SSINKspiration Mystery Challenge #SSINKMC33: The Open Sea

Good morning!  It was another cold, rainy weekend here (this really is getting old) but at least this was the perfect opportunity to relax at home and spend some time in the studio (time spent creating always makes me happy, and relaxed) and I'm excited to share some of what I came up with.  Today over on the SSINKspiration blog it's time for this month's Mystery Challenge (I always have fun with these) and was able to incorporate 5 of the 6 listed items for this fun, masculine card that is packed full of retiring items getting some last love before we say goodbye at the end of the month.

I started with Lost Lagoon cardstock for the cardbase (this is one of my favorite of the retiring In Colors) and then added a piece of Basic Black cardstock that was embossed with the Big Shot and Elegant Stripes Embossing Folder (retiring).  Next I added a piece of designer series paper from the Going Places Designer Series Paper Stack (retiring) and matted it with Hello Honey cardstock.  I took a piece of Gold Foil Paper and cut it out with the Big Shot and Circles Collection Framelits (retiring) and then embossed it with the Decorative Dots Embossing Folder (retiring).

For the stamped image I used The Open Sea (retiring) stamp set and stamped the ship image on Very Vanilla cardstock using Basic Black ink.  Then I took the log image from the same stamp set over the ship using Crumb Cake ink (I stamped off twice to get a nice light effect) and then cut it out with the Circles Collection Framelits (retiring) and sponged around the edges with Basic Black ink.  For some decorative touches I took a piece of 1 3/8" Burlap Ribbon (retiring) and cut it in half (I actually decided to make two of these cards at the same time so I didn't have any waist left.  Next I took a piece of Hello Honey 5/8" Stitched Cotton Ribbon (retiring) and attached it to the cardfront with Fast Fuse adhesive and then added a couple staples with the Mini Stapler.

The final touch was to add the greeting which is from the And Many More stamp set and after stamping it was punched out with the Word Window Punch (retiring).  I punched a second layer out of Basic Black cardstock to offset behind the greeting.  Dimensionals were used to attached the ship circle and the greeting to the cardfront to finish off the card.

I really love these stamp sets and DSP, they really do make it easy to make masculine cards, which can always be a struggle.  The other design team members are sharing some great cards using the same mystery challenge so go check them out and then come play along and share what you created, can't wait to see it!!

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

Enjoy,

Diana

Proverbial Stampers Color Challenge Meet SSINKspiration Retiring Products: Banner Greetings

Good morning!  So the rain continues here in VA (at least the grass and flowers are certainly enjoying all this water).  I decided I needed to add a little cheer so I decided to use the Proverbial Stampers May Color challenge along with the SSINKspiration blog retiring products to share some great retiring products that I'm going to miss going forward.

I stared with Wisteria Wonder cardstock or the cardbase and then added layers of Whisper White cardstock and then a piece of designer series paper from the Have a Cuppa Designer Series Paper Stack (retiring).  To overlay the DSP I took a piece of Soft Suede cardstock and cut it out using the Big Shot and Hexagon Hive Thinlit Die (retiring) and then stamped all over it with the script image from The Open Sea (retiring) stamp set using Soft Suede ink.

I decided to add a couple banners that were cut with the Big Shot and Banners Framelits, one using Wisteria Wonder cardstock which was embossed with the Decorative Dots Embossing Folder and a second that had the greeting using the Perfect Pennants (retiring) stamp set that was inked up using Stampin' Write Markers and attached to the cardfront with dimensionals.  The final touch was to add a double bow that I tied using Whisper White Baker's Twine.

I had so much fun making this card and both of these stamps sets I've had so much fun with and will definitely be keeping around for future projects.  Make sure to check out the SSINKspiration blog for other ideas the design team is sharing using their favorite retiring products, you'll have fun!

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

Enjoy!

Diana

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Masculine Monday: The Open Sea

Good morning and Happy Monday!  After a wonderfully fun week it's definitely nice to be home.  I'm still on a convention high and have so many great ideas I can't wait to share, but today it's Masculine Monday on the  Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration blog.  The decided to use The Open Sea stamp set, a classic.

I started with Crumb Cake for the cardbase and then added a piece of Mossy Meadow cardstock that was embossed with the Big Shot and the Zig Zag Embossing Folder.  Next I added a piece of Early Espresso DSP from the Neutrals Designer Series Paper Package (and sponged all over with Crumb Cake ink so the white stripes weren't so bright and would add match the Very Vanilla piece I'm using).

I stamped two circles for this card, the first using Very Vanilla cardstock and using the globe image that was stamped in Soft Suede ink, punched out with the 2" Circle Punch and then sponged around the edge with Crumb Cake ink.  I used the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set to stamp the greeting in Mossy Meadow ink.  The second circle uses the journal stamp image and was stamped with Dijon Delight Ink on Dijon Delight cardstock before cutting it out with the Big Shot and the Circle Collection Framelits.  I used Cajun Craze ink to sponge around the edge of this circle.

For some fun accents I started with a little piece of the 1 1/4" Burlap Ribbon, trimmed off both edges and frayed it.  I stamped the anchor image using the Dijon Delight ink on Very Vanilla cardstock and then cut it out with Paper Snips.  The final touch is  little bow using some Early Espresso Baker's Twine.

All the different elements play well with each other to make a great "dude" card.  I did realize it's funny that I made a nautical themed card but didn't use any blues in the it, but that's OK, it's all fun, right?  The other design team members are sharing some fun cards so please, go check them out and see what inspires you for your next guy card!

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 Masculine Monday: The Open Sea

It's the start of another week, I hope your weekend included a little crafting time (mine did which is always relaxing!)  Today on the Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration blog we're sharing lots of great ideas for masculine cards.  These are the cards that we always need but seem to not make as frequently as other styles so our card stashes are always in need of these types of cards.    For my card I went to one of my go-to stamp sets for these cards, The Open Sea (I really like all the different elements in this set which provides lots of possibilities).

 

The cardbase is Crumb Cake and I added a piece of Very Vanilla cardstock that I first stamped with the compass image in Island Indigo ink, then embossed it with the Big Shot and the Stylish Stripes Embossing Folder, and then sponged all over with Crumb Cake ink really help the embossing pop.  Next I stamped the journal log stamp on Very Vanilla cardstock with Crumb cake ink, sponged all over, and then distressed the edges with the distressing tool.  I matted with some Basic Black cardstock that I also distressed.

 

I added the globe image that was stamped with Black Momento Ink on Crumb cake cardstock and punched out with the 2" Circle Punch (and sponged with Crumb Cake Ink, I'm sure you're seeing a trend).  I added a piece if Island Indigo 1/4" Cotton Ribbon and this piece was attached to the card with dimensionals.  For an extra element I added a Basic Black Button (from the Neutrals Button Collection) and tied a bow with Linen Thread.  For the greeting, I used the Remembering Your Birthday stamp set and used my Island Indigo Stampin' Write marker so I just got the text I needed and then punched it out with the Modern Label Punch.

 

I love how the neutral elements work together with just the hints of color and you could certainly use if for all types of special occasions for that special guy in your life.

 

Below are easy ordering links for all the products used on todays card:

2" Circle Punch

$16.95

Stampin' Dimensionals

$3.95

Big Shot

$99.95

Remembering Your Birthday Clear Stamp Set

$17.95

The Open Sea Clear Stamp Set

$18.95

Stylish Stripes Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

$7.95

Modern Label Punch

$16.95

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

$8.50

Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

$6.95

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

$6.95

Neutrals Designer Buttons

$7.95

Linen Thread

$4.50

Island Indigo 1/4" Cotton Ribbon

$5.95

Table by StampinBuddy. Try it FREE.

 

Enjoy and make sure to check out all the other masculine cards the designers are sharing today, I love them all!!

 

Diana

Paper Player Sketch Challenge #143: Sassy Anniversary Greeting

Happy Wednesday, we've made it through the half way of the week.  I was so excited to receive this months My Paper Pumpkin subscription kit, especially the "cheeky" greetings.  While I haven't had an opportunity to make the cards in the kit I saw this great idea of mixing the greetings and knew it would be a perfect anniversary card for my hubby and decided to use the Paper Players sketch challenge for the card.  Instead of doing a serious card I thought I would have fun to let him know how much I love him.

The cardbase is Crumb Cake and then I added a piece of First Edition Speciality DSP (can't believe this is retiring) and I stamped it with the compass image from The Open Sea and sponged the edges with Crumb Cake ink.  Next I took a piece of Real Red Core'dinations cardstock and ran it through the Big Shot with the Hexagon embossing folder and sanded the image to highlight the texture.  The circle is made from the globe from The Open Sea stamp set that was stamped in Crumb Cake and then I added the "seriously" from the Seriously My Paper Pumpkin kit in Not Quite Navy before punching it out with the 2 1/2" circle punch and sponging around the edge with Crumb Cake ink.  I added strips of DSP in Not Quite Navy and Soft Suede for flags.  The greeting is from the same Seriously MPP kit and I just used a Stampin' Write marker to ink the words I wanted to use and used two different stamps to get the "love your booty" greeting.  The final touch was to add a Silver Basic Designer Button with a piece of 1/8" Early Espresso Taffeta ribbon tied in the center.

 

This card is super fun and has some classic elements while still being "edgy," I can't wait to see what Chris thinks of it and this sketch is so fun and open to so many possibilities, I love the flexibility.

 

Happy Stamping,

 

Diana

30-Day Gratitude Card Challenge: Day 15

Good morning friends!  So we're half way through the challenge, are you keeping up?  Today I'm sharing a fun card using a stamp set I just bought, Pursuit of Happiness.  I started with the Soft Suede card base and added a piece of Orchard Harvest designer series paper (love how some of the prints are multi-tasking and just not fall theme.  Then I added a piece of First Edition DSP that I stamp the compass from The Open Sea and then sponged around the edes with Crumb Cake ink.  I added a piece of Chocolate Chip 1 1/4" striped grosgrain ribbon (retired) around the DSP and to create a flag.  Next I ran a piece of Crumb Cake paper through the Big Shot first with the Scallop Square Duo Bigz Die and then embossed it with the Houndstooth embossing folder before sponging the raised texture with Crumb Cake ink.  Next I inked the greeting from Pursuit of Happiness with Stampin' Write markers, stamped and sponged around the edges with Crumb Cake Ink.  The final touch was to add one of the extra large Always Articoke buttons from the Deck the Halls Package (retired but available on the clearance rack) and used linen thread to die a bow in the button. 

 

This card was so fun and I love all the texture, plus it's so versatile, you could simply change the colors and greeting for any occasion.

 

Have a great Thursday!

 

Diana

30-Day Gratitude Card Challenge: Day 13

Good morning peeps!  I'm back again and excited to share today's gratitude card.  This card came together in a snap since I found all the pieces on my desk left over from a swap I made for convention this summer so everything is the same except for the greeting.  I used The Open Sea stamp set to stamp the compass image on the First Edition DSP with Soft Suede ink before sponging around the end with Crumb Cake ink. I added a piece of Soft Suede cardstock that was run through the Big Shot with the Houndstooth embossing folder and the Blue Denim ribbon.   The greeting was stamped with the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set and punched out with the Modern Label punch, then a large oval punch with Night of Navy and then a Soft Suede piece that was cut out with the apothocary framelits.  The final touch was a couple metallic brads.

 

This is definately a more manly card and it's great to use up those odd and end scraps laying around, so don't be afraid to use those little items you already cut, stamped, etc.

 

Have a great day!

 

Diana

 

 

Convention Swaps: Day 5

It's been non-stop fun and laughter these last few days and I can't wait for our closing ceremony this afternoon, we're expecting a new announcement and I'm on my toes with anticipation.  Today I'm sharing a card for a masculine swap I participated (we always need more manly card ideas).  This card uses the Bring on the Cake stamp set. This card uses Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, and Not Quite Navy as the foundation colors.  I also the First Edition Speciality DSP and stamped the compass image from The Open Sea set before sponging the edges.  I also used the Houndstooth Embossing Folder and Denim Jean Ribbon.  The greeting is punched with the Decorative Label punch and matted on a piece cut with the apothocary accent framelits and popped up with dimensionals.

This card was a big hit during the swap.  I'll admit I love how this card turned out but after making 76 of them I'm not in any rush to make them anytime soon, but I know I'll make it again.

Have a happy Saturday!

Diana

The Open Sea, With a Vintage Twist!

Good morning!  I don't know about you but I'm so happy it's Friday, I'm definately doing the "happy dance."  Today I wanted to share the second project we made at last weeks Vintage Technique class.  I wanted to have a card that was more masculine and The Open Sea stamp set was perfect!  We started with a piece of Crumb Cake cardstock that we ran through the Big Shot with the striped embossing folder to create the horizontal lines.  Next we took the solid stamp from the Distressing Essentials kit and the tea stain ink spot and swiped it across the stripes. 

Next we stamped the ledger image repeatedly with Soft Suede ink on Very Vanilla cardstock.  Then we crumpled the paper in a ball and smoothed it out so it's all wrinkled.  The next step was to use the same solid stamp with the blue ink spot and rubbed it over the top so the blue only got on the "high points" of the cardstock.  Next we spritzed the cardstock with water and  crumbled it back up again.  The next step was to use a stamping sponge with the tea stain ink and rubbed the cardstock in circles so it got all smudged.  We used the cutter kit to distress the edges of the cardstock and then used circle file also in the distressing kit to create tears randomly in the paper, including seperating the cardstock in one of the corners and curled the top layer around the file for added dimension. 

After adhering the pieces of cardstock together we wrapped a piece of blue 3/8" denim ribbon around the paper and then used another piece of ribbon and a metallic brad to create the little flags.  The edges of the ribbon were really easy to distress just using my finger and rubbing it along the edge. 

The accent piece was created by stamping the globe image with Crumb Cake ink on Very Vanilla and then stamped the boat in Not Quite Navy ink before punching it out with a 2 1/2" circle punch.  We once again used the cutter kit to distress around the edge of the circle, crumpled it up and then used a sponge and Crumb Cake ink to swirl ink on the image.  We also punched out a piece of Soft Suede cardstock with the decorative label punch, distressed the edges with the cutter kit and cut it in half so we could add a piece to each side of the circle.  We used dimensionals to adhere the circle to the card so it really "popped."

This card was a big hit with the ladies and lots of fun to make.  We didn't add a greeting but at this point I'm thinking this will be a perfect father's day card, love it!

Happy stamping,

Diana

The Open Sea - Sketch Challenge

What a crazy week!  What started out as a nice relaxing family vacation at the beach ended up with an earthquake, evacuation of our beach home, and hunkering down for a hurrican at home.  Through it all we managed to have some fun and stay safe which was the most important thing.  Given the events of the week when I saw this weeks Stamping 411 challenge I immediately knew I needed to use The Open Sea stamp set.  Not only will we be saying goodbye to this stamp set this week but it just seemed perfect for all that's been going on.

The card is pretty simple so I'm just going to list the items used:
  - The Open Sea Stamp Set
  - 2 3/8" Scallop Circle Punch
  - Nautical Expedition DSP
  - Brads
  - Petal Cone Die and Big Shot
  - Paper:  Sahara Sand, Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler, Not Quite Navy
  - Ink:  Cherry Cobbler, Not Quite Navy, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso

Now check out the original sketch design.  This card turned out exactly as I pictured and I'm going to miss this stamp set, it was one of my favorites for the Occasions Mini Catalog. 

Well, it's back to work and the real work for us...looking forward to the Labor Day holiday next weekend!

Have a great week!

Diana

Convention is Awesome!

Happy Friday!

We are having such a great time this week and can’t believe how fast the time has flown. I wanted to drop and show 2 quick cards I made for swaps this week.

The first is a Christmas card that uses the Greeting Card Kids and Bells and Boughs stamp set. I embossed the front of the card (Cherry Cobbler) with the Petals-a-Plenty embossing folder and then took my Chocolate Chip marker to highlight the centers of each of the flowers so they can look like Poinsettias. The main image was stamped with Black Staz-on ink and then colored in with a Blender pen and classic ink pads. I punched the image out with the 2 ½” circle punch and then matted on a piece of Baja Breeze cardstock cut out with the Scallop Circle #2 Die. I did run the scallop circle through the Big Shot with the Perfect Polka Dot Embossing Folder. I did add a bow with the Chocolate Chip Polka Dot Scallop Ribbon to the front.

Now this is a fun fold card in that it is a try pod, check it from the side. The inside has a piece of Whisper White cardstock that is stamped in Old Olive with the Bells and Boughs stamp set. Then the greeting is stamped in Chocolate Chip and punched out with the Decorative Label punch. Lots of sponging around the layers and the cards all set.
So pretty, this little girl is so sweet!

The second card uses the Word Play stamp set. This is a fun swap in that everyone participating is using the same stamp set to provide lots of great ideas! I used the globe image from The Open Sea Stamp set and stamped it off before stamping on Whisper White cardstock so it’s very subtle. Then I stamped the greeting in Not Quite Navy. I stamped the same image on a scrap of paper with Cherry Cobbler ink and then punched out the little globe with the ½” circle punch before attaching it with a dimensional for it pops. I also used the Nautical Expedition DSP and the Cherry Cobbler Baker’s twine for a more manly touch. Last but not least I used the paper piecer to punch dots in two of the corners of the card base.

This is very similar to the father’s day card I made for Chris this year but I thought it was too cute not to share.
I’m having so much fun this week, I can’t seem to stop smiling and hope you are having a great week as well.

Take care!

Diana

A Father's Day Card - Just in the Nick of Time!

Happy Monday!


We had a great weekend this weekend with friends. We hosted our annual neighborhood BBQ this Saturday and had a blast with our friends and neighbors which was a great way to kickoff summer (complete with a fire and smores in the evening!) The only downside to this full day is that I was a little behind in making Chris’ card for father’s day so I had to whip one up Sunday morning. Robin Merriman had made a great card last week that I really liked so I decided to CASE it, check Robin’s card out HERE.

This card highlights the Word Play and The Open Sea stamp set. I stamped the globe with Basic Grey ink that was stamped off for a lighter image. Then I stamped the words from Word Play with Not Quite Navy ink directly on top of the globe. I used Cherry Cobbler ink to stamp the words a on a scrap piece of paper so I could punch out the little globe with the ¾” circle punch which was then popped up with a dimensional. This piece was matted with a piece of Not Quite Navy cardstock. Next I matted a piece of Nautical Expedition DSP on Not Quite Navy (this corner piece was perfect with the palm trees. I wrapped a piece of Whisper White/Cherry Cobbler Baker’s Twine around the DSP and then tied a bow.

The final touch was to stamp a father’s day greeting from the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set in Cherry Cobbler, punched it out with the Modern Label Punch, and sponged the edges with Not Quite Navy ink before attaching it with dimensionals.
The card turned out great and Chris loved it, even if the ink was barely dry when I gave it to him!  Hope you all had a special father's day with your loved one's as well.

Sketch Challenge - The Open Sea

 Good evening!  So I must admit while I'm enjoying the break in the thunderstorms we've been having I'm not ready for the humidity this early in the season (at 6:00 AM this morning when I was walking there was 96% humidity, ugh!) but considering the weather in other parts of the country I'll deal with the rain and humidity.  For this weeks Stamping 411 challenge, I wanted to make a masculine card, perfect for father's day.  

This card uses The Open Sea stamp set and  

the Nautical Expedition DSP.  This card is pretty straight forward but has lots of layers and textures, love it!  Now check out the sketch we were provided.

Hope you enjoy and have a great week!

Happy Stamping,

Diana