Simply Missing You...

To view the image up-close, please click on the photo.

I have continued to be inspired by CAS cards and wanted to create another using some lovely stamps from Papertrey Ink. For this simple card, I first stamped the unadorned branch from Out on a Limb with a light colored ink. Then, with a hobby blade, I carefully cut the branch out of the white cardstock. Next, I stamped the round leaves and glued powder blue microbeads on each leaf. The moon and sentiment (from Birds of a Feather) were stamped with Blue Metallic Encore Ink and heat embossed with Clear Filigree Embossing Powder. A Scor-Pal and scoring tool were used to create the embossed double-line.
BEAN NOTES: Papertrey Ink Out on a Limb and Birds of a Feather Stamps; Encore Blue Metallic Ink; Stamper's Select White Cardstock; Stampin' Up Bordering Blue Cardstock; Hobby Blade; Foam Dimensional Squares (generic); Filigree Clear Embossing Powder
HAPPY BEANS: Powder Blue Microbeads (generic); Scor-Pal

Happy Wishes & Celebrate (Hero Arts Photo Challenge)...

I recently discovered the Hero Club blog and have been wanting to try one of their fun challenges. This week, the task is to create a project, card, or scrapbook page utilizing a photograph or magazine photo and at least one Hero Arts stamp. How could I pass up an opportunity to feature my little rugrat for a prize?

To view an image up-close, please click on the photo.

Happy Wishes...

For this card, I played with the photograph in iPhoto, removing color until I got it to a pretty blue tone to match Stampin' Up's Baja Breeze cardstock. My little guy loves dandelions, and I used StazOn White Opaque ink to stamp these cuties directly onto the photo. To give the image a three-dimensional feeling, I printed out a second copy of the photo and carefully cut out the top half of my son, adhering the cut piece to the original with foam dimensional squares. Doesn't he look like he is ready to make a happy wish?
BEAN NOTES: Hero Arts "Happy Wishes" Happy Wavy Border Stamp; Stampin' Up Happy Harmony Stamp; StazOn White Opaque Ink; Memento London Fog Marker; SU Baja Breeze Cardstock; The Paper Company Bronze Jewel Metallic Cardstock; Cuttlebug Sliders Die; Paper Shapers 1-1/8" Circle Punch; Big Shot; Blue/Brown Ribbon (generic); Kaiser Dark Brown Pearls
HAPPY BEANS: Computer and Printer; Fine-tipped Scissors; Foam Dimensional Squares (generic)

Celebrate...

I created this scrapbook page on 8X8" designer paper so that I could frame it in a shadowbox. This photo was from our little guy's first birthday. I again wanted a blue tint, this time to match the cute DCWV Designer Paper. This photograph was printed out four times and I cut out the three main elements of the image (the closer the element was to the foreground, the more layers) for three-dimensional depth. This cutting technique is incredibly time-consuming, but I think the finished product is worth it!
BEAN NOTES: Hero Arts "Celebrate" Happy Wavy Border Stamp; Memento Tuxedo Black Marker; DCWV All-Occasion Designer Paper; Silver Metallic Cardstock (generic); Dark Blue Textured Cardstock (generic); SU Whisper White Cardstock; Bazzil Pear Crush Cardstock; Paper Shapers 1", 1-1/2" and 1-3/4" Circles Punches; Foam Dimensional Squares (generic); Hero Arts Gemstones
HAPPY BEANS: Computer and Printer; Fine-tipped Scissors; Foam Dimensional Squares (generic)

Easy, Breezy Thank You...

To view the image up-close, please click on the photo.

I'm pretty sure I have the best mom-in-law on the planet. For my birthday, she gave me a ton of Stampin' Up stamp sets and papers, including the soon-to-be-retired "Something Fishy" wheel. I hadn't at the time asked for the matching Life's A Breeze stamp set and she offered to get it for me for Christmas, which was incredibly sweet of her. Well, surprise of surprises, she sent me the set because she didn't want me to have to wait! Now, how fabulous is that? I thought I would make her a Thank You card, and what better way to show her how happy I am but by using the set? No sketch to follow on this one, but it's so simple the whole thing was a breeze...
BEAN NOTES: Stampin' Up Life's A Breeze Stamps; "Thank You" Rub-on (generic); Stampin' Up Tempting Turquoise, Pixie Pink, Green Galore, Lovely Lilac, and Only Orange Classic Die Ink; Taylored Expressions Beach Bum Key Ingredients Designer Paper; SU Whisper White, Tempting Turquoise, Green Galore, Lovely Lilac, Only Orange, and Pixie Pink Cardstock; Paper Shapers 1-3/8" and 1-1/4" Circles Punches; Marvy Uchida Square Punch; Foam Dimensional Squares (generic); Sakura Golden Star, Blue Star, Purple Star, and Pink Star Gelly Roll Pens; Taylored Expressions Blue Satin Beach Bum Key Ingredients Ribbon
HAPPY BEANS: EK Success Dotted Wave Punch

A Lovely Surprise...

I received a very sweet note from Sue McMahon of McMahon Five Designs in which she awarded me the "One Lovely Blog Award." It's my first award, and I am so touched and delighted. Please check out Sue's blog -- she has some wonderful creations and you are sure to be inspired.

Thank you, Sue, for the lovely surprise!

A Vintage Fourth (VSJUN02)...

To view an image up-close, please click on the photo.

Ahhhh! The last of my 4th of July cards, and I decided to go for something a little more muted than the ones I've been making. This set is a new release from Papertrey Ink -- their stamps are so elegant that they almost demand attention. I still don't have any nesting stars, so I stuck some generic star stickers onto the reverse side of my cardstock and cut out the shapes. For the tiny star background squares, I punched the stars out with an EK Success punch. Then, for a final touch, I decided to try out more faux stitching. Happy Fourth!
BEAN NOTES: Papertrey Ink Vintage Picnic Stamps; Memento Tuxedo Rich Cocoa Ink; Stampin' Up Whisper White, Riding Hood Red, and Ballet Blue Cardstock; SU Stampin' Write Markers (Creamy Caramel, Barely Banana, Ballet Blue, Ruby Red); EK Success Sun & Moon Punch; Star Stickers (generic); Nestabilities Classic Square Dies; Big Shot; Foam Dimensional Squares (generic)
HAPPY BEANS: Paper Piercer

Oh, Say Can You See? (Verve June Release Con't)...

Oh, dear, it's the last full week of June and I am SO behind on my July 4th cards! Seems to me the late Father's Day this year had me thinking I had more time. The Verve Release Week Challenge sketches gave me a great boost toward catching up, so here are two cards to help celebrate our Independence Day.

To view an image up-close, please click on the photo.

Lady Liberty (VSJUN03)
First up is a card using this adorable little stamp of the Statue of Liberty. I think the sentiment is even more touching and stirring for her sweetness. I picked up the perfect satin ribbon for one US dollar (can't beat that!) at the craft store and made the background paper with a glitter gel pen.
BEAN NOTES: Stampendous Patriotic Pair Perfectly Clear Stamps; Memento Tuxedo Black Ink; Stampin' Up Brilliant Blue, Real Red, and Yo-Yo Yellow Classic Dye Ink; Copic Sketch Markers (W3); SU Stampin' Write Marker (Basic Grey); SU Whisper White, Brilliant Blue, and Real Red Cardstock; Nestabilities Classic Oval and Scalloped Oval Dies; Big Shot; ; Foam Dimensional Squares (generic)
HAPPY BEANS: Sakura Golden Star, Clear Star, and Red Star Gelly Roll Pens; Blue/Red Satin Ribbon (generic)


Our Lil' Firecracker (VSJUN05)
My second 4th of July card stars my own lil' firecracker, whose big grin says it all. He's 20 months old with a pretty early bedtime, so alas, he will be missing all the fireworks, but I think his smile still lights up this card.
BEAN NOTES: Basic Grey Lil' Firecracker Clear Stamps and Stampendous Patriotic Pair Perfectly Clear Stamp; Memento Tuxedo Black Ink; Stampin' Up Brilliant Blue, Yo-Yo Yellow, and Real Red Classic Dye Ink; Reminisce U.S. Stripes Designer Paper; SU Brilliant Blue, Whipser White, and Real Red Cardstock; SU Stampin' Write Markers (Brilliant Blue, Yo-Yo Yellow, and Real Red); Paper Shapers 1-3/8", 1-1/2", and 1-3/4" Circle Punches; Sakura Golden Star, Clear Star, and Red Star Gelly Roll Pens; Foam Dimensional Squares (generic) Ranger Diamond Stickles; Clear Jewels (generic)
HAPPY BEANS: Computer and Printer

Cuttlebug Challenge Countdown

Hey Stampers! Cuttlebug Challenge is counting down to CHA and is going to be showcasing all the new Embossing Folders and will be celebrating with a full month of previews and ideas. Check them out here!

Minimalist Mojo (MOJO92 & VSJUN01)...

To view the image up-close, please click on the photo.

Today's Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge is doubling as a sketch for the Verve Release Week Challenge, and a very mojolicious sketch it is. Can something also be Vervetastic at the same time? Yes, I think so! My card for today's challenge is my foray into the minimalist. I experimented a little with my Nestabilities to come up with this version of other uber-simple cards I've admired. The elegant clip is one that I salvaged from a card workshop.
BEAN NOTES: Stampin' Up Pocket Sihouettes and Happy Harmony Stamps; SU Kiwi Kiss Classic Dye Ink; SU Whisper White Craft Ink; SU Whisper White and Kiwi Kiss Cardstock; Nestibilites Classic Rectangles and Classic Square Scallops Dies; Big Shot; SU Kiwi Kiss Satin Ribbon; Foam Dimensional Squares (generic); Paper Shapers 1" Square Punch; Ranger Seafoam White Embossing Powder
HAPPY BEANS: SU Hodge Podge Clip

All My Love (SFYTT)...

To view the image up-close, please click on the photo.

For this week's Sketch For You To Try over at iheart2stamp.com, I decided it was time to use some of my new Designer Series Paper in Rose Red from Stampin' Up. Though the color isn't new, I found that it goes pretty well with a retired In-Color, Purely Pomegranate, which is one DSP that I don't actually have! I love this silhouette stamp of three sweet dandelions.
BEAN NOTES: Stampin' Up Happy Harmony Stamp; SU Chit Chat Rub-On; SU Whisper White Craft Ink; SU Rose Red Designer Series Paper; SU Whisper White and Purely Pomegranate Cardstock; Dark Grey and Dark Pink Textured Cardstock (generic); Nestibilites Classic Circles and Scallops Dies; Big Shot; Purely Pomegranate Grosgrain Ribbon; Foam Dimensional Squares (generic); Ranger Seafoam White Embossing Powder
HAPPY BEANS: Kaiser Pearls

Left Coast Dreamin' (TECC73)...

To view an image up-close, please click on the photo.

Since moving to Minnesota from sunny California, the hardest adjustment has been how far we are from our friends and family (okay, the snow has been hard, too!) This week's Taylored Expressions Cupcake Challenge had me reaching for my new Beach Bum set. I drew and cut out a surfboard, added some Glossy Accents for a shiny red pail, and dressed the adorable little beachy-keen cuppy in cool Madras shorts to get me dreamin' of California sunshine!
BEAN NOTES: Taylored Expressions Beach Bum Stamps; Stampin' Up Soft Sky and Pacific Point Classic Dye Ink; Memento Tuxedo Black Dye Ink; SU Stampin' Write Markers (Barely Banana, Real Red, Green Galore, Apricot Appeal, Creamy Caramel, More Mustard, Only Orange, Basic Grey, Glorious Green, Tempting Turquoise, Bashful Blue, Rose Red); Taylored Expressions Beach Bum Key Ingredients Designer Paper; Neenah Solar White Cardstock; SU Whisper White, Glorious Green, and Pacific Point Cardstock; Cuttlebug Bubbles Embossing Folder; Big Shot; SU Large Oval and Scalloped Oval Punches; Foam Dimensional Squares (generic); Form-A-Line White Graphic Tape
HAPPY BEANS: Glossy Accents; Ranger Christmas Red Stickles

A Million Thanks (TECC72)...

To view an image up-close, please click on the photo.

This week, Taylor's Cupcake Challenge is a really terrific sketch that immediately brought to mind a setting sun, and, in the case of this Thank You card, a whimsical set of hot air balloons. I decided to "tie down" one of Verve's Up, Up, & Away balloons using a Pigma Micron pen and a ruler, adding stakes on the drawn-in grassy meadow. Another balloon floats up, up, and away over the sponged sun and through the clouds. Some glittery Stickles lend a bit of fun - Distress Stickles for the cute little trees. It's been a whole week since I've made a card, as my fabulous in-laws were here to help celebrate my birthday...I think this one will do nicely to thank them for visiting (and for the amazing birthday gifts!)
BEAN NOTES: Verve Up, Up & Away Stamps; Stampin' Up Chit-Chat Rub-Ons; SU Soft Sky, Barely Banana, and Pumpkin Pie Classic Dye Ink; Memento Tuxedo Black Dye Ink; Copic Sketch Markers (YG63, BG72, BV11, BV02, VR81, and Colorless Blender); Neenah Solar White Cardstock; SU Soft Sky, Barely Banana, Baja Breeze, Whisper White, and Elegat Eggplant, and Sage Shadow Cardstock; Martha Stewart Picket Fence Border Punch; Foam Dimensional Squares (generic); Nestabilities Classic Rectangle Die; Big Shot
HAPPY BEANS: Ranger Waterfall, Fruit Punch, Diamond, and Copper Stickles; Tim Holtz Peeled Paint Distress Stickles; Pigma Black Micon Pen (.05)

A Roaring Father's Day (Verve June Project Parade...)

For my wonderful father-in-law, I wanted to create a project for the Verve June Project Parade (It's a Guy Thing) that would show him how much he means to us. I had made the tiger card for my husband to give, and thought it would be cute to pair it with a matching picture frame from his grandson. For card details, please click here. The frame was made from a plain silver frame I picked up at my local Target store for a couple bucks. I covered it with the same Debbie Mumm Designer Mat Paper as the card, and double-stamped the adorable animals from The Paper Company Studio's Jungle clear stamp set. After coloring the images in with Copic Sketch Markers, I popped them up with some dimensionals. The sentiments are from Verve's World's Best set. As my son calls his grandfather "Papa," I used a Stampin' Write Marker from Stampin' Up to only ink in the "PA" portion of "Grandpa" and stamped it twice!

To view an image up-close, please click on the photo.

Jungle Dad (OCCC)...

I liked the look of this week's Our Creative Corner Sketch Challenge and decided to forge ahead with my Father's Day cards. I found this "ferocious" tiger stamp today and was happy to have an excuse to use him. I colored him in with Copics after double-stamping and cut out just the foreground of his body to bring him to life. I just want to give him a hug! To view the matching frame that I created to go along with this card, please click here.

To view an image up-close, please click on the photo.
BEAN NOTES: The Paper Company Studio Jungle and Verve World's Best Stamps; Stampin' Up Basic Black Classic Dye Ink; Copic Sketch Markers (YR31, Y19, E31, and Colorless Blender); Debbie Mum Travel Designer Mat Stack; SU Whisper White Cardstock; Olive Green and Yellow Cardstock (generic); Light Green Grosgrain Ribbon (generic); Nestabilities Classic Rectangle Die; Big Shot; Foam Dimensional Squares (generic)
HAPPY BEANS: Kaiser Black Pearls

L'Anniversaire Carte Postale (iheart2stamp)...

There are some wonderful sketches over at Jen del Muro's Saturday Sketch For You To Try. For this week's sketch, I was inspired by the butterfly postage stamps on some lovely paper that I found at one of my favorite local stores, Pulp Fashion in Stillwater, MN. I made my own "stamp" by printing out the 09c (for 2009) and the birthday sentiment (en Francais!) on my computer and then stamping this beautiful butterfly from Cavallini & Co. I double-stamped and watercolored both images to add some dimension to the card, and finished it off with a sweet corduroy button.

To view an image up-close, please click on the photo.

BEAN NOTES: Cavallini & Co. Butterflies Stamp; Stampin' Up Night of Navy and Baja Breeze Classic Dye Ink; Tim Holtz Antique Linen Distress Ink; Designer Originals Designer Paper; DCWV Dark Blue Cardstock; Cloud 9 Design Offbeat Designer Paper; SU Soft Sky and Whisper White Cardstock; Spica Clear Glitter Pen; Foam Dimensional Squres (generic); SU Baja Breeze Corduroy Button; White Thread (generic)
HAPPY BEANS: EK Success Stamp Border Punch; Computer & Printer

A Micey Message (TECC71)...

Father's Day is just around the corner and I am terribly behind, so this week's Taylored Expressions Cupcake Challenge was a good opportunity to catch up! I got out this incredibly adorable stamp from Penny Black and stamped the Happy Father's Day sentiment onto the "paper" typed by the sweet little mice. For the focal element, I double-stamped and colored with Copics before popping up the image.

To view an image up-close, please click on the photo.

BEAN NOTES: Penny Black Cheesecake Message and Hero Arts Father's Day Message Stamps; StazOn Black Ink; Copic Sketch Markers (T5, T3, W1, E57, E27, T38, TR31, R02, E00, and Colorless Blender); Black Cardstock (generic); Turquoise Cardstock (generic); Black Velvet Ribbon (generic); Cuttlebug Swiss Dots Embossing Folder; Big Shot; Foam Dimensional Squares (generic); Form-A-Line White Graphic Tape
HAPPY BEANS: Martha Stewart Button Punch