Raining Flowers Embossed Windows

I decided to play with bits and pieces I had lying about today.  First off, I had several Early Espresso bits cut out when we created frames using the Labels Framelets in class a while back.   I couldn't resist using white embossing powder on those deep dark espresso pieces & thought the puff ball flowers from Raining Flowers would fit the bill nicely.  I just did a little double stamp with the solid image to create a sightly different image. I also have a bunch of Calypso Coral ribbon from Sale-a-Bration.  I put these together along with the brand new Argyle Embossing folder for a simple & unique combination.  Oh, and there is sponging involved too, of course!  The whole combo has a fun retro feel to me, don't you think?

Love & Care Batik

This card was ever so much fun to make.  I hope folks in class enjoyed it as well. :)  I decided to play around with a retired hostess set that I actually never got a chance to use.  Such a shame, as it's a lovely set.  So, I got out my markers & had a great time creating a batik effect.  First you color the stamp using light colors.  Then, just dab it with darker colors here and there.  Finally give the stamp a "breath of life" and then stamp.  Viola!  What do you think?  Oh, and while we're on new ideas that I find amazing, how about the new Butterfly punch?  I added a pearl and used the Elegant Lines folder with some sponging to add just a little bit extra, but it's super elegant all on its own.  It's one of my very favorite additions to the Stampin' Up punch family.  If you need to add it to your collection too, just let me know and I'll place an order.  Some things simply shouldn't be resisted! 

Color Throwdown #202

When looking for inspiration, I often just need a starting place.  For this card, I visited the folks over at the Color Throwdown for a launching point.  This week's colors include: Rich Razzleberry, Pool Party, Very Vanilla, and Bermuda Bay.  Such fun! So, while I usually don't include retired colors in my cards, I dug up some old textured cardstock in the lovely shade of Bermuda Bay.  Perhaps one day Stampin' Up will bring this former In Color back out of retirement.  It's so very deep and complements the other colors in this challenge nicely.  I knew I wanted to include one of the new Vintage Buttons for my class this month.  They add such an amazing touch!  Photography doesn't quite do them justice, but they have lots of facets and add so much more to each project.  You'll want to get your hands on some if you haven't already. :)

Natural Composition Mojo/ Mojo Monday #251

Whenever Stampin' Up releases a new catalog, I go right to the designer series paper to pick which pack I'll buy first. :)  This time around, the choice was clear: Natural Composition Specialty.  I love the neutral color & the embossed images.  By stamping on Crumb Cake card stock using Versamark & clear embossing powder, I was able to create a perfect accent with the Nature Walk stamp set.  Mojo Monday gave me the sketch idea.  I wanted to keep the color pallet simple, so I stuck with Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, and Primrose Petals.  The Primrose I needed to mute a bit, so I took out my sponges and went to work using my Soft Suede ink.  Elegant and simple.  Just the way I like it. 

Summer is in full swing!  In fact, there are those who like to say it's nearly over. I'll hear nothing of that though. :)  I'm just getting back into the stamping groove of things.  Who knew that I would have more time to stamp during the school year than in the summer?  I certainly didn't think that would be the case.  Leave it to Stampin' Up to give me yet another reason to have fun in my studio.  This stamp set is called Reason to Smile and is available via special promotion this month only.  If you place an order of $50 or more then you can order this lovely little set for just $5!  Reason to smile in deed.  Contact me today or visit my website to place a qualifying order.