Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration New Years: Mingle All the Way

Good morning and Happy New Years Eve!  Why is it that vacation time moves even faster than regular time?  We've been having a great time and enjoying every minute.  Today over on the Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration blog we're sharing ideas for New Years cards so I decided to combine this with the Create with Connie and Mary Sketch Challenge for double the fun.  I started with Pool Party for the cardbase and then added a piece of Whisper White cardstock under by decorative pieces (white looks best in my opinion when using the Gold and Silver Vellum paper).    I added two pieces of the striped Silver Vellum Paper and then created my own paper for the other two panels.  To mimic the drink theme in my greeting stamp I took a piece of Basic Black cardstock and used the Small Oval punch (with Old Olive cardstock) and 1/4" Circle Handheld Punch (with Real Red cardstock) to create olives on the paper. Then I ran it through the Big Shot with the Perfect Polka Dot Embossing Folder to embed the olives in the cardstock for added fun.

For the stamped greeting I used the Mingle all the Way stamp set (will be sad this set is going away next week but it's on sale now so make sure you have it for your crafting toolbox for future projects!)  It was stamped in Memento Ink and then I colored in the drink with Real Red and Old Olive Stampin' Write Markers.  I used Olive Olive for the mat and attached it to the cardfront with dimensionals.  I added a piece of Real Red 3/8" Satin Woven Ribbon.  For extra fun I decided to add a shaker element to the card since I had some White and Black stars that were punched out with the Confetti Star Border Punch (from another project).  I used the Shaker Frames, Window Sheets, Silver Foil cardstock, along with the 1" Circle Punch and 3/4" Circle Punch to create the element (so fun in person!).

I have to admit, this card is a little over the top but since I had time I couldn't stop fussing and adding fun things to the card, it's fun to just play and tinker.  Make sure to check out the other design team cards for additional inspiration and hope you get a little crafting in over the holiday!

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

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Have a wonderful and a great start to 2015!

Diana

Quick and Easy, Last Minute Christmas Gifts

Good morning!  We've entered the last days before Christmas, are you ready?  We had a great weekend relaxing and enjoying some holiday traditions but I must admit I still have more things to get finished than I would care for.  It always seems like you have some last minute gift needs that come up so I thought I would share a super quick and easy gift that is sure to please.  There are some friends that Aidan wants to give a little something to so I found this glass milk bottles in the dollar section of a local store (they were sold in packages of two) as wells as these cute paper straws, I thought of adding the straws to go with the "milk".  I just filled each of them with candy and then decorated them for a fun threat.  I added circles of DSP from the Trim the Tree Designer Series Paper Stack that were punched out with the 1 3/4" Circle Punch on the top of the bottle top for some extra festive fun.

I wrapped a piece of Under the Tree Specialty Designer Series Paper around the bottle and made sure to include the straw inside the DSP wrap.  Next I tied a piece of Silver Baker's Twine around the bottle.  I used two different stamp sets for the greeting, Mingle all the Way and Merry Everything and after stamping the greeting used the 1 3/4" circle punch to cut them out and use dimensionals to attach them to the bottle.  I added cute little flag to the top of the straw using extra tags I had from the Many Merry Stars Simply Created Kit (the Cherry Cobbler stars are also from the kit).  I also used some Silver Glimmer Paper and the star punch from the Itty Bitty Accents Punches Pack to make some glimmery stars.  The greeting on the flag tag uses the Project Life Holiday Cheer Stamp set.

Here' a close up of one of the bottles, aren't they cute?  These are so easy and Aidan's really excited to deliver these to his friends in the next couple of days.





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

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Good luck wrapping everything up on your To Do list, enjoy!

Diana

Sketch Frenzy Friday: Mingle all the Way

Good morning and Happy Friday!  It has been a crazy first week of the holiday season and I can't believe we have less than three weeks until Christmas.  So much to do so we can enjoy all the special memories of this tie of year.  Of course I had to make a Christmas card for this weeks Sketch Frenzy Friday card sketch challenge.  This was such a fun sketch this week, I liked all the different elements to really help dress up the card.

I started with Pool Party cardstock for the cardbase and then added a piece of All is Calm Specialty Designer Series Paper for a fun design and the color inspiration.  Next I attached a couple pieces of Lost Lagoon 3/8" Silky Taffeta Ribbon (I have to admit I love all our ribbons but the taffeta is has always been my favorite!).




For the main stamped piece I used the Mingle All the Way stamp set and stamped the greeting on Whisper White cardstock with Memonto ink (this has become by go to black ink for it's crisp images and no smearing or bleeding when I color in the images).  I used Stampin' Write markers to color in the words and the little holiday cocktail.  The greeting is matted with Pear Pizzaz cardstock.

Next I took a piece of Smoky Slate cardstock and used the Scalloped Tag Topper Punch to create the accent and then used some Pear Pizzaz 3/4" Chevron Ribbon and Whisper White Baker's Twine for the final decorative accents.

I love how these soft colors work together for such a dreamy Christmas greeting, so fun!  Make sure to take time to check out all the other design team cards for inspiration and then play along and you can use this sketch for one of your holiday projects this weekend.


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

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Have a great weekend! Diana

Proverbial Stampers Sketch Challenge: Mingle All the Way Thanksgiving Greetings

Happy Thanksgiving!   This is a holiday I love for the relaxing and slow approach to it (it does help that I’m not the chef in our house so everything I make is done in advance) and we always get together with friends which is always a lot of fun.  As a cardmaker I like to make and send cards to family for all holidays so I thought today I would share the card I made for my family Thanksgiving card, it’s my 30-Day Gratitude card challenge and I used the Proverbial Stampers November card sketch as the layout for this card.  I started with Soft Suede for the cardbase and then added a piece of Very Vanilla cardstock that I sponged around the edge with Cajun Craze ink.  I added two pieces of Color Me Autumn Designer Series Paper (you’ve probably been able to tell I’m really enjoying this DSP and the colors). 

For the main stamped image I used the Mingle all the Way stamp set and used Stampin’ Write Markers to color on the stamp before stamping on Very Vanilla cardstock.  I used the Chalk Talk Framelits and Big Shot to cut out the greeting (always stamp before cutting out with the framelits to ensure perfect alignment and then sponged around the edge with Cajun Craze ink.  I added a piece of Mossy Meadow 3/8” Stitched Satin Ribbon as a flag behind the stamped image.

I really like this card and used several different patterns of DSP for each of the cards and they all look great.  Plus these cards are pretty flat and “mailable” which the postman will appreciate.

 

 

 

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

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Enjoy and have a happy and safe holiday,

Diana

30-Day Gratitude Challenge: Day 20 Mingle all the Way

Thanksgiving is a week from today, how is it possible?   Since I’m running out of time to enjoy all the great fall themed products we have I decided to use that as the inspiration for today’s 30-Day Gratitude card challenge creation.  When I first saw the Mingle all the Way stamp set in the Holiday catalog I knew I had to have it and would have so much fun with all the greetings, in particular this Thanksgiving saying (how many Thanksgiving sentiments do we really have???)

The cardbase is Cajun Craze and I added a piece of Mossy Meadow that was embossed with the Big Shot and Woodgrain Embossing Folder.  Next I added a couple of flags using the Color Me Autumn Designer Series Paper as well as a piece of Mossy Meadow 3/8” Stitched Satin Ribbon.

For the stamped image I used Stampin’ Write markers to color in the greeting from the Mingle all the Way stamp set and stamped it on Whisper White cardstock punched it out with the 2 ½” Circle Punch and then sponged around the edge with Cajun Craze ink.  I cut a mat for the greeting with the Big Shot and Decorative Window Collection Framelit and Crushed Curry cardstock before embossing it with the Perfect Polka Dot Embossing Folder and then sponging around the edge with Cajun Craze ink.  This piece was attached to the cardfront with dimensionals.

For a fun accent I tied a double bow using Linen Thread and the fabulous Autumn Wooden Elements and then attached it to the card with a Glue Dot.

I love all the different textures and elements in this cards, gives your eye lots to enjoy.

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

Sketch Frenzy Friday Card Sketch Challenge: Mingle all the Way

Happy Friday!  It's been a great week and I'm looking forward to an eventful weekend.  The Marine Corp Marathon is Sunday and I'm running (my first full marathon) so most of the weekend is going to revolve around getting ready for, running, and then recovering from the race, we're even going to the First Timer's Pep Rally tonight which should be fun.  I'm very excited but also nervous.  Before I get started with all the race activities I had time to play in the studio and this is the card I made for this weeks Sketch Frenzy Friday card sketch challenge and I decided to turn to a Christmas card (really have got to get started with all my Christmas gifts, cards, and projects so I'm not stressed in a couple of months. 

The cardbase for this card is Pear Pizzaz cardstock and then I added a piece of Smoky Slate cardstock that's embossed with the Big Shot and Stylish Stripes Embossing folder.  Next I added a piece of All is Calm Specialty Designer Series Paper and wrapped a piece of Whisper White Baker's Twine and tied a All is Calm Snowflake Embellishment for some bling.

For the greeting I used the Mingle all the Way stamp set and used Stampin' Write Marker's to color in the stamp before stamping on Whisper White cardstock before punching it out with the 2" Circle Punch.  I created a mat for the greeting using Pear Pizzaz cardstock and the Big Shot and Window Frames Collection Framelits.  Dimensionals were used to attach the greeting to the cardfront for added texture.

This card is nice and simple but has just enough elements to make it really pop.  The other designers have some great cards to provide additional inspiration and then come play along with the challenge and share what you come up with.






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

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Have a great weekend and enjoy!

Diana

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Card Sketch Challenge: Mingle all the Way

It's the start of another week, and while I don't have today off for the holiday like the rest of the family, I'm still looking forward to a very productive day.  I had a great weekend which included some quality crafting time and an afternoon with some friends for card class, I just love getting together with the ladies and relaxing.  It's the second Monday of the month which means it's time for the   Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration card sketch challenge.  Bree created a great sketch for us this month that was a fun twist and a great way to let your designer series really shine.  I started with Soft Suede for the cardbase and added a piece of Color Me Autumn Designer Series paper that's attached at an angle (so fun!).   

 

For the stamped image I used the Mingle all the Way stamp set and used Stampin' Write Markers to color it in.  I used the Angled Tag Topper Punch on the top of the tag and then sponged around the edge with Cajun Craze ink.  A piece of Blackberry Bliss 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon is a perfect accent to the top of the tag.  I wanted to add some extra fun to the card so I used the Fall Fest Stamp set and coordinating framelits to make the pumpkin and leave accents.  Dimensionals were used to make the pumpkin and little leaf stand up.

 

I really like the colors and patterns in the fall paper, it's so beautiful I can't wait for our leaves to start changing here.  Make sure to check out the other cards the design team is sharing based on today's sketch and then come play along I'd love to see what you come up with.

 

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

 

Color Me Autumn Designer Series Paper

$10.95

Mingle All The Way Clear-Mount Stamp Set

$17.95

Fall Fest Photopolymer Bundle

$34.75

Neutrals 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

$6.95

Blackberry Bliss 3/8" Satin Stitched Ribbon

$8.95

Angled Tag Topper Punch

$22.95

Table by StampinBuddy. Try it FREE.

 

Enjoy and have a Happy Columbus Day!

 

Diana

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Blog: Halloween Boxes, Bags, and Tags Oh My!

 Yeah, I'm back with a bonus post today for extra fun.  Today over on the Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Blog the designers are sharing lots of great boxes, bags, and tags perfect for Halloween (plus remember you can always change up an idea for another holiday or event just by changing colors, DSP, and stamps.  I love Halloween and I'm in the middle of making lots of gifts for Aidan's teachers, class, family and friends so this is perfect.  I adore candles and Bath and Body Works has these great candles in canning jars (that are so popular right now) and will fall scents I will be using these for gifts but I need the perfect packaging, and the new Gift Box Punch Board comes to my rescue.  This board can make lots of different sized boxes perfect for what you need, in this case my finished box is 3 1/4 x 3 1/4 x 4.  After scoring following the boards instructions I just folded on all the score lines and my box popped into shape.

 

To decorate the box I used some Motley Monsters Designer Series Paper on all four sides.  The tag is made using the Mingle all the Way stamp set and was stamped on Sahara Sand cardstock with Momento Ink before punching it out with the 2 1/2" Circle Punch.  I used the Big Shot and Window Collection Framelits to make a mat out of Tangerine Tango Cardstock.  I added a piece of Basic Black Chevron Ribbon to one side for a fun accent.  The final touch was to use the Holiday Invitation Stamp set and I stamped the moon and bat image on Crushed Curry cardstock (I added a couple extra bats for fun) and punched it out with the 1 1/4" Circle Punch.  I used some rhinestones for a little bling and to mimic the stars before attaching the circle the front of the box with dimensionals. 

 

 

I wanted to show you what the box looks like inside, the cool thing about this is that if your giving these as gifts and traveling you can completely make and decorate the box and keep it flat to travel and then just fold the box up and add the candle at your destination so nothing gets crushed (awesome for the holidays!!!)

I definitely see lots more of these boxes in my future, I love how easy they are and versatile.  Please go check out the other projects the designers are sharing, I love them all!!

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

Holiday Invitation Photopolymer Stamp Set

$21.95

Motlley Monsters Designer Series Paper

$10.95

Mingle All The Way Clear-Mount Stamp Set

$17.95

Gift Box Punch Board

$19.95

Basic Black 12" X 12" Card Stock

$5.95

Sahara Sand 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

$6.95

Crushed Curry 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

$6.95

Tangerine Tango 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

$6.95

Basic Black 3/4" Chevron Ribbon

$8.95

Rhinestone Basic Jewels Embellishments

$4.95

1-1/4" Circle Punch

$15.95

Big Shot

$99.95

Window Frames Collection Framelits Die

$26.95

2-1/2" Circle Punch

$16.95

Table by StampinBuddy. Try it FREE.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Diana

Fall Halloween Fun!

Good morning!  So if you follow my posts regularly you know I love to play along with different sketch challenges, I believe it really helps me add variety to my projects.  Well I had planned on playing along with the Fab Friday sketch but before I had a chance to post my card I missed the deadline (oops!)  Well I still liked my card so I've decided to share it with you anyway.

I used Sahara Sand for the cardbase and then added a piece of Bermuda Bay cardstock that's embossed with the Big Shot and Polka Dot Embossing Folder.  Next I added some strips of DSP from the Motley Monsters Designer Series Paper (one large strip and then a smaller one I made into a flag.  I also used some Basic Black Chevron Ribbon as another flag element.  I wrapped some Tangerine Tango Baker's Twine around the card front and then tied a bow with some Tangerine Tango and Bermuda Bay Baker's Twine.

For the stamped image I started with the Mingle All the Way stamp set and stamped the greeting with Momento Ink on Whisper White cardstock and then matted it with Hello Honey.  For some fun I stamped some cute little pumpkins using the Fall Fest stamp set (using Stampin' Write Markers to color directly on the stamp)  and the faces are another stamp (love that!) and I used Momento ink.  There are coordinating framelits that match this stamp set so it was really easy to cut them out with the framelits and Big Shot and dimensionals are the perfect way to help these pumpkins pop.

These pumpkins are beyond cute and super easy which I love, super fun and there are so many fun elements that really grab your attention.  I can also see this card working with other greetings from the stamp set by changing the color and decorative elements.

I'm really into Halloween projects right now, I've got to get a head start so I can get everything done.  Have you started on your Halloween projects?  Give it a try and you'll have lots of fun and be relaxing.  Enjoy!

Diana

Sketch Frenzy Friday Sketch Challenge: Mingle all the Way

Happy Friday!  Are you just loving the new Holiday catalog as much as I am?  I have so say, we got to see it at convention last month and I knew immediately I was in trouble, I needed the “I Want it All Button!”  Of course that’s not realistic so I decided to start first with Halloween and Fall products since those holidays are coming up first and the Fall Fun Framelits are AMAZING! 

For this card I started with Sahara Sand cardstock and then added a piece of Motley Monster Designer series paper (too cute!) that was matted with Basic Black cardstock.  The greeting is from the Mingle All the Way stamp set, another favorite, and was stamped in Tangerine Tango ink, cut out with the Big Shot and Circle Collection Framelits, and matted with a Bermuda Bay circle.

 

Of course I need more spooky fun so I added a ghost I made using the Fall Fest Stamp set and coordinating Fall Fun Framelits (do you know you can purchase both these items as a bundle and save 15%?).  I used some White Stazon Ink to stamp the ghost on Basic Black cardstock before cutting him out with the framelit, so easy! For a final accent I added two pieces of trim, Natural 5/8” Chevron Trim (it’s awesome that this ribbon only is printed on one side for double the possibilities) and the new White & Tangerine Tango Two Tone Trim. 

There are so many fun products to help you make wonderful projects for all your fall and holiday projects, I know I have so many ideas in my head I just need the time.

Make sure to check out all the other great projects the design team is sharing and come play along with the sketch, so many possibilities.

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

Motlley Monsters Designer Series Paper

$10.95

Neutrals 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

$6.95

Bermuda Bay 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

$6.95

White & Tangerine Tango Two-Tone Trim

$4.95

Mingle All The Way Clear-Mount Stamp Set

$17.95

Fall Fest Photopolymer Bundle

$34.75

Natural 5/8" Chevron Ribbon

$6.95

Table by StampinBuddy. Try it FREE.

 

Also just another reminder that you only have a few more days, until Sunday to take advantage of the amazing Big Shot special where you can get a stamp set and framelit bundle for FREE when you purchase a Big Shot or save 15% on the selected  bundles if you already own a Big Shot, this is not to be missed!

Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend!

Diana