Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration: Scrapbook Sketch Challenge #SSINKLS18

Happy Monday and Happy Presidents Day!  What a wonderful weekend but I think I need to head back to work to try to get some rest from the fun (if that's possible).  I have to say,  adore my family and spending time together and during Aidan's sleepover we got to know some of his school friends better and boy are they some great kids, so fun.  The boys are off today and enjoying the day together while I'm working.  Well since it's the third Monday of the month you know it's time for our monthly scrapbook sketch over on the  Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration blog.  I love these challenges as they are a great way to work on my scrapbook layouts, even if I don't get caught up, every little bit helps.



Today's page is from last years Cub Scout Pinewood Derby.  This is such a fun activity for the scouts, they take such pride in their creations, and no matter how their car performs in the race everyone has a fun time.  This is a pretty easy page that I created in My Digital Studio but I added lots of layers to help create texture and dimension to the page.


It's always great to see what other people come up with using the same layout and it really inspires me so make sure to go check out the other design team projects and then create away, remember you can use these sketches for cards, home décor, scrapbooking, the skies the limit.



Below is the supply list for the elements used on this page:


Background
     Color = CRUMB CAKE 179,161,131

Embellishments
    Staple & Stitching/Staple
    Staple & Stitching/Staple
    _Designer Kits/Keep This Memory - tags/Keep This Memory - tag 2
    Grosgrain Ribbon - knot/Baja Breeze Grosgrain Ribbon - knot
    Staple & Stitching\Chocolate - Simple Stitches line 5 (re-colored) Color = EARLY ESPRESSO 80,57,49

Stamps
    Splatters\A Split Second\A Split Second - splatter 1, Color = NIGHT OF NAVY 33,64,95
    Medallion\Medallion - background, Color = EARLY ESPRESSO 80,57,49
    Splatters\A Split Second\A Split Second - splatter 1, Color = NIGHT OF NAVY 33,64,95

Punches
    Basics\1.25 Square Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper\First Edition - designer series paper\First Edition - 4
    Basics\1.25 Square Punch, Fill Color = CRUMB CAKE 179,161,131

Have a great day!

Diana

Can You Case it? Design Team - Sketch Challenge CYCI #57

Happy Sunday!  What an interesting weekend.  We had a very successful birthday sleepover (oh my do boys have a lot of energy) and then the weather, it was crazy to look outside and hardly be able to see the house across the street due to the snow and wind, thankfully we got to enjoy it all from inside.  Today's Aidan's birthday so we're planning even more birthday fun but I wanted to make sure to share my card for this weeks Can You Case It? sketch challenge. We were given a challenge to make a card in under 10 minutes with only two layers, not as easy as it sounds.  Since I have birthdays on the mind I decided to go in that direction for today's card.

I started with Smoky Slate for the cardbase and then added a piece of DSP from the Flashback Designer Series Paper.  For the greeting I used the Amazing Birthday stamp and made my second layer, the greeting be the main focus.  I used Stampin' Write Markers to color on the stamp before stamping on Very Vanilla cardstock.  After stamping I used the Angled Tag Topper Punch to punch the top of the tag.  I also sponged all around the edge of the tag with Smoky Slate ink.  I did add a little extra element by stamping the "Make" from the greeting with Memento Ink on Smoky Slate cardstock, cut it out with Paper Snips and attached it to the tag with dimensionals.

To dress up the top of the tag I added a piece of Crushed Curry Chevron Ribbon and then tied a bow around the ribbon with some Basic Black Baker's Twine.  The final touch was to attach the tag to the card and I used dimensionals to pop it up.

This card turned out nice and bold and will definitely cheer up some on their special day.  The design team has made some fabulous cards so go check them out and then play along and share what you make so we can all 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,

Diana

Sketch Frenzy Friday Sketch Challenge: Sassy Salutations

 Happy Friday peeps!  The weekend is almost year and we’re beyond excited.  Not only is it Valentine’s Day so I get to shower my boys with love, it’s Aidan’s birthday weekend so there are lots of fun festivities planned.  I will admit however that I’m really not looking forward to the really cold weather we’re supposed to get (if I’m going to be cold, which I don’t like, at least give me pretty snow so I can enjoy the view!)  Before the fun gets started it’s time for our weekly Sketch Frenzy Friday Sketch challenge.  Carol gave us this challenge this week and boy was it a lot of fun.  No I have to admit, this all started with my little scrap pile on my desk (come on we know we all have them, little pieces that weren’t used on a project but you didn’t want to throw away).  So pulled out my scrap pile so I could hopefully make some pretties with it this weekend and on the top was this gray circle and the gold cut out “HB” so that’s what I built my card around and it was really fun to see how it all evolved. 

I started with Island Indigo for the cardbase and then added a piece of Typeset Speciality Designer Series Paper.  Now this DSP is really fun, it’s thinner than our normal paper and kind of reminds you of old book paper so you can really have fun with it.  I started by scrunching it up in a ball and then smoothed it out, mostly, and sponged all over it with Basic Gray ink.  This really helped accent the wrinkles and add lots of texture and a more antique look.  Next I added a piece of Lost Lagoon Chevron Ribbon and Lost Lagoon DSP from the Regals Designer Series Paper Stack behind the greeting. 

The greeting piece is Sahara Sand and I stamped the greeting using the Sassy Salutations stamp set and Island Indigo ink and then sponged all over it with Basic Gray ink.  I also added a couple of pearls to the right side of the greeting piece (I made the pearls gold by coloring them with the Gold Stampin’ Dazzle Marker.  The final touch was to add the gray circle (that was originally punched out with the 2” Circle Punch) using dimensionals and glued on the “HB” (that were made using the Gold Foil Sheets, Big Shot, and the Little Letters Thinlits.

I hadn’t planned on making this such a masculine card but it definitely is heading that way which works.  I really had fun with this layout so I will definitely be using it again.  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 a wonderful weekend!

Diana

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration February Blog Hop: Hearts, Hearts, Everywhere!

Happy Thursday, it’s time for this months Stylin’ Stampin’ INKspiration blog hop and with this time of year it’s only fitting that this months theme is all about hearts!  I know there are people out there who are still either looking for the perfect gift for their loved one or haven’t even started looking so this hop is perfect as we’re giving you lots of fabulous ideas and you have plenty of time (Valentine’s Day is this Saturday, just in case you forgot, haha!!!) 

As you hop along, please be sure to comment and show some love on every blog! We are always excited to hear from our followers! You should have just left stop number (3) on the Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Blog Hop - (Laura at Crafty Chicks Creating). If so, you are in the right spot. If a link doesn't work or you get off track, you will find the full blog hop lineup below.

The first project I have for you is a card that uses two sets, Groovy Love, and That’s the Ticket, these sets are both in the Idea Book so you may have overlooked them with all the Occasions catalog excited.  I started with Soft Suede for the cardbase and then added a piece of Whisper White cardstock that I used the Hearts and Stars Masks and Real Red ink to sponge the hearts on the cardstock.  Next I added a couple of flags using the Stacked with Love Designer Series Paper.  For the heart I started by stamping the outline heart from the Groovy Love stamp set with Versamark Ink on Brushed Gold Cardstock and then heat embossed it with the Heat Tool and Black Embossing Powder and then punched it out with the 2” Circle Punch.  The heart is from the same stamp set and was stamped on Calypso Coral cardstock with Memento Ink (you could also heat emboss this if you wanted) and punched it out with the Sweetheart Punch and attached it to the circle with dimensionals.  A double bow tied with Basic Black Baker’s Twine is a perfect accent.

The greeting is from the That’s the Ticket stamp set and was stamped with Memento Ink on Soft Suede cardstock and then punched out with the Ticket Builder Punch.  Of course I needed an extra shot of bling so I added a small heart that was punched out of Gold Glimmer Paper using the punch from the Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack and attached it with dimensionals

You know how much fun I have with gifts so I had to make a cute little container for Aidan’s Valentine’s Treats.  I started with the Hamburger Bigz Die and my Big Shot which made this box super easy.  I used Tombow Liquid glue on all the corners to make the box hold it’s shape.  Next I added a piece of DSP once again using the Stacked with Love Designer Series Paper Stack and then tied a bow around the box using some Silver Satin Ribbon.  The tag for the box is uses the Groovy Love set again for the heart (stamped this time in Basic Gray ink) and the greeting is from the Snuggles and Smootches Photopolyer stamp set.  I tied the whole tag around my ribbon using some more of the Basic Black Baker’s Twine.  

These projects turned out so cute and I’m still having so much fun playing with all the great love and heart themed products we have but I’m going to have move on soon (until I start thinking about anniversaries).

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

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

 

Make sure to check out the rest of the blog hop for lots of other great ideas.  If you click the “Next” button, you’ll go to Kathy’s site but you can also access any of the hopper’s site from the full blog list below.

Blog Hop Participant List:

1. Jennifer C. at Happy 2 Scrap 4 Life
2. Jennifer G. at Jenny G Paper Crafts
3. Laura at Crafty Chicks Creating
4. Diana at Stampin Fun with Diana
5. Kathy at Katrina P's Creative Corner
6. Darcy at Dj's Stampin Place
7. Cynthia at Ink-A-Doodle Creations
8. Melissa at Stamp Doc
9. Shellie at Craft Smashup
10. Breelin at Craft-Somnia Momma
11. Heidi at Stuck on Stampin'
12. Kim at Stamping with Kim
13. Tonya at Stampin' with Tonya

Enjoy and have a great day,

Diana

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Card Sketch Challenge: Boys will be Boys

Happy Monday!  What a wonderful weekend, a hint of spring to come which is so nice.  Aidan had a friends birthday sleepover this weekend so I decided to use this months Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration blog card sketch for the birthday card. All kids love Legos so the Boys will be Boys stamp set is so perfect (and it's one of the Weekly Deals this weeks so it's the perfect time to add it to your stamp collection.

I started with Daffodil Delight cardstock for the cardbase and then added a piece of Whisper White cardstock that has the Lego images from the Boys will be Boys stamp set stamped all along both edges using Black Memento Ink.

I used Real Red, Daffodil Delight, and Pacific Point Stampin' Write Markers to color in the Legos (these are classic Lego colors).  Next I added a piece of Basic Black Chevron Ribbon in the middle.  The greeting is from the same stamp set and was stamped with Memento Ink before being cut out with the Big Shot and Project Life Cards and Labels Framelits.  I sponged around the edge of the greeting with Pacific Point ink to help define the edges before attaching it to the card with dimensionals.  The final touch as to add a single Lego that I stamped, colored, and then cut out with Paper Snips before attaching it with dimensionals.

This is a great sketch that really provides lots of options and flexibility that you can use for any type of project.  Make sure to check out the other design team cards and then play along and share your card so we can all enjoy.

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

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Enjoy!

Diana

Can You Case it? Design Team - Color Challenge CYCI #56

Happy Sunday.  It’s time to take a break from weekend fun to bring you my card for this weeks Can You Case It? challenge.  This week we were given a color challenge, Real Red, Basic Black and Whisper White.  Now I’ll admit initially my mind went right to Valentine’s but I’ve been sharing so many love themed projects so far this year I decided to take a break and share a nice simple card using other products from the new Occasions Catalog I haven’t played with.  Once of the product suites is Adventure awaits and it includes an awesome stamp set with great greetings that are nice and large so they can be the focus point of the card (and would work equally well in memorykeeping) along with a coordinating paper stack that has some awesome graphic images on one side and photograph images on the other.  They’re so full of texture and work great with “dude” cards.

I started with Basic Black for the cardbase and then added a piece of Real Red cardstock that was embossed with the Big Shot and Polka Dot Embossing Folder.  I wrapped some Basic Black Baker’s Twine around the Red layer and then tied a bow.  The greeting is from the Adventure Awaits stamp set and was stamped with Memento Ink directly on the Adventure Bound DSP (this pattern looks like a sweater weave or rope). Then all I did was mat it with Whisper Whtie cardstock and attached it to the cardfront with dimensionals. 

This card came together really easily but it has lots for your eye to enjoy with all the textures (I want to just rub it, haha!!)  In fact I love this card so much this will be one of the cards we’re making in today’s Just Cards class (I know you’re excited if you’ll be attending).  The other design team members shared some fabulous cards as well using these colors so please go check them out and then play along with the sketch, are share your creation! 

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 & 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!