Mojo Monday 226

It's been simply forever since I did a card challenge and I really wanted to get back into the groove of things today. So, I checked out what the folks over at Mojo Monday had to offer. Of course, I found a sketch that was just perfect to get my creative juices flowing. It's a "round or square" week over at MM and I went for the square option.

What a perfect way to show off some of my new Sale-a-Bration products! The square stamped image and the designer paper are items I got FREE thanks to SAB and you can too! Just place an order of $50 to qualify for a free item from the Sale-a-bration catalog. The more you spend, the more you earn for free. Each $50 in products earns you another free set, pack of paper, or other great SU item from the new Sale-a-Bration catalog. I love the Everyday Enchantment Designer Paper featured in this card (and not just because it was free). You'll be seeing way more of that soon. Contact me today to place your order or just head on over to my SU website & click on "shop now". Start collecting your FREE stuff today!!

Bargello Woodland Walk

I'm back! We had a lovely trip and now it's time to get into the swing of things back home. In some ways, that's harder than I thought. This morning I had a big case of "stampers block". Usually there are all sorts of card ideas bouncing around in my head, but I drew a total blank today. Yesterday, I tried to stamp a bit but ended up just cleaning up the studio. Nothing would come! So, when my pseudo jet lag had me up at 5:30am this morning I decided to take a look at Splitcoast Stampers for some inspiration. There I found a tutorial on the bargello technique. It's a great way to use strips of designer paper in a whole new way. This is my first attempt. I decided to go with a simple zig-zag using my strips of Woodland Walk designer paper. Honestly, it looked even more impressive before I used the Big Shot, but I wanted a slightly smaller piece for this card rather than a full card front of bargello. Do you recognise the texture on the Garden Green piece? It's from one of SU's Texturz Plates & makes a great wood grain effect. Whew! I think I'm almost back in the groove now. :)

PPC #44/ 5th Ave Floral Color Challenge

Okay, I have to admit that I wasn't so sure about the colors for PPC Color Challenge #44. Always Artichoke, Tangerine Tango, Tempting Turquoise, and Chocolate Chip all together in one card? But, that's the point of a color challenge! So, I gave it a shot and decided to go with a sort of stream of consciousness stamping. Whatever came into my mind as I was going, I tried. Once I placed samples of each color in front of myself, Fifth Ave Floral was the stamp set that came to mind. So I tried it. I knew I wanted to use Tempting Turquoise ink and color in the centers using Tangerine Tango, but then it needed something more. My much neglected Crystal Effects came to mind. After a battle with the bottle (hint: don't use a paper clip inside to keep the opening clear...it rusts!) and some serious dry time I was pleased with the results. I followed the same method for the rest of the card down to the little pearl & circle accents. It was a fun time stamping! Flow stamping... I like it. :)

Autumn Leaves

A few branches in my tree out front have already started to sport their fall colors, so I took that as clearance to make more fall cards. For years, I've been taken with the Autumn Harvest set not only for the incredible pumpkins & gourds but also for this great leaf & the little acorn in the set. Embossing the leaves first made it easy to watercolor in each of them. The real struggle on this card was the background. I tried a Big Shot folder, but that just didn't seem to work. Then I went for totally plain. Again, it didn't work. Finally I thought to have the leaves falling, but I didn't want to use another color of ink to keep things simple in class. Of course, I realized there was no need to change ink colors: Versamark would do the trick! Since my sentiment was already stamped & embossed, I could just stamp right over it while creating my background. Another happy accident works out as if I planned it!

Blue Flower Thanks

It's a super simple one for you today. I came across a stack of note sized cards the other day and have been meaning to make one. Here's my version of a quick "I need to go back to work from lunch" card. :) Just a little work with the Big Shot & some quick roller work for the back ground along with a few special touches to make a thank you note in a hurry.

I'm really liking how Marina Mist & Baja Breeze combine. There is just so much to discover with the new colors! It's also the first time I've used my Floral Fusion die. I didn't realize how nicely they pair up with the Trio Flower punch. It's such fun when things coordinate well.

Lattice Thank You

I know it seems that I've been a slacker, what with my lack of posts, but it has been super busy out! No excuse, I know.

Today I wanted to take the opportunity to thank everyone who made my birthday (or should I say birthWEEK) such a special one. I am blessed with exceptional people in my life & am often overwhelmed with gratitude. I don't think we can say it enough, so "thank you".

Product wise, I am excited that I finally got to use my new Lattice Die. You'll be seeing more of this one in the future! And I made friends with my Smooch Spritz too. It really makes this background pop with metallic undertones. I'm not sure that comes through in the photo, but it's there! When I use the spritz I find I need to hold the bottle up much higher than I think I do to get the right result. Just a tip for future use. :)

Thank You Maureen

I don't post EVERY card I ever make, but I thought I would like to share this one I made for one of my hostesses. Maureen has a lovely rooster collection that made me think of the Country Morning hostess set. I love any excuse to break out my Stampin' Pastels & was even more excited about this one because the color pallet is one I don't use often. It's good to stretch, right?
So, hopefully this little guy has reached his destination by now safe & sound. I'll also reach mine soon...we should be headed back home tomorrow. Look for fresh posts soon.

Whimsy Butterfly Thank You

There is all sorts of exciting stamping going on for me this week. I have four classes in all which does mean lots of time cutting paper, but it also has me thinking about just how much fun I have as a Stampin' Up demonstrator. How lucky I am to have "work" be something I enjoy so much!

All of this thinking makes me want to extend an invitation to all of you to join in the fun as well. Becoming a SU demonstrator is easy & excellent if for no other reason than the 20% off it extends! I know it may seem overwhelming at first, but you're never alone in this adventure. All of my team will receive detailed instructions to make the cards I'm doing in class each month. That way, you can either come up with your own, or just use one of mine. There is never a need to reinvent the wheel...unless you want to! Contact me today if you're interested in learning more.

Okay, enough waxing on about how cool being a demonstrator can be. Today's project is a simple, but fun one. The Garden Whimsy butterflies are an old favorite & I've been wanting to do something with them for awhile. I've missed them. They are a nice bit of Spring on this overcast day. I hope you enjoy them too!