Sketch Frenzy Friday Sketch Challenge and Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Blog Stamp Set Focus: Sheltering Tree

Happy Easter!  We’re wrapping up our vacation and heading home today (always the sad part) but we’ve had such a fun and relaxing time with lots of memories to cherish.  Today’s card is a combo using this weeks Sketch Frenzy Friday Sketch challenge along with the Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration blog stamp set focus, using Sheltering Tree.  This stamp set is so fun, you can create a beautiful card for any season or occasion using the different stamps included in the set. It’s a builder set so you can use any of the pieces necessary and colors to build the image you want.  With the arrival of spring, and Easter only two days away, I used that as inspiration for this card, as well as a memory of when I was young. 

When I was a child my grandparents gave us decorative sugar eggs for Easter and they were so pretty, they looked like sugar eggs on the outside and were hollow and had an oval opening and showed a fun Easter scene inside the egg (of course these were all made of sugar) but I decided to use this memory as inspiration for this card.

For this card I started with a cardbase of Blushing Bride and then added a layer of Chocolate Chip cardstock.  I stamped the image on a piece of Whisper White cardstock using the Sheltering Tree stamp set.  I built it using lots of the stamps and colors so I had a pretty spring scene.  Next I took a piece of Coastal Cabana cardstock and cut an opening out using the Big Shot and Oval Collection Framelits, then embossed it with the Delicate Dots Embossing Folder and then added faux stitching using a Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write Marker.

I created the flowers using the flower punch from the Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack and Blushing Bride and Strawberry Slush cardstock.  After punching out the layers I curled the petals using a bone folder and then attached little pearls in the center of each.  The final touch was to add the greeting, I decided to get a head start on Mother's Day and used the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set and punched out the greeting using the Modern Label Punch and attached with dimensionals.  For a final bit of bling a colored a couple of pearls using a blendabilities marker before attaching them to the greeting piece.

This card has lots of elements that really add to the beauty and elegance of the card.  It really does remind of those Easter eggs from my childhood and I love it!

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

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Have a wonderful Easter Sunday and enjoy time with your family!

Diana

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Funny Cards: Just Kidding

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

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

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

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

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

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Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Diana

Fab Friday Sketch Challenge and Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Stamp Set Focus: Just Sayin'

Good morning!  We’re having a great time in Hilton Head, SC (this is our first time visiting and it’s fabulous, I’ll definitely be sharing all the details when we get back).  I seem to constantly be in the need for birthday cards so I tend to make quite a few of them so I’m always ready.  I decided to double up on challenges for today’s card, using the Fab Friday Sketch Challenge with the  Stylin' Stampin' Inkspiration blog and

stamp set focus using Just Sayin’.    This stamp set is so cute and I love the matching word bubble framelits!

I started with Smoky Slate for the cardbase and then added a piece of Basic Black cardstock that was embossed with the Big Shot and Polka Dot Embossing Folder.  Next I added three pieces of designer series paper from the Flashback Designer Series Paper and then I used a piece of Real Red cardstock for a mat to the DSP and wrapped a piece of Crushed Curry Chevron Ribbon around the DSP layer.

The greeting is from the Just Sayin’ stamp set and was stamped with Versamark ink on Smoky Slate cardstock and then heat embossed with the Heat Tool and Pool Party Embossing Powder before cutting it out with the Big Shot and Word Bubbles Framelits.  I used a different framelit in the same set to cut another word bubble out of Red Glimmer Paper for a fun accent.  The greeting was popped up off the cardfront with dimensionals.

I really love how you can use a little bit of ribbon, glitter, or other accessories to really help dress up a card and elevate it a notch and it really doesn’t take much  more time.  There’s no way you can get this level of detail and texture to a store bought card, it’s priceless! 

 

 

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

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Happy crafting,

Diana

It’s my Birthday: Let Your Hair Down

Good morning!  It’s the best day of the year, yes it’s my birthday today and I’m celebrating a milestone birthday year so I’m looking forward to an extra special day (no pressure for the hubby, haha!!!!)  We’re currently on vacation and enjoying some well-deserved time off.  I also have a fellow Stampin’ Sister, Maria Pane, who’s my birthday buddy so I decided to make a fun birthday card that has lots of bling for a super fun card (come on, it’s my birthday, time to bling it out!!!)

I started with Bermuda Bay cardstock for the cardbase and then added a piece of Irresistibly Yours Speciality Designer Series Paper (you only have ONE more day to get this DSP for FREE and trust me, you NEED this!!!) and colored it with Melon Mambo ink and a sponge.  I decided to make this card look like a package so I wrapped a piece of 1 ¼” Bermuda Bay Striped Ribbon around the top left corner of the card.  Now it’s time for the bling, I took a piece of Gold Sequin Trim and a piece of Bermuda Bay Sequin Trim, folded them in half and then tied them to the striped ribbon using a piece of Wild Wasabi Cotton Twine from the Painted Blooms Cotton Twine pack.  It’s super thick but looks so luxurious is person, I just want to touch it.

For the greeting I used the Let Your Hair Down Hostess stamp set and used Stampin’ Write Markers to color directly on the stamp before stamping on Whisper White cardstock.  I used the Project Life Corner Rounder Punch to punch all four corners before attaching it to the cardfront.

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 hope you’re enjoying your Spring Break (if you’re on it!),

Diana

Can You Case it? Design Team - Sketch Challenge CYCI #63

 Happy Sunday!  What a beautiful morning!  After a long drive we arrived safely in Hilton Head Island, SC and are loving our stay so far (Disney really is the best!!)  I’m heading out for a long run this morning and looking forward to some new scenery to keep me occupied.  Of course, just because I’m away doesn’t mean I’m going to leave you hanging for creative inspiration, today I’m sharing my card for this weeks Can You Case It? Sketch challenge.  This was a nice, simple sketch so we really could make it our own.  The first item I knew I had to have when I saw this years Sale-a-bration catalog was the Big Day stamp set so I decided to use it as the focus for this bright and cheery birthday card.

I started with Bermuda Bay cardstock for the cardbase and then added a layer of Old Olive cardstock that was stamped along the top with the Dotty Angles stamp set.  Next I added a piece of Birthday Bash Designer Series Paper (this print is so fresh and fun!!)  I also wrapped a piece of Tangelo Twist Stitched Satin Ribbon around the cardfront and then tied a simple knot.

For the main stamped image I stamped the greeting from the Big Day stamp set in Tangelo Twist ink on Whisper White cardstock and the punched it out with the 2 ½” Circle Punch.  I stamped the same image using Bermuda Bay ink on Crushed Curry cardstock and cut it out with my Paper Snips and popped it up with dimensionals on top of the greeting.  I used the Big Shot and Starburst Framelits to create the mat out of Crushed Curry cardstock and then popped the stamped element up with dimensionals.

This card will certainly brighten anyone’s birthday and get their day of celebration started off right.  This stamp set is so perfect for all types of recipients so I’ll definitely be using it in the future, even after SAB ends.  Don’t miss out, make sure you have this set in your stamping toolbox ready to go when you need a quick and fun birthday card.  Make sure to check out the other design team creations for further inspiration and then come play along, we love to see what others create.

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

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Have an enjoyable Sunday!

Diana

Sketch Frenzy Friday: Sheer Perfection Designer Vellum

Whoo hoo!  It’s Friday and not just any Friday, but a Friday before vacation so there’s lots to be excited about in our house.  Just wrapping up school and work today before we can get started with all the fun.  I have to admit I haven’t actually taken time off for Spring Break I think since I was in Middle School so I really do feel like a school kid today (haha!)  Before all that gets started I have a really fun card for this weeks Sketch Frenzy Friday sketch challenge.  Since Sale-a-Bration is quickly wrapping up (only 5 more days) I decided to showcase one of the great new FREE items that was added at the beginning of the month, Sheer Perfection Designer Vellum Stack.  This is so fun, the vellum comes in a 6”x6” pad and includes 24 sheets (2 each of 12 designers). 

I started with Crumb Cake for the cardbase and then added a piece of Whisper White cardstock (I do this with vellum so the image really pops).  I used my Stampin’ Write Markers and colored on the back of the vellum for a stained glass effect (I learned this when I first started stamping and it’s still great!)  For the bottom I took a piece of Blackberry Bliss cardstock and embossed it with the Big Shot and Fancy Fans Embossing Folder.  I wrapped a couple pieces of Thick Baker’s Twine using the 2014-2016 colors that was also released as a new SAB item (In Color Accessory Pack) to help the colors really pop and tied a bow with a different color of the twine.

The greeting is from the Any Many More stamp set and was stamped on Crumb Cake cardstock with Island Indigo ink (the only non-in color I used).  The greeting was cut out with the Big Shot and the Itty Bitty Banners Framelits and popped up dimensionals.

This card is so beautiful in person and I love how the patterns and texture really take center stage.  You really do need this vellum the patterns are so fun and the stack is big enough you can use it with the Treat Bag Thinlit so there are lots of possibilities.  You check out the other design team cards for further ideas and then play along.

 

 

 

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

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

 

Have a great weekend,

Diana

Easter Basket: For Peeps Sake

Good morning!  This week is flying by and I have so much to do before we head out for Spring Break.  Since we’ll be on vacation the week before Easter (getting home just in time) I want to make sure I have everything ready before we leave so I’m not stressed.  I recently got the new Berry Basket BigzL Die and knew as soon as I saw it that it would be perfect for Easter so I decided to make this for Aidan’s treat from Mommy and Daddy.  I have to admit I love this die (it made this project so easy and really made me miss when we had a lot more Big Shot Dies (hint, hint Stampin’ Up! for the next calendar.) 

I used Crumb Cake cardstock for the basket base and you have to cut two pieces for the basket (which means you can get one basket out of an 8 1/2” x 11” piece of cardstock.  I also cut two handle pieces and two trim pieces using the Best Day Ever Designer Series Paper.  After cutting out the pieces I used the Hardwood stamp set to stamp the woodgain on all the Crumb Cake pieces using Crumb Cake ink.  I used Tombow Liquid Glue to attach the two pieces at the bottom and then used the Mini Stapler to staple the DSP trim piece to the basket which helps form the basket.  I added two handles but you could easily just use one in the center (I’ve made other baskets using the one handle). 

For the tag I used the For Peeps Sake stamp set and after stamping the greeting and easter egss I used the Ornate Tag Topper Punch to punch the tops of the tag and attached the tag to the basket handle using some ribbon from the Best Day Ever Designer Accessory Package.

After adding some paper grass to the basket I started filling it and have to say, I was shocked at how much this basket holds (more candy for Aidan, oh my!!)  It’s nice to have container projects that hold different amounts to suit your needs.  I’ve really been having fun playing with this stamp set (as you can tell) it’s so cute!!!

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

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

 

Happy crafting,
 

Diana

Easter Class and Teacher Gifts: For Peeps Sake

Good morning!  Only a few days left before we start spring break and we’re all getting excited.  I’m a person that loves to celebrate most holidays Aidan always takes treats into his teachers and class for most holidays but with Easter being early this year and school being out for Spring Break the week before my deadline to get these finished in time to give was rapidly approaching I knew I needed to whip up some cute gifts that didn’t take a lot of time so they would be ready before the break.  I earned a couple of packages Best Day Ever Designer Series Paper for FREE during Sale-a-Bration so I had plenty for these cute gifts. 

For Aidan’s teachers gifts we decided to give little bags of treats and since I had a few baggies from the January Paper Pumpkin Kit (one of my all time favorites!!) I decided to use the bags and gold clips from the kit and then use the idea of the elements and recreate them using Easter colors and themes.  The fold over tag uses the Best Day Ever Designer Series Paper I scored it with the Simply Scored Board and then used my retired Ticket Punch to punch the corners on the front side.  For the greeting I used the For Peeps Sake stamp set and after stamping the greeting and easter egss I punched it out with the Extra Large Oval Punch and then added some Ribbon tails from the Best Day Ever Designer Accessory Package.  These really were so easy; I was able to make 8 of them in probably ½ hour and are super cute.

Close-up of the Bag Tag

For Aidan’s classmates I decided to use bags of Fun Sized M&M’s that I already had in my candy stash (saves money, reduces sweet treat temptations, and covers allergy issues in the class, triple score!)  I found these really cute matchbook treats on Becky Roberts blog, see here’s HERE so I used this idea (I did have to adjust the width of mine my increase it ¼” to make sure it fully covered the M&M packages).  By using the Best Day Ever Designer Series Paper I didn’t have to worry about stamping or decorating the matchboxes, and used up some of my paper stash and the Simply Scored Board made scoring all the pieces fast.  I did use the Mini Stapler (this tool is AWESOME!!! I could see using it in the office as easily as crafting) to attach the M&M baggies to the package so they didn’t fall out.   I used the same stamp set for the tag on these and used Stampin’ Write Markers to ink the stamp before stamping on Sahara Sand cardstock.  I used the Ornate Tag Topper Punch to punch the tops of each tag and added some ribbon from the Best Day Ever Designer Accessory Package to dress it up.  I did attach the tag with dimensionals to the matchbook.  Once again, I was able to make 27 of these little treats from start to finish in less than two hours (the longest time being coloring in the tag. 
 

Matchbook Treat Open

 

I know my days are numbers of Aidan wanting to give treats to his class and teachers so I’m enjoying it while it lasts.  If you didn’t have classmates to give treats to this could easily work for neighbors, grandkids, coworkers (yes even adults like treats), etc. and would certainly brighten someone’s day.

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

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

 

You still have time to whip little gifts for Easter that will certainly impress! 

Happy crafting,

Diana

Stylin' Stampin' INKsiration Masculine Monday: Two Times the Fun

Good morning!  Today over on the Stylin’Stampin’ INKspiration blog it’s Masculine Monday and you know we always need ideas for the guys in our lives.  Aidan just finished his basketball season this weekend and Chris decided to coordinate at the last minute gifts for the coaches and then volunteered me to provide the cards for the kids to sign, oh and I had just a few hours to have them finished (no pressure!!!)  So down to the studio I went, and thanks to the Adventure Abounds Designer Series Paper Stack, I came back shortly later with these two cards that were super easy but really turned out great. 

For this first card I started with Basic Gray for the cardbase and embossed the front of the card using the Big Shot and Woodgrain Embossing Folder.  Next I cut a piece of the Adventure Abounds Designer Series Paper Stack in half (I like to do this so I get two cards with each piece of DSP and don’t have any scraps) and matted it with Sahara Sand Cardstock.  For the greeting I used the Hip Notes stamp set and stamped it with Versamark and then Heat Embossed it using the Heat Tool and Basic Black Embossing Powder on Vellum.  I wrapped the Vellum and a piece of Natural 5/8” Chevron Ribbon around the DSP layer before attaching the whole piece to the cardbase.

 

 

For the second card I started with Sahara Sand for the cardbase and once again embossed the front using the Perfect Polka Dot Embossing Folder.  For this card I used a scrap of DSP from the Adventure Abounds Designer Series Paper Stack and cut tails for a flag.  For the greeting I used the Chalkboard Paper and stamped the greeting from the Simply Wonderful stamp set (a SAB Freebie!!) using Whisper White Craft Ink.  Since I was in a hurry I used the Heat Tool to set the ink and then cut matching flag tails in this layer.  For the final detail I used the 1/8” Handheld Punch to punch two holes to thread some Mossy Meadow Stitched Satin Ribbon into a unique bow.

For not having a lot of time to whip these cards but I really like them (however I later learned I should have added a separate layer for the embossed piece so that both sides of the inside of the card were flat, forgot how big kid’s write, oops!!) and this DSP stack really has some beautiful images that can make cards simple yet impressive.  The rest of the design team is sharing some great masculine cards so make sure to check them out and then pick one to CASE and play along with.

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

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

 

Happy Stamping,

Diana

Can You Case it? Design Team - Sketch Challenge CYCI #62

 Happy Sunday!  How has your weekend been?  We had an exciting day yesterday but looking forward to a relaxing day today, heading out for my run now, and then get started packing for our Spring Break trip (I can’t remember the last time I took a trip for Spring Break (probably not since middle school and this is also my birthday week so I’m extra excited!)  Since it’s Sunday, today I’m sharing my card for this weeks Can You Case It? Sketch challenge and this week we had complete freedom to using any layout, products etc. for our project so I decided to share the card I made for Aidan’s birthday (of course I had to wait until after he received the card so I didn’t ruin the surprise) but I always spend some extra time on his cards so I knew you’d enjoy it!

I started with Pistachio Pudding cardstock for the cardbase (remember this is one of the 2013-2015 In Colors that will be retiring in a few months so make sure to stock up before it sells out).  Next I added a piece of Whisper White cardstock that was matted with Basic Gray cardstock.  I used a piece of Confetti Celebration Designer Series Paper along the bottom and is a perfect mat for Aidan’s name (he loves personalized things with his name!)  I cut the letters for Aidan’s name using the Gold Foil Paper, Big Shot, and Little Letters Thinlits die (super easy).

For the main stamped image I stamped the balloon from the Celebrate Today stamp set in Pistachio Pudding ink and then cut it out with the Big Shot and Balloon Framelits (I used the same framelit to cut the second balloon out of the Confetti Celebration Designer Series Paper).  I added the “10^th” inside the birthday using the Metallic Gold Ink Pad and the Memorable Moments stamp set.  The “birthday” greeting is from the same stamp set and was stamped in Basic Gray ink.  The final touch was to add some string for the balloons and I used Crushed Curry Baker’s Twine and used two pieces to tie a double bow so there are strings for both balloons and it was tied around the bottom of the top balloon.  I popped the top balloon up with dimensionals.

This card is so fun and has lots of bling that Aidan really liked!  it can’t help but brighten your little one’s day.  Make sure to check out the other design team creations for further inspiration and then come play along, we love to see what others create.

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

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

 

Have an enjoyable Sunday!

Diana

Sketch Frenzy Friday Sketch Challenge: For Peep's Sake

  Good morning!  I can’t believe it’s supposed to be a snowy morning today, we were teased with spring type weather at the beginning of the week, but I have faith that Mother Nature won’t let us down and it’ll improve from here, time to get all the winter closed washed and put away for the season.  To help remind us that spring, and especially Easter, really is right around the corner I have a super fun card to.  I decided to combine this weeks Sketch Frenzy Friday sketch challenge with the Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration blog focus on Easter cards, double the fun!  I know I’ve been using the Best Day Ever Sale-a-bration paper for a lot of Easter projects (and will be sharing more next week) so I decided to change things up and use the Lullaby Designer Series Paper as the color inspiration for this card (yes it’s for more than babies!). 

I started with Crisp Cantaloupe cardstock and then added a piece of the Lullaby Designer Series Paper for a fun backdrop.  Next I cut for squares of Baked Brown Sugar and Pistachio Pudding cardstock for the corners.  I embossed the Pistachio Pudding squares with the Big Shot and Fancy Fans Embossing Folder before attaching to the cardfront.

For the main stamped image I used the For Peeps Sake Stamp set and used my Stampin’ Write Markers to color in the image before stamping.  I also used markers to stamp the feet for by little chick on the bottom right corner of the cardstock before matting it with Coastal Cabana Cardstock.  For the chick, I stamped him on a scrap piece of paper using Hello Honey ink and then cut him out with Paper Snips before attaching him with dimensionals so he pops off the card.  The final touch was to add a bow I made using the Crisp Cantaloupe Thick Baker’s Twine to really tie all the colors in. 

This card is so bright and cheery, when these In Colors were first released they definitely made me think of spring and Easter so they’re perfect.  I’m going to be so sad when these retire in a few months, thankfully I’ve stocked up on cardstock and ink refills during Sale-a-bration so I can continue to use them as needed in the future.  Make sure you don’t miss out on your favor In Colors before they retire, they will sell out quickly once the retirement list is released and you don’t want to pay Ebay pricing for things you can get now (and earn SAB goodies at the same time!).  Make sure to check out the other design team creations for further inspiration and then play along, this will be the perfect weekend to start working on your Easter projects, if you haven’t already.


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

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Have a great weekend an enjoy!

Diana

Hand Stamped Sentiments Color Challenge and Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Stamp Set Focus: Dictionary

Good morning!  Com on weather man, say it isn’t so.  I’m ready for spring and got a beautiful glimpse of it and now it’s been taken away and there’s even mention of the “snow” word, I’m really hoping your wrong buddy.  To help warm things up I have a bright and cheery card today that’s a double dip.  I used the Hand Stamped Sentiments Color Challenge along with the Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration blog where we’re focusing on the background stamp set:  Dictionary.  I also decided to combine this with a brand new Sale-a-Bration stamp set that was released this month, For Being You which is so fun! 

 

I started with Blushing Bride cardstock for the cardbase and then added a piece of Whisper White cardstock.  On this layer I stamped the background using the Dictionary stamp set and Blushing Bride ink and then sponged around the edges with the same ink. 

Next I stamped the “Thanks” from the For Being You stamp set in Tuxedo Black Memento Ink and then colored it in with Stampin’ Write Markers with Blushing Bride, Wilde Wasabi, and Blackberry Bliss for a rainbow effect.  I also wrapped some Wild Wasabi Cotton Twine from the Painted Blooms Cotton Twine pack (this stuff is so soft and pretty!).  I stamped the rest of the greeting in Wild Wasabi Ink, punched it out with the Word Window Punch and then sponged around the edges with Blackberry Bliss ink before attaching it with dimensionals. 

This card is so fun and I love our background stamps since I can create exactly what I want in the colors I want, quick and easy.  Make sure to check out the other design team creations for further inspiration.

 

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

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

 

Hope this helps brighten your day!
 

Diana