SSINKspiration Red, White, and Blue: Baseball Fun

Happy Friday!  The holiday weekend is just about here and I can’t wait!  Aidan is heading to Boy Scout camp for the week which means we have a “kid free” week and Chris and I are planning some adventures while he’s gone.  Earlier this week we finally had Aidan’s baseball team end of the year party (with all the crazy rain we had this spring there wasn’t a tournament and the end of the season ended with a cancelled game so things were up in the air but we finally got an email that said “The Cubs Win, The Cubs Win”)  I decided to make cards for all of the team coaches for Aidan to thank them for all their support and instruction this year so I decided to use today’s Red, White, and Blue and star them over on the SSINKspiration blog as the inspiration for the card design (plus it fits since it matches the Cubs colors).  Earlier this week a lady shared a card she made using on of this months Paper Pumpkin stamps for a perfect baseball so I was off and running.

I started with Pacific Point cardstock for the cardbase and then added a layer of Crumb Cake Cardstock.  I did a lot of stamping on this piece to really build texture and dimension.  I used the Timeless Textures and Gorgeous Grunge stamp set along with Crumb Cake, Pacific Point, Real Red, and White Craft ink for each of the elements.  Some stamps were stamped off once or even twice before stamping to help soften the coloring.  After about the sixth different stamp I finally had to back away and be done with the background.  I also stamped the greeting on this layer, using a stamp from the Suite Sayings stamp set and used my Real Red Stampin’ Write Marker to color in just the “thanks” part of the stamp before stamping.

Next I added a piece of Real Red Designer Series Paper (from the Brights DSP Stack) and matted it with Pacific Point cardstock.  To make the baseball I started by cutting a circle out of Whisper White cardstock using the Big Shot and Layering Circles Framelits and then I stamped using the Paper Pumpkin dashed circle using Real Red ink and only stamped part of the circle to make the strings on the baseball (isn’t it perfect??)  I attached the baseball with dimensionals to the cardfront and then wanted a little bling (I know…) so I cut a small star using the Star Framelits set and Gold Glimmer Paper and it was also attached with dimensionals.

This card really came together fast (once I stopped stamping layers on the cardfront) and I love the fun baseball and will definitely be using this idea again for other projects, including scrapbook pages.  The other design team members are sharing some fun ideas using this theme so if you have time to check them out.

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

Have a great holiday weekend!

Diana

SSINKspiration Sunshine: Sunburst Sayings

Good morning!  After this weeks crazy storm (if you’re in Northern VA you know what I mean) it was so great to see the return of the sun, even if it’s bringing back the humidity today.  It’s the sunshine that’s inspiration for today’s card I’m sharing on the SSINKspiration blog which is all about sunshine.  Of course I immediately thought of the Sunburst framelit and matching stamp set, Sunburst Sayings, for this card and decided to go from there.

I started with Soft Sky cardstock for the cardbase and then added a layer of Basic Black cardstock as a mat for my Whisper White Cardstock.  On this piece I decided I wanted to make it look like the sky so I punched out the top of the tree from the Tree Builder Punch and then used my sponge dauber and Soft Sky ink to just dab around the cloud template I made repeatedly to make the cloudy sky background.  At the bottom of this piece I stamped the “shine” using the Sunburst Sayings stamp set and Basic Black ink and then took one of the White Perfect Accents and colored it using my Gold Sharpie marker and then attached it as the dot on my “i”.

For the accent piece I started by cutting a scalloped circle out of Tangerine Tango cardstock using the Big Shot and Layering Circles Framelits.  I used crushed Curry for the inner part of the sun and first cut it using the Sunburst Framelit and then using the coordinating circle to fit my scalloped circle.  Before assembling my sun I made sure the stamp the dotted lines for the rays using Tangerine Tango ink.  Gold Glimmer Paper was punched using the 1 3/8” Circle Punch and attached to the sun with dimensionals and then the greeting was stamped on Whisper White cardstock using Stampin’ Write Markers to color in the greeting and then punched out with the 1 1/4” Circle Punch. 

I love the contrast of the soft and bright colors with just a pop of black and hint of sparkle, I definitely did the happy dance when I saw the end result (this is the sign that you know the card will certainly brighten someone’s day when you send it!!)

Don’t forget, today’s the last day to take advantage of this month’s Extra Hostess Benefits when you have a party or order over $350 (before tax and shipping).  I know I placed a second order to stop up on adhesive, envelopes, etc. so I could get some extra stampin’ goodies for free.  If you need any help with you order, let me know.

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

Enjoy!

Diana

SSINKspiration Mystery Challenge #SSINKMC34: One Big Meaning

Good morning!  What a wonderful weekend, we were on the go but still had plenty of time to relax (which is always wonderful).  Since it's Monday it's time for another challenge over on the  SSINKspiration blog, this time it's the Mystery Challenge.  I decided to combine this challenge with the Proverbial Stampers June sketch challenge for a little extra challenge.  I really do love these challenges and this will be the last month of them, we have something new coming up starting in July so you'll have to come back to check it out.  I was able to incorporate all of the times in this fun patriotic themed thank you card, and it really is important to let all those who serve or who have serve how much we appreciate their service and sacrifice.

I started with Cherry Cobbler cardstock for the cardbase and then added a piece of Whisper White cardstock that I stamped using the Gorgeous Grunge stamp set and Pacific Point and Cherry Cobbler ink.  Next I added three panels, two using designer series paper from the Regals and Brights Designer Series Paper Stacks.  The middle panel I stamped using Whisper White cardstock and I used the smallest Block A Acrylic Block as my "stamp" for a fun effect. 

I punched a piece of Pacific Point cardstock using the 2" Circle Punch and then embossed it using the Big Shot and Lucky Stars Embossing Folder and attached it to the cardfront with dimensionals after adding a couple pieces of Whisper White 5/8" Organza Ribbon.  Next I cut a star outline using the Big Shot and Stars Collection Framelits and attached it with dimensionals as well.

The final touch was to add the greeting, and for that I used the One Big Meaning stamp set and after stamping it in Cherry Cobbler link I cut it out using the Big Shot and Project Life Cards and Labels Framelits and then sponged around the edges with Pacific Point ink before attaching with dimensionals.

I'll admit, there's a lot going on with this card but it's lot of fun and definitely sending that patriotic vibe that is perfect, especially this time of year.  The other design team members are sharing some fun cards using their take on the mystery challenge so go check them out and then come play along, we would love to see what you create!

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

Have a great day!

Diana

SSINKspiration Friday Favorites: Marquee Messages

Happy Friday!  One of the great things with SU demonstrators is swaps, which is a great way to have lots of samples to show of the products in a new catalog, especially if you don’t own all the great sets that are out there (despite what my hubby thinks I don’t own everything SU offers).  I made this card for a recent new catalog swap and it features one of my favorite new stamp sets, Marquee Messages so I thought it would fit perfectly with today’s Friday Favorites blog post over on the SSINKspiration blog.

I started with Melon Mambo cardstock for the cardbase and then added a layer of Whisper White Cardstock that I stamped the little stars on the background using Melon Mambo, Emerald Envy, and Pumpkin Pie ink.  Next I took pieces of Melon Mambo, Emerald Envy, and Pumpkin Pie cardstock and stamped the big marquee image in Basic Black ink on all of them.  I added greetings to the bottom banner and then cut out the arrows and banners from the Melon Mambo and Emerald Envy cardstock (this way I have extras that are already stamped and cut out for another project.  I attached the Melon Mambo banner to the Pumpkin Pie piece and then used my Gold Wink of Stella Pen to color in the stars for a little subtle bling.  Dimensionals were used to attach the Emerald Envy arrow so it really pops of the cardfront.  This whole piece was matted with Basic Black cardstock before attaching to the cardfront.  The final touch was to add a bow I made using Emerald Envy 3/8” Ruched Ribbon.

 This set is so fun and fresh and I love how you can build whatever greeting you need, love it!!  And it’s super easy (even the fussy cutting didn’t take too long and I made 11 of these).

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

Have a great weekend!

Diana

Fab Friday Sketch Challenge Meets Hand Stamped Sentiments Color Challenge: All About Everything

Good morning!  After a jam packed weekend of fun, friends, and family it was hard this week to get back into the studio and crafting but I was getting the itch, so I must create (haha!!)  Today I combined the Fab Friday sketch challenge with the Hand Stamped Sentiments Color Challenge for this pretty card that has just a little bling and shows of the All About Everything stamp set (it was the FREE set Paper Pumpkin subscribers received in a recent kit, gotta love FREE!!).

I started with Pink Pirouette cardstock for the cardbase and then added a layer of Whisper White Cardstock behind the Night of Navy cardfront that was embossed with the Big Shot and Lovely Lace Embossing Folder.  To the cardfront I attached a piece of Whisper White 5/8” Organza Ribbon that was attached with some Fast Fuse Adhesive so I could ruffle up the ribbon.

 

 

Next I stamped the flowers on Whisper White cardstock using the All About Everything stamp set (I love that it’s photopolymer and a 2 step stamp which makes building the flowers really easy).  I did use a little Wild Wasabi ink (stamped off once) for some leaves, can’t have flowers without leaves.  The greeting is from the same stamp set and I heat embossed it using the Heat Tool, Versamark ink, and Gold Embossing Powder (really helps the greeting pop).  I matted this piece with some Gold Foil cardstock and then attached it to the cardfront with dimensionals.  The final touch was to add a bow I made using Gold 1/8” Satin Ribbon with a glue dot.

I love the soft pink with the bold navy blue with pops of gold, it’s modern, and fun and perfect to send birthday wishes.

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

Enjoy!

Diana

Paper Players Color Challenge: Confetti Celebration

Good morning!  We're wrapping up the school year this week (Aidan has 1 1/2 days left and looking forward to the start of summer).  Today I'm playing along with the Paper Players color challenge and as soon as I saw the colors I new I had to participate as I love these colors as they are very patriotic and this time of year very fitting.

I started with Cherry Cobbler cardstock for the cardbase and then added a piece of Dapper Denim cardstock behind the Whisper White cardfront.  To create the cardfront I started by stamping using the Hardwood stamp set and Crumb Cake ink (I stamped off once so the color was lighter) and then embossed it with the Big Shot and Lucky Stars Embossing Folder.  Finally I used a sponged to gently rub some Crumb Cake ink over the cardfront to really highlight the stars.

Next I took a piece of Cherry Cobbler Designer Series Paper from the Regals Designer Series Paper Stack and cut it out using the Big Shot and Layering Circles Framelits.  The stars were also created using framelits, this time the Stars Collection framelits and I created the star outline using Dapper Denim cardstock and the smaller star using Silver Glimmer Paper (which was attached with a dimensional so it pops up).

For the greeting I used the Confetti Celebration stamp set (even though it has a lit of birthday stamps this stamp works for any celebration) and stamped in Dapper Denim ink on Whisper White cardstock and then cut out with the Layering Ovals Framelits and lightly sponged around the edge with Crumb Cake ink.  I used a dimensional to attach the greeting to the cardfront.  The final touch was a small Metallic Enamel Star.

The love the rustic look with the patriotic color scheme, it's classic and very homey. 

 

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

 

Enjoy!

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Card Sketch SSINKCS34: My Hero

Good morning!  We had a wonderful time camping this weekend and it was great to get a way with friends and just relax (and the kid’s didn’t stop the entire time so it wore them out!!) I also enjoyed the Sunday afternoon of stamping with the ladies, creative time is so therapeutic.  Now that it’s back to the week it’s time for this months card sketch challenge over on the SSINKspiration blog.  As soon as I saw this sketch Bree gave us I knew it would be perfect to show off some of our fabulous new designer series papers, one that I almost overlooked on my first order was the Serene Scenery Designer Series Paper stack but I love all the abstract as well as photographic images that really pop off the card.

I started with Crumb Cake cardstock for the cardbase and then added a piece of  Old Olive cardstock that I embossed with the Big Shot and Sparkle Embossing Folder (I sponged all over the cardstock with Old Olive ink to really help highlight the embossing.  Next I added a piece of the perfect Serene Scenery Designer Series Paper stack  and then wrapped some Old Olive Baker’s Twine around the card (I used a top fold card for this one so I could wrap the twine around the entire cardfront and loop it on the inside of the card.

For the stamped image I used this years Ronald McDonald stamp set, My Hero (remember Stampin’ Up! donates $3 from each stamp set sold to support Ronald McDonald House Charities)..  I stamped the badge image (perfect for upcoming Father’s Day or any occasion) using Old Olive Ink on Delightful Dijon cardstock and then punched it out with the coordinate Best Badge Punch and attached it the cardfront with dimensionals.

I love all the texture and dimension of this card and aside from the placement of the layers and trimming them down this is really a quite simple card that is sure to impress.  The other design team members have made some great cards using this same sketch for inspiration so please, go check them out and then we would love for you to play along and share what you create!

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

Enjoy and have a great day!

Diana

SSINKspiration Father's Day: Traveler

Happy Friday!  It’s been so nice to have a little break from our summer heat and humidity and we’re looking forward to a fun weekend of family camping, and thenAs you know, one of the things I love about Stamp card class (got to have time with my stampin’ ladies!!) and we’re looking forward to some fun.  As we’re marching along in June (and we have one last week of school) we’re inching closer and closer to Father’s Day (it’s next Sunday, just so you don’t forget) it’s only fitting that today over on the SSINKspiration blog we’re sharing projects for all the dad’s and grandpa’s out there.

I started with Crumb Cake cardstock for the cardbase and then added a piece of Dapper Denim cardstock that was embossed with the Big Shot and Boho Chic Embossing Folder and then I added a piece of Chocolate Chips DSP from the Neutrals Designer Series Paper Stack (so happy this packs and patterns carried over, they’re classic!!)

For the main image I used the Traveler stamp set and stamped the ship image using Dapper Denim ink on Whisper White cardstock.  Next I used the Big Shot and the Layering Squares Framelits to cut out the square as well as the scalloped square mat that used Crumb Cake cardstock and I used dimensionals to attach the square to the cardfront.  I added a double bow using Linen Thread to the top corner.

For the greeting I used the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set and stamped the greeting in Chocolate Chip ink on Crumb Cake cardstock and it was punched out using the Ticket Duo Punch (retired) and before attaching to the cardfront with dimensionals I sponged around the edge using Soft Suede ink.

This card is a classic and I love the new Dapper Denim color, it’s perfect for masculine cards.  I really liked how this card turned out so it’s one of the cards we’ll be making at Sunday’s Just Cards class (and don’t worry if you already have your Father’s Day card I have a sample with another greeting as an alternative!!) 

Also, if you still need a Father’s Day card, and don’t want to brave the card shop drop by and you can shop from the comfort of my home from a selection of cards I’ve designed.

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

Have a great weekend!

Diana

SSINKspiration New Catalog Favorites

Good morning!  So the new 2016-2017 Annual catalog has been released for a little over a week, and I’m sure you’ve been pouring over all the pages and enjoying all the great new products and samples to inspire us.  Do you have any favorites yet?  I say favorites because if you’re like me your Wish List is quite long.  Well today some of the SSINKspiration designers are sharing projects made with their favorite new catalog items.  So I’ll admit I’m still waiting for my order to arrive (it comes today, whoo hoo!) so I was limited to items I ordered during the preorder but two of my favorite items so far aren’t stamp sets (crazy, I know!)  I love shaker cards and they have been a little intimidating to me in the past so I was super excited to see the adhesive foam strips and Sprinkles Punch.  These two items make shaker cards super cute and easy!  I also used the new Painter’s Palette stamp set which has the great easel to display my shaker.

I started with Flirty Flamingo cardstock (one of four fabulous new in colors I used on this card) for the cardbase and then took a piece of Whisper White cardstock for the cardfront and started by stamping the easel from the Painter’s Palette stamp set using Basic Black ink.  I stamped the easel twice, once on the cardfront and a second time on a scrap piece of paper so I could cut it out using the Big Shot and Layering Squares Framelits (these new framelits are great and I was able to cut both the out and inner squares at the same time to create the frame).  Next I took a piece of Window Sheet cut down to size and glued it to the back of the easel cut out before attaching pieces of Foam Adhesive Strip all around the edge of the cut out.

Next I used some of the other images from the stamp set and used Dapper Denim, Emerald Envy, Flirty Flamingo, and Sweet Sugarplum ink to stamp in the top and bottom corners to create for lots of added color (not for the splatter at the bottom I stamped off once before stamping with the Dapper Denim so the image wasn’t too dark to stamp the greeting over it using Basic Black ink.

Next I punched out lots of confetti using the Sprinkles punch and added to the center of the easel (I did actual glue a few pieces to the cardfront so that they all didn’t all to the bottom of the easel when the card stood up).  Before adding the cut out I also added some sequins from the Metallics Sequins for a little sparkle.  Then I took the adhesive off the foam strips and attached the easel frame over the cardfront to seal the shaker (see super easy).  The final touch was to add a small bow to the top of the easel that I tied using Emerald Envy 3/8” Ruched Ribbon (this stuff is awesome!!).

I love all these fun and cheery colors and the addition of the Denim and Emerald doesn’t make it “super girly”.  With this new punch and adhesive strips I see lots of shaker cards in my future, possibilities are endless.

Don’t forget, today is the last day to sign up for this Sunday’s Just Cards Class, I hope you can make it and we’ll be making some other fun cards with new catalog products as well!

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

Have a great day!

Diana

Paper Pumpkin $5 One Day ONLY!

Get ready for a flash sale!

For ONE DAY ONLY New Paper Pumpkin subscribers can get their first kit for just $5!  This is also a perfect gift if you know someone who is crafty, including kids, grandkids', neighbors, etc.

 

This amazing offer starts Thursday, June 9th at 5 pm (MST) and ends Friday, June 10th at 11:50pm (MST). 

 

Get ready to hit subscribe at 5:00pm Thursday evening!

 

Details:

• First time subscribers only.  Discount applies to one kit for June 2016.
• After the first month, the price for the subscription will return to $19.95.
• Offer starts Thursday, June 9 at 5:00 pm (MT) and ends Friday, June 10th at 11:50 (MT)
• Available for month to month subscriptions, not prepaid subscriptions.

Don't forget!  Thursday evening at 5 pm, sign up for your first kit for only $5.  Use promo code "ONEDAYDEAL" HERE.

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Color Challenge SSINKCC34: New and Old Catalg Mix Up

Happy Monday!  After another wonderful weekend full of family fun it's back to work and school (only two weeks to go) and since it's the first Monday of the month it's time for this months SSINKspiration blog color challenge and I love that Darcy gave us a great combo that combines one of the new 2016-2018 In Colors along with some of our classic colors.  I decided to combine this color sketch with this weeks  Paper Craft Crew Sketch Challenge for some extra fun.

I started with Emerald Envy cardstock for the cardbase (this is going to be a great and much use color) and then added a piece of Whisper White cardstock.  On this piece I stamped the watercolor image from the Work of Art stamp set using Pink Pirouette ink and then used the splatter stamp from the Painter's Palette set set using Emerald Envy ink in the top left corner.

Next I started building layers from the bottom, first using a piece of Silver Foil cardstock and then some Elegant Eggplant designer series paper from the Regals Designer Series Paper stack.  Since I'm still waiting for my first big order from the new catalog I decide to make my one patterned paper by using a piece of Whisper White cardstock and the stamps from the Work of Art stamp set and all our color sketch colors.  I matted this with a piece of Pink Pirouette cardstock before attaching it to the cardfront.

For the greeting I used the Balloon Celebrations stamp set and after stamping using Elegant Eggplant ink on Whisper White paper I cut it out using the Big Shot and Project Life Labels and Cards Framelits and then sponged around the sides using Pink Piroutte ink before attaching to the cardfront with dimensionals.  Behind the greeting is a couple of loops of Silver Metallic Thread and then I added a small bow using the Emerald Envy 3/8" Ruched Ribbon (this ribbon is beautiful!!).  The final touch was to add a few silver sequins from the Metallics Sequins.



I love how these colors work together and this sketch is definitely taking me outside of my comfort zone which is always fun!  Make sure to check out the other design team cards and we would love for you to play along with this months sketch!

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

Enjoy!

Diana

SSINKspiration New Catalog Countdown Meets Paper Players Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge: Confetti Celebration

Whoo hoo, today's the day!  The new 2016-2017 Annual Catalog was released this morning and I'm so excited, there are lots of amazing new products just waiting for us and help make our creative ideas come to life.  Today over on the SSINKspiration blog it's the last day of the new catalog countdown and I decide to use the Paper Players Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge as inspiration to show off some of these great new products.  I decided to use Baker's Twine, Girly, and Die Cut items for today's card.

I started with Melon Mambo cardstock for the cardbase and then added layers of Basic Black and Whisper White cardstock.  On the Whisper White piece I started by using the Gorgeous Grunge and Timeless Textures stamps sets and stamp using Basic Black and Melon Mambo ink.  Next I added two pieces of washi tape from the new Pop of Pink Washi Tape set and then added a circle of designer series paper from the Pop of Pink Speciality Designer Series Paper using the 2" Circle Punch.

The stamped greeting is from the new Confetti Celebration stamp set (same set as I used yesterday) and it was stamped in Melon Mambo ink on Whisper White cardstock and it was cut out using Paper Snips and then attached to the cardfront with a dimensional.

Of course I love a little bling and to play of the gold in the washi tape I cut a star out of Gold Glimmer Paper using the Big Shot and Stars Collection Framelits.  The final touch was to add a bow using Basic Black Baker's Twine.

I love how black really makes the color pop on this card and it can make this a hip, girly card without lots of flowers and fuss!  Make sure to check out the other cards the design team is sharing for inspiration using new catalog items, I know I love to see them!






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

Enjoy!

Diana

SSINKspiration New Catalog Countdown: Confetti Celebration

Good morning!  Did you enjoy your holiday weekend!  What is it about holiday weekends that always make you feel more rested and relax?  I guess it's that one extra day, maybe we need to have regular 3 day weekends.  I can't believe it's almost the end of the month, which means the 2016-2017 Annual Catalog is almost live and ever since I first got my glimpse of all the great new products in our future I've been so excited!  While I've spent a lot of this month really showcasing all the great retiring products today I'm excited to share the new 2016-2018 In Colors and one of the new stamp sets, Confetti Celebration that are part of the new catalog along with other design team members on the SSINKspiration blog as we countdown to the new catalog!

I started with Flirty Flamingo cardstock for the cardbase and then added a layer of Basic Black cardstock that was embossed with the Big Shot and Lucky Stars Embossing Folder.  Next I took a piece of Emerald Envy cardstock and stamped it using the Timeless Textures stamp set using Dapper Denim and Emerald Envy ink.  I used a piece of Gold Foil to mat the cardstock and then I wrapped a piece of Dapper Denim 3/8" Ruched Ribbon (this ribbon is awesome!)  I tied knots using the Dapper Denim and Flirty Flamingo 3/8" Ruched Ribbon.


For the stamped image I used the new Confetti Celebration stamp set and stamped the string of lights using Basic Black ink and colored in the lights using 2016-2018 In Color Stampin' Write Markers.  I used the same markers to color in the greeting image before stamping on Whisper White cardstock.  This piece was matted with Peekaboo Peach cardstock before attaching it to the cardfront with dimensionals.

I love some of the rich, full colors we have in this years crop of In Colors and will really enjoy using them.  Make sure to go check out the design team blog for additional new catalog inspiration, it's going to be a great year!

Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today's card (remember new catalog items will be available for purchase starting June 1):

Enjoy!

Diana

SSINKspiration Masculine Monday: Going Global Father's Day

Happy Memorial Day!  Today we remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice while protecting us and the rights we enjoy.  We've been enjoying just a wonderful relaxing weekend with family fun, a great way to kick of summer.  Today over on the SSINKspiration blog it's time for Masculine Monday and we're doing a Father's Day edition since Father's day is just a few weeks away.

I started with Lost Lagoon cardstock for the cardbase and then added a piece of Mossy Meadow cardstock.  Next I took a piece of Sahara Sand cardstock and embossed it with the Big Shot and World Map Embossing Folder (retiring) and sponged all over the embossing with Sahara Sand ink to detail the image.  I added a piece of Going Places Designer Series Paper (retiring) along the bottom and a piece of Hello Honey 5/8" Stitched Cotton Ribbon (retiring) along the seam.

The stamped compass image is from the Going Global Stamp set (retiring) and it was cut out with the Big Shot and Circle Collection Framelits (retiring), along with the Lost Lagoon mat before being attached to the cardfront with dimensionals.  I added a Black Candy Dot from the Neutrals Candy Dots (retiring) to the center of the compass.  The greeting is from the same stamp set and after stamping it with Basic Black ink on Very Vanilla cardstock and punching it out with the Washi Label Punch (retiring) I sponged around the edge with Lost Lagoon Ink and attached it with a dimensional.

For a final touch I added a Silver Metallic Button (retiring) and used some Silver Baker's Twine (retiring) to tie a bow in the button before attaching it with a glue dot.

I love how this card turned out, lots of texture and dimension, which is great for a "dude" card.  Remember items on the retiring list will only be available for purchase through the end of May, which is tomorrow so if you haven't already ordered your favorite items do it soon!

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

Enjoy!

Diana

Hand Stamped Sentiments Sketch Challenge: Bravo

Happy Holiday Friday!  We’re almost ready to start the holiday weekend and for once we don’t have lots of things planned so we can just relax and enjoy!  Today I decided to play along with this weeks Hand Stamped Sentiments sketch challenge and made this really fun card using lots of retiring products and extra special touches that help celebrate a special accomplishment.

I started with Cherry Cobbler cardstock for the cardbase and then added layers of Island Indigo and Whisper White cardstock behind the Gold Foil Vellum Paper (retiring).  On the vellum I stamped the greeting from the Bravo stamp set (retiring) using Versamark ink and then heat embossed it using Cherry Cobber Embossing Powder (retiring) and the heat tool.  Note:  when you heat emboss on the foil vellum it does cause the foil to bubble so I just used the heat tool all over the piece of vellum so the bubbling was consistent all over the vellum (it doesn’t come off, it just adds a little texture).  I used a piece of designer series paper from the It’s My Party DSP Stack (retiring) to make the frame for the greeting and cut the window out using the Big Shot and the Squares Collection Framelits (retiring) and used dimensionals to attach it to the cardfront so it pops up.

I added a piece of Cherry Cobbler Designer Series Paper from the Regals DSP stack to the bottom left corner below the second sentiment piece that uses a stamp from the same set and was punched out with the Washi Label Punch (retiring) after being stamped in Cherry Cobbler Ink and sponged around the edge with Island Indigo ink.  The final touch was to add a bow I tied using Island Indigo ¼” Cotton Ribbon (retiring) and it was attached with a glue dot.

Sometimes it’s really fun to add some foil and embossing to projects since it really gives a “WOW” factor and it’s really not that hard.  This stamp set is so great and the sentiments are nice and big, perfect to let that special person how they did good.  The retiring items will only be available through the end of the month so don’t miss out!

 

 

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

 

Have a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend!

Diana

SSINKspiration Retiring Products: Lots of Joy

Happy Wednesday!  It's the midpoint of the week and another beautiful day is ahead of us.  Today on the SSINKspiration blog we're continuing our focus on retiring products and I decided to take things in a different direction and shared a Christmas card (trust me the holiday season will be here before we know it) using the Lots of Joy stamp set.

I started with Cherry Cobbler cardstock for the cardbase and then added a piece of Old Olive cardstock that was embossed with the Big Shot and the Stylish Stripes Embossing Folder before adding a piece of designer series paper from the Merry Moments DSP (retiring).

For the stamped image I decided to make a tag (you could easily take it off to use it as a bookmark, yeah!!).  I took a piece of Whisper White cardstock and used the Scallop Tag Topper Punch to punch the top.  I started my stamping by using smoky slate ink to stamp the stripes along the bottom.  Then the greeting was stamped in Cherry Cobbler ink and the ornament in Old Olive.  To the center of the ornament I added a rhinestone (got to have that bling!!).  For the final touch I added a piece of Whisper White 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon (retiring) and then tied a bow around the ribbon using Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine.

We made this card during this month's Just Cards class and I love being able to help the ladies get a head start on their Christmas cards and the prints in this designer series paper have been so fun for lots of projects this past year.

Below are easy ordering links or the product's used on today's card:

Have a beautiful day!

Diana

Fab Friday Sketch Challenge: That Thing You Did

Good morning!  It's looking like we may actually get a break from the rain with some sun (yeah!!) so I decided to channel those bright and cheery vibes for my card for this weeks Fab Friday sketch challenge.  I'm using another great retiring stamp set, That Thing You Did, for this fun card using a greeting a friend pointed out to me.  Don't you aways need a card that says "But not in a creepy way??"  Haha!!

I started with Mint Macaron cardstock for the cardbase and then added a piece of Sahara Sand cardstock.  In the bottom right corner using Basic Black ink I stamped the fun saying and I also use a stamp from a new set coming next month, Painter's Palette for the splatter of Mint Macaron (if you want to make this card right away you could also use Gorgeous Grunge.

I added two pieces of designer series paper from the It's My Party Designer Series Paper Stack (retiring).  The main image is also from the That Thing You Did (retiring) stamp set and was stamped on Melon Mambo cardstock and Basic Black ink before being cut out with the Big Shot and Circles Collection Framelits (retiring) and then attached to the cardfront with dimensionals.  The final touch was to add a black button  from the Neutrals Designer Series Buttons (retiring) and I used the Baker's Twine Combo Pack (retiring) to tie the bow in the button.



Between the bright cheery colors and the fun greeting this card really makes me giggle. This designer series paper stack is one of my all time favorites and I love that there are so many different patterns and colors I'm sad that it's retiring but am happy I still have some for my stash for future projects (I completely admit that I love to collect DSP so I can continue to use it.

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

Enjoy!

Diana

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

SSINKspiration Kids Birthday: Boys will Be Boys

Good morning!  We've made it through the halfway point of the week and finally we're getting a break from the rain and looking forward to a couple nice days.  Today over on the SSINKspiration blog we're showcasing kid's birthdays and by know you know one of my favorite stamp sets (and so sad it's retiring, boo!) is the Boys will be Boys set so I had to take it out to make one last project to share (don't worry this set isn't going any where since my kiddo loves all things boy and especially Legos).

I started with Pacific Point cardstock for the cardbase and used the Project Life Corner Rounder Punch to punch the corners (actually used the corner rounder punch on all the layers of this card so I'm just putting it out there now).  Then I embossed a piece of Daffodil Delight cardstock with the Big Shot and Confetti Embossing Folder for the cardfront.  I added a piece of designer series paper from the Go Wild Designer Series Paper Stack (retiring) and matted that with Real Red cardstock and then wrapped a piece of Pacific Point 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon around the cardstock and tied a bow before adding it to the cardfront.

For the stamped image, I used the Boys will be Boys (retiring) stamp set to stamp the Lego image on Whisper White cardstock using Tuxedo Black Ink and then colored it in with Stampin' Write Markers and then punched it out with the 1 3/8" Circle Punch.  I matted that with a piece of Daffodil Delight cardstock that was punched out with the 2" Circle Punch and then a piece of Basic Black cardstock punched out with the 2 3/8" Scalloped Circle Punch (retiring) before attaching the whole piece with dimensionals to the cardfront.  The greeting is from the same stamp set and was tamped in Real Red ink and then punched out with the Washi Label Punch (retiring) and sponged around the edge with Pacific Point ink before attaching it with dimensionals as well. 

This card has all the classic Lego colors which makes it perfect for kids (of any age) and a perfect way to celebrate birthdays.  Make sure to check out the other fun cards the design team is sharing for more kid's birthday inspiration.

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