still WOW!  The other thing I have to tell you is that like most crafters I have a large stash of product and quite a bit of it is retired that I don’t use in my business but I still love it so I use it for our family cards and projects to help use up the stash (so I can get more, right???)

This years card started with Baja Breeze for the cardbase.  I added a piece of Whisper White cardstock that was stamped with the Hardwood Stamp set and Crumb Cake ink, embossed with the Big Shot and Star Embossing Folder, and then sponged with Crumb Cake ink to help distress the look of the cardstock (there was a lot of steps but I LOVE how the background turned out).  I used the Big Shot and Star Framelits to cut out the shape of our family picture.  I added a piece of retired DSP along the bottom (of course it has glitter for my sparkle!)

The greeting is from the Merry Everything and was stamped in Real Red ink on Whisper White cardstock before punching it out with the Note Tag Punch.  I used the ¼” Circle Punch to punch a whole to add my ribbon (retired, of course, I won’t even admit how much ribbon I have) and dimensionals were used to attach the greeting to the cardfront.

Typically I leave the inside of our cards blank so I have lots of room to write each card.  This year we actually had a lot go on and I really didn’t want to write the same info 70 times so I decided to design and insert using My Digital Studio.  I opened a blank file using an 8 ½” x 11” standard cardstock size (so I could get 4 card inserts per page).  I added text with the family letter and then added 5 circle punch pieces along the left side so I could add more pictures for highlights of the year.  I did also add a holiday embellishment that coordinated with the cardstock color and DSP from the cardfront (the great thing about MDS is that digital elements never retire so you can use them forever, even after we stop selling the physical products).

In the end I really love our card and it fits our family and personalities!

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

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

 

I want to thank all my customers, friends, readers, and followers, I love sharing my creativity and love of stamping and crafting with you and I hope I can inspire and help you create the projects you want.

I hope you enjoyed and have a Merry Christmas!

Diana

Paper Player's Tic-Tac Toe Challenge: Many Merry Stars

 Good morning!  I'm having a lot of fun this week now that I can strickly focus on getting ready for Christmas and all the projects I want to get done. Plus the decorations and lights are going up which always makes me happy (I love running early in the morning when it's still dark and being able to enjoy the peace and quiet and Christmas lights).  Today I'm sharing a fun card I made for this weeks Paper Player's Tic-Tac-Toe challenge. These challenges are fun since you pick the direction of your card so there are lots of submissions for inspiration.  I decided to use Star, Die Cut, and Glitter (with a little White and Embossing also thrown in there.

The cardbase is Crumb Cake and then I added layers of Coastal Cabana and Basic Black behind the Whisper White stamped layer.  For the stamped layer I stamped the large polka dot star frame from the Many Merry Stars stamp set first in Coastal Cabana as the frame for my cut out piece and then stamped different size stars in Crumb Cake and Coastal Cabana ink.  For the large star first I stamped a piece of Whisper White cardstock with the Hardwood stamp, then embossed it with the Star Embossing Folder and then cut it out with the Big Shot and Star Collection Framelits before attaching it to the cardfront with dimensionals.  I also added some small stars cut out of Champagne Shimmer Paper using the Itty Bitty Accent Punch Pack for a little bling.

For the greeting I stamped it on Coastal Cabana cardstock with Momento Ink.  Since the greeting was already curved I just used my Paper Snips to trim around it and add flag tails before attaching it with dimensionals.

I love how soft this card turned out, it reminds me of Christmas falling snow and how peaceful it is. Since this stamp set is Photopolymer it really makes perfect alignment a breeze which I love!

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 day!

Diana

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Masculine Monday Gratitude Card: For all Things

Good morning!  What a crazy weekend, I don't think I stopped for more than a few minutes at a time but I was able to get lots of thinks crossed off my to do list (I love the feeling of crossing things off once they're complete, don't you?)  Today I'm sharing one of the cards I made this weekend.  Over on the Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration blog it's Masculine Monday and fit's always fun to see what the designers come up with for the "dudes" in our lives.  I also combined this with my 30-Day Gratitude challenge for a double bang.

The cardbase is Soft Suede and then I added a piece of Color Me Autumn Designers Series Paper (it really provided the color palate for the card.  I added another piece of DSP and matted it with Soft Suede cardstock before adding some Gold Baker's Twine.

For the greeting I took a piece of Crumb Cake cardstock and stamped the Hardwood stamp in Crumb Cake.  The greeting is from the For all Things stamp set and I used Stampin' Write markers to color on the stamp.  Next I tore around the edges and then sponged with Crumb Cake ink so it really gave the look of a wooden plank.  I used a Soft Suede Candy Dot and some Linen Thread to make it look like the greeting is a plank hanging on the wall.

This card turned out so fun, I really like it!

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

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

I hope you enjoy and have a fabulous day!

Diana

Sketch Frenzy Friday Sketch Challenge and 30 Days of Gratitude Day 7: Lovely as a Tree

Good morning!  We’ve arrived at the weekend (or will in a few short hours if your working today).  It’s another race weekend for me and this is the first time I’m traveling to a race so Chris and Aidan are coming along so we can check out Annapolis, MD (we’ve never been).  This does mean there won’t be much time for crafting but I may be able to get a little digital scraping done using MDS.  Today I combined my Sketch FrenzyFriday design team card with my gratitude card and boy does this one have some fun bling!  I started with Sahara Sand for the cardbase and added a piece of Soft Suede cardstock that I embossed with the Big Shot and Perfect Polka Dot Embossing Folder.  Next I added a square of Champagne Glimmer Paper that’s matted with Sahara Sand cardstock and I added a little leaf that I cut out using the Big Shot and Fall Fun Framelits.  The leaf is Soft Suede and I sponged it with the same ink before attaching it with a dimensional.

For the main stamped image I first stamped with the Hardwood stamp on Very Vanilla cardstock using Sahara Sand ink.  Next I stamped the leaf from Lovely as a Tree in Versamark ink and then heat embossed it using the Heat Tool and Whisper White Embossing Powder.  Next I used some Lost Lagoon ink and sponged all around the leaf and then when I wiped it clean and the heat embossed image resists the ink and really stands out.  I also sponged around the edges with Soft Suede ink before matting it with Lost Lagoon cardstock.  I added some Gold Baker’s Twine around this layer before attaching it to the cardfront.

The greeting is from the Another Thank You stamp set and is stamped with Soft Suede ink on Lost Lagoon cardstock and then punched out with the Large Oval Punch and attached to the cardfront with dimensionals.

I really like how this card turned out, nice and soft, with lots of texture to really make a WOW statement.

 

 

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

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

 

I hope you have an enjoyable weekend and make sure to check back as my 30-Day Gratitude challenge continues, and play along for your chance at some FREE blog candy!

Happy stamping,

Diana

 

 

Convention 2014 Organized Swaps

One of the fun parts of convention (or any gathering of Stampin' Up! demonstrators) is swapping.  Basically, we make multiples of the same card, or 3D item and then swap them with other demonstrators so we have lots of great new project ideas, techniques, etc. to show our customers and use on future projects.  This week I'm sharing the cards I made for this years event.  Today's posts are all the projects I made for organized swaps (which means we actually presign up for the swaps based on themes, stamp sets, etc).  This year I participated in 4 cards and a 3d sweet treat swap throughout the week.

 

Remember, this Saturday is my annual, "My Husband's Away, Let's Play Just Cards Class" we're we'll be making 5 of the swap cards I'm sharing this week (I made more than 5 so it'll be a surprise exactly which one's you'll be making).  The class is Saturday, July 26 at 1:00 PM and you need to RSVP by Thursday July 24 to save you're spot. Don't miss out on this opportunity to make these over the top cards to be ready for your future card sending needs.

 

Enjoy!

 

Stamp Set(s):  Big News

Stamp Set(s):  Hip Notes

 

Stamp Set(s):  Boys will be Boys

Stamp Set(s):  Chalk Talk, Hardwood

Stamp Set(s):  Label Love

Stylin' Stampin' Squad Blog Hop: Favorite Springtime Flowers to Help Say Goodbye to Winter

Thank you so much for joining us for our March Stylin' Stampin' Squad Blog Hop!  Temperatures are on the rise and there is just one short week until the official first day of Spring!  We are all so ready to put away our snowflakes and break out the flowers in our craft rooms!  Stampin' Up! has so many options for Spring-time flowers and we are showing you just a few of those today!

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 2 on the Stylin’ Stampin’ Squad blog hop – Pam S. of Stampin' in the Sun. 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.

I was really excited when this blog topic was announced since there are so many different flower sets, I can’t wait to see all the great projects the designers are sharing.  I’m not a huge flower person (of course I do have several flower sets) but my favorite set currently is Mixed Bunch.  This set came out last year and while I initially didn’t fall in love with it once I got it I use it regularly, so simple with the matching punches and fun daisy type look.  For my card I started with a cardbase of Crumb Cake and added a piece of DSP from the Fresh Prints Designer Series Paper Stack (these pieces perfectly fit a card front) and overlayed the DSP with a piece of Crumb Cake cardstock that I first stamped with the Hardwood stamp and Soft Suede Ink, and then cut it out with the Big Shot and the Hexagon Hive Thinlit Die (a little tip to ensure all your hexagons get cut out, run it through the Big Shot 3 times to guarantee it’ll cut through and make removing all the pieces a breeze.  I added a piece of Natural 5/8” Chevron Ribbon around the center of the card for some added texture.

For the flowers I used So Saffron, Strawberry Slush, and Wisteria Wonder and punched each of the flowers out with the Blossom Punch and used a Bone Folder to curl the flower edges for more dimension.  The centers were punched out with the ¾” Circle Punch.  A Mini Silver Brad was added to the center of each flower and I used a dimensional to attached the flower center so they really pop.  Mono Multi-Purpose glue was used to glue the flowers to the card front (these beauties aren’t going anywhere).  The greeting is from the Lots of Thanks stamp set and is stamped with Soft Suede Ink and Strawberry Slush cardstock and then punched out with the Modern Label Punch and attached with a dimensional and glue dot (I used the glue dot to attach the greeting to the flower piece and then the dimensional on the other side so it sits even.

Of course I decided to make a matching treat (even if there not given together it’s still fun to make coordinating projects) so I used one of the Mini Muslin Bags (I can’t believe I’ve had these for months and this is the first time using them, I love their versatility and how big they are!).  I used the You’re Lovely stamp set (a SAB exclusive) to stamp the little line of images along the bottom of the bag with Strawberry Slush ink (make sure to put a piece of cardboard or cardstock inside the bag before stamping or adding ink to the bag so you don’t get any bleed through).  Then I tied a piece of Wisteria Wonder Chevron Ribbon around the top of the bag for added color and so I had something to tie my tag to.  The tag uses all the same products as the card above but a used a piece of 2013-2015 In Color DSP and the Scallop Tag Topper Punch to make the tag base (these tag topper punches are really the bomb, They make tags and decorative elements so easy and you can make them any size you want, love it!!!)

 

I love how these projects turned out and may be making them of other occasions, the card would be a beautiful birthday or Mother’s Day card (even Easter) and the bags could be great for Teacher Appreciation, party favors, etc.  I hope you enjoyed these projects and I’ve helped you rediscovered a stamp set that may be in your stash but hasn’t been used much lately, or if you don’t have it make sure to get it!

 

 

Blog Hop Participants

1. Dawn S. of Dawn's Creative Chalet
2. Pam S. of Stampin' in the Sun
3. Diana E. of Stampin' Fun with Diana
4. Cynthia R. of Ink-A-Doodle Creations
5. Erica B. of Stamping Starlette
6. Anastasia R. of Stampin' Blondie
7. Darcy J. of DJ's Stampin' Place
8. Bree R. of Craft-Somnia
9. Heidi B. of Stuck on Stampin'
10. Shellie G. of Craft Smashup
11. Kim R. of Stamping with Kim
12. Jennifer C. of Happy 2 Scrap 4 Life
13. Tonya B. of Stampin' with Tonya
14. Donna S. of Organized Chaos
15. Jamie H. of Unique Ink
16. Darla R. & Nancy K. of Stampin with Darla and Sisters
17. Kathy P. of Katrina P's Creative Corner