Stepped Up Feathery Friends

Today I have two versions of the same card to share with you. The first version, shown below is a card we made at my recent All Occasions Card Class. It is very cute, but more basic because the attendees were making 8 cards within a short time, so I kept the design more simple.

The background pieces were stamped with images in the Feathery Friends stamp set. The adorable little bird and fussy cut flower were watercolored using an Aqua Painter. A piece of Berry Burst Crinkled Seam Binding Ribbon separate the Tranquil Tide layer from the Lemon Lime Twist layer. The adorable little bird just looks like she's singing, "oh, happy day!" So I chose that sentiment from the Thoughtful Banners set.

It's a cute card, right? I know the ladies at my class love it, but I wanted to show you how adding a couple small touches can make a basic card even more special.

I added a couple embellishments die cut using the Flourish Thinlits to pull the Tranquil Tide color down onto the Lemon Lime Twist layer. The center of the fussy cut flower also received a little Glitter Enamel Dot.

I hope you liked seeing the comparison of these two cards. Have a happy day!

Sugarplum Dragonfly Dreams

When I design the cards featured in my card classes I try to keep the cards fairly simple, yet still have pretty details to make them interesting. This card using the beautiful Dragonfly Dreams stamp set and it's coordinating Detailed Dragonfly Thinlets was one of the four cards created at my last All Occasions Card Class.

I just love the color combo of Sweet Sugarplum, Fresh Fig with a pop of Berry Burst. The detailed layer of the 2-step dragonfly image was stamped in Fresh Fig, and the solid image used to add color to the wings was sponged with color to give a blended look. You cannot tell from my photo, but the wings have beautiful shimmer from the Wink of Stella used over the top of the wings.

The sentiment was stamped in Basic Black and set off with a strand of Black Mini Sequin Trim...isn't this new trim fun? The dragonfly sits on a Whisper White background layer textured with the awesome Hexagon Embossing Folder.

Thanks for visiting today...enjoy your day!

Arrivederci Eleanor!

Another favorite retiring set of mine is Everything Eleanor...especially the beautiful swirl image! I used it several times on this card, stamping both the die cut label and the Mint Macaron layer at the same time.

Lots of retiring favorites were used on this card. The Deco Label Framelits, the Venetian Crochet Trim and the Petite Pairs stamp set are all retiring as well.

Shop my Stampin' Store to get your favorites before they are gone.

Sayonara Serene Silhouettes

Serene Silhouettes...another favorite that is soon to be retired. We used it at my Retiring Favorites Class last week to create this card along with the beautiful retiring In Colors.

Swipe each of the five In Color Markers across a clear block and mist with water to create the background. Then just stamp your image with Black Stazon after it's dried. I shared this free tutorial a while back if you want more info.

The sentiment is from Petite Pairs...I use that set a lot, but it is retiring as well. A pretty bow tied with White Seam Binding Ribbon finishes off the card. I'm sad to see all the Seam Binding Ribbon retiring...it is so soft and easy to work with. The stamped Whisper White layer is adhered to a Blackberry Bliss base...which is my absolute favorite retiring In Color.

For this next card, I swapped the Seam Binding Ribbon for Gold Sequin Trim and stepped up the card a bit with a few extra details...

Dazzling Details in Gold Glitz to be exact! I used it on the flowers and the added butterfly from Papillon Potpourri. 

The third card uses retired Blackberry Bliss Striped Satin Ribbon and some Basic Rhinestone Jewels.

The "HELLO" sentiment is from the Crazy About You stamp set...that one will be sticking around for a while longer. Here's a look at all three of the cards...

Which one do you like best?

Flippin' Friday: Flippin' For World of Dreams

I used to try and do a Flippin' Friday post weekly, but it's been a while! I used the Circle Card Thinlits Dies at my recent Retiring Favorites Class earlier this week so I figured it was a good time to revive the series for a final farewell. This card sure uses a LOT of retiring items...can you spot them all?

I used one of my very favorite retiring stamp sets - World of Dreams for the main image on this card. I just love the sweet little nesting birds. After stamping, it was punched out using the 2-1/2" Circle Punch. The 2-1/2" circle layers nicely onto the circle of the flip card. I'm really bummed they are retiring this large circle punch...it is one of my most used punches.

The Hardwood background (don't worry...Hardwood isn't on the chopping block!) along with the leafy image from World of Dreams was used to stamp the Lost Lagoon card base. That leafy image is really great for randomly stamping the perfect background for any of the images in this set. Lost Lagoon is one of the five retiring In Colors. It's one of my favorites in the set, second only to Blackberry Bliss.

The Crumb Cake label was cut with one of the accessory dies in the Circle Card Thinlits Set. The sentiment is from my much used Petite Pairs stamp set. It was punched using the Large Oval Punch, which is also retiring.

The flip side has one of the verses from World of Dreams along with the leafy image stamped off for a lighter look.

If you don't already have these favorites in your collection, visit my Stampin' Store to get yours today! The Circle Card Thinlits Dies are on sale for the discounted price of only $23.10
Have a wonderful weekend!

Goodbye Corner Garden

I'm here today to share another favorite retiring item...the Corner Garden background stamp. This is a card we made at my Retiring Favorites Class here on Tuesday.

This stamp is just lovely and so much fun to color! I stamped the image twice...the first time on Wisteria Wonder using Rich Razzleberry ink. The second time with Black Stazon onto Whisper White. The flowers were all watercolored using my Aqua Painters and Classic Ink pooled in the ink pad lids. The birthday greeting is from Petite Pairs...which is also retiring...sniff, sniff. I use that set ALL the time!

To finish the card I just matted the colored piece onto Soft Sky, added a couple Basic Rhinestones and popped it up with Stampin' Dimensionals lining the image up with the one on the Wisteria Wonder layer.

If you don't already have the Corner Garden background stamp in your collection...GOOD NEWS...the Clear Mount version is discounted during it's retirement for only $12.75. Pick yours up today!

Work of Art Butterfly

Today I have a quick & easy card that was part of my All Occasions Card Class this past week. It uses just two stamp sets...Work of Art & Perfect Pairings along with two colors of ink...Bermuda Bay & Pear Pizzazz.

I used the swoosh image from Work of Art stamped three times onto Whisper White cardstock. First, in Bermuda Bay, then quickly stamp again without re-inking for a lighter shade of Bermuda Bay, finally inked in Pear Pizzazz. For my sentiment I used the Sale-A-Brations stamp set Perfect Pairings, which is available for FREE for just a short time longer.

Next, diecut using the Butterflies Thinlits. Apply a strip of Bermuda Bay Sequin Trim to the body of the butterfly. Leave the top threads loose for the antennae, tuck the bottom threads under and hold with a glue dot. After adhering the stamped layer to the card base...in this case I used Watermelon Wonder, attach only the center,  body portion of the butterfly to the base so that the wings are free for some dimension.

Thanks to Mary for the inspiration for this card! I saw her card on pinterest and knew I wanted to try it myself...I just changed up the colors.

Sale-A-Bration is winding down...the last day to select FREE items with your order is Thursday, March 31st. Don't delay...shop today!

Woodland Vintage Leaves

This is one of the cards we made at my recent All Occasions Card Class.

The beautiful Woodland Embossing Folder takes center stage and a leaf from the Vintage Leaves set is strung on some Linen Thread for an accent.

The burlap strip stamp from Awesomely Artistic adds some texture. This is a nice masculine card that could be used for any occasion by simply changing the sentiment.

Painted Petals Trio

Today I have a set of cards to share with you using the same products... the Painted Petals stamp set, Painted Blooms DSP and the Spring Flowers Embossing Folder. I used the same layout for all three of the cards, but changed up each one just a little.

The first card in the set, is the Pacific Point card. It was part of my recent All Occasions Card Class so it was the most basic since the stampers were creating several of each card.

The second card was stepped up a bit more using some Rose Red Seam Binding Ribbon (retired) and I embossed a frame around the image using my Simply Scored Tool. It's not real visible in my photo, but it's there and adds some subtle detail to the finished card.

The third card has the most detail. Not only did I add a bow with Wild Wasabi Seam Binding Ribbon, but I added more stamping using the line and splatter images from Gorgeous Grunge over the top of the flower image and some sponging on the edges as well.

Three Basic Rhinestones add some bling under the sentiment for another stepped up touch. So there you have it...from simple to stepped up, all three cards are similar yet so different using the same basic supplies. If you don't already have this stamp set and papers I'd recommend purchasing them during the FREE SHIPPING special! It ends on April 10th.

Thanks for stopping by today!

Cheerful Critters Best Year Ever

I cannot believe that today is the last day of Sale-a-Bration already! I think if I had to chose just one item as a favorite it would be the Best Year Ever DSP. I love the cheerful colors and fun prints. Here is a set of cards we made at my All Occasions Card class yesterday using theses papers along with the adorable Cheerful Critters set.

I used the 2013-15 set of In Colors for the set. I will be sad to see these colors go in just two months. Here's a closer look at each card...

I used a different embossing folder for each card. The bunny card used the Spring Flowers EF, which is available in the Occasions Catalog.

Not sure why, but the color on this bear card changed after uploading here to my blog? To see true colors of Pistachio Pudding, Crisp Cantaloupe and Coastal Cabana, look above at first photo to see the set of 3 cards. This one used the Lucky Stars Embossing Folder.

The little chicks sign was stamped onto DSP, cut out and popped up for some extra detail. The embossing folder used here is the Lovely Lace Embossing Folder. All cards were watercolored using the Aqua Painter and Classic Inks.

If you were planning to place an order during Sale-a-Bration...hurry, you have until the end of the day! If you love the soon to be retiring In Colors, now is a good time to stock up on ink refills and card stock before the retiring list is announced and they possibly run out.

If you need further enabling...how about a good sale? There are some great items listed in this weeks Weekly Deals and the Clearance Rack has been updated recently as well.

Butterfly Basics Watercolor Collage Card Set

After much thought and consideration, and of course careful testing (aka..getting inky!) ...I have narrowed down my favorite set from the new Occasions Catalog...the Butterfly Basics Bundle! I'm excited to share a beautiful card set with matching box that I created with this set, along with a full tutorial.

With my new class to go kit & tutorial you can create this beautiful set of coordinating cards that fit inside a matching stationary box. The soft, water colored collage style using colors from the Subtles Collection and the detailed, die cut butterflies make these cards perfect for any springtime occasion.

Do you love the look of water color but struggle with the technique? My 16 page tutorial will take you step by step to create each card and the matching box. Lots of tips for helping to perfect your technique of watercolor are included through written instruction and 50+ photos.

As of right now, I have sold out of the Butterfly Basics Watercolor Kit (includes the full tutorial and pre-cut materials and embellishments for you to complete the set - mailed to you for only $25. U.S. only please) I may have these kits available for purchase again in the coming weeks, so if you are interested, please contact me for more info.

To complete the kit as shown, you will need to have the Butterfly Basics Bundle, ink, adhesive and basic tools including an aqua painter.

You can purchase the Butterfly Basics Watercolor Tutorial for $5.99 by simply clicking the PayPal button below.

After receiving payment, I will send the PDF file to the email provided with your PayPal payment. I usually check my email a few times daily, but please allow up to 24 hours for delivery to your inbox.

Thanks for visiting today!

Celebrate Best Year Ever

I have another card to share using one of my favorite new stamp sets...Celebrate Today. I love that this set has coordinating framelits! Actually there wasn't a whole lot of stamping done on this card...just the balloon basket and the sentiment and the rest was done easily using the Balloon Framelits Dies.

The DSP used is the Best Year Ever pack that is FREE during Sale-A-Bration! It's super cute, isn't it? I used three different patterns here.

We will be making this card at my All Occasion Card Class on Thursday. If you are thinking of coming, please let me know...today is the last day to register.

Tutorial for All Is Calm 6 x 6 Pocket Album

It took me much longer than anticipated, but I have finally finished the tutorial for my All Is Calm 6 x 6 Pocket Album!

This is a a very detailed 14 page tutorial loaded with photographs and step by step instructions to complete the cover with its fun shaker detail, plus all 14 inside pages of this beautiful keepsake album.
Note: Pages consist of three two page layouts, which equal 6 pages plus an additional 4 double sided pocket pages for a total of 14 pages. Once you learn how to create this fabulous little album, you will want to create more for all different occasions!

If you would like to purchase my All Is Calm 6 x 6 Pocket Album Tutorial for only $5.99, just click on PayPal button below. After receiving payment, I will send the PDF file to the email provided with your payment. I usually check my email a few times daily, but please allow up to 24 hours for delivery to your inbox.

Each kit includes the full tutorial with an additional bonus card, pre-cut supplies...including all cardstock, twelve 6x6 sheets of All Is Calm DSP, die cuts, embellishments and even a set of 6 shaker frames. You will need to provide adhesive, stamps & inks along with washi tape if desired. Kits will be shipped to you for only $32.99 (shipped inside US only)

Read more info, including full supply list  here.

If you would like to purchase my All Is Calm 6 x 6 Pocket Album Kit for only $32.99, please contact me as I only have a couple kits left.

Thank you so much for the positive response I've received for this project so far.

All Is Calm 6x6 Pocket Album Class & Kits

I'm excited to finally share a project I've been working on for a while.  This sparkly 6x6 pocket album uses many of my favorite products from the Holiday Catalog! I'm offering this as one of my upcoming classes in my home to those who live locally (Livingston County, Michigan) and for my blog readers...I am taking orders for kits in the mail!

The album features a fun shaker element on the cover and the inside contains 6 pages...four of which have pockets containing additional pages. That is a total of fourteen 6x6 pages! This little album would make a lovely keepsake gift holding treasured memories from the holiday season. Or maybe you have a new little one in the family? It would also make an adorable Baby's 1st Christmas album.

Here's a little peek of a couple pages showing details from inside the album...

Each kit contains the supplies to create the album and all pages, including twelve 6x6 sheets of All Is Calm Specialty Designer Paper (one sheet of each design), cardstock, die cuts and embellishments, along with a detailed PDF tutorial loaded with photos.

Once you learn how to make the basic album you can change the theme and fill with cherished photos to give as a thoughtful keepsake gift for any occasion!

You will need to provide your own adhesive, inks, stamp sets & some punches. In addition to my kit, here is a list of supplies you will need to provide to complete the book as shown:

• Envelope Punch Board (133774)
• Stamp Sets: Festival of Trees (135059) & Endless Wishes (136829)
• Inks: Soft Sky (131181), Pear Pizzazz (131180), Lost Lagoon (133644), Versamark (102283)
• All Is Calm Washi Tape (135844)
• Silver Embossing Powder (109131) & Heat Tool (129053)
• Dazzling Details Silver Sparkle - optional (124117)
• Punches: Tree (135859), 1/2" Circle (119869), 3/4"Circle (119873), 1" Circle (119868) & 1-1/4" Circle (119861)

If you do not have these supplies already, and would like to purchase them, please visit my Online Store. 

The All Is Calm 6x6 Pocket Album Kit will be shipped to you for only $32.99. (Additional postage will apply to those living outside the U.S., so please contact me prior to purchase.) Each kit includes the full tutorial with an additional bonus card, pre-cut supplies...including all cardstock, twelve 6x6 sheets of All Is Calm DSP, die cuts, embellishments and even a set of 6 shaker frames. You will need to provide adhesive, stamps & inks along with washi tape if desired. 

If you would like to purchase my All Is Calm 6 x 6 Pocket Album Kit for only $32.99, please contact me as I have only a couple kits left.

If you would just like to purchase just the tutorial for this project, I now have that available as well. It consists of 14 pages loaded with photos and step by step instructions to complete this album. 

Please click the button below if you wish to purchase just the All Is Calm 6x6 Pocket Album Tutorial for only $5.99.

Tutorial for All Is Calm Gift Set

A couple weeks ago I shared my All Is Calm Gift Set that I designed for an upcoming stamp camp. My local stampin' friends enjoyed the camp and really loved all the projects they created in this set.

I also sold kits which included a full tutorial to complete the projects at home. Since my kits have sold out and I am still getting lots of requests, I thought I would offer my tutorial.

My All Is Calm Gift Set Tutorial is a a very detailed 11 page tutorial with lots of photographs and step by step instructions to complete all the projects shown above. This set is great because you could give the entire coordinated set or four individual gifts.

If you would like to purchase my tutorial for only $5.99, just click on PayPal button below. After receiving payment, I will send the PDF file to the email provided with your payment. I usually check my email a few times daily, but please allow up to 24 hours for delivery to your inbox.

Thanks so much! If you have any questions...please don't hesitate to ask.

All Is Calm Stamp Camp

I'm so excited to finally share my Christmas giftables class that I created using many items from the All Is Calm suite of products...plus other good stuff from the 2014 Holiday Mini.

My favorite piece in this set is the Bearing Gifts Shadow Box...it measures 6x8 and it has so many sparkling details...I just love it! This group of giftables could be given as an entire set or broken up into 4 individual smaller gifts: the shadowbox, a set of 5 decorated magnetic clips, an adorable box filled with gift tags and a jar candle with its own gift bag.

I had a lot of fun designing these projects and I'm looking forward to teaching a class here on October 12th. You don't live near me but would still like to take this class? Well you are in luck! I am also offering this as an online class.

You will receive a kit to complete the above projects along with a detailed photo tutorial (sent to your email). Your mailed kit will include the shadowbox frame, candle, clips, cardstock, ribbon, embellishments & tags to complete these projects as shown...plus one package of All is Calm Designer Washi Tape (5 rolls) and a 6x6 sampler pack of the gorgeous All Is Calm Specialty Designer Series paper...with enough for lots of leftovers for your future projects.

You will need adhesive, ink pads & the following (or similar) stamp sets to complete the projects: Bearing Gifts, Endless Wishes & Festival of Trees with the coordinating tree punch.

The cost for the online class is $46 (includes shipping) I can only accept payments through Paypal. Please
Contact Me for more info.

Inspired Serene Silhouettes

I recently pinned this color combo for inspiration. This swatch consists of several colors that I wouldn't have thought to put together otherwise.

I took a little bit of liberty with my color selections, using only current SU! colors: Pear Pizzazz, Soft Sky, Midnight Muse, Crisp Cantaloupe & So Saffron. Here's what I came up with...

I just love the way the sponged main panel turned out! The colors worked well together and blended into such pretty shades.

I have an All Occasions Card Class scheduled for the 24th, and we will be doing a card that is based upon this...but a little more simplified so its easier to create multiples. If you are local and would like to attend, please contact me lwdesignz@gmail.com for all the details.

Have a great day!