Lovely As a Tree Mojo/ Mojo Monday #288

Ah, it feels good to get back into the Mojo Monday groove.  It's such fun to start the week off with a little crafty inspiration.  I went over to the Mojo Monday site this morning knowing I needed to make a sympathy card.  I think their sketch lends itself nicely to the simple elegance I like in any sympathy card.  For this one, I took out an old favorite.  Lovely as a Tree was the very first stamp set I ever bought from Stampin' Up.  It's also been in the catalog longer than any other current set.  I think you can see why.  Its simple beauty makes it just so versatile.  The best part was using this specific stamp with my new ink pads for the first time. In the past, it was a pretty difficult stamp to ink evenly.  I knew that I would have to stamp a few times to get an image that had a complete center.  Well, no more!  This one was a first shot. :) I know the super juicy ink pads take a bit to get used to, but boy do I love them.

Tootsie Pop Kids Valentine

Are you still searching for just the right Valentine to create for your little one's class Valentine exchange?  Well, I highly recommend this one.  A friend of mine saw it on Pintrest and created a bunch for a little person she knows.  The idea was so cute I just couldn't pass it up for my own niece.  And my nephew liked it so much we made a much less pink version for his class too.  It gives me yet another reason to be an advocate for capping class sizes! I've now assisted in the creation of about sixty of these little beauties.  My aspiring stampers helped me with the Big Shot (and with keeping count of how many flowers we needed to make).  They loved cranking the dies through and keeping track of how many we made.  This project was the final straw in my battle to not buy the Fun Flowers Bigz Die.  I've been resisting for years (literally) and keep seeing fun projects where you just have to have this die.  So, now I can rest easier knowing that it is mine.  :)  Along with the Fun Flowers Die I needed the now retired Daisies Die (you can still get it through Sizzix no worries) to make the completed flower.  Of course, I also curled each piece using my bone folder for a more flower like effect.  Then it was time for Eleanor to add her own touch.  She stamped all the sentiments herself and wrote her name on the back of each sentiment too.   She is, after all, an aspiring stamper. The little photo shows the finished project.  Of course, it's a bit blurry as excited five year olds have a heck of a time keeping still for photos!  Her mom came up with the great idea to load the flowers into a basket with a bit of florist foam.  Now they are completely portable and ready for the party on Thursday. I hope her classmates enjoy them as much as we did!

Betsy's Blossoms Flower Mojo

For the third installment of Betsy's Blossom's Mojo Series, I decided to turn things on their side.  I wanted to use a few of the new In Colors, so I got out my Primrose Petals & Raspberry Ripple.  Summer is here and it's time to make things bright and shiny.  A little bit of whimsy seemed in order.  My favorite of the new Bitty Banners is the wavy one I've used on this card.  Isn't it fun?  The little leaves and the the flowers from Betsy's Blossoms were a great fit.  Add just a few rhinestones and we have everything we need for a summery twist on this Mojo Sketch.

Betsy's Blossoms Father's Day Mojo

Okay, here goes round two.  It's the same basic sketch as yesterday's post, but a very different effect.  I used my living room rug as inspiration for this design.  Well, that and the new Naturals Buttons.  Aren't they fun?  The muted colors and textured cardstock give a great natural feel to the card along with the hemp twine and faux wood buttons.  I find it hard to make more masculine cards, but had great fun making this one. Stick around for three more attempts at the Betsy's Blossoms Mojo Challenge.

Betsy's Blossom Mojo/ Mojo Monday 244

For my classes this week, I set a challenge for myself.  All five cards need to feature the Betsy's Blossoms stamp set from the new catalog AND I would use the same sketch as the basis for all of them.  So, I turned over to the folks over at Mojo Monday to give me inspiration.  Here's my first go around.  There are several fun new bits from the newest catalog.  The Midnight Muse ink and cardstock give us a glimpse at the new In Colors, the Daffodil Delight single stitched ribbon is brand new, as are the stamp sets & the Floral District designer paper.  All sorts of new fun products to play with!  Stay tuned for more of my Betsy's Blossoms series.

Welcome Baby Mojo Style/ Mojo Monday 237

It's that time of year again... Stampin' Up has announced its Retired List. Each year, we find out what stamps won't make it into the next catalog. This year, the list is especially long because they are starting a new catalog system in June. So, there are many old friends to say goodbye to. I always remind myself that there will be lots of great new stuff to check out in the new catalog as I march out all my soon to be retired sets for a last hurrah.

Fox & Friends is one of the sets that will no longer be available after May 31st. It's such a cute little group of critters. I love using it for baby and kid cards. For today's example, I used the Mojo Monday sketch of the week. I was glad to find that it worked well with another goal I had--- to use my new Simply Scored Diagonal Plate. That's how I created all those great background scores. I'll be demonstrating how to get this effect & how to make your own envelopes with this tool at my Lakewood Stampin' Social next week & my Second Monday open studio in May. You're going to love how easy this tool is to use! Isn't it fun how the background scores match up so well with the baker's twine? I love it when things work out well!

Rubber Duck Punch Art Fun

Whew! Sorry I've been gone so long. Our fabulous trip to the Sea of Cortez was followed with a very busy time filled with unexpected developments including a new job for me. I start it next week & hope life will find some sort of "normal" eventually. :) Meanwhile, I haven't stamped at all for WEEKS. That's simply no good. So, today I finally decided to break my stamper's block by creating a birthday card for a friend of mine. She's a huge fan of rubber ducks. In fact, I've even baked her a rubber duck cake. How could I not create a card to go with that cake?

That's why I decided to transform the XL Bird Punch into a ducky. Such fun! After I had the card assembled, I decided the big duck needed a little friend & so I punched out one wing from the XL Bird Punch & combined it with a candle flame from the Cupcake punch. Isn't he a little cutie?

My bubbles all sparkle thanks to a quick spritz of Shimmer Mist (Shimmer Paint mixed with rubbing alcohol) and I used the edge of my ink pad to outline them all. For the inside, I inked up the little duck from Easy Events & left off his hat, umbrella, & sentiment. He's perfect inside! I hope my friend likes her ducks as much as I do!!

Paper Daisy Sympathy/ Color Throwdown # 160

I was excited to see the opportunity presented by the folks over at The Color Throwdown this morning. You see, I tend to get stuck in a bit of a seasonal rut. So, I expected to break out more pumpkin and fall stamps today--- following my recent seasonal trend. However, there's just no way to make the color combo of Regal Rose, Early Espresso, & Very Vanilla work with leaves or pumpkins! That was great because I means I got to do something totally different. That's where this sympathy card came from. I've been wanting to use the Paper Daisies that came with one of my Convention projects for months now & this seemed the time to do it. In order to soften the Regal Rose a bit on this card I sponged it all with Early Espresso ink. In fact, I sponged darn near everything on this card! That trend wasn't stopped at all. :) For the background, I also added extra texture with the Color Spritzer tool & a trip through the Big Shot with the Finial Press folder. I find myself spending more time and attention to my backgrounds than my "featured" images lately. Perhaps yet another trend for me?

Flirtatious Doily/ Mojo Monday 203

I set myself a bunch of challenges this morning. I wanted to do Mojo Monday since I haven't in a very long time. Also wanted to make sure I included one of the laser cut doilies from the Flirtatious Specialty Paper AND and wanted to use some scallop polka dot ribbon. That was a bunch to squeeze into one card, but I gave it a try!

I had to modify the sketch a bit to make things work,but Mojo Monday provided the inspiration. As for colors, I wanted to be careful that what ever combination I picked could work with either the Melon Mambo doilies or the Pumpkin Pie doilies equally well. That way, if I run out of Melon Mambo pieces for class, the Pumpkin Pie bits work just as well. So Saffron with Marina Mist should work great for either. At least that's the hope!

I love to use punches to create new & fun shapes! Who says a leaf has to be a leaf when it so clearly makes a great candle flame? This summery little number could be a great guy or even kid card too. Tempting Turquoise, Pacific Point, Tangerine Tango, & Daffodil Delight team up to make a very bold color pallet. I needed just a sliver of my Sunny Garden designer paper to create the candle base. It's a good thing too because I'm almost out of it! That's what happens at the end of the catalog year. My designer paper supply starts to get thin. Never fear though, I've already got some from the new catalog and I can't wait to share it with all of you! Right now, I've got my focus on all the great sets that will soon go away (like Birthday Bliss), but soon I'll jump into the new stuff full force.

Forest Friends Sympathy

There are just so many sets I want to use before they retire at the end of the month! Forest Friends is included on that list. The little critters (deer, bunny, & owl) are all super cute, but I'm even more drawn to this tree. So, I embossed it on a bit of Always artichoke. Excellent! You really do need to see this one in person for the full effect. My base/background sheet of cardstock is confetti white with lots of little natural bits spread through out. Both the Early Espresso & Always artichoke cardstock pieces are Smooch Spritzed with gold. In fact, the satin Very Vanilla bow was added when a glob of Smooch Spritz gave me a "creative opportunity". Those of you in classes know all about them! I hope to be back with some Mojo Monday action after work, but wanted to share this one with you too. Happy Monday!

Tea Bag Holder

I have been itching to use my Morning Cup set, but didn't have a chance before I left on vacation. Then, I came across a great little tutorial yesterday on Splitcoast that taught how to make a tea bag holder. How could I resist that combination? So, I set to work. I tried to make sure the front of my holder will work nicely with any of the Springtime Vintage designer paper incase I decide to use this one in class. Next week will be the last time I can use that great pack of paper since the Occasions Mini catalog ends April 30th! The only challenge is that the insert that holds the tea bags requires a 6 1/2 x 7 piece of designer paper. It's a pretty big piece, but well worth it. If you're not into tea, you could always stuff the little side pockets with chocolate squares, folded up money, or whatever suits your occasion!

Paisley Scrap Birthday

Back in the fall, I was experimenting with inking the Texturz Plates for my Big Shot. The results were pretty fun. So, I was pleased to find this scrap of textured Very Vanilla inked with Chocolate Chip. It reminded me a lot of the retired Wanted stamp set. So, I set to work creating a masculine birthday card. I distressed all the edges of my Always Artichoke layer to give the card a bit of a weathered look. The same trick really didn't work with the strip of Artichoke though (another one of those little 1/2" left overs). Instead I used the faux suede technique instead to make it nice and fuzzy. The Chocolate on Vanilla wasn't quite enough, but all of my circle punches were a bit too big. I was stuck until I remembered that the new Cupcake Punch makes tiny circles too. So I used it to create the Cherry Cobbler accents. My little circle with the sentiment felt a bit empty. I already had my distressing tool out and I decided to give another tool on that chain a try. It's a bit hard to see in the photo, but I perforated a line right above and right below the sentiment to help it stand out. It's the first time I've used that tool & I found it to be pretty handy! Finally I added a brad to fill up a bit more of my Vanilla circle. I find it hard to come up with "manly" cards, so I was pleased when this one surfaced from the scraps!

Butterfly on Grass Sympathy

Time for another of my random creations from the Quarterly Quarter event. This time, I reached into my jar of saved punched bits & pulled out the scallop circle (already stamped) and the Crumb Cake butterfly. Then it was time to create! I love using the strings of pearls from my Basic Pearls sheets to create butterfly bodies. It adds just the right touch. The serenity of the colors and images made me think "sympathy". So, I wanted a blue background for a sky effect, but I didn't want things too perky. To solve this problem, I put together the Old Olive and Rich Razzleberry layers for the bottom of the card. It keeps things subdued yet hopeful. That's the goal at any rate. On a personal note, I should have already been to Stonehenge by the time you read this. Tee hee... :)

A Flower for All Seasons Twine Lace/ Color Throwdown #125

When I took a look at the colors for Color Throwdown's 125th Challenge on Wednesday, the first thing that came to mind was "twine laces". I'm not sure why, but I try not to argue when this just pop into my head that way. It did make me flash back to a card a made a good while back which totally frustrated folks in class. Lacing twine was not their favorite! So, my goal was to create "no fuss" lacing with twine & I managed it! First, I created the holes using my Paper Piercer and the guide from the Mat Pack. This gave me perfectly spaced holes without any bother. Then, I cut my twine at an angle and, most importantly, added just a little glue. This kept the twine from unraveling or getting stuck as I went through the holes. At that point the lacing was a cinch. So, keep an open mind when this little guy appears at class. Give lacing another, much easier, shot!

Rocketship Mojo/ Mojo Monday 173

Another one of those "it looks more fun in person" cards. :) I know that the stars on the card could have been any shape, but I don't use my Stars die nearly often enough. So, I took out my Heat & Stick powder and glittered some up. My little rocket (from Pun Fun) is embossed using Glassy Glaze to give it a sheen that is sort of lost in this photo. Sorry! I made up a whole list of things I want to try while substituting a free draw day in art class. Today I checked one off by utilizing one of the tags from my Matchbox die. There three fun shapes that I never use unless I'm making a box. I think it's just because I don't think of them and they are on such a large die. As if running a big die through the machine is any more difficult than a small one! Sometimes I'm just plain silly.

Color Throwdown #123/ Itty Bitty Bits Build-a-Brad

This week's Color Throwdown threw me for a loop! One of the chosen colors is Cameo Coral which went away during the Color Renovation. I sold all of my Cameo Coral goods in my retired sale, so I had to substitute in Blushing Bride. Along with Baja Breeze & Always artichoke, they make a very sweet combination. After looking through the new Occasions Mini again yesterday, I was inspired to do more with the cluster of heart flowers from Valentine Defined. This set is turning out to be such a gem! I added little flowers from Itty Bitty Bits & punched them out with the coordinating Punch Pack. My other goal for today was to use a Build-a-Brad. I haven't done one in a long time, but I really like the look they create. The polka dots on my butterfly are very high tech...a pencil eraser served as a stamp! Of all the toys I have, it was just the right choice here. :)

Mojo Monday 172

Welcome to 2011! It's excellent to start the year off with a sketch from the ladies over at Mojo Monday. My goal for today was to use some of my very favorite colors to create a card for my Hearts Theme class that could work for any occasion. So, here are Marina Mist, Wild Wasabi, and So Saffron together in a heart card for all seasons. I thought about using Daffodil Delight in this one, but it was a bit too much. So Saffron really mutes the other colors to create a softer feel. I used my Color Spritzer Tool to add a little extra flare to the Wild Wasabi and Marina Mist cardstock pieces. I just love that toy, but find that it's not the favorite for everyone. You'll have to play with it at class to decide if it's right for you. It spices up the basic cardstock pieces without making too much of a jumble. I tried embossing them with the same folder as the back ground first. YIKES! Not a good plan! :) This one is a retirement card simply because that sentiment shows just how versatile a card it is. It could work just as nicely as a Valentine, sympathy, birthday, or get well card. Take your pick because Teeny Tiny Wishes has all those options!

Springtime Vintage Bouquet Squares

While my parents were here for their Christmas visit, I got to give my mom a few tutorials on stamping. She's become quite the card maker herself & just needs to know how to use some of the different toys and where to start with designing. So, while dad, Jeff, and I played pinball, mom and I made cards. This was our first. For Christmas she got a bunch of our Impressions Folders including Elegant Bouquet. I wanted to show her how to use the folder for more that just decorating a card front. Also, I really wanted to use the Springtime Vintage designer paper from the new Occasions Mini (which starts next week!). So, I showed her how to use the color pallet for the paper as a guide when picking what colors to use on your card. It's so handy that Stampin' Up spells it out for you & takes out all the guess work! Mom also was curious about how sponging works, so I had her sponge the Pear Pizazz layer on this card. More on sponging basics in our next card. :) I had a bit of Victoria Crochet Trim around and thought it went great with this card. Oh, and mom also got a Word Window Punch to go with her Teeny Tiny Wishes set (a new stamper must) so I thought I would show her how nicely even one of the longest sentiment from that set fits in her new punch. All in all, a fun first lesson!

Build A Roo Valentine

Again, not very Christmas-y but isn't she great fun? It's been a while since I've used my Build-a-Roo set & I decided it was time to get it out and play. I also haven't made a tent card in a long time and the format works so well with Mrs. Roo. While I decided to make a Valentine with these elements, it could just as easily become a birthday card for a kid or a kid-at-heart. Whimsical and fun can be for anyone! Also, depending on what you put in her pouch, it could become a "get well" or "congrats on the new baby" card too. There are lots of options and plenty of sentiments from Teeny Tiny Wishes to go along with each occasion. The glitter heart at the bottom of the card is thanks to a combination of Heat and Stick Powder and Dazzling Diamonds glitter. I've never used the Heat and Stick Powder before today and I was so impressed! It created a heart completely coated in glitter with no effort and no mess! Just a little Versamark and my heat tool made for a glue free & mess free use of glitter. If you haven't used this product before you're going to love it! I may, at long last, become a true glitter girl! Of course, I want to wish a Merry Christmas & happy everything to each of you...I just might not show it through the card of the day!