Fab Friday Sketch Challenge: Celebrate Today

Happy Friday!  It’s weeks like this that we’re definitely reminded that it’s summer in the mid-atlantic and all the humidity that goes along with it (wowsers).  I certainly see some time at the pool in our future this weekend, just to stay cool. For some reason things have gotten a little more in control in our schedules, or maybe I’ve adjusted, which has meant I’ve had some additional time in the studio, which I love.  Today I decided to play along with this weeks Fab Friday Sketch challenge and make a card for a dear friend, just because!

I started with Smoky Slate cardstock for the cardbase and then added a piece of Mint Macaron DSP from the 2015-2017 In Colors Designer Series Paper Stack that I matted with Basic Black cardstock.  Next I took a piece of Smoky Slate cardstock and embossed it with the Big Shot and the Sparkle Embossing Folder.  Next I used the Celebrate Today stamp set and stamped the big balloon in Mint Macaron ink on Whisper White cardstock and then stamped the little confetti in Basic Black before cutting it out with the Big Shot and Balloon Framelits.  I tied a double bow using Basic Black Baker’s Twine to the bottom of the balloon before attaching it to the cardfront with dimensionals. I added a couple of sequins from the Metallics Sequins for the mandatory bling.

 

 

The greeting is from the Just Kidding stamp set (this was one of the original photopolymer sets that was released so it’s not in the catalog and doesn’t show up on the online store but if you do a search of the title it does pop up and you can order, there are few like that) and it was stamped in Basic Black.  This sentiment is perfect for my friend and I know she’ll appreciate it.

Sometimes you need to send a card, just because, to let someone know you’re thinking of them and this does the job perfectly!

 

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

Enjoy and have a great weekend!

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

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Funny Cards: Just Kidding

Happy April Fools Day!  We've been having a wonderfully relaxful week which is just what we've been looking for.  We always like to have a little good natured fun so we'll see what the day holds.  Today, over on the Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration blog we're sharing funny cards in honor of April Fools Day.  Last month Stampin' Up released the lastest photopolymer stamp set, Just Kidding, and it's got some great cheeky humor that's perfect for today.

I started of with Soft Sky for the cardbase and then added a piece of Basic Gray cardstock that's embossed with the Big Shot and Delicate Polka Dots Embossing Folder.  Next I added a piece of Cherry Cobbler DSP from the Regals Designer Series Paper Stack that I punched out with the 2 1/2" Circle Punch.

For the main stamped image I stamped this sassy little lady from the Just Kidding stamp set in Memento Tuxedo Black ink on Whisper White cardstock.  I colored in the image using blendabilities markers before punching it out with the 2 1/2" Circle Punch.  The greeting was stamped on Smoky Slate cardstock, punched out with Decorative Label Punch and then sponged around the edge with Cherry Cobbler ink.  The final touch was to add a Bermuda Bay button from the Brights Decorative Buttons and tied a bow using Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine.

Sometimes you really need a fun card, for those special friends and this stamp set is perfect for just those very occasions.

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

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Diana

Sketch Frenzy Friday Sketch Challenge: Snuggles and Smootches

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

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

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

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

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

 Have a great day and relaxing weekend!

Diana

Sketch Frenzy Friday Sketch Challenge: Snuggles and Smootches

Happy Friday and 2015!  We've had a wonderfully relaxing Christmas break and I'm loving every minute of it (I haven't even been on my computer much for the past week).  Today I'm sharing my design team card for the Sketch Frenzy Friday Sketch Challenge.  We were given a great, classic challenge this week so I decided to break out some new toys for this card, mainly being December's new Photopolymer stamp set release, Snuggles and Smootches.  This stamp set has some great images and sayings that are not just for Valentine's but all year long.  




I started with Coastal Cabana cardstock and then added a layer of Whisper White cardstock that I stamped with the small swirl image and the heart.  Next I added a piece of new DSP from the Stacked with Love Designer Series Paper Stack (it's so versatile, one side has classic valentine colors, the other black and white that can be used for anything).  I used the Heart Border Punch and some Silver Foil Cardstock to punch the heart border and then added a piece of Coastal Cabana cardstock behind the punches so you have some contracts.  I also wrapped a piece of Real Red 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon around the DSP and tied a knot before attaching it to the cardfront.

For the main stamped image, I stamped the large swirl image with Real Red ink on Real Red cardstock and then cut it out with Paper Snips as a fun mat for the circle image that I stamped in Coastal Cabana ink and then punched it out with the 2" Circle Punch.  The greeting was stamped in Real Red ink and I used with Big Shot and Itty Bitty Framelits to cut it out before attaching it to the cardfront with dimensionals.

I just love how fun this card turned out and will definitely be giving this card to my kiddo, who still loves to cuddle and I cherish every minute since I know he'll grow out of it before I'm ready.  Make sure to check out the other design team cards and come play along for fun.

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

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend,

Diana

Fab Friday Color Challenge: Watercolor Winter Inspired Holiday Greetings

It’s the midpoint of the week, these days are really flying!  Aidan only has a couple more days of school before winter break and we can hardly contain him and the excitement, it’s great to see the joy of the holidays through the eyes of a child (magical!).  Today I decided to play along with the Fab Friday color sketch.  The colors are based on the Watercolor Winter Simply Card Kit and these are great colors but I wouldn’t normally think to combine them all together at once.  I happen to have a few leftover pieces from the card kit so I decided to use them in this card (nothing goes to waste).  I started with Crumb Cake for the cardbase and then added a piece of Old Olive cardstock that was embossed with the Big Shot and On Point Embossing Folder.  Next I wrapped a piece of Cherry Cobbler Baker’s Twine around the Old Olive cardstock and tied a bow.

The Coastal Cabana and Bermuda Bay cardstock pieces are from the card kit, as is the sled (I love this element!!!) and the glitter “happy”.  To finish the holiday greeting I used the Watercolor Winter Too Photopoloymer Stamp Set and stamped it with Cherry Cobbler ink on Whisper White cardstock and cut it out with Paper Snips before attaching to the cardfront with dimensionals.

This card is so fun and I’m glad I decided to play along with this color challenge.  These challenges are great as they get you to step out of your comfort zone and try new things.  If you’re looking for inspiration on your next project try using a layout sketch or color sketch and see where it takes you.  The Watercolor Winter Simply Created Card Kit is part of the Year End Closeout sale and is discounted so if you don’t want to miss out on it, you get product to make 20 cards plus extra elements that you can play with (it’s only available while supplies last so don’t wait!)

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

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

 

I hope you have a great day and enjoy!

Diana

Sketch Frenzy Friday Card Sketch Challenge: Tee-Hee-Hee

Happy Halloween! I'm so excited that Halloween falls on a Friday this year so we can enjoy all the evening fun and not have to worry about getting up early for wok and school the next day, so much more relaxing.  This morning I'm sharing the card I made for this weeks Sketch Frenzy Friday card sketch challenge.  On the Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration blog we're also sharing Halloween cards so I'm sharing this card on that blog as well.  Of course I had to get in another Halloween card and I haven't shown the Tee-Hee-Hee stamp set nearly enough love this season.  I started with Smoky Slate for the cardbase and then added a piece of Motley Monster Designer Series Paper that was matted with Tangerine Tango cardstock.  Next I took a little strip of Whisper White cardstock and stamped the "EEK" all in a row with Momento Black Ink (I love that this set is Photopolymer so I have no issues lining things up perfectly!)  I also added a couple of flags of Hello Honey 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon that were tucked under the white stamped strip.

Next I used the Big Shot and Window Collection Framelits to cut out the accent piece in Smoky Slate cardstock and sponged around the edge with Basic Black ink.  The greeting was stamped in Tangerine Tango ink on Whisper White cardstock, punched out with the Large Oval Punch, and then sponge with Basic Black ink and attached with dimensionals.  The final, fun touch was to stamp the witches hat.  I stamped it in Momento Ink and then used Stampin' Write markers to color in the accents before cutting it out with Paper Snips and attaching it to the card front.

This card is lots of fun and cute, perfect for this fun holiday!







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

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

I have some added extra Halloween fun so make sure to check back on my blog later this morning for another card to share.

Enjoy,

Diana

Sketch Frenzy Friday: Get Your Santa On!

Happy Friday!   I decided to take a break from Halloween and fall themed projects for this weeks Sketch Frenzy Friday card sketch challenge and give you a little Christmas fun.  I created the sketch that we're playing with and I decided to break out lots of fun new products from the Holiday catalog for today's card. 

 

I started with Smoky Slate for the cardbase and added a piece of Garden Green cardstock that's embossed with the Big Shot and the Lucky Stars Embossing Folder.   Next I used the Trim the Tree Designer Series Paper Stack for both patterned pieces (this pack is awesome, it has 24 different patterns that all coordinate together for only $6.95, you’ll be crafting all holiday season!)  For the stamped image I used the Get Your Santa On (this set is too cute!!)  I stamped the image with Momento Ink on Whisper White cardstock so I had no problem coloring in the image with Stampin’ Write Markers.  I did use the Gold Stampin’ Dazzlin’ Marker to color in the candlesticks on the mantel for a fun touch.  I matted this piece with some Pistachio Pudding cardstock before attaching it to the cardfront. 

 For the greeting it’s from the same stamp set stamped with Cherry Cobbler ink on Smoky Slate cardstock and then punched out with the Artisan Label Punch.  As a stepped up accent I added a piece of Whisper White 5/8” Organza Ribbon that was folded over and trimmed for flag ends.  On top of that I added a Gold Basics Metal Button that has Cherry Cobbler Baker’s Twine threaded through the button holes.  I used glue dots to attach the button and it holds it really well.

 There’s a lot going on with this card but I really like how each element works with the others and it’s bright and cheery.  I also really like how this stamp set is Photopolymer it makes lining everything up a breeze and it costs less (bonus!!)  I definitely see more fun cards with this stamp set in my future, oh and gift tags also!  Please go and check out the other design team cards for even more inspiration and come play along with the sketch, I hope you like it!

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

 

Trim The Tree Designer Series Paper Stack

$6.95

Get Your Santa On Photopolymer Stamp Set

$15.95

Lucky Stars Textured Impressions Embossing Folders

$7.95

Many Marvelous Markers

$109.95

Gold Stampin' Dazzle Marker

$3.50

Pistachio Pudding 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

$6.95

Garden Green 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

$6.95

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

$6.95

Artisan Label Punch

$15.95

Whisper White 5/8" Organza Ribbon

$5.95

Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine

$2.95

Gold Basic Metal Buttons

$7.95

Table by StampinBuddy. Try it FREE.

Enjoy!

Diana

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Masculine Monday: Yee-Haw

Happy Monday!  It was another beautiful weekend hear and we were able to take advantage and enjoy some family time and relaxing (I didn't get enough crafting time but that's OK).  Today over on the Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration blog it's Masculine Monday and we're sharing some great ideas for the dude's in your life.  I had to use the Yee-Haw Photopolymer stamp set for today's card (it's so fun).  I started with Crumb Cake for the cardbase and then added a layer of Lost Lagoon that I embossed with the Big Shot and Woodgrain Embossing Folder (I sponged all over this layer with Crumb Cake ink to help the embossing really pop). 

 

I took a piece of Cajun Craze cardstock and stamped the barb wire image all over using Cajun Craze Ink before distressing the edges with the Stampin' Distress Tool and then sponging all over the cardstock with the same Crumb Cake Ink.  For the main stamped image I stamped the lasso using Soft Suede ink and the "Howdy" is Cajun Craze.  I used Paper Snips to cut around the image and then sponged around the rope with Crumb Cake ink (sensing a theme??).  I added a few pieces of Linen Thread for a fun accent.

 

I make a couple cute accents including the horse shoe (Soft Suede Paper and ink) and the cowboy hat (Crumb Cake Paper, Soft Suede ink and Lost Lagoon Marker for the hat band) before cutting them out with Paper Snips and attaching them to the cardfront with dimensionals.  The greeting was stamped with Lost Lagoon ink, punched out with the Modern Label Punch and then sponged around the edges with Cajun Craze ink and dimensionals help it pop off the page.

 

This set is so fun to play with and has lots of great images for all sorts of projects, give it a try! 

 

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

Stampin' Dimensionals

$3.95

Yee-Haw Photopolymer Stamp Set

$25.95

Big Shot

$99.95

Woodgrain Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

$7.95

Linen Thread

$4.50

Very Vanilla 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

$8.50

Soft Suede 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

$6.95

Cajun Craze 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

$6.95

Mossy Meadow 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$6.95

Modern Label Punch

$16.95

Crumb Cake 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

$6.95

Stampin' Distress Tool

$4.95

Table by StampinBuddy. Try it FREE.

 

Hope you enjoy and have a great day!

 

Diana

Sketch Frenzy Friday Sketch Challenge: Bloom with Hope

Happy Friday!  Looking forward to a beautiful and relaxing weekend, love this time of year.  Today I'm sharing my design team card for this weeks Sketch Frenzy Friday sketch challenge.  This is a great sketch and the designers really came up with some great ideas so I hope you can check them out and play along.  For my card I started with Sahara Sand for the cardbase and added layers of Basic Black cardstock and some DSP from the In Color Designer Series Paper Stack.

For the main stamped image I decided to play with the Blendabilities markers and the Bloom with Hope stamp set.  I stamped the flower in Memento Ink (this is a fabulous black ink and I now use it whenever I need black) and then colored the flower in with Old Olive, Daffodil Delight, and Coastal Cabana Blendabilities markers (it's fun to just relax and color).  I cut out the flower using the Big Shot and the Oval Collections framelits (do you know that these are currently on sale as part of this weeks Weekly Deals, awesome!!!) and cut a matching mat out of Old Olive cardstock.

For the greeting I used the Endless Birthday Wishes Stamp set (did you know that with the photopolymer stamps you can bend them when you attach them to your clear blocks to get different shapes?  I made mine curve along the bottom to match the shape of the oval and stamped it in Daffodil Delight ink.  I added some fun ribbon details, including a bow out of 1/8" Basic Black Taffeta Ribbon and a couple of little flags using the Crushed Curry Chevron Ribbon (it coordinates quite well) and the Natural 5/8" Chevron Ribbon.

This card is lots of fun and sure to brighten someone's day, just because.

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

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

$6.95

Endless Birthday Wishes Photopolymer Stamp Set

$13.95

Bloom With Hope Clear-Mount Stamp Set

$17.00

Stampin' Blendabilities™ Markers Coastal Cabana Assortment

$11.95

Stampin' Blendabilities™ Markers Daffodil Delight Assortment

$11.95

Stampin' Blendabilities™ Markers Old Olive Assortment

$11.95

Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad

$5.95

Basic Black 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon

$5.95

Crushed Curry 3/4" Chevron Ribbon

$8.95

Natural 5/8" Chevron Ribbon

$6.95

Ovals Collection Framelits Die

$26.95

Big Shot

$99.95

Old Olive 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

$6.95

2013-2015 In Color Backgrounds Designer Series Paper Stack

$21.95

Table by StampinBuddy. Try it FREE.

 

Have a wonderful weekend and happy stamping!

Diana