Painted Autumn Pumpkin Patch

Happy Halloween! Instead of an autumn scene, like on this card, I have more of a winter scene going on outside my window right now. That white stuff is coming down like crazy! Luckily, so far, it's not sticking, but melting as it hits the ground.

This is a card created mainly with Designer Series Papers...all but the spooky cat are part of the Painted Autumn pack of papers. I created the "Happy Fall" sentiment using the Labeler Alphabet and then added some texture using the Timeless Textures stamp set.

Don't forget...today is the last day of the Designer Series Paper Sale!

Delightful Daisy So Very Loved

I think that the Delightful Daisy Designer Series Paper is my favorite paper from this years catalog (at least right now!)  When I first saw these papers I knew I had to scrap the photos I had taken of my sweet granddaughter just a month before the catalog came out. She was wearing an outfit that matched the colors in the paper and she was even holding a daisy!

I cut eight 3-1/2" squares of DSP to create the background for my page.. A 2007 Sale-A-Bration set, So Very was used to create a title, which is embossed in white on Night of Navy. I used the very handy Labeler Alphabet set to stamp the words on my list next to the largest photo. I used the tiny daisy image in the Daisy Delight set to create the bullets for my list and the largest daisy image with coordinating Daisy Punch for the large daisy embellishment. The center is one of the pretty Gold Faceted Gems. Here's a closer look.

Originally I had planned to use just one photo on this layout, but couldn't decide between two of the photos...so I ended up cutting 3 photos down into small squares using the Stitched Shape Framelits, and placed those photos along the bottom. 

Can you spot "something Stampin' Up!" in the photos themselves? I made little Maddy a bunch of headbands when she was only a month or so old using felt and the Spiral Flower Die. You cannot see in the photo, but there is a large Iced Rhinestone jewel in the center. Babies need bling too! (Both the die and the rhinestones have been retired, so they are no longer available)

After I was finished with my layout I realized I hadn't included the date or age of Maddy, so I used the Tiny Tag set with it's coordinating punch (both retired) and wrote her name and age on the tags which are hung from the bow created using Daffodil Delight Seam Binding Ribbon.

I used pretty much the same layout for a Halloween page using the Spooky Night DSP shown here.

If you too love these papers...you can get them for FREE!

But hurry...the Buy 3 Get 1 FREE Sale ends tomorrow!

Flippin' Friday - Sprinkles of Life Birthday Flip

Happy Friday! Here's a flip card using the new Sprinkles of Life stamp set along with the festive Cherry on Top DSP. What a great combo to create adorable birthday cards!

I extended the card by bypassing the end of the die to create an extra panel...

and an excuse to add more of this cute DSP! I used a Bermuda Bay base and let the stamp set, punches and DSP do the rest of the work.

Have a GREAT weekend!

Summer Afternoon in Secret Garden

On my last post I shared a card I created using the hostess set Summer Afternoon along with Secret Garden and the Floral District DSP. Since I had all these items out and was liking the results I created a set using each of the images from the Summer Afternoon set. Here's the second card...

I have a little "oopsie" to share on this one. I had already adhered my water colored image to a hand cut mat (traced around outside of framelit with pencil) of "Melon Mambo" only to realize it was actually Rose Red which I found out when I grabbed a real piece of Melon Mambo to emboss the Framed Tulip layer. So I had to go with Rose Red and just made sure to chose DSP prints that didn't have Melon Mambo in them so it wasn't too obvious. The ribbon & ink are a bit lighter/brighter but I don't think it takes away from the finished card. Other colors used here are Daffodil Delight & Baja Breeze.

I also used the Needlepoint Border EF, Itty Bitty Banner set which was cut with the coordinating Bitty Banner Framelits and the Labels Framelits.

Check back for my next post to see the final third card of this set.

Floral District Butterfly Birthday

A couple of the must have items on my first new catalog order were definitely the Papillon Potpourri set and the coordinating Elegant Butterfly Punch! Here is the first card I created with them.

I picked up my color scheme from the super cute Floral District DSP...Baja Breeze, Rich Razzleberry, Tangerine Tango & Rose Red. I used my favorite new tool here as well...the Essentials Paper Piercing Template. It sure makes piercing around shapes a breeze! It adds nice detail to the Apothecary Accent Framelit and the scalloped edge created with the Large Scallop Edgelit. Speaking of nice detail...don't you just love the pretty detail of the Delicate Designs Embossing Folder? That's another one of my favorites for sure! The birthday sentiment is from the Blue Ribbon stamp set...quickly becoming yet another new favorite!

We will be using all of these supplies and more at my New Catalog Kick Off Party going on in my home next week - Wednesday, June 27th. If you are local, I would love for you to come! Just contact me via email (on my sidebar) and I'll give you more details.

Have a beautiful day! It's a HOT one here...the pool is looking awful tempting!

Workspace Wednesday - Organizing Framelits

I just love the new Framelits that Stampin' Up! has came out with recently! I think it's great that they even included a plastic storage envelope with the name of the set right on them for easy organization. What I didn't like was the strip of tape attached to the inner cardboard piece that held the Framelits in place. It was hard to get them off the tape and I was always worried I would bend one...so here's what I did to make them even easier to use.

First, hang on to the cardboard sheet with the strip of tape on it, this will be the backing & template for size. Next, cut a magnetic sheet & a piece of DSP to the same size of the cardboard piece.
Note: for smaller dies like the Edgelits, you can get away with using just a strip of the magnetic sheet.

Next, just adhere the magnetic sheet to the cardboard backing and then cover the magnetic sheet with a pretty piece of Designer Paper. (Tombo Multipurpose Adhesive is what I used)

Now it's easy to grab just the right sized die and put away when done. I also keep the instruction sheet in the envelope for easy reference if needed. I did all my Framelits & Edgelits but plan to do the same with my Nesties. Sizzix sells plastic envelopes in a set of three with a cute scalloped  flap. (around $5- $6 for the pack) The flap on these are one the side, but otherwise they are the same. Hopefully some day SU! will sell just the envelopes.

For now I have them on my Big Shot cutting station stored in this cute cardboard bin I picked up a while back in the Target Dollar Spot. It's kind of small...I'm sure I'll be outgrowing it soon...especially after getting a peek of the upcoming Holiday Catalog!

I just added a bow and a brad to the front to dress it up and now even my Framelits coordinate with my room! I'm not sure where I originally saw the idea to add the magnetic sheet for easy storage, but I thought it was a great idea...and I hope you do as well!

More Altered DVD Cases

It's been quite a while since I posted...did you miss me? I'm sure nobody noticed but the spammers...seems I get an abundance of spam messages when I don't post regularly...not sure why that is??? I've been busy working outside since we've had such beautiful weather here, so not as much time to stamp.

Anyways...I have some more of the altered Stampin' Up! Clear Stamp DVD Cases to share with you. These make such a nice little gift for someone...perfect for end of the year teacher's gifts, or maybe a stampin' friend to keep track of their wish list in the upcoming new catalog, etc... Everyone I've given them to so far have really liked them. It's been fun for me to make them because I used some of my favorite retired DSP.

The case on the left uses LeJardin papers and the one on the right, Spice Cake. Here's a look at the inside.

I couldn't find pads of paper the right size to fit inside, so I bought 5x8 pads at Staples and had them cut down to 4 1/2 x 7 so that they would fit inside the case along with the pen. (Note: next time I'll be sure to emphasize that it is the RIGHT side I want cut & NOT the margin side.) The pens are Pentel RSVP pens and I inserted a rolled piece of DSP into the barrel so it coordinates with the set. The pocket is perfect to hold receipts, coupons, etc. Here's a couple more...

The case on the right uses Thoroughly Modern DSP and the one on the right, Sweet Pea. Here's a peek at the inside...

For all four cases I also used: Adorning Accents Edgelits Die, Labels Collection Framelits, Designer Frame Embossing Folder, Letter It Alphabet - embossed with White Embossing Powder & coordinating Seam Binding Ribbon.

I thought you might like to see a family that has taken up residence at our house this Spring.

A Robin built this nest on the top of a grapevine wreath I have hanging on the side of our garage. I've tried not to bother them, but I have been checking on them each day and I think there are 4-5 of them in there. They sure keep their parents busy...they are constantly flying in and out of the nest feeding them. Guess who else is extremely interested in this nest...

That's our barn cat Stinker...I sure hope he doesn't get them! Once those babies get bigger and really fill up that nest I'm also worried they'll fall right out...look at how the nest is attached to the top/side of the wreath...I sure hope mama knew what she was doing when she chose this spot.

Have a beautiful day!

Saying Goodbye to Fox & Friends

Another one of my favorite sets that is retiring is Fox & Friends. It's such a darling little set to create cards for babies & kids. I went to a baby shower for my niece over the weekend and the theme for her baby's room is monkeys, so it was the perfect opportunity to play with this set. The monkey just happens to be my favorite image in this set too.

Since they already announced the baby's name, I was able to make her a name frame for his room.

The Serif Essential Letters are also on the retiring list, which makes me sad. I have gotten a lot of use out of this set of dies...they are great because you can cut through all sorts of materials. Here, I cut the letters out of chip board for extra dimension. Here's a closer look...

I cut out the little monkey heads and mounted in place with a dimensional to look 3D. The little felt leaves are a retired item from a couple years ago called Sweet Pea Stitched Felt. The brads are the In Color Designer Printed Brads.

The DSP I used is also retired...the Pool Party & Chocolate prints are from the Spice Cake papers, the Kiwi Kiss print is from A Walk in the Park and the Pumpkin Pie print is from the Haiku pack.

Part of the gift was a canvas tote with a monkey printed on it. The name frame fit perfectly inside along with some other little things. I made a tag to hang from the gift basket using the Scallop Circle Die.

Here's a look at the completed gift basket.

For the big gift I made another card using the Scallop Square Die.

I bought the gift wrap and then used Stampin' Up! colors to match. I used retired DSP for this one as well. These prints are from the Delicate Dots pack...it was one of the free selections during SAB in 2009, as was the So Saffron Grosgrain Ribbon. Here it is on the wrapped package.

My niece received some beautiful gifts at her shower, and she really loved the name frame. Baby Wyatt is already a lucky little guy...I cannot wait to meet him! She is due on my birthday...wouldn't that be a wonderful gift!?

Paisley Petals Note Set

Here is a pretty, yet useful note set I made using the Paisley Petals DSP and one of SU! clear mount stamp cases.

The post-it note holder is a clear acrylic photo frame with some paper cut to fit. This is a handy addition on my desk next to the computer, where before I was always searching for the post-it note pad that someone would walk off with (and forget to put back).

The case is handy to take with me to the store and the inner pocket keeps my lists, receipts and coupons handy. It's really helped me keep measurements, color swatches, etc...organized while I've been working on my studio makeover. Tomorrow I've got a trip to IKEA planned! Hopefully soon I'll have some photos or my room to share with you.

Thanks for visiting me today!

Triple Treat Spice Cake

When I first saw the Holiday Mini catalog, I knew I'd love the Spice Cake DSP because it coordinated with the Triple Treat Flower stamp. Combining the two, makes it easy to create a quick, yet super cute card for any occasion.

Stamps: Triple Treat Flower & Tiny Tags
Card stock: Pool Party, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla & Spice Cake DSP
Ink: More Mustard, Pear Pizzazz, Pool Party & Early Espresso
Accessories: Pear Pizzazz Seam binding Ribbon, Linen Thread, Perfect Pennants Bigz Die (scalloped circle shape) Basic Rhinestones, Fancy Flower, Five Petal Flower, Jewelry Tag & Scallop Trim Border Punches

Again this year, Stampin' Up! is offering some great deals during the Online Extravaganza!

You won't want to miss out on these exciting deals...just in time for holiday shopping for that crafter on your list, or maybe a gift for yourself! Happy shopping!

Spicey Cupcake

Mmmm...I just made myself hungry with that title! I've been craving apple spice cake like my Grandma used to make. This card using the Spice Cake DSP and the Cupcake Builder Punch might not taste as good, but it's definitely fat free and looks way cuter than any cake I could make. (Unfortunately I did not inherit my Grandma's cake decorating skills.)

Stamps: Happiest Birthday Wishes (Hostess Set)
Card stock: Peach Parfait, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla & Spice Cake DSP
Ink: Peach Parfait, Soft Suede & Pool Party
Accessories: Top Note Die, Perfect Polka Dots EF,  Cupcake Builder & Boho Blossoms Punches, Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz, Mat Pack, Paper Piercer, Vanilla Grosgrain Ribbon & Basic Pearls

Thanks for stopping by today!

Well Worn Cajun Field Flowers

My favorite new DSP in the catalog has got to be Well Worn. For this card I've also used another of my new favorites...stamp set Field Flowers.

Like the card I showed you in this post, I've also used the Elizabeth stamp here. I also used my retired French Script stamp stamped lightly in Crumb Cake for the background.

If you're like me, I always have to open my new packs of DSP on arrival so I can drool over the prints. They always look so much prettier in person than they do in the small photo in the catalog. So I thought I'd share what the other prints in the Well Worn pack look like.

And here is the flip side...

They are nice masculine prints, but as shown on my card, you can also use them for a feminine projects as well. During the month of August, if you buy 3 packs of Designer Series paper you get one pack free! Cannot wait for that special!

I mentioned on Friday that I was going to see Paul McCartney over the weekend, I must say that it was an amazing night I will never forget! At 69 years old, Paul still looks and sounds fantastic! I'm glad that he's still doing what he loves best...sharing his amazing talent to make so many people happy.

Have a great day!

Matchbook for Dad

After seeing the cute matchbook albums in the July issue of Stampin' Success I just had to try one! So instead of making a regular card for my Dad for Father's Day this year I made him this matchbook album/card using my favorite photos of him & I. The masculine prints and colors of the Woodland Walk DSP was perfect for this project. Here is the cover.

 I used my new Simple Letters Bigz dies to cut the letters out of chipboard and DSP. Chocolate grosgrain ribbon and an Antique Brad with a little tag created using the Jewelry Tag punch embellish the cover.

 I also used the Lots Of Tags Sizzlets for several of the tags. The family quote is from a retired set called That's Nice. The photo is of my Grandpa, Dad & I on Christmas.

I added a bit of Victoria Lace layered on Chocolate Chip Satin Ribbon for the next page. A chocolate button tied with some Linen Thread and a tag punched out using the Round Tab punch finish off this page.

The last page is a more recent photo that includes my boys...so like the 1st photo, it is also 3 generations. I used the Top Note & Petal Cone dies to create the message area on the opposite page. I stamped my greetings and left room to write my Dad a personal message as well. I used the Weathered Background stamp (retired) and an image from Tiny Tags to add interest to my tags.

After I completed the pages, I pierced them, along with the cover, down the center scored line using the Mat Pack & Paper Piercing Tool. Then using a large craft needle and Linen Thread I stitched the pages into the cover. I hope my Dad likes it.

Have a wonderful weekend!