Sketch Frenzy Friday Sketch Challenge & SSI Occasions Bundles: You Plus Me

Happy Friday peeps!  We’ve almost reached the end of the work week so let the fun begin, along with the usual family activities I have card class on Sunday that is always lots of fun and Aidan has a sleepover on Saturday, which means date night for mommy and daddy (whoo hoo!!!)  Before we get going with all that it’s time to share this weeks Sketch Frenzy Friday sketch challenge card.  This was a unique layout for me and I decided to combine it with the post we have over on the Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration blog focusing on the product bundles in the 2015 Occasions catalog.  I decided to us the Stacked with Love bundle and You Plus Me stamp set but I wanted to change things up and not make a Valentine’s card (I know!!!) so I decided to make an Anniversary card.

I started with Smoky Slate for the cardbase and then added a piece of Pistachio Pudding cardstock that was embossed with the Big Shot and the Decorative Dots Embossing Folder.  Next I added two pieces of DSP from the Stacked with Love Designer Series Paper Stack, as well as a piece of Silver Glimmer Paper. For the stamped piece I used the You Plus Me stamp set and stamped the ampersand in Crisp Cantaloupe and the little hearts in Black Memento Ink before cutting it out with the Big Shot and Oval Collection Framelits before attaching it to the cardfront with dimensionals.  For the greeting I used the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set and punched it out with the Word Window Punch and then matted it with Crisp Cantaloupe that was punched out with the Modern Label Punch.

I’ll admit this card turned out a bit more feminine than I had intended but love how all the different colors, patterns, and shapes play off each other.  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.

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

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

 
Have an enjoyable Friday and hope you get some crafting time!

Diana

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Blog: Valentine's Cards and Gifts Tags

Good morning!  With Valentine’s Day less than two weeks away the designers over on the Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration blog want to help you out with any last minute cards and gift packing you need to help your loved one’s feel special on the holiday so we’re sharing lots of ideas to spark your creativity.  I’m still working on a few items (thankfully I finished Aidan’s class gifts last weekend, he just needs to write the names on them).  I have two things I’m sharing with you today, a card and a coordinating gift tag that are so fun.

 I’ll start with the card, I decided to double things up and used the sketch challenge over on the Mojo Monday blog as the inspiration for this card.  I used Crumb Cake for the cardbase and then added a layer of Calypso Coral cardstock that I embossed with the Big Shot and Happy Hearts Embossing Folder.  Next I added two different pieces of DSP from the Stacked with Love Designer Series Paper stack and added some gold sequins from the Gold Sequin Trim in the top right corner of one piece for some added detail (I will admit I may have added a few to many, I just couldn’t stop, you know how it goes?)  Next I added a piece of 5/8” Natural Chevron Trim Ribbon and Calypso Coral Chevron Ribbon for some fun flags and texture.  The greeting is from the You Plus Me stamp set and I stamped it with Memento Ink on Calypso Coral cardstock before punching it out with the 1 ¾” Circle Punch.  Of course I needed a little more bling so I punched out a circle of Gold Glimmer Paper with the 2” Circle Punch to make the mat and attached it to the cardfront with dimensionals.  This card is nice and fun but since it has playful colors it doesn’t necessary scream Valentine’s so you could always use it for an Anniversary or other occasion to let someone know you’re thinking of them.

So another project I’m working on right now is gifts for Aidan’s teachers, he’s decided he just wanted to bake some cookies to give as a yummy treat.  So we can’t make those quite yet (well actually I made up some chocolate chip cookie dough, added Valentine’s M&M’s and then scooped the dough and froze it in balls so the mess is already made, we’ll just need to pop them on the cookie sheet and bake right before we give them, AWESOME!) but we can start working on the packaging for the cookies so it’s not a last minute project and super cute.  We’re going to put the cookies in cello bags and tie some ribbon so I wanted to make gift tags to attach to the cookies.  For this I used the Big Shot and On Film Framelits to cut some Crumb Cake cardstock.  Next I added another piece of DSP from the Stacked with Love Designer Series Paper stack and attached it to the tag and trimmed off the edges.  I also added a piece of Washi Tape from the coordinating Stacked with Love Designer Washi Tape.  The greeting is from the January Paper Pumpkin Kit and I just stamped with Memento Ink.  The heart is from the Groovy Love stamp set and was stamped in Real Red ink on Whisper White cardstock before punching it out with the Sweetheart Punch (it’s on sale this week as part of the Weekly Deals!!) and attached it to the tag with dimensionals.  As you know I have to have bling so I added a small heart that I had sitting on my desk from another project that was punched out of Champagne Shimmer Paper with the heart punch from the Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack and attached it with a dimensional as well.

I love how cute the tag turned out and Aidan can write on the back of the tag so they’re all ready to attach to the cookies and deliver to his teachers (always love when we can get projects finished ahead of time!!)

Make sure to check out all the other great cards and projects the design team is sharing for ideas to help with all your Valentine’s holiday crafting needs.

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

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

 

Take care and enjoy!

Diana

Creative Crew Blog Hop: Sheltering Tree

I'm so excited this evening! 

I've been nominated by my talented friend Andi Potler over at the Absolute Kreations by Andi Blog to participate in the Creative Crew Blog Hop.  Andi is a fellow RemARKable Stamper that I’ve had the honor of meeting at a few past SU! events as well as being online friends and I love her layouts and fabulous color combinations.  Thanks for the nomination Andi, I’m very honored! 

The rules of this Blog Hop are:
1) to create a project exclusive to the Creative Crew Blog Hop
2) answer a few questions and then
3) to nominate (2) people who inspire me.

I’ll start with my card because it’s a cheery one, certain to brighten up your winter day.  I started with Pear Pizzaz for the cardbase and then added a piece of DSP from the Stacked with Love Designer Series Paper Stack (love that one side of the DSP has Valentine’s type colors and the reverse is all black and white so you can use it for other things!)  Next I took a piece of Whisper White cardstock and stamped the tree from the Sheltering Tree stamp set (I just got it and had to give it a try).  This is a two-step stamp so it’s really easy to stamp each element a different color and since this is a photopolymer set you can easily see exactly where you’re stamping.  The tree stock and branches is Chocolate Chip and the leaves are Crisp Cantaloupe (I stamped twice without reinking for some lighter shades) as this reminds me of the Cherry Blossom trees that will be blooming this spring.  The grass is stamped with Pear Pizzaz and uses a different stamp in the set.  I decided to frame the tree to look like a picture so I used the Big Shot, On Film Framelits and some Gold Cardstock for a fun frame (with just the right amount of bling!)

I took a few pieces of Thick Baker’s Twine in Crisp Cantaloupe and Pistachio Pudding to tie the bow and attached it with a glue dot.  The greeting is from the Remembering Your Birthday stamp set and was stamped in Pear Pizzaz Ink on Whisper White cardstock and then cut out with the Big Shot and the Project Life Framelits.  I did sponge around the edge of the greeting with Calypso Coral ink before attaching it to the cardfront with dimensionals.

This card really came together quickly but still as enough “umph” to really make someone smile when they see it (this card will be heading off in the mail for a friend shortly, it’s always better when you can spread the joy my mailing the card we make instead of hording them!!)

Now, to answer the questions:

1)  What are you working on?
Currently, I'm working on finishing up my Valentine’s projects includes gift tags for the Aidan’s teachers gifts (we’re going to bake yummy cookies and of course they need to have fun packaging) as well as finishing up the designs for this weekends card class. 

2) How does your work differ from others in your genre?
Boy this is a tough one….I think I really like basic styles that don’t go way over board and anytime I can add some bling I will (love me some glitter and glitz!!!)  I love to emboss pretty much everything I can and add lots of texture to projects that will help catch your eye.  I’ve told friends I have a really hard time with the “vintage” look but do try to put my spin on it.

3) Why do you create what you do?
I absolute love crafting and creating, it’s so much fun to see what you can make using paper, ink, glue, ribbon, and of course glitter  and see how I can brighten someone’s day with a handmade card or gift.  I also love memory keeping so I enjoy documenting memories of my family and all our adventures and experiences so we can remember them for years to come, be it Project Life, My Digital Studio, or traditional scrapbooking I enjoy it all and it all has a place to fit into my quirky life.  I also find that crafting is very calming too me and I can definitely tell when I’m not able to get in the studio as frequently as I would like since I usually feel more stressed (there are frequently times Chris and Aidan ask me if I’m going to work in the studio so that can be my clue it’s time for some “crafting therepy”!  I also love to see the join someone feels when they’re creating something and can just release and have fun in the process.

4) How does your creative process work?
When I’m making something for someone specific I really try to think about the recipient and tailor my project to that person, their tastes, and our relationship.  Otherwise I usually just grab one item and let it be my starting point and see where things go, very freestyle.  I really try to create lots of different things that will appeal to different peoples interests as well as challenging myself as a crafters.   

Here are my nominees:

My super creative friend (and running buddy) Cynthia Richards over on the Ink-a-Doodle Creations - she inspires me with her creativity and fun (and we share several mutual interests) - love this lady and her stuff!

My birthday buddy and friend Maria Pane over at Stampin and Scrappin with Ri Ri because of her beautiful style and love of scrapbooking (her family and Luigi are so cute!) that it motivates me to remember the simple things that make our lives special and beautiful and I love her style. 

If they elect to play - their creations will be posted on Monday, February 9th! Be sure to visit their blogs and check them out.

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

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

 

Enjoy the rest of your evening,
 

Diana

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Color Sketch: Big on You

 Happy Monday!  WOW what a great day yesterday.  Had a great stamping class in the afternoon, boy was the paper, ink and glitter flying as we made Valentine's with the kiddos and then the big game (I love when the games are close and this was a fun one, even for non-football fans).  Now it's time to get started with the new week, so what better way to start that when this month's color challenge over on the Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration blog.  I love color challenges as they really help get you to try new things that you wouldn't normally consider.  This is a big time for birthday's for my family and friends so I decided to use this challenge for friends birthday card.

I started with Tangelo Twist for the cardbase and then added a piece of Crumb Cake cardstock that was embossed with the Big Shot and the Modern Mosaic Embossing Folder.  For some extra fun I used the Mosaic Madness stamp set to stamp an image inside each of the embossed shapes using the Coastal Cabana ink.

The greeting is from the Big on You stamp set and is stamped on Whisper White cardstock with Tangelo Twist ink before matting it with Coastal Cabana cardstock (this stamp set is so awesome since you can really let your greeting be the focus and make cute cards in a flash).  The final touch was to add a bow tied with the Coastal Cabana Thick Baker's Twine (I actually use two pieces of the Baker's Twine for a double bow).

This card such fun colors and you could use them for either a boy or girl card so they are super versatile.  Make sure to go check out the other cards the design team is sharing for inspiration, they are awesome and come play along and share what you come up with.

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 enjoy!

Diana

Can You Case it? Design Team - Sketch Challenge CYCI #55

Good morning and Hello February!  February is always an exciting for our family, with Valentine's and Aidan's birthday it's full of celebrations so I can't wait for the fun to begin.  Of course we'll be watching the big game tonight an I have some fun crafting planned in the afternoon so I can't wait.  With the fun starting the month off I can't wait to get started, but first I wanted to share my design team card for this weeks Can You Case It? sketch Challenge. 

I decided to use lots of fun Sale-a-bration products for this card so it all coordinates perfectly (I love that I earned most of these items for FREE and they all were designed to go together so there's no work for me).  I started with Soft Suede cardstock for the cardbase and then added a piece of Coastal Cabana cardstock that I stamped on the background using the Best Day Ever stamp set.  Next I used a piece of the Best Day Ever Designer Series Paper and matted it with Calypso Coral cardstock.  I wrapped a piece of Crushed Curry Baker's Twine around the DSP layer and then added a Calypso Coral button from the Best Day Ever Accessory kit.


The greeting is also from the Best Day Ever stamp set and I used Stampin' Write Markers to color directly on the stamp using Whisper White cardstock.  The greeting was punched out with the Extra Large Oval Punch and then matted with some Soft Suede cardstock that was punched out with the Decorative Label Punch.  I use dimensionals to attach the greeting to the cardfront.

This sketch is a classic and so useful.  The other designers have created some fabulous cards using the same sketch so you should definitely go check them out for additional inspiration before playing along with us.

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!

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

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Wedding Cards: Big News

Good morning!  Are you still digging out of snow where you live?  Snow for us was a bust, but that beats the alternative so I'm not complaining.  Today over on the  Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration blog it's all about weddings and that's sure to cheer up anyone this time of year.  I don't make wedding cards often but it's always nice to have some in my card stash ready to go when the need arises (or I have a friend who needs a wedding card).  I did use color on my card that definitely can go along with the snowy feel that so many are dealing with. 

For the cardbase I stared with Smoky Slate cardstock and then added a piece of Coastal Cabana cardstock that I embossed with the Big Shot and Stylish Stripes Embossing Folder and then wrapped a piece of Silver 5/8" Satin Ribbon around the cardfront for a touch of elegance.  The greeting is from the Big News stamp set and this one is AWESOME!!!  It has stamps for just about any occasion so you're all set.   I stamped the text in Coastal Cabana and Basic Black ink before cutting it out with the Big Shot and the Apothocary Accents Framelits.  I sponged around the edges with Smoky Slate ink and then added a couple of pearls to the corners of the greeting layer to really help dress the card up for the occasion.  The final touch was to add a Lace Paper Doily to the back of the greeting layer (I cut the doily in half and then attached each piece of the greeting layer so it would cover both the top and bottom.  You'll notice there is some space between the greeting and the doily, I actually used dimensionals between the layers for some extra texture.

I really like these soft, springy colors, perfect to help lift you out of  winter funk and help celebrate a joyous occasion.  Make sure to check out the other cards the design team is sharing, they're beautiful!

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 enjoy!

Diana

Sale-a-bration Paper Pumpkin Style...

For the first time ever, Stampin' Up! has lowered the price of the 3 month prepaid subscription. During Sale-A-Bration (January 6-March 31) you  can save money and instantly qualify for a FREE product!

 

 

Why did we choose to discount the 3 month subscription? Because all good things come in threes! Here are three things we know you'll love.

1. Save $5.00 on your subscription.
2. The price point instantly qualifies for a FREE Sale-A-Bration product.
3. Skip to the fun for three months with all the stamps, ink, and paper ready to go for amazing papercrafting projects.  

137859 Three month Prepaid Paper Pumpkin Subscription was $59.85, now on sale for $54.85!

Watch this quick video to see what comes in a Paper Pumpkin Box!

  

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Masculine Monday Mash Up: Amazing Birthday

Happy Monday!  What a great relaxing weekend (I love those) and were starting the week off with a new snow storm and while it's not supposed to be nearly as bad for us as others, we'll see how it goes.  It's time for Masculine Monday over on the Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration and I always love these posts or all the great "dude" inspiration that's so fun and I decided to combine it with the Proverbial Stampers January sketch challenge (doubling up for double the fun!).  There's also some great new products that really help with these types of cards, especially the Adventure Bound Designer Series Paper Stack (love the realistic graphic images!).  I started with Crumb Cake for the cardbase and then added a piece of Always Artichoke cardstock that was embossed with the Big Shot and Alphabet Press Embossing Folder (after embossing I sponged all over the cardstock with Crumb Cake ink to really help make the embossing pop.  Next I added a piece of the Adventure Bound Designer Series Paper Stack, this brick pattern is fun.  I used the Big Shot and Woodgrain Embossing Folder to emboss a piece of Early Espresso cardstock.

 

For the stamped image I started with Very Vanilla cardstock and stamped the chevron woodgrain print from the Truly Grateful stamp set with Crumb Cake ink and then sponged all around the edges.  The greeting is from the Amazing Birthday stamp set and I used Stampin' Write Markers (in Cajun Craze, Early Espresso, and Always Artichoke).  For even more texture I added a piece of Natural 5/8" Chevron Ribbon. I trimmed of the edges of the ribbon and pulled some strands to distress it, tied a knot in the middle and then attached it so the chevron pattern wasn't showing (this ribbon is so versatile, love it!!!)

This card has so much texture and dimension, I just want to touch it.  Make sure to check out all the other design team cards, I've seen some of them and they are awesome.  You'll definitely be adding some of these to your CASE it list.



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

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Have a great day, be safe and enjoy!

Diana

Can You Case it? Design Team - Designers Choice CYCI #54

Good morning!  We're enjoying a great weekend, even if our "snow event" turned out to be a non-event, we'll have to see about the next one.  Today I have some very exciting news...as you may recall a few weeks ago I was invited to be a guest designer over on the Can You Case It? blog, this is a great group of talented ladies and I had fun playing along.  Well today I get to announced that I've joined their design team which means you'll be getting new inspiration every Sunday morning with this great challenge site.  For the first weeks challenge we were given the freedom to use any products and layouts we wanted so we had a lot of freedom.  Of course, this time of year I decided to make a Valentine's card using the Groovy Love stamp set (we actually made this card in this month's Just Cards class.  I have a lot of guys in my life so you need Valentine's cards that don't have lots of girly colors.  I started with Island Indigo cardstock for the cardbase and then added a layer of Crumb Cake cardstock that was embossed with the Big Shot and the Happy Heart Embossing Folder. 

Next I added a piece of Typeset Speciality Designer Series Paper for the newsprint look (this is a great package of DSP as it has lots of different prints that are neutral to work with lots of different types of projects).  Next I took a piece of Very Vanilla cardstock and Stamped the heart image from the Groovy Love stamp set (in the middle) using Island Indigo ink before punching it out with the Sweetheart Punch.  I used both pieces, the stamped heart was attached to the card and then I took the framed piece, sponged around the edge with Island Indigo ink and tied a bow around one of the edges with a  piece of Island Indigo 1/4" Cotton Ribbon before attaching it to the cardfront with dimensionals on all four corners to provide a shadowbox effect.  I added a couple more hearts using the Gold Glimmer Paper and the heart Punch from the Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack.  The greeting is from the same stamp set and since I made this card for Aidan I thought the "born to be loved" sentiment was perfect.  I stamped it with Memento Ink on Island Indigo cardstock before cutting it out with the Big Shot and Itty Bitty Banners Framelits and attached it to the cardfront with dimensionals.

I had a lot of fun making this card and can't wait to give it to my little man.  Make sure to check out the other design team cards, there wonderful and you'll get lots of fun, fresh ideas.  Then play along and share what you made so we all can enjoy!

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

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Enjoy the rest of your weekend and be safe!

Diana

Sketch Frenzy Friday Sketch Challenge: Hip Notes

It’s Friday again my friends and it sounds like we’re going to potentially have an interesting one if the weather has it’s way (they’ve mentioned the SNOW word that has Aidan very excited!)  I will also have a very exciting announcement on Sunday so you’ll have to make sure to check back on the weekend.  Before then, it’s Friday, which means it’s time for our weekly Sketch Frenzy Friday Sketch challenge.  This week we were given a really fun layout that once I again I choose to highlight some great designer series paper we have (and best all, it’s FREE right now during Sale-a-bration with a qualifying order, yeah!!!)  I started with Calypso Coral for the cardbase and then added a piece of Sahara Sand cardstock.  The greeting is stamped down at the bottom and uses the Hip Notes stamp set (this stamp can be used for several occasions, in this case it’s a birthday card for a friend) and was stamped in Soft Suede ink.  The DSP is from the Best Day Ever Designer Series Paper package (this paper has such great colors and prints it’s perfect to get us ready and with matching accessories and stamps, all that you can get for FREE, what’s not to love?)  So I added three strips of the DSP to a piece of Soft Suede cardstock before attaching it to the cardfront.

The final touch was to add three little flowers that I punched out with the Petite Petals Punch using Calypso Coral, Coastal Cabana, and Crushed Curry cardstock, embossed them with the Big Shot and Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder.  I used a bone folder to help curl the petals of the flowers before attaching them to the card with glue dots.  To add a little somthin-somethin to the card I added rhinestones to the centers of two of the flowers and a bow made from the Baked Brown Sugar Think Baker’s Twine to the center flower (I actually had that bow tied from another project that didn’t work out so it was perfect!)

I love you we have so many great accessories that you can make a quick card with very minimal stamping that will still grab your attention!  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 an enjoyable Friday and hope you get some crafting time!

Diana

Stylin' Stampin' INKpiration Scrapbook Sketch Challenge: Christmas Memories

Good morning!  Another great weekend and boy were those some interesting games yesterday to set up the teams playing in Super Bowl in a couple weeks.  The boys are enjoying an extended holiday to celebrate MLK Jr. Day while I have to work (I must admit I'm a little jealous!!)  I did take timeout from all the activities to hop onto My Digital Studio to make my layout for his months Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration scrapbook sketch challenge.  This time we were given a two page layout so I thought it would be perfect for our Christmas Day pictures.  It was such a great fun, and relaxing family day and it was fun to relive all the memories while making these pages.

 

 Here's the sketch we were given and I stayed pretty true to the layout.  I created one page with all the elements and then just created a mirror image of the page so I didn't have to create the second page from scratch (super easy).  The other designers are sharing some alternate ideas using this layout so make sure to go check them out and then play along (I'm sure you have some pictures that are just waiting to get added to a page to preserve your memories).

 Below are the details on the elements used on these pages:

Page 1 Supply ListEmbellishments
    Cherry Cobbler Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon\Cherry Cobbler Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon - flag
    Burlap Ribbon\Burlap Ribbon - flag
    Natural Designer Buttons\Naturals Designer Buttons - small dark 2

Stamps
    _Designer Kits\Candlelight Christmas\Candlelight Christmas - overlay pinecones, Color = SOFT SUEDE 124,103,74
    _Designer Kits\Daily December Memories\Daily December Memories - christmas, Color = 77,56,50
    _Designer Kits\12 Days of Christmas\12 Days of Christmas - holiday memories, Color = 230,WATERMARK 255,255,255

Punches
    1.25 Square Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper\_Designer Kits\Holiday Harmony II - designer series paper\Holiday Harmony II - 12
    1.25 Square Punch, Fill Color = 225,225,224
    1.25 Square Punch, Fill Color = 225,225,224
    1.25 Square Punch, Fill Color = 225,225,224
    Extras\Embark Graduate - punches\Embark Graduate - banner 2,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper\_Designer Kits\Holiday Harmony II - designer series paper\Holiday Harmony II - 8

Page 2 Supply ListEmbellishments
    Cherry Cobbler Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon\Cherry Cobbler Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon - flag
    Burlap Ribbon\Burlap Ribbon - flag
    Natural Designer Buttons\Naturals Designer Buttons - small dark 2

Stamps
    _Designer Kits\Candlelight Christmas\Candlelight Christmas - overlay pinecones, Color = SOFT SUEDE 124,103,74
    #hashthis\#hashthis - lovehim, Color = 230,WATERMARK 255,255,255
    _Designer Kits\See Ya Next Year\See Ya Next Year - best buds, Color = 230,WATERMARK 255,255,255

Punches
    1.25 Square Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper\_Designer Kits\Holiday Harmony II - designer series paper\Holiday Harmony II - 12
    Extras\Embark Graduate - punches\Embark Graduate - banner 2,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper\_Designer Kits\Holiday Harmony II - designer series paper\Holiday Harmony II - 8

Enjoy and have a great day!

Diana

Sketch Frenzy Friday Sketch Challenge: You Plus Me

Good morning and Happy Friday!  How have you survived the week?  This week continues to provide lots of excitement to start the new year, hoping for some extra rest (and crafting time this weekend).  Before the weekend gets started it's time for the Sketch Frenzy Friday sketch challenge and we were given a great one this week.  I have to admit one of the things I like best about sketch challenges is that it helps get you outside of your normal layouts and gives you a jumping off place for your projects so things are always fun and exciting.   Of course I'm still all over Valentine's right now so I've got another one for you today.

I started with Smoky Slate for the cardbase and added a piece of DSP from the Stacked with Love Designer Series Paper Stack.  You'll notice all my layers have round corners today, I used the Project Life Corner Rounder Punch and it was so easy (this really is a must have punch even if your not into the Project Life system).  Next I added a piece of Coastal Cabana cardstock that was embossed with the Big Shot and Happy Hearts Embossing Folder.  I layered that with a piece of Basic Black cardstock that I punched with the Confetti Hearts Border Punch and layered a piece of Silver Glimmer Paper behind (a great way to just add a little sparkle to your projects!


For the greeting I used the You Plus Me stamp set (awesome set!!) used my Stampin' Write Markers to color it in before stamping on Smoky Slate cardstock and punching it out with the Scalloped Oval Punch, sponged around the edge with Coastal Cabana ink and then attached it to the cardfront with dimensionals.  For a final touch I added a bow that I tied with Basic Black Baker's Twine and I used two pieces of twine in my bow for a bigger effect.  I used a Glue Dot to attach the bow (they are perfect for attaching embellishments to cards and they don't move.)

I have to admit I whipped this card up pretty quickly but love how it turned out, it also doesn't have any pink so it will work for the "dudes" in my life.  I really love sending cards to friends and family and when you can give one you made it makes it even more special.  I can help you make Valentine's cards (or any occasion) for your loved ones, just ask me!

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

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Card Sketch Challenge: Remembering Your Birthday

Happy Monday!  We had a great weekend that was really busy with lots of family fun that's always great.  We also enjoyed the break in cold weather, even if it was just for a day.  Today it's time for the monthly card sketch over on the Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration blog.  We were given a really fun sketch challenge this month and I used it for a birthday card I needed this month.

I started with Island Indigo cardstock for the cardbase and then added a piece of Going Gray card stock that was embossed with the Big Shot and Chevron Embossing Folder.  Next I took a piece of Gold Foil Paper and cut half  a circle out with the Big Shot and Circle Collection Framelits.  Then I used the Little Letters Thinlits Dies to cut out the H and B and used the negative image for my card.

I added a piece of Island Indigo Chevron Ribbon as an accent.  The greeting is from the Remembering Your Birthday stamp set, it was stamped in Island Indigo ink on Whisper White cardstock and then cut out with the Itty Bitty Framelits (and then I sponged around the edge with Basic Gray ink).

This card really turned out great, I love it's simplicity and since my friend with the birthday is a guy it's a perfect "dude" card.  The other designers came up with some great cards for inspiration so please check them out on the blog and then come play along and see what you can come up with.










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

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Enjoy and have a great week!

Diana

Can You Case It Color Challenge: Guest Designer

Good morning!  We're looking forward to a beautiful Sunday and a little break from the cold before the next drop happens tomorrow so we'll be taking down our outdoor Christmas lights and getting my long run in to enjoy.  I recently was honored to be contacted by the Can You Case It? challenge blog an was asked to be their guest designer this week for their color challenge this week which was based on a card I shared in November, so exciting!  This is a great group of designers and it's fun to play along with them this week.  As you know I'm all into Valentine's projects right now and there is a fun little set that was released in the main Idea Book back in June but I didn't get it before recently but it's cheeky and perfect for right now, a little humor is always fun.

I started with Crumb Cake for the card base and then added a piece of Pool Party Cardstock that I punched along the edge with the Confetti Hearts Border Punch (this new punch is awesome!!!).  Behind the hearts I added a strip of Gold Glimmer Paper for sparkly little hearts and then tied a piece of Gold Baker's Twine around the cardstock.  Before attaching the cardfront to the cardbase I used the Paper Piercer and the Essentials Paper Piercer Pack to punch a heart shape.

I used the Groovy Love stamp set to stamp two heart shapes, the animal print on Crumb Cake cardstock with Crumb Cake ink and a second with the heart outline with Pool Party ink on Very Vanilla cardstock.  Both hearts were punched out with the Sweetheart Punch.  The greeting ("You Make my Heart go Boom Boom" I love it!!!!) is from the same stamp set and is heat embossed with the Heat Tool and Gold Embossing Powder using Versamark Ink.  I used a dimensional to attach the Vanilla heart to the cardfront.

I have to admit this card turned out so pretty and whimsical at the same time and I know my sweetie will enjoy it!  You should definitely go check out the other cards the design team created using the same colors and then play along, you'll really enjoy it!

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

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Diana

Sketch Frenzy Friday Sketch Challenge: Memorable Moments

 Happy Friday peeps!  I don’t know about you but I’m certainly ready for the weekend…I’ve been working on getting rid of this bug that just won’t seem to go away so I’m hoping for a little rest along with all the family fun we have planned, including Pinewood Derby, Basketball games, etc.  Before I get started on all the weekend fun, it’s time for our weekly Sketch Frenzy FridaySketch challenge.  This week we were given a great basic layout that we could really play with.   We recently celebrated a couple of friends milestone birthdays so I decided to use this sketch for one of the cards (and had to wait until I gave the card in order to share it!)

I started with Blushing Bride for the cardbase and then added a piece of Lost Lagoon cardstock that was embossed with the Big Shot and the Beautifully Baroque Embossing Folder.  Next I added a piece of DSP from the Flower Pot Designer Series Paper Pack (I used the DSP Blushing Bride Chevron Ribbon behind my stamped accent piece.  For the stamped piece I used the Memorable Moments stamp set to stamp the greeting so I could personalize it for my friends 40^th birthday (love the flexibility this stamp set offers for personalization!).  After stamping, I cut it out with the Big Shot and Label Collection Framelits before attaching it to the cardfront with dimensionals.

 

This card turned out nice and fun and pretty all at the same time and it really suits my friend so I hope she likes it.  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 an enjoyable Friday and hope you get some crafting time this weekend!

Diana