Make Mine Stamps

Weekend Sketch Challenge

I had so much going on this weekend and only a short time to stamp.  On Friday night, Andy had a ball game.  Thom was attending a concert so my father and I made the trip.  In the third quarter, Andy went up for a rebound and knocked knees with a player from the other team.  He fell hard on the floor and immediately started howling about his knee.  Three hours later and we know there are no bones broken; however, the ER recommended seeing a specialist to determine if there is "soft tissue damage".  He's played sports since his 7th grade year and now, in his senior year, we start having all manner of injuries.  Yuck!  I didn't get home until 2:30 a.m. and with the icy roads, it wasn't an easy trip home.  So, Saturday was one of those days where I just tried to recuperate emotionally and physically.

Long story short, admidst the wrapping, which I finally started on Sunday, and after all the ironing (which is the story of my life!), my hands and wrists are suffering mightily.  I decided I needed a quicky sketch challenge and I found Gretchen Barron's Weekend Sketch Challenge.

My card looks like this:

I do not notoriously use the diecuts that come in the Simply Scrapping Kits.  I'm not good with diecuts and one of my 2010 goals is to get better with using the complete kit. 

I started with a Chocolate Chip card base.  On a textured Old Olive layer, I added a strip of Real Red cardstock, which I scalloped on the bottom and pierced both the top and bottom.  I added a strip of the striped DSP from the kit and at the top of the DSP, underneath the piercing, I added a strip of 1/4" Chocolate Chip grosgrain ribbon.

I peeled off one of the large ornament die cuts and added dimensionals to the back, punched a small hole with my Crop-A-Dile and added gold cord.  I layered this onto the Old Olive layer and adhered it to the base card.

My final step was to use my Stamp-A-Ma-Jig to stamp "Merry Christmas" from Teeny Tiny Wishes in Chocolate Chip ink above the Real Red layer.

For as quickly as this came together, I'm happy with it.  And since I was able to make this card from the kit and scraps I had left inside the kit, it came together in less than 10 minutes.  For me...that's an accomplishment!

Hope you are getting your To Do lists accomplished and are planning to have a fabulous Christmas!  See you later this week!

Blogger's Challenge - Sketch Challenge

It's no secret that I love sketch challenges.  I like to have a jumping off point, a place to start.  However, sometimes cards don't come easy and other times, you see a sketch and immediately know what you want to create.  Today's Blogger's Challenge was easy for me and just spoke to me right now -- you gotta love that!

Here was the sketch we were given:          

I love Stampin' Up! products and that is no secret to anyone who knows me.  I am pretty picky with my paper though and will tell you that the Merry Moments paper just didn't do it for me.  Yes, I've seen some fabulous projects from other people -- but my creative mojo just didn't go nutso over this paper packet.  So, when I saw this sketch, I said, "Self, you are using that paper and you will make a card with that ugly print."  So self went to work and here is the end result.

I started with an Old Olive base card.  Using a layer of the snowflake multi-colored print, I added a layer of Kraft cardstock that I had run through the Big Shot with the small polka dots for texture.  It sort of mimicks the small diamonds I see in the print. 

I stamped the coordinating pine tree from Patterned Pines in Garden Green on Very Vanilla cardstock and layered this on Garden Green cardstock.  This layer was adhered to the Kraft textured layer with dimensionals.

I added the Real Red layer which was pierced on both sides and then added a 5/8" piece of Chocolate Chip grosgrain.  Finally, I added three Chocolate Chip corduroy buttons and made certain all the pattern in the buttons was facing the same direction.  I knew that if I didn't check them, Thom would catch it.  Can you say, "A-null, A-null, A-null!"  I've gotten to the point that I can almost anticipate his comments before he makes them and I actually picked up on the fact that the corduroy wasn't all facing one direction.  Yes, six years of marriage later and I'm finally getting it!

Here's the inside:

When I got home today, I had to work on laundry, normal clean up around the house, etc.  I had to prep a craft project for the Young Lives group (20 people) and finish the cards I started yesterday, as well as making this card.  My hands, wrists and arms are screaming at me -- carpal tunnel still an issue, but I was able to work for more than an hour without pain.  We're getting there....

However, my tree is leaning and my sentiments are leaning -- too darned bad.  The sentiment is from Christmas Greetings set and the tree is another one from the Patterned Pines set.  I cut the three tree image apart and really like them separately much better than together.

Okay, that's it for me for today.  Andy has a ball game tonight and we are going to an OSU ball game tomorrow so I doubt seriously I get an opportunity to stamp.  Look for something new on Monday.  Have a fabulous weekend!  Thanks for visiting!

Family Christmas Card 1

Okay...let's be honest here.  I've made so many Christmas cards this year that I'm really tired of making Christmas cards.  I think I started in August!  And, because sending a spiritual card is extremely important to me, it has to be "the right card".  Plus, I've given almost all of the cards I made away -- not the smartest move, you know?  So, when Thom casually asked me (read "with intent!") if we were going to SEND cards this year, I knew I had better kick it into high gear.  So, after I did some laundry, straightened my house, and every other possible chore I could think of to put off the inevitable, I finally moved to the stamping studio last night.  Here is the result:

If you have an 2009-2010 Idea Book and Catalog, check page 175 for the Holiday Photo Card Kit.  I had to order this kit because I wanted to see how well it was done -- AND IT WAS DONE WELL!  I loved it, but don't send photos at the holiday.  And because I didn't really show it other than to "show" it and tell people what it was (MY BAD!), no one really warmed up to it.  I needed cards and I needed them fast.  In my impaired state (which is sooooooo much better!), I wanted to pump out some serious cards quickly.  And, using this card kit, that is what I did.

I used the base card of Kraft with a Chocolate Chip polka dot bottom.  I pulled out my Christ is Born stamp set and stamped the words in Real Red on Very Vanilla cardstock and mounted this with dimensionals onto Chocolate Chip cardstock.  I loved the die cut that came in this kit, so I pulled this off the sheets and mounted it over my image, using dimensionals to pop it up a bit more.  And yes, I'm well aware this card will cost me extra to send, but for the result, it is well worth the extra 20 cents in postage!  I wrapped an Old Olive 5/8" grosgrain ribbon around the card and tied a bow (I almost never use a real bow...but it is Christmas!) and adhered this underneath the bow with a small glue dot to ensure it stays in place.  I also used a small glue dot under the ribbon under the stem of the die cut to anchor this ribbon further.  I really wanted something more on this card, but Thom was pleased with it as it was and said something a few other people have been telling me as I "stamp simple" this last month -- less is sometimes more.  I did concede to myself though and covered this card with shimmer spray (rubbing alcohol and Champagne Mist shimmer paint mixture) and it is truly gorgeous and simple in real life.  (Yep, I know you're thinking that's what we all say!)

Here's the inside of the card:

I used the poinsettia image to stamp inside the card because I wanted to jazz up the Kraft cardstock a bit.  I randomly stamped the image in Sahara Sand and then stamped the Bible verse in Chocolate Chip. "Merry Christmas" from Christmas Greetings is stamped in Real Red ink to give the inside of this card some color.

I've got a piece that I will include with some verbiage I fell in love with about why Jesus is better than Santa which I will be typing and copying at work today (there are advantages to sleeping with your boss!).  I was happy that I decided to use this card base since I will be inserting a full sheet of paper folded -- the 5 x 7 size (which I don't use often) is perfect for the enclosure!

And overall, I'm happy to put my stamp on this card.  Hope you are not succumbing to the craziness of this hectic season and have it well under control.  I'm off to work so I can come home and make some more cards!

A bit of good news -- Stampin' Up! has decided to include the shimmer paints as a write-in item for the remainder of the year!  So if you love the shimmer paints, no need to stockpile -- you can order them anytime!

Enjoy your day and may God richly bless you!  Remember to praise Him for all the good things in your life and even the not so good things through which we learn many of life's toughest lessons. 

Case #12 -- Another Challenge!

Well, once again I can't figure out how to get the picture in so you can see it.  You'll have to take my word that I've followed the sketch.  This is from the November 2009 issue of ' Success and my inspiration picture is on page 23.  I wanted something quick -- NOT!  I spend more time doing these this type of challenge than I do when I only start with a sketch!

For me, this was definitely a challenge.  I wanted to use the window sheet overlay to simulate falling snow.  I realize these snowflakes are falling in straight order, but you'll just have to give me some creative liberty...please?

I started with a Note quite Navy basecard.  I used my Always Artichoke marker to ink up the three trees from the Scenic Seasonstamp set and then used my white gel pen to add the snow caps.  I stamped this onto Bashful Blue.  I cut a small piece of Always Artichoke to place directly on my base card and then used dimensionals to add the Bashful Blue layer.

Next, I added the window sheet by using redline tape on the top back of the card -- I just folded it over and adhered it to the card.  Now this worked, but I knew I would need to adhere it to the front as well so it didn't "flop" all over and get off-skew.  So, rhinestone brads to the rescue!  I used the Ice brads and here is how I did them.  First, I open them up and cut the prongs off with my rubber scissors.  Thank you Stampin' Up! for die cutting our stamps!  I don't even bother trimming stamped anymore -- just too darned lazy and generally want to get stamping as soon as I receive new product!  However, I digress...I adhered the brads to the top of the window sheet with the smallest glue dots which I folded over and made even smaller.  Next, I used my piercing tool to use another of these small glue dots all folded up underneath the window sheet under the brad so it can't be seen.  Subterfuge in stamping!  I love it!  I just used as many as I thought I needed to keep the window sheet fairly tight to the card.  So far...so good!  I took the picture on the angle so there is no glare on the window sheet.

Tomorrow, I stamp as soon as I get home and I'm hopeful I can get my Christmas cards made.  Sad...but true!

Have a fabulous Wednesday and enjoy your day!

Congratulations Becky and Andy!

A good friend graduated yesterday after attending college around her work schedule for the past how many years?  She even managed to get married while doing this and I can't begin to imagine how she accomplished that feat!  Always smiling, always happy, I'm so happy that she has gotten this far.  Now, to get the job of her dreams....

Here is the card I made for her:

Yes, I realize I used the same image for my Blogger's Challenge, but it just works so well for this card!

I started with a Kraft basecard.  I cut a layer of Chocolate Chip and used a piece of the striped DSP from the Thoroughly Modern paper pack.  I love the Bermuda Bay, Chocolate Chip and Kraft combo.  I layered on the DSP strips and the Bermuda Bay pieces, then stamped my image from Pun Fun and colored my hippo with blender pens and inkpads.  I layered this image on Chocolate Chip, added it to the card with dimensionals and then layered the entire Chocolate Chip layer onto the base card.

The sentiment is from a retired set used for Sale-A-Bration last year and I won't let it go.  It's those word sets again....  At any rate, I stamped "Congratulations" onto Whisper White cardstock with Bermuda Bay ink and layered this onto the Chocolate Chip layer with dimensionals again.  In retrospect, I should have used Scarlet and Gray since she graduated from Ohio State, but I love these bright and fun colors!  The remind me of Becky anyway -- sunshiny and happy!  I stamped the inside verse, "If at first you do succeed, try not to look astonished!"  This is so Becky anyway -- very non-assuming and just someone you truly enjoy being around!  Congrats to you Becky - you've worked hard and earned this!  The job will follow!

Congratulations also go out to my son, Andy, who was voted Marion Star Teen of the Month for December.  It's a huge honor and voted upon by his peers, chosen from all of the schools in Marion County.  I'm very proud of him and all that he has accomplished.  There should be an article in the paper sometime soon and I will be gathering many copies!  I see a scrapbook page coming -- perhaps a double page spread!

Enjoy your day and the week ahead, as well as all the madness that comes this time of year.  I don't suppose we would have it any other way!  Blessings to you and yours!

12 Days of Holiday Sales

These might be the most exciting 12 days of December with select Big Shot dies and vinyl sheets for the Big Shot on sale! The 12 Days of Holiday Sales begin today and runs through December 22.

Some of the items introduced in this sale are new colors of Décor Elements vinyl sheets. There are 18 new colors to choose from, and they make great projects when you use them with Big Shot dies. Consider pairing the Clear Décor Elements vinyl sheets with the Tulipe Bigz die to create an etched-like design on a vase. Or use the Decorative Accent Bigz dies with the Old Olive Décor Element vinyl sheets to enhance a frame. The combination of Big Shot dies and Décor Elements vinyl sheets is sure to take your creativity to a new level!

Tell your husband!!! Shop now --- sale is only until Dec. 22nd!

Item	Page #	Description	Regular Price	Discounted Price
114515	195	Flower Burst Embosslits die	$11.95	$8.96
114516	195	Cherry Blossom Embosslits die	$11.95	$8.96
115957	195	Thanks Embosslits die	$11.95	$8.96
114513	195	Sweetest Stem Embosslits die	$11.95	$8.96
115952	195	Hi Embosslits die	$11.95	$8.96
115951	197	Timeless Type Junior Alphabet Medium Sizzlits die	$74.95	$59.96
113446	197	Build a Flower #2 Set Sizzlits 4-Pack die	$19.95	$16.96
114509	197	Big Bold Cupcakes Sizzlits 4-Pack die	$21.95	$18.66
113448	197	Hearts Set Sizzlits 4-Pack die	$19.95	$16.96
113457	198	Tulipe Bigz die	$21.95	$16.46
115954	198	Two Tags Bigz die	$21.95	$18.66
114524	199	Fringed Flower Bigz die	$19.95	$15.96
114523	199	Decorative Accents Bigz die	$19.95	$15.96
114534	199	Flower Bigz Clear die	$19.95	$15.96
113473	199	5-Point 3D Star Bigz die	$19.95	$16.96
113472	199	Circle 3D Ornament Bigz die	$19.95	$16.96
113470	199	Flower Layers w/Leaf Bigz die	$19.95	$16.96
113465	199	Bird w/Leaves and Flower Bigz die	$19.95	$16.96
115961	200	Perfect Setting Bigz XL die	$42.95	$32.21
113483	200	Pennant Bigz XL die	$39.95	$29.96
113484	200	Baskets & Blooms Bigz XL die	$39.95	$31.96
116760	201	Pop-Up Three Tier Cake Bigz XL die	$39.95	$29.96
116759	201	Pop-Up 3D Ball Bigz XL die	$39.95	$29.96
114890	201	Matchbox Bigz XL die	$42.95	$36.51
113458	202	Flower Layers Originals die	$15.95	$13.56
114336	158	Kraft Décor Elements sheets 12" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$10.36
114334	158	Dark Gray Décor Elements sheets 12" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$10.36
114337	158	Chocolate Décor Elements sheets 12" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$10.36
114335	158	White Décor Elements sheets 12" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$10.36
118797	n/a	So Saffron Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118798	n/a	Rose Red Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118799	n/a	Taken With Teal Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118800	n/a	Pretty In Pink Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118801	n/a	Bashful Blue Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118802	n/a	Real Red Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118803	n/a	Old Olive Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118804	n/a	Black Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118805	n/a	Night of Navy Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118806	n/a	Certainly Celery Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118807	n/a	Tempting Turquoise Décor Elements Sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118808	n/a	Clear Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118809	n/a	Pumpkin Pie Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118810	n/a	Pixie Pink Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118812	n/a	Sahara Sand Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118813	n/a	Gable Green Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118814	n/a	Basic Gray Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118815	n/a	Chalkboard Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$14.95	$11.21

Blogger's Challenge - Birthday Themed

It's Friday and that means another edition of Blogger's Challenge!  And I made it!  At this point, I'll take all the small celebrations I can get -- I'm slowly recovering from carpal tunnel and I'm very happy that the braces are working.  That and all the rest I'm getting becuase my stamping studio now asks for ID whenever I try to enter...

Blogger's Challenge was to be birthday related today.  Here's my card:

When this set, Pun Fun, first debuted, I wasn't crazy about it.  Everyone else used the heck out of it, but it just wasn't the type of card I normally make.  So, it took me awhile (read over on year) to climb on the band wagon.  Now, I'm starting to enjoy making whimsical cards and have been stretched out of my comfort zone enough that I actually reach for this set!

I started with a Regal Rose cardbase.  I cut a layer of the Rose  Red Designer Series Paper from the Thoroughly Modern paper pack and used White Craft Ink to stamp a design with the Baroque Motifs stamp set.  I randomly inked and stamped to add some interest to this piece.  I stamped my Hippo in Black Staz-On ink on Whisper White cardstock and used my Watercolor Wonder crayons and aqua painter to color Lady Hippo using Grey, Rose Red, Regal Rose and Black.  I added a layer of Basic Grey cardstock to my stamped image and adhered these two layers together after ripping the bottoms of both pieces. 

I tied a lenth of White Taffeta ribbon around the Regal Rose layer and adhered this to my card.  Next, I added the stamped image, using dimensionals to give it some height.  For some punch, I used a couple of Rose Red Felt Flowers from the Flower Fusion kit, along with a silk flower from the Pretties Kit and a small pink brad to add a flower to this card.  I have made so many Christmas cards that I needed a diversion and thought this would be a bright touch for this card.

I should have stamped my sentiment from Teeny Tiny Wishes on the image itself, but I didn't determine that until after I had stamped it on the bottom right of my card in Rose Red ink.  I should also have stamped it in black ink, but didn't figure that one out either...oh well...practice makes perfect.  If I remake this card, that is what I would do!  As it is, this card will suffice.  Especially since my stamping time has been limited at best.  I itch to get into my room and just spend the entire day creating!

Hope all is well with you and yours and that everyone you love is healthy and safe.  That is what I wish for most this Christmas!  Hugs to you all!  I'm off to see what all the talented Blogger's Challenge ladies have created -- they completely and totally inspire me each and every week! 

Case Challenge #11

I've never done a CASE Challenge before and thought I would give it a shot.  This took me FOREVER!  I know it sounds sad, but I'll bet this card took me 30 minutes to make.  CASE, for those of you who aren't familiar with stamper slang, is short for Copy And Share Everything -- it's a way of life for stampers and I love it!  Stampers make the best people!!

I couldn't figure out a way to get the picture I'm supposed to case for you so you'll have to take my word that I followed the sketch.  Here's my card:

I started with an Almost Amethyst card base.  I layered on Barely Banana after piercing both the top and bottom of the piece.  Next, I pierced a piece of Brilliant Blue at the bottom only.  I ripped a small strip of Lovely Lilac both top and bottom (remember to always rip toward you -- just turn your piece as you hold it and rip the other side toward you when you want to do both sides of your piece!).  I ripped a piece of Whisper White cardstock and then inked my image from Thoughts and Prayers using my Lovely Lilac, Close to Cocoa and Old Olive markers before stamping.  I used my Close to Cocoa inkpad to ink the words "Praying for you" from the same set and stamped them on the front panel.

After stamping my images, I adhered the top of my Whisper White cardstock to the Brilliant Blue base and then placed the Lovely Lilac ripped piece and adhered this all together.  I rolled back the edges of the ripped portions of my Lovely Lilac with my fingernails.  Finally, I placed one of the small library clips at the top of this stamped image piece.

Here's the inside.

I inked only the portion of the sentiment I wanted, (in this case I only used the bottom of the stamp), using my Close to Cocoa marker.  I should have stamped off and then re-inked, but I was too impatient.  So, my words are a bit "fat" in places.  Oh well...it's a hand-crafted card made with love and prayer so it is just perfect as it is!

I ripped a Brilliant Blue strip for the bottom of the inside of the card, and layered on a piece of Lovely Lilac I had scalloped.  I covered the seam with a piece of Always Apricot ribbon, but it looks the same as the Barely Banana on the front. 

It is so darned cold here today that my fingers do not want to work.  The good new is that wearing the carpal tunnel braces at night ar and the rest is helping to seriously ease my pain.  Piercing is hard at this point, but doable if I don't want to do much else.

I've got a couple of cards I have to pump out this evening and I'm hopeful I can get them done.  We'll see what the hands, wrists and elbows have to say about that....

Have a fabulous day and I hope you are well on your way to being prepared for the Christmas holiday!  Blessings to you!

Scenic Season - Sketch Challenge

I did some searching for sketch challenges and found one I liked -- earlier in the week.  Now, although I have the sketch, I can't read where it came from!  Sorry about that!  However, here is my take on the sketch and it took less than 10 minutes -- which really worked into my schedule today.

I started with a Real Red card base.  Laying on my desk, when I searched through the rubble, I found this embossed piece upon which I had used the Petals A-Plenty embossing folder.  Just to change it up a bit, I used my Real Red marker and colored in all the flower centers and dots between the flowers. 

I cut a smaller piece of Real Red cardstock and layered this with our Brushed Gold cardstock (isn't this stuff awesome!).   I embossed a small portion of Scenic Season using Gold Embossing Powder on Whisper White cardstock and layered this onto my Brushed Gold cardstock and Real Red cardstock layer. 

Next, I wrapped Gold cording all around the Whisper White embossed layered and tied a knot.  I adhered my embossed stamped image over the larger white embossed piece and layered the pieces  onto the Real Red base card.

The sketch called for a sentiment on the front, but honestly, I just didn't want to add it -- I like the simple elegance of this card as it is.  Hope you agree! 

I'll be back tomorrow.  I'm really feeling so much better and am just trying to be careful with how much and how carefully I use my hands.  Quick projects -- that is about all I'm good for right now, but I have lots of ideas swirling around in my head, especially since I've got new products coming!  Sale-A-Bration starts in January -- have you booked your workshop yet?  If not, give me a call and let's firm up a date for you and your friends and family!

Decor Elements -- Serve the Lord

If you haven't seen Stampin' Up!'s line of Decor Elements, you owe it to yourself to check them out!  These rub-ons and stencils are fabulous and make home decor or hand crafting gift items a snap.  Here's a project that took me about 5 minutes to prepare.

I used an oval frame and as you can tell, put a More Mustard background behind the glass.  I actually used the rub-on directly on the glass and it was so easy to do, I was shocked.  I thought that since it was a larger image, it might be more difficult, but it wasn't.  Truly...5 minutes, start to finish!

I'm going to change the background so the seam in my paper is horizontal versus vertical and I will undoubtedly use some sort of floral and ribbon to cover the seam.  Hopefully I can get out tomorrow and pick up some florals that will work.

I love this verse from Joshua and I love Decor Elements!  So easy -- and this will make a fabulous gift for Christmas once I fix and finish it!

Enjoy your day!  I'm looking forward to some easy stamping this afternoon and hope to have some new items to show you on Wednesday!  I'm resting and really seeing some great strides in this carpal tunnel issue.