371- Black Floral Shower Card

One of my favorite ladies is getting married and this is the card that I made for her shower. This card matches the lingerie that I bought her- it is some black climbing flowers on a shiny white background. I wanted to keep it simple and elegant to match the bride.

Not only was there pressure to make a great card for Marni because it was her shower but also she's a fellow stamper. So I tried to add details to the card to give it depth and some added pizzazz without losing it's simplicity

First I did some two step stamping with white craft ink to give it a shadow. I also sponged white craft ink in a oval punch out around the sentiment to frame it.

Recipe:

Stamps: Eastern blooms, for the bride

Paper: Whisper White, Basic Black, Shimmery White

Ink: Basic Black, white craft ink

Accessories: Basic black ribbon, oval punch

Click here to order these fantastic products from my online Stampin' Up! store

370- Double Stroller Card

I am making yet another punch art stroller card for a girl at work. I decided to make a large joy fold card to give it a fun fold.

I wanted the wheel pattern to not be so bold as to overwhelm the card so I used versamark instead of ink to stamp the image

Recipe:

Stamps: Whimsy wheel

Paper: Mellow moss, Barely Banana, Whisper White

Accessories: versamark, scallop circle punch, eyelet border punch, 1/4" 1/2" circle punches, organza ribbon

Click here to order these fantastic products from my online Stampin' Up! store

369- Stroller Card

This is the card that I made for Ranuka's baby Eashan. I wanted to make a nice punch art card and love the finished product

Recipe:

Paper: Bashful blue, barely banana, bashful blue dsp, whisper white

Accessories: Big shot, scallop edge punch, 1/2" 1/4" circle punches, scallop circle punch, scallop circle die

Click here to order these fantastic products from my online Stampin' Up! store

Big News!!!

Hi everyone- I'm back!! Easter, curling, working- unfortunately I've been away from stamping from longer than I would have liked. But I'm back and hope to have quite a few projects to show you

I'm here to tell you some big news that Stampin' Up! released this week. Starting in July with the new catalogue there will be all new colour families including all new colours! There will be 4 families with 10 colours each- Brights, Subtles, Regals and Neutrals. Ten of the previous in colours (Baja Breeze, Melon Mambo, Pink Pirouette, Rich Razzleberry, Riding Hood Red, River Rock, Soft Suede, Tangerine Tango and Wild Wasabi) will be returning along with 5 all new colours (Marina Mist, Daffodil Delight, Cherry Cobbler, Cajun Craze and Early Espresso).

There are 31 colours that will be retiring:
-Glorious Green
-Green Galore
-Gable Green
-Yo Yo Yellow
-Only Orange
-Pink Passion
-Pixie Pink
-Orchid Opulence
-Lovely Lilac
-Brilliant Blue
-Close to Cocoa
-Creamy Caramel
-Really Rust
-Ruby Red
-Cameo Coral
-Summer Sun
-Bordering Blue
-Brocade Blue
-Ballet Blue
-Taken with Teal
-Handsome Hunter
-Pale Plum
-Blush Blossom
-Apricot Appeal
-Barely Banana
-Mellow Moss
-Sage Shadow
-Almost Amethyst
-Lavender Lace
-Basic Brown
-Going Gray

I have to admit I rarely use most of the colours that are retiring- I hardly use the Bold Brights but I do really like Brilliant Blue and Lovely Lilac. The blues from Rich Regals other than Taken with Teal have never been my favorites. And other than Barely Banana I've hardly ever used the soft subtles. You will be seeing a lot of them over the past few months though because I'll have paper to use- I'm sure a lot of you will be doing the same thing! The colours I'll really miss will be the Earth Elements that are retiring- I really love Really Rust, Ruby Red and Summer Sun.

I'm excited to try the new colours- I know it's an expense but I'm planning to just buy a few at a time.

What do you think of the new colours? Please let me know in the comments section

Happy Easter!!

I hope that you are all having a great day! I wanted to break out my Bella Bunny from last year to get us all in the Easter Spirit!

368- Masculine Birthday Card

This card was my inspiration in the featured stampers challenge (FS162).

I wanted to make a fantastic masculine birthday card. I adore the layout and the colours

Recipe:

Stamps: It's Your Birthday

Paper: Basic Grey, Walk in the Park DSP, Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White

Ink: Basic Grey

Accessories: Kiwi kiss satin ribbon, 1/2" 3/4" circle punches, brad punch, vintage brads

Click here to order these fantastic products from my online Stampin' Up! store

367- Cheers Medallion Card

When I saw this layout challenge (SC273) and the circle it made me want to use the medallion stamp in the background. I used the rock and roll technique when I stamped it.

I found the colour challenge to be much more difficult (CC263). I rarely use creamy caramel and find it to be one of the more unappealing colours. I just used it to stamp so it wasn't that bad. In the end the card is interesting and one I never would have come up with without the challenges and that's what makes them so fantastic

Recipe:

Stamps: Medallion, Cheers to You

Paper: Dusty Durango, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White

Ink: Dusty Durango, Pretty in Pink, Creamy Caramel

Accessories: 1 3/4" circle punch, coluzzle, dazzling diamonds

Click here to order these fantastic products from my online Stampin' Up! store

366- True Friend Circle Card

I made this card using the layout from the Simply Sunday Sketch Challenge #5. I wanted to use in colours and once I started with it I just kept trying to add circular elements to match both the stamps and the layout. I used the texture plates that had the different sized dots on either side but decided to use them backwards- I liked the dry embossed dots facing inwards.

Recipe:

Stamps: True Friend

Paper: Bermuda Bay, Dusty Durango, Whisper White

Ink: Bermuda Bay, Dusty Durango

Accessories: 1 3/8" 1 1/4" 1" 3/4" circle punches, scallop edge punch, brad punch, big shot, texturz plate, rhinestone brads, 1/2" bermuda bay grosgrain ribbon, sponges

Click here to order these fantastic products from my online Stampin' Up! store

365- MOJO131 Baroque Wishes Card

This is a card that I made for this week's Mojo Monday challenge (MOJO131). When I first started stamping all of my cards involved Chocolate Chip and Very Vanilla and I just wanted to go back to the beginning! Plus it was a great excuse to break out my hodgepodge hardware

Recipe:

Stamps: Baroque Motifs, Baroque wheel

Paper: Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla

Ink: Chocolate Chip

Accessories: Very Vanilla hodgepodge hardware, 5/8" chocolate chip satin ribbon, Designer label punch

Click here to order these fantastic products from my online Stampin' Up! store

364- Spring Acetate Card

I received an acetate card in a Christmas swap and I wanted to make one ever since. I wanted to keep it simple so the technique really shined through. The end product is bright and happy and I'm really happy with it

It is actually a really easy card to make. I cut 1" of cardstock out of the front of the card and replaced it with acetate. You then stamp the sentiment on the inside of the card so that it shows through the acetate. This stamp set is just perfect for that because it goes along the length of the card

Recipe:

Stamps: Close as a Memory, Heard from the Heart

Paper: Whisper White, Certainly Celery, Pretty in Pink, Barely Banana

Ink: Pretty in Pink, Barely Banana

Accessories: Scallop border punch, acetate

Click here to order these fantastic products from my online Stampin' Up! store

Matchbox Die

My upline Laura had a stamping night at her house last week and I got to play with the matchbox die for the first time. I adore the finished product! It holds up to 4 mini chocolate bars and is great for wedding/party favours!! Please email me if you are interested in these for an upcoming event- I can custom make them for you.

If you would like to order this die for yourself click here to go to my online Stampin' Up! store

363- Bird Birthday Card

These colour challenges are fantastic because they always push you outside of your comfort zone (CC262). I rarely use Orchid Opulesce and never really think about it. In the end I love the finished product- it came together nicely in the layout challenge this week (SC272).

To make the glittery brads you cover the top of the brad with a glue dot. Then you dip it in the glitter- I love the finished effect!

Recipe:

Stamps: Cheep Talk, Short and Sweet

Paper: Orchid opulesce, Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive, Walk in the Park DSP, Whisper White

Ink: Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive, Orchid Opulesce

Accessories: 1 3/4" punch, fine glitter, word window punch, coluzzle, mat pack, silver brads, glue dots, modern label punch, dazzling diamonds

Click here to order these fantastic products from my online Stampin' Up! store

MOJO130 Engagement Card

I have a friend who is getting married and her engagement party is this weekend. I made this card for her with her wedding colours using this layout from Mojo Monday (MOJO130). I love the finished product- Baroque Motifs always makes a card look so elegant

I used my circle scissor plus to make the circles but I still don't really enjoy it- I cannot seem to make a perfect circle yet but it worked since I only needed a quarter of the circle.

I really hope that Marni likes this- it is always a challenge designing a card for a friend but even more so when she is one of the people who introduced you to stamping in the first place!!

Recipe:

Stamps: Baroque Motifs, For the Bride

Paper: Melon Mambo, Whisper White, Basic Black, Night and Day DSP

Ink: Basic Black, Melon Mambo, Silver

Accessories: Black embossing, circle scissors plus, clear rhinestone brads, brad punch, black gingham ribbon, scallop trim punch

Click here to order these fantastic products from my online Stampin' Up! store

362- Birthday Hats Card

This layout challenge (SC271) was perfect to use up retired DSP. I wanted to focus on the papers and just have a subtle image.

Recipe:

Stamps: Bold Birthday, Short and Sweet

Paper: Sweet Always DSP, Regal Rose, Whisper White

Ink: Chocolate Chip

Accessories: White embossing, large and small ovals, metallic eyelets

Click here to order these fantastic products from my online Stampin' Up! store

Fellow Stampers- Help!

Sorry I haven't posted this week- I have been having some internet issues. After many angry phonecalls to Bell it is finally working again. So check back every day because I am definitely stamping this weekend and will be posting. I also went to a great stamping night hosted by my amazing upline Laura Robinson and have some great projects from that night.

I have been stamping quite a bit and I have a confession- I'm getting bored with my stamps!! I need something new to play with- I find I'm just using the same ones over and over. I'd LOVE some suggestions! Which stamp sets can you not live without? Please send me your suggestions and if you have a blog with examples please send me the link- I'd love some inspiration!

361- Bouncing Brayer Easel Card

I made this birthday card for a coworker. She always wants cards that are shiny and bright. So I used bold bright colours, glossy paper and dazzling diamonds. I hope she likes it!

I decided to use techniques on this card- bouncing brayer and the fold was an easel card. I made the card bigger than normal- it is a 5 1/2" square card.

Recipe:

Stamps: short and sweet, it's your birthday, eastern blooms

Paper: Melon Mambo, Yoyo yellow, glossy white, whisper white

Ink: Melon Mambo, yoyo yellow, only orange, pink passion, orchid opulence, lovely lilac, tempting turquoise

Accessories: 1/2" melon mambo grosgrain ribbon, ticket corner punch, petals a plenty embossing folder, big shot, scallop oval punch, small and large oval punches, dazzling diamonds, sticky strip

Click here to order these fantastic products from my online Stampin' Up! store

360- Easter Card

This was a card I made for Heather Summers simply sunday sketch challenge #3. I wanted to make an Easter card and I made it using all the in colours except the Soft Suede

To make this card I clear embossed the it's beautiful wheel all over the card. I then sponged the 5 bright in colours all over it to create a print. I also cut out eggs from the pattern to make the Easter eggs.

Recipe:

Stamps: All Holidays, It's Beautiful wheel

Paper: Whisper White, Melon Mambo, Bermuda Bay, Glossy White

Ink: Melon Mambo, Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry, Dusty Durango, Rich Razzleberry

Accessories: Scallop circle punch, 5-petal punch, playground buttons, ticket corner punch, curly label punch, 1/2" melon mambo grosgrain ribbon, clear embossing, coluzzle

Click here to order these fantastic products from my online Stampin' Up! store

359- Baroque Butterfly

I was inspired by this card and I wanted to alter it to suit the layout challenge (SC270) this week. I really like the finished product- I've never done so much paper piercing!

Recipe:

Stamps: Baroque Border Wheel, En Francais

Paper: Basic Grey, Sage Shadow

Ink: Basic Grey, Sage Shadow

Accessories: Butterfly die, big shot, baroque border wheel, paper piercer, mat pack, vintage brads

Click here to order these fantastic products from my online Stampin' Up! store

358- Easter Card

I really wanted to make a card with happy spring colours and this Mojo Monday layout was perfect for this (MOJO128). I thought this colour combo really works for easter- it's bright and vibrant.

I really need to figure out how to use my circle scissor plus because the coluzzle circles are a bit too big

Recipe:

Stamps: All Holidays, Close as a Memory

Paper: Certainly Celery, Barely Banana, Whisper White, Melon Mambo

Ink: Certainly Celery, Barely Banana, Melon Mambo

Accessories: Coluzzle, fire rhinestone brads, brad punch, big shot, texturz plate, curly label punch

Click here to order these fantastic products from my online Stampin' Up! store

357- Oval Silhouettes Card

I have been wanting to make a card with this layout for a while- I feel the ovals give it a really soft look. I also have been wanting to use up some retired DSP and cardstock.

I did a few different things with this card. I didn't have my baha breeze inkpad but I did have my ink refill. I put drops of ink on a tile and stamped from that. The stamp gets overloaded with ink so you have to stamp off once before stamping on your cardstock. It gives a blurred image but still looks nice. I then stamped white over the image to both soften it and give a bit of a shadow. I rolled the oval in the baha breeze and the ink definitely bled in more than it would from an inkpad.

Recipe:

Stamps: Pocket Silhouettes

Paper: Baha breeze, Whisper white, Urban garden DSP

Ink: Baha breeze, whisper white

Accessories: Coluzzle, brad punch, vintage brads

Click here to order these fantastic products from my online Stampin' Up! store

356- Glittery Medallion Card

I have seen many cards that use glitter for this medallion. I used the heat and stick powder and have to admit I don't think I used it right because I could not get the glitter to completely stick- it just went everywhere! But even still I like the finished product- it's bright and happy

Recipe:

Stamps: Medallion, Vintage Labels

Paper: Elegant Eggplant, Melon Mambo, Whisper White

Ink: Elegant Eggplant, Melon Mambo

Accessories: Heat and stick powder, fine cosmo glitter, ticket corner punch, build a brad, scallop circle punch, 3/4" 1/2" circle punches, 5/8" melon mambo grosgrain ribbon

Click here to order these fantastic products from my online Stampin' Up! store

355- White Wedding Invite

I have been wanting to make an all white card for a while and was inspired by this card.

It's hard to see in the picture but I embossed the sentiment "you're invited" in white. In person it is quite elegant and to me the perfect invitation to a shower or wedding.

I used the shimmer paper to add some sparkle but thought it needed a bit more so I traced out the embossed image in frost white shimmer paint.

Recipe:

Stamps: For the Bride

Paper: Whisper White, Shimmery White

Accessories: Frost White Shimmer Paint, white organza ribbon, big shot, manhattan flower embossing folder, white embossing powder

Click here to order these fantastic products from my online Stampin' Up! store

354- Starry Birthday Card

This layout challenge (SC267) was pretty straightforward- I really didn't deviate from the basic sketch. I used a wheel for the background pattern and punched out small stars and glued them on to add some texture.

I also decided to use the colours from colour challenge (CC256). I used the basic grey just as a background accent colour- I wanted the card to be as bright as possible with the crushed curry and the bravo burgundy. I did outline all of the punched out stars so that they stood out and had some dimension on the card.

I added the champagne shimmer paint to give the card some sparkle.

Recipe:

Stamps: Vintage Labels, Classic Stars Wheel

Paper: Crushed Curry, Basic Grey, Bravo Burgundy

Ink: Crushed Curry, Basic Grey, Bravo Burgundy

Accessories: Brad punch, gold brads, large star and star punch, champagne shimmer paint

Click here to order these fantastic products from my online Stampin' Up! store

353- Cupcake Birthday Card

As soon as I saw this mojo monday layout (MOJO127) I knew that I wanted to use a cupcake in a bright card. The washington apple DSP was perfect for the colour palette and I love the finished card. It is bright, cheerful and happy

This is the scallop trim border punch that is available for sale-a-bration. For every $65 order you can get a free item from the sale-a-bration catalogue- how fantastic is that?! I don't have the scallop trim corner punch yet so I tried to do corners without it- I still think it looks nice but look forward to ordering the corner punch.

I cut out the top of the cupcake and popped it up for more dimension to the card. I also added glitter to it for the sprinkles.

I sponged bashful blue on the whisper white cardstock to soften the area around the cupcake.

Recipe:

Stamps: Crazy for Cupcakes, Vintage Labels

Paper: Washington apple DSP, bashful blue, so saffron, whisper white, pumpkin pie, ruby red

Ink: bashful blue, so saffron, pumpkin pie, ruby red

Accessories: Scallop trim border punch, 5/8" bashful blue satin ribbon, 1/4" bashful blue grosgrain ribbon, 3/4" 1" 1 1/4" circle punches, fine cosmo glitter, dazzling diamonds, sponge

Click here to order these fantastic products from my online Stampin' Up! store

Satin Ribbon Share

Stampin' Up! is now offering fantastic 5/8" satin ribbons in 9 colours in the new Mini Occasions catalogue.

I will be offering a product share for this ribbon. Individually these ribbons sell for $13.95 (before tax and shipping) and you get 15 yards. I am currently offering a product share where you will receive 2 yards (6 feet) of each colour for $20- this includes tax and shipping.

If you are interested you can either contact me directly by email and send me your payment or pay directly through paypal right here. Please note that this offer is only for my Canadian customers

352- Bold Bright Floral Card

I used the simply sunday sketch challenge #2 for this layout. I wanted to use this flower set and I thought it would have more impact if I made it all red and white. I definitely think it worked- it's a nice bold card.

I am still using my coluzzle when making the circles because I still feel more secure with it as compared to my circle scissor plus. I am still not stable with it and it is always moving around. If you have any tips please let me know- I definitely need help with it!!

I always use crystal effects when adhering buttons and other heavy objects to my cards- it is a definite stamping must have!

Recipe:

Stamps: Petal Pizzazz, Short and Sweet

Paper: Real Red, Whisper White, Real Red DSP

Ink: Real Red

Accessories: Rhinestone brad, playground buttons, crystal effects, modern label punch, word window punch, coluzzle



Click here to order these fantastic products from my online Stampin' Up! store

351- Bridal Shower Card

I loved that this splitcoast colour challenge (CC258) used both plums as I have never used them together before but using the soft suede proved to be a challenge. I chose to use it as an anchor for the card and I think it worked.

One of the themes I decided to use in this card was paisley. In the stamp image itself there are small paisleys so I decided to use the paisley texturz plate on the Perfect Plum cardstock.

I embossed the cake with clear embossing powder and then sponged the pale plum around it to bring out the image.

Recipe:

Stamps: For the Bride

Paper: Soft Suede, Perfect Plum, Pale Plum, Whisper White, Perfect Plum DSP

Ink: Pale Plum, Perfect Plum

Accessories: Pretties kit, big shot, texturz plate, scallop edge punch, crystal effects, clear embossing, sponging, corner rounder

Click here to order these fantastic products from my online Stampin' Up! store

350- Happy St. Patrick's Day Card

This is my St Patrick's Day card for this year. I love how great the shamrock looks using the heart punch. I made a similar card last year but this one was definitely a 2.0 version. I used on of the a la carte layouts from the Stampin Success magazine.

I wanted there to be a pattern on the three strips of glorious green. I used the whisper white craft ink and wheeled on a pattern because I don't have any DSP in that colour. I then embossed the same pattern in white on textured Glorious Green cardstock so it would really pop.

Unfortunately I don't have a St. Patrick's day stamp but I thought that celebrate was appropriate as that's what we all do on this day!!! You could also use an invitation stamp as this would be perfect as an invitation to a St. Patty's day party.

I rarely seem to use the bold brights and have hardly used the greens from the series. I'm happy I used it and really have to try to not always stamp in the same colours.

Recipe:

Stamps: Fundamental Phrases, Sweet Stems Wheel

Paper: Glorious Green, Whisper White, Glorious Green textured paper

Ink: Glorious Green, Whisper White

Accessories: Heart Punch, modern label punch, word window punch, 1/4" whisper white taffeta ribbon, build a brad, 1/2" and 3/4" circle punch, white embossing, ticket corner punch

Click here to order these fantastic products from my online Stampin' Up! store 24/7

349- Copper Sympathy Card

I have seen many cards with this nice simple layout and I definitely wanted to make one. I always tend to keep adding and adding- sometimes less is more!

This is the first time that I've used the brushed copper paper- I've been hoarding it like its gold. It looks just gorgeous dry embossed with my big shot. I think the silver and gold would look just as good.

Recipe:

Stamps: Close as a Memory

Paper: Basic Black, Copper

Ink: Basic Black

Accessories: Big shot, texturz plate, brad punch, vintage brads, 5/8" basic black

Click here to order these fantastic products from my online Stampin' Up! store 24/7

348- Dragonfly Mosaic Card

This might just be the most time consuming card I've ever done but the end product was great. I used the sketch form MOJO125, the stained mosaic technique for the dragonfly and the faux mosaic technique for the rest of the card.

The techniques are described in the links above. I would definitely do the stained mosaic one again- it was super easy. The next time I do the faux mosaic I would use those sticky pages- I don't have any so tried to use heat and stick powder. Didn't really work for me so I had to use my versamarker in all the cracks and it took a LONG time. And I would probably do even pieces because it would be easier to put them all together!

Recipe:

Stamps: Bugs and Kisses, All Holidays

Paper: Night of Navy, Whisper White, Bashful Blue, Brocade Blue, Ballet Blue

Ink: Night of Navy, Silver

Accessories: Clear embossing, silver embossing, sponging, coluzzle, 5/8" bashful blue satin ribbon, curly label punch

347- Frosted Rose Window Card

These two challenges (TLC259 and CC257) allowed me to use products which I rarely use- vellum and Sage Shadow. That's why I adore these splitcoast challenges- it makes you go outside of your comfort zone and try new things

The frosted window technique is a fun idea. You stamp an image on both a piece of whisper white cardstock and on a piece of vellum with a dark ink. You then colour in the image on the whisper white but colour on the BACK of the vellum. You then line up the two images and attach them with dimensionals so there is some space between them. It gives you this frosted image which just looks really pretty.

I also used the circle scissors plus for the window. I have to admit I'm still not that adept with it but keep practising. I have removed the sponge feet off of it so it isn't so slippery but it still tends to move when I'm cutting out the image. I prefer my coluzzle but now that I have to keep at it because it has so much potential

I have been wanting to finish off a bow with a corduroy brad for a while- I've seen many people do it and just love how it looks.

Recipe:

Stamps: Fifth Avenue Florals, Fundamental Phrases

Paper: Sage Shadows, Dusty Durango, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Vellum

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Dusty Durango, Sage Shadows

Accessories: 5/8" chocolate chip grosgrain ribbon, 1/2" dusty durango grosgrain ribbon, chocolate chip corduroy buttons, brad punch, big shot, Manhattan Flower embossing flower, word window punch, modern label punch, circle scissors plus

Holiday Mini Occasion Items Still Available

There are still some products available from the Holiday Mini. If you are interested please let me know- I am offering 10% off all of these products until the end of the month

116794 Ornament punch $22.95
116806 Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint $8.95
116854 Frost White Shimmer Paint $8.95
116807 Platinum Shimmer Paint $8.95
116829 Décor Elements Blocks $13.95
116824 Stampin' Up! Textured Impressions Folder Petals-A-Plenty $10.95
116821 Stampin' Up! Holiday Windows Magnetic Movers & Shapers $39.95
116819 Stampin' Up! Table Setting Bigz XL die $57.95
116820 Stampin' Up! Embosslits Merry die $15.95
116823 Stampin' Up! Sizzlits Merry Details die $7.50
116822 Stampin' Up! O Christmas Tree Pop-Up Bigz XL die $57.95
118140 Stampin' Up! Tree Decorations Sizzlits die $7.50
118108 My Digital Studio $106.95
116519 Charming stamp set $26.95

To view the products please click here to visit my online store 24/7

346- Baby Shower Card

This is a 5 1/2" by 8 1/2" card that I made for a coworker's baby shower. This is the perfect stamp set for this type of card- the elephants on parade are adorable

I decided to use my stamp a ma jig and clear emboss over the elephants to give them some shine.

Recipe:

Stamps: Animal Stories, For the Bride

Paper: Bashful Blue, Barely Banana, Certainly Celery, Whisper White, Delicate Dots DSP

Ink: Bashful Blue

Accessories: Clear Embossing, 1 3/4" circle punch, 1/2" bashful blue striped grosgrain ribbon

345- Upsy Daisy Brick Wall Card

While I love the finished product of this card I'm not sure if I would do this again- all the little pieces kept flying everywhere! But the end product is really nice. This is the brick wall technique from splitcoast challenge TLC256.

The Stampin' Up! paper cutter was really useful when making this card because it has all of the grids on it.

Recipe:

Stamps: Upsy Daisy, So Swirly Wheel

Paper: Soft suede, dusty durango, very vanilla

Ink: Soft suede, dusty durango

Accessories: 1/2" dusty durango grosgrain ribbon, big shot, polka dot embossing folder, 1 3/8" circle punch, designer label

344- Cherish Valentine

Happy Valentine's Day!! I have been seeing many cards with this layout using butterflies and hearts. This is the card that inspired mine- I love the white background. The colours are from the CC255 splitcoast colour challenge.

I decided the only additional cardstock that I wanted on the card were the hearts. So to give the sentiment some pop I punched out an oval and used it as a template to sponge in some blush blossom. The end product looks really great- I think I will do this more often.

To adhere the chunky sprinkles glitter I used the tombow- I find it really makes the glitter stick

Recipe:

Stamps: Baroque Motifs, So Swirly Wheel

Paper: Melon Mambo, Pretty in Pink, Blush Blossom, Whisper White

Ink: Melon Mambo, Blush Blossom, Whisper White

Accessories: Large oval punch, heart to heart punch, elegant bouquet embossing folder, big shot, sponge, chunky sprinkles glitter

343- FS156 Manhatten Easel Card

This card was based on this featured stamper card in this week's challenge. Love this card- it is simple yet super pretty. And I love how easy the easel cards are to make- will definitely be doing more of these in the near future

The central image was super easy to make. I dry embossed a piece of Very Vanilla cardstock with the Manhatten Flower embossing folder and used the underside. I then rubbed ink pad of the lightest colour (creamy caramel) to the darkest colour around the images- the finished product is fantastic and it was super simple to do.

Recipe:

Stamps: Sincere Salutations

Paper: Really Rust, Very Vanilla

Ink: Creamy Caramel, More Mustard, Pumpkin Pie, Really Rust

Accessories: Manhatten flower and elegant bouquet embossing folder, eyelet border punch, large oval punch, scallop oval punch, big shot

342- Tag Card

I haven't been stamping as much recently so I definitely have been needing some inspiration. The featured stamper challenge is perfect- you get to CASE some beautiful cards by incredible stampers. This is my first one cased from this card

Recipe:

Stamps: En Francais, Eastern Blooms

Paper: Whisper White, Basic Black

Ink: Basic Black, Bermuda Bay

Accessories: Tag punches, brad punch, vintage brads, 1/2" bermuda bay grosgrain ribbon, big shot, texturz plate

341- Blast Card

I haven't used this wheel and punch for a while and have been trying to think of something to do with them. When I saw this colour palette (CC254) it made me think of the Rocket popsicles that I used to eat as a kid. So I wanted to use the Rocket and it all came together

Recipe:

Stamps: Pun Fun, classic stars wheel

Paper: Soft suede, ruby red, bashful blue, whisper white

Ink: Soft suede, ruby red, bashful blue

Accessories: Dazzling diamonds, corner tag punch, large star punch

340- MOJO122 Tarty Birds

As soon as I saw this layout from the MojoMonday challenge last week (MOJO122) I knew I wanted to use this fantastic Raspberry Tart from last year's catalogue- I just adore it. I used the bird stamp because it's a cute little image but the paper is still highlighted

I still don't have a scallop oval die for my big shot so to make this shape I first cut out an oval with my coluzzle. I then take the foot stand off of my corner rounder and punch around the oval to get the scallops. I then used a white gel pen in each scallop as a finishing touch.

I learned from my upline Laura Robinson to sponge around the edge of a whisper white piece of cardstock to soften the image and lines. I sponged in cameo coral, then I wiped my versamarker on top of the sponging. I then embossed iridescent powder to give it a sparkle.

Recipe:

Stamps: Love You Much, Baroque Motifs

Paper: Cameo Coral, Rose Red, Raspberry Tart, Whisper White

Ink: Cameo Coral, Rose Red, white gel pen

Accessories: 1/4" whisper white grosgrain ribbon, white embossing, coluzzle, corner rounder, iridescent embossing, sponging

339- Hawaiian Pocket Card

This is another card I made for my stamp a stack. The paper is such a statement in itself that it really doesn't need any other embellishments

Recipe:

Stamps: Sincere Salutations

Paper: Real Red, Whisper White, Pink Flamingo

Ink: Real Red

Accessories: Brad punch, silver brads, slot punch, 1/4" whisper white grosgrain ribbon

Haitian Relief

From now until February 28, 2010, $2 from every I {Heart} Hearts stamp set you buy will be donated to the American Red Cross’ Haiti Relief and Development Fund. The Red Cross is already well-established in Haiti, and this money will be used to provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need.

This set comes as either clear acrylic stamps or wood mounted stamps.

Click here to order this stamp set from my online store

338- Eyelet Medallion

I just adore using this stamp. I also love to go through the gallery here to get ideas so this card is definitely a mesh of a lot cards I have seen

To add some detail to the medallion I used my bashful blue marker to colour in the centre. I also added some dazzling diamonds for some sparkle

Recipe:

Stamps: Chocolate Chip, Bashful Blue

Paper: Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip, Bashful Blue

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Bashful Blue

Accessories: 5/8" bashful blue ribbon; eyelet border punch, dazzling diamonds, ticket corner punch

337- Love Birds

I am loving this layout- it's so much fun (SC263). There really is nothing like a splitcoast challenge- it always makes me think outside the box. And you wouldn't think of these colours right away for a Valentine but it works (CC253).

I wanted the love birds to have some shine without too much glitter. I used my versamarker to colour in the image and used irridescent embossing. It didn't really turn out unless you look at it up close. I'm wondering if that's because the image wasn't stamped on white. Next time I will use my shimmer paint for the shine.

Recipe:

Stamps: Love You Much

Paper: Rich Razzleberry, Pretty in Pink, Chocolate Chip

Ink: Rich Razzleberry

Accessories: Big shot, plenty of petals embossing folder, 5/8" chocolate chip grosgrain ribbon, metallic eyelets, crop-o-dile, irridescent embossing, coluzzle, dazzling diamonds, versamarker

336- Beautiful Butterflies

This is another card that was inspired by Laura Robinson that I made for my stamp a stack this weekend. She swears by this colour combination and I thought I would give it a try

I love this stamp set because it allows for two step stamping. You can tell when I do this that I just eyeball it- I like the skewed effect. There are definitely people at the event that wanted to use the stamp a ma jig to make sure the images were lined up perfectly and it's definitely an amazing tool for that.

Recipe:

Stamps: Flight of the Butterfly

Paper: Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White, Gable Green, Textured Gable Green

Ink: Gable Green, Tempting Turquoise

Accessories: Eyelet border punch

335- Happy Bird Day

I was inspired by many cards that my upline Laura Robinson has made for this card. I wanted to make one with a mini card on it that could be opened to reveal a small sentiment. I love the finished product because it is simple yet cute

Recipe:

Stamps: Pun Fun

Paper: Crushed Curry, Dusty Durango, Whisper White

Ink: Dusty Durango, Crushed Curry

Accessories: 1/2" crushed curry grosgrain ribbon, crimper, dazzling diamonds, big shot, texturz plate

334- Glee Card

When I went to regionals last year we were told to be inspired with what is around us and I took up the challenge.This card was inspired by the last episode of Glee when they competed at sectionals. This is the look of the curtains behind them. Yay Glee! Ironically when I was making this card You Can't Always Get What You Want come on to the tv- I think it was a sign!

It's hard to tell with the finished product but I actually sponged darkening colours in a half circle outwards hoping you would be able to see it under the clear embossing but it didn't really show up.

The congratulations banner is popped up over the card- I love the final effect

Recipe:

Stamps: Medallion, For the Bride

Paper: Ruby Red, Summer Sun

Ink: More Mustard, Pumpkin Pie, Ruby Red

Accessories: Brayer, Clear Embossing

333- Hugs Kisses and Hearts Card

It's time for Valentine Cards! With this layout I was really able to play with punches which I always love! This layout comes from a splitcoast layout challenge (SC263).

I tried to add a lot of detail to the central image inside the hearts. On the outer vanilla layer I sponged Pink Pirouette around the edges to soften it. I used my cropadile to punch the holes in the stamped image scallop, then glued a Pretty in Pink Scallop circle behind so that the pink would peek through. I then used tombow to adhere the chunky glitter- I really wanted a super shiny middle.

I am holding a Valentine's class next Sunday, January 24th at 1pm in Mississauga. For $15 you can come over and make Valentine's using this fantastic stamp set. If you are in the GTA please come by! Email me to RSVP

Recipe:

Stamps: Love you much

Paper: Pretty in Pink, Very Vanilla, Candy Lane DSP

Ink: Pretty in Pink, Pink Pirouette

Accessories: Large Heart punch, Scallop Circle punch, 1/4" riding hood red taffeta ribbon, dazzling diamonds, cropodile, chunky glitter

332- Quilted Birthday Card

As soon as I saw this paper quilting challenge on splitcoast (TLC254) I knew I wanted to use the Sweet Always DSP because I love the patterns in this paper. I didn't want to stamp any images on the card because I really wanted the focus to be the quilted pattern. I just used a very small sentiment on the bottom so that it didn't distract from the pattern.

To do the quilting I took a piece of paper and cut it to 3 3/4" square. I then drew the pattern that I wanted on it so I could fit them on it when they were cut. Each square was 1 1/4".

Recipe:

Stamps: It's Your Birthday

Paper: Sweet Always DSP, Regal Rose, Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip

Ink: Chocolate Chip

Accessories: 5/8" Chocolate Chip grosgrain ribbon, 1 1/4" and 1" circle punch, designer label punch

331- Balloon Card

This was a challenging colour combo for me (Splitcoast colour challenge CC252) . I don't tend to combine greens when I'm stamping so this was quite difficult. I also didn't realize how green the Bermuda Bay was. I decided to just use the Handsome Hunter to stamp the balloons and colour one of them because I didn't want the card to be too dark. In the end the card is very nice- perfect for a little boys birthday. I really never used the balloon stamp from this set and I like how it bunches together.

Recipe:

Stamps: Crazy for Cupcakes

Paper: Bermuda Bay, Certainly Celery, Delicate Dots DSP

Ink: Handsome Hunter, Bermuda Bay, Certainly celery

Accessories: Ticket corner punch, certainly celery saleabration ribbon, double rectangle punch

Stamp A Stack

This is by far the best class to come to and stock up on your cards. For $25 you will make 12 cards- 2 each of 6 designs. The class will run from 1-4 pm on Sunday, January 17th and it will take you about 2 hours to complete the projects. This is perfect for every level of stamper. It will be held in my condo in Mississauga so if you are a stamper in the GTA please come by! Please RSVP by Friday, January 15th. BYO Adhesive

If you live outside of the area but would still like the cards I will send all 12 to you for $30 Canadian. This offer is available to all of my customers- you can place your order right here. Once I receive confirmation from paypal I will send you the cards