Make Mine Stamps

Yep...I've still got that paper!

If you could see the paper collection I've amassed, you would be amazed...dazed...and confused.  You would wonder why I'm not using any of my paper.  Trust me on this -- for the past two years I've held events where we donated over 1,000 cards (at each event) and all of the paper came from my massive collection.  When I do those events, I really do try to use a great deal of patterned paper to give the card some "pretty" while using a stamped image.  My paper is in crates, hanging in 2.5 gallon zip lock bags from pants hangers in two closets and in various other "hiding" places.  My brother refers to my paper as "that precious paper." 

I wanted to find something that was more masculine for the Prayer Committee to use at church.  The cards I've donated over the past few weeks are more feminine and I wanted to give them some variety.  Here is what I came up with and it was done for a sketch challenge.  Because I haven't been able to post much in the past few weeks, I cannot remember which challenge and I apologize.

I started with a Wild Wasabi basecard and took my cue from the stripe in the Woodland Park Designer Series Paper pack (retired).  I layered the stripe on Garden Green and then matted the Wild Wasabi dotted paper on Garden Green as well.

I pulled out Strength and Refuge (retired) for the image of the Cross.  I stamped this in Soft Suede on Very Vanilla and matted it on Soft Suede, using dimensionals to add it to my card.

 I have tons of buttons -- both current and retired -- and rarely use them but I'm such a collector of things I MIGHT NEED SOMEDAY that I decided I'd pull one out.  I loved the addition of this Soft Suede button with the hemp twine tied into it and added it to my card with a glue dot.  I stamped the sentiment on Very Vanilla in Soft Suede and punched it out with the small oval punch.  Instead of matting it with the large oval punch (I'm not crazy about the two sizes together), I punched two of the small oval from Soft Suede,  cutting one in half length-wise and one in half width-wise.  I used them to mat the oval and the sizing is perfect -- you really can't tell that is what I've done and I like it.

This one worked for me.  I wasn't really crazy about this suite of papers but really liked them on this card.  The said part is that my uncle passed away two weeks ago and I had to use one for a sympathy card.  I do hope that it gave my aunt some comfort because it looks like my uncle -- manly man.

Have a fabulous weekend.  I'm off to stamp!  God Bless and thanks for stopping!

 

What a Week!

I have been stamping -- I had to because I needed the therapy to keep me from slitting my wrists and dumping in a bottle of Chocolate Syrup!  Just so much going on and I'm really praying that this isn't setting the tone for the year 2012. 

My hubs, as you know, is an ardent Buckeye Fan.  Each year, I design a card that we use to give football tickets to our clients and it really causes me a bit of angst until it is designed.  This year, with the introduction of Urban Meyer as the new Buckeye Football Coach, he's all over me to get it done and start mass producing.  Here is the inspiration card I designed and after I had spent three tries getting this just right, I remembered I need to make it a long card that will fit in a #10 business envelope.  Go figure...and I didn't remember this why?

I was inspired by the Bargello Technique and wanted to do something that would be quick and easy (NOT!).  Once I started with this design, I couldn't quit and had to perfect it.  I used the Big Shot for the letters (isn't that tool so handy!!!!!) and just used strips of cardstock for the...well, for the strips of cardstock in Real Red, Whisper White and Basic Gray. 

Now to my comment earlier, the Bargello technique is quick and easy but doing this the way I did it, it isn't really Bargello and it isn't quick and easy.  I have to make certain I leave enough room for the "BUCKS" to fit across the card on the diagonal.  Will definitely be interested to see how this transforms to a long, skinny card -- when I get it done, I'll share.

I have lots of cards to share; however, I've had two funerals in three weeks and two people I love dearly in major life crisis.  In addition, work has had some drama that has caused us some hassle and we are heading into our weekends just exhausted.  However, I'm counting all my many blessings and I've got so many blessings I should be passing them out and sharing them!  No complaints here but perhaps I need to learn to manage my time better....

Enjoy your week and God Bless!

 

I Never Know What To Do...

...with those big sheets of Designer Series Papers with the large patterns.  They are a struggle for me and I love them so much that I almost wish I would just create wall art with them like they do on HGTV.  You know what I mean -- they put the paper in a picture frame, slap it up on the wall and it becomes the inspiration for the entire room design.  How cool is that?

But guess what I saw over the weekend?  A Verve sketch on Splitcoaststampers that immediately sparked a card in my brain.  This one is going down in the books and will be used over and over and over again.  I'd love to hear your take on this one!

I completely followed the sketch, but added the flower I fussy cut from the paper.  And when I saw the sketch, this card came to mind RIGHT NOW.  I cut the paper, then cut the flower out of another piece and trimmed it very close.  Next, I cut into all the flower petals "seams" and sponged Not Quite Navy on those edges to deepen the color a bit. 

After I cut the vellum and stamped the sentiment in Not Quite Navy (not a SU sentiment so don't go looking for it!), I used my heat gun to dry the sentiment.  I used glue dots to place the vellum over the flower on the DSP since I knew I was going to place the flower I had cut out over the glue dots so they wouldn't show.

I used dimensionals to place the fussy cut flower on the card and then completely covered it with crystal effects.  I love this look when I remember to use Crystal Effects.   I actually let it dry just a bit, then played with the position of some of the flower petals above the others to give the flower some dimension. It stayed very soft and really looks pretty.  My final step was to add the brads -- and it looks fabulous to me!

So, I'm off to search the paper stash to see what else comes to mind -- there are more cards to be stamped this week!  Thanks for stopping and I hope you experience a grace-filled day!

 

She's Pregnant....FINALLY!

Have you ever known someone who desperately wanted to be a mom and just had way too many problems getting pregnant?  Well, I have a cousin who was in that predicament and she is now pregnant for her first daughter!  And let me tell you, there is excitement in the family'!  When I set out to make a card, I had something in mind, but I started perusing her registry and saw that she is nuts about owls.  As luck would have it, I received an email from another demo who sends us a listing of her "picks" of the web each week.  I can't possibly look at all those fabulous blogs myself and I know I miss a ton of ink-redible creations.  Thanks to her email, I found the perfect inspiration for my baby card.

I used Blushing Bride and the patterns in Blushing Bride as well.  I created the owl with the Owl Punch and had to actually open the punch -- I got it when it came out and haven't touched it.  She loved her card and I had a ball making it -- anything with squares and different patterns makes me really happy!

However, the fabulously talented Mary Fish was the inspiration behind this card and you have got to see her original card -- her color combo was bright and bold at the same time and it really took my breath away.  Click this link to see Mary's card and you might just sign up for email to follow her blog -- it is jaw-dropping and awe inspiring!  Inspiration Card by Mary Fish

I hear people say all the time that they are not creative and they can't come up with ideas.  Know the secret?  If you aren't feeling inspired and nothing comes to you, check out some of the uber-talented ladies in the blogosphere and you will not lack for ideas.  Change the colors, change the stamp set and you have your own card. I follows blogs from ladies in the US, Canada, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, England, Australia, Germany and a few other places besides.  One thing is true -- stampers in any location around this globe love to share -- tell them they have inspired you and their day is made!

Thanks for stopping by and have an awesome Monday!

 

Off He Goes.....

I finally had time to stamp yesterday and went trolling through some sketch challenges for inspiration.  One of my favorite sketch sites, The Sweet Stop, had a great sketch for what I had in mind.  Friends from church have a son who is joining the Navy and he leaves next week.  I wanted to make this joy-filled child (who is a giant!) a card.  As is my routine, I find the sketch, search the paper stash (which is also giant) and set to work.  Here is the card that evolved.

First of all, I have to say that I have loved this paper so much I pulled it out of its coordinating pack and have no clue what it goes to, what it is called, or even what the true colors are.  I used Going Gray, Cherry Cobbler and Black here, but I really think the colors are Early Espresso, Kraft and Cherry Cobbler.  My eyesight is such that I'm never sure and even though I have an Ott-Lite in my stamp room, I'm going to have to add another to see if it helps.  This color combination works for me and it is going to have to work for him.  Somehow, I think it will suffice!

I used Unchartered Territory to stamp the main image in Black Staz-On on Going Gray cardstock (retired).  When I mounted this stamp set, I cut the moon and the birds off this image and use them only when I choose.  It took many years for me to realize that I can change a stamp by cutting something off of it without penalty -- there are no stamping police who will arrest me for "abuse of a stamp".  Once I discovered this freedom, I really started to enjoy my stamping much more.

The inside verse is not Stampin' Up! but reads "For I know the plans I have for you," Declares the Lord.  "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11.  These words are important to me as they were given to me in a picture when I had cancer and I clung to them.  To this day, this particular scriptures mean so much to me and I hope Max realizes what I am saying is to experience everything that comes your way, but turn your face to the Lord, acknowledge Him always and His plan will come true in your life. 

I don't know if I could turn Andy loose to the Navy and am so grateful I don't have to find out.  Enjoy your life, Max, and know that we will all be praying for you and watching the wonderful things that God has in store for you.  God Bless! 

Enjoy your week and make it God-filled!

 

Still in a Purple Mood....

I am trying to make at least four of each card I create to give at least three of those four to the Prayer Committee at church.  The gal who coordinates this group had a really tough year herself last year but she kept right on moving.  I am hopeful that should I ever face those same things I will be able to do so with as much grace and faith as the example she set.

Today, I am playing with paper that makes me feel good just because of the color combination.  This paper found its way to my desk when I was searching for purple inspiration yesterday.  Because it really speaks to me with the fresh colors, I HAD to use it today.  This is a simple card, but it will work for the Prayer Group because it will mail with one stamp and it isn't bulky.  I know that some of my previous cards were too layered and actually came back to the church for more postage -- NOT GOOD.  Now I look for very simple and pretty designs with maybe a splash of something special.  For this card, that something is the ribbon.  I LOVE THIS RIBBON!

Please forgive the blue background.  My homemade lightbox was destroyed in Christmas chaos and rather than make a new one, I've been creating cards.  I need to take the time to build a new lightbox and perhaps I'll do that tomorrow afternoon.  We'll add it to "The List" and see how it goes.  (Please don't hold your breath!)

I love the colors here, but really love how soft and elegant this simple ribbon looks.  Yes, you can create this look with paper, but the ribbon comes this way which saves me time -- besides, I haven't successfully ever made paper look this good although I have the instructions -- go figure!

Please accept my apologies for the dark picture -- this issue should be resolved if/when I build the new lightbox.  The verse is appropriate for those who are weary from life's burdens and we've certainly all been there and experienced that!  If we all prayed more about everything, I really believe life would be so much better.  Sometimes I wonder why I don't hit my knees and pray about the "simple" things as much as I pray about all those problems.  I am resolving to pray more and trust that the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Tami will continue to do His thing and His will. 

Have a fabulous Tuesday and enjoy your many blessings!

 

Did Someone Say Purple?

Well if so, I'm all over that!  I'm trying to make cards for the Prayer Ministry this afternoon and I found the purple challenge from the Less Is More Weblog.  Although I'm using a retired stamp set (Terrific Tulips), it called my name and the purple came easy.  I've used Wisteria Wonder and Concord Crush.  Change the sentiment, shimmer liberally, and you can easily make this card work for just about any occasion.

I'll admit that when I went to post this card, my resizing program went beserk.  I think I've got it working correctly (as far as I know what correctly is), but that may also be a figment of my imagination.  I'd love to show you the shimmer but couldn't make it work.  Perhaps my camera is the culprit and I'll have to work with it later this week.

This card was created using the Stamp-A-Ma-Jig and was stamped directly onto the Wisteria Wonder cardstock.  My greens are Old Olive and Always Artichoke.

Give the challenge a shot -- check out the blog and see the fabulous creations by other stampers and see what you can do! 

In the meantime, enjoy your Sunday and have a fabulous week!

 

New Purpose in 2012

Over the holidays, I didn't do much stamping other than our Christmas cards.  Although I miss stamping, lately I haven't been in the mood.  There is nothing like the right sketch or color challenge to get me in the mood and I found both today.

Here's a card for my sister who is really going through some tough stuff right now.  She's heavy on my mind, in my prayers and in my thoughts. 

I combined a Verve Sketch challenge I found on Splitcoaststampers with a Pals Paper Arts Color Challenge.  The colors are Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy and Very Vanilla.  I remembered the floral paper in the Springtime Vintage paper pack and immediately pulled it out.  I followed the sketch exactly but added the pearls to dress up my card.  I'm finding that my style is evolving into more simple stamping to pump out cards with a purpose.  When I found this verse in my stash, I determined this was the perfect card to give my sister some renewed hope that things will ultimately improve.

If you click on the picture, the card will enlarge and the verse will become clearer.  And it is a beauty...just what God ordered for Carrie today.

My posting is going to be spotty at best for the next few months.  I'm stamping, but I just haven't taken the time to post because I've been so busy. 

Check out the Verve challenge on SCS and check out the Pals Paper Arts Color Challenge if you haven't done so already!  All cardstock and DSP for my card is Stampin' Up! 

Happy Stamping and a blessed New Year!  Make God-filled activities your focus this year and watch the miracles unfold....

 

Wise Men Still Seek Him

When I'm designing the card we send as a family, I want something that really reminds us that Christ is the reason for the season.  I hate to see Christmas written as "xmas" and refuse to make just pretty cards.  I want a pretty card that makes a statement about our belief and for whom we want to live our life.  Notice I said "want" to live our life.  I am so like Paul in that the things I want to do, I don't and the things I don't want to do, I do.  However, God's grace is new each day and I praise God for that saving grace and agape love every day!

Here's the card for this year.  I came across the stamp set while cruising the net after Thanksgiving and immediately knew this was the set for me.  All of the stamps used on this card came in the set and I adore it!  The design worked so well with the stamps and I am very happy with this card.

Sorry about the dark picture but I took the picture after dark and tried to get as much light as possible. 

The entire card is done in Whisper White and Night of Navy.  Labor intensive, this card is a labor of love.  First I had to score the card, and then make the cut.  Next, I stamped the front sentiment panel.  The third step was to use the Stamp-A-Ma-Jig to stamp the wise men verse and then stamp the wise men on the same panel.  I used the stamp positioner again to stamp the manger scene.  Needless to say, I had to be very careful to let everything dry before stamping the next step.  And the best part?  The inside sentiment says it all for Thom and I.

Is that one of the most appropriate sentiments ever? 

My Christmas wish for you is that you celebrate with those you love as you share the love of Jesus Christ, our Savior.  God Bless and Merry Christmas!

 

What WAS She Thinking?

You are going to take one look at this card and ask yourself that question!  I used the Mojo Monday sketch challenge because I didn't see it...and still don't!  I love the cards that others have posted but the Inspiration Fairy was not present in my stamp room when this card came together.  In my defense, it looked much better in my mind, but my fingers just weren't getting the vision.

I started with a Very Vanilla base and that doesn't happen a lot when I'm layering.  It really seemed to be the best option, but now I'm not so certain.  The DSP is from an old retired package and I've still got lots of it to use.  I love the red and ivory polka dots and I like the stripes.  I guess I was thinking that the dots in the stripe would pull this together and would give me some color options.  NOT!

The top Ornament is from Delightful Decorations and the sentiment is from Word Play.  The second ornament is a Sizzix ornament I bought for the Movers and Shakers Die.  I love using that die and may try this again, but stamping a sentiment inside the cut out of the ornament, using the ornament on the inside of the card to dress it up a bit.  We'll see....Because this card wasn't looking so lovely, I shimmered it with homemade shimmer spray.  You can't see it, but it did help the card...a wee tiny bit and at this juncture, every tiny bit helps.

Hopefully you are enjoying a fabulous week and have huge plans for the weekend.  I'm getting into the swing of the season and am buying some of the gifts for the two children we have adopted for the holiday.  I told them I wanted girls because I don't have girls to buy for (yes, this is selfish, but I love buying pink!).  See you tomorrow and God Bless!