A Touch From the Heart

Happy Bird Day

 Do you know someone who adores birds?  I do.  My in-laws love to bird-watch on their 3 season porch.  They have lots of birdfeeders and know all the different breeds of birds.  I can only pick out the obvious ones....robins, cardinals, blue jays.  They amaze me when they talk about the personality traits of "their" birds.

Naturally, whenever I see a bird image, I think of them.

This card was really fun to make.  I made it a few weeks ago when I first received my new In Colors.  The catalog wasn't out yet so I was kinda on my own to come up with color combination using these vivid new colors.

Here's the color combo I used:  Bermuda Bay, Certainly Celery, Rich Razzleberry and Apricot Appeal.  I also threw some black in there to make the focal image stand out.

Note:  I made this card before the announcement was made about not releasing the Bermuda Bay ink pad and reinkers due to quality issues.  I only used the ink pad to wheel on the Bermuda Bay cardstock.  So, the same results can be attained with using Versamark if you want to make this card.

The focal image was stamped on Whisper White cardstock using Black StazOn ink.  I scribbled on a stamp case using my Bermuda Bay marker (woo hoo), picked up the ink with my Aquapainter and colored in the bird.  I used the same technique with the Apricot Appeal marker to color in his belly.  I just used the fine tip of my Rich Razzleberry and Apricot Appeal markers to color in the hat.

The rest of the card is self-explanatory.  I'll give you a card recipe at the end so you know what products I used.

Oh...here's a tip.  I had too many layers for the white grommet to go through.  So I just flattened the prongs on the back and attached it to my card with mini glue dots.  I just tied a little knot with some ribbon and added that to the center of the grommet with a mini glue dot too!!

Card Recipe

stamps:  Pun Fun

paper:  Bermuda Bay, Apricot Appeal, Basic Black, Certainly Celery, Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White

ink:  Black StazOn

accessories:  Stampin' Write Markers, In Color Markers, Large Grommets, Bermuda Bay Polka Dot grosgrain, Aquapainter

Until next time....Happy Stamping everyone!!

Deal of the Week

  Hey everyone!  My mom is on vacation this week and left me in charge.  I am Dimples.....her adorable (and sometimes devilish) puppy.  Don't worry about me.......Grandma and Grandpa are staying with me this week.  Woo hoo.....can we say "spoiled"?  Don't tell Mom!!!

Anyway, Mom doesn't have access to a computer this week, but she didn't want you to miss out on the new Deal of the Week.  

To see the new Deal of the Week, please go to Mom's demonstrator website.  The Deal of the Week will be at the top of this promotions page.  If you would like to purchase it, click on the Shop Now button in the left column.  The deal of the week price will be reflected when you add the item to your shopping bag.

Since Mom is away, the best way to order is through Online Ordering, but she will be home on Saturday if you want to email her your order. 

If you have any questions, just give Mom a call on her cell phone (952) 843-3743.  She'll be happy to help.....just don't ask her to text....can we say "S-L-O-W".   Just tell her Dimples asked you to call.  She'll tear up....she misses me and Chloe......I will get spoiled all over again!!!  This is the life!!! 

Stamping 411: Saturday Sketch

 Welcome to the Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch.

See all that pink on the sketch......we were told to do whatever we wanted in that area.  So.......that's what I did.  Wanna see?

  It's bright, isn't it?  LOL!!!

I wanted to showcase a technique that I learned a LONG time ago.  Let me tell you, if you have to make a ton of cards, this is a great technique to utilize.

It's called Burnishing.  All you do is stamp the line image in a darker color and then fill in the image using a sponge dauber with a lighter colored ink.  Make sure you use a small circular motion to fill in the images.  What if you go outside the lines?  WHO CARES!!!  That makes it look even better. 

For this card I used the Fifth Avenue Floral stamp set.  Here'e the colors I used: rose (outline is Only Orange, burnished with Summer Sun and a little Only Orange)......lily (outline is Lovely Lilac, burnished with Orchid Opulence)....daisy (both is done with Pink Passion....and I added white gel pen highlights to the center). 

I then used my Texture jumbo wheel (yes, I use it a lot....but it's SO awesome) with Only Orange ink.  I also sponged the edges with Only Orange ink. 

I added a  1" strip of Summer Sun and placed some of the fabulous White Organza ribbon over it.

I stamped the sentiment (also from Fifth Avenue Floral) with Only Orange ink on Whisper White cardstock.  I punched it with the Wide Oval punch and sponged the edges with Only Orange ink.  I then matted it on two Pink Passion scallop ovals (punched with the Scallop Oval punch).

The entire focal image is matted on a 1/8" larger piece of Basic Black to make it "pop" and finally onto the Only Orange base card.

Here's the recipe if you would like to make this card:

stamps:  Fifth Avenue Floral, Texture jumbo wheel

paper:  Only Orange, Basic Black, Summer Sun, Pink Passion, Whisper White

ink:  Only Orange, Pink Passion, Summer Sun, Lovely Lilac, Orchid Opulence

accessories:  sponge daubers, white gel pen, White Organza ribbon, Scallop Oval punch, Wide Oval punch

Have you fallen in love with this sketch?  I hope you give it a try.  Make sure you use Mr. Linky on the Stamping 411 Blog so we can see your creation!!

Until next time...Happy Stamping everyone!!

Blogger's Challenge: CASEing

 This was a really fun Blogger's Challenge.  We were asked to CASE (copy and steal everything) a creation from a fellow Blogger's Challenge member.

Now, we could CASE at any level.  Whether it be the project layout, the colors or the entire card. 

I chose to CASE the layout from this card from Lisa Martz. 

Of course I used some of my new catalog goodies.

This amazing silhouette stamp set is called Kind & Caring Thoughts, and it is a Level 3 Hostess Set.  Trust me...you're gonna love this set....call your Stampin' Up! demonstrator and schedule your workshop today!!!  Don't have a demo???....then please call me!!!!  LOL!!!

The base card is Chocolate Chip.

The More Mustard layer is stamped with the same flower as on the focal image.....with More Mustard ink....on the left side only of the cardstock.  I then took my new favorite toy.....my jumbo Texture wheel....and wheeled over the entire cardstock with More Mustard ink.  I then heavily sponged the edges with More Mustard ink. 

I added three strips of patterned paper from the Old Olive Patterns designer series paper pack.  The edges are sponged with Old Olive ink and a Chocolate Chip 5/16" brad was added to the center. 

The focal image is inked with More Mustard ink and then I scribbled on the stamp with my Close to Cocoa marker.  I then stamped it on Very Vanilla cardstock.  I sponged the edges and then matted on a 1/8" larger piece of Chocolate Chip.

The final touch is the sentiment....which is stamped in Chocolate Chip ink and punched with the Modern Label punch.  This punch fits so many sentiments.....it is AMAZING!!! 

Well......how did I do?  Did I do Lisa's card justice?  I hope so!!!  Thank you Lisa for the inspiration.

I am off to check the other ladies creations.  Simply click on the Blogger's Challenge icon on the right sidebar of my blog to get a list of blog links. 

Until tomorrow.....with the Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch........Happy Stamping everyone!!

New Goodies are Here!

 Oh, what a day!!!  My new Stampin' Up! goodies arrived today. 

I spent the afternoon assembling stamp sets, organizing my Big Shot products and of course, playing with all my new stuff.

When I first viewed the catalog, I was immediately drawn to a few products:

• Medallion background stamp
• Texture jumbo wheel
• Monogram Sweet alphabet stamp set
• Perfect Details Texturz Plate

The Medallion stamp is amazing.  I chose to use a monochromatic look for my card today.  I stamped the medallion with Versamark ink and then used my Chalk Pastels and a sponge dauber to apply color.

I then used the Texture jumbo wheel (which reminds me of my beloved retired Linen stamp set.....just not as solid of an image as Linen had) with Old Olive ink. 

I sponged the edges of the base card heavily with Old Olive ink.

The monogram is stamped with Old Olive ink on Very Vanilla cardstock.  I punched it with the 1 1/4" circle, sponged the edges and matted on a 1 3/8" metallic gold circle.

The bottom of the card is a 1 1/2" strip of Old Olive Patterns dsp (the solid one) that has been texturized with the brand new Perfect Details Texturz Plate.  I then lightly sanded the embossed areas with my sanding block to expose some of the dsp's white core.

A thin strip of Gold Metallic cardstock and some Old Olive wide grosgrain completes the card.

Okay.....back to playing.  I just wanted to share the first card I made.  I'm also working on my Go-Divas swap, but I can't show that one to you until later in the month.  I know....I am such a tease!!

Until tomorrow....Happy Stamping everyone!!

Stampin' Up!s Deal of the Week

 Stampin' Up! has chosen another great item for this week's Deal of the Week.

From July 6th through July 13th (before 9:50 MT), you can purchase the Big Shot Doctor's Bag (item #113474) for nearly 30% off.

The bag is on sale for $49.99 (regular price is $69.95)

The bag is perfect for both storing and transporting your Big Shot die cutting machine, cutting pads and dies.  The bag also features the Stampin' Up! logo.

If you would like to take advantage of this special price, you can place an order two different ways:

• You can email me your order.  Make sure you tell me your phone number so I can call you to get your credit card information.

• You can place an Online Order.  It's simple.  Go to my demonstrator website and click on Shop Now.  On the left column, look for the "Deal of the Week" and click on it.  Once you add the item to your shopping bag, the deal of the week price will show up. 

As always if you have any questions, please email me or give me a phone call (952) 448-2904.  I'm here to help!!

The Bear Necessities

 So....how was your 4th of July?  Ours was pretty good....we didn't get a chance to use the pool as the weather didn't hold out.....but the rain held off for the parade.  Both Chris and Dennis marched with their ATA Taekwondo school.  They were in full uniform...so it was hot and sweaty for them.  We headed home for a BBQ with ribeyes, potato salad, coleslaw and corn on the cob.  YUM-O!!!

Anyhoo....onto today's card.  I pulled the colors from the patterned paper (from the To the Nines designer series paper.....it's thick and textured...totally awesome).

The base card is Sage Shadow (a color that I rarely use for some odd reason.....hmm...will have to change that trend).

The next layer is the patterned paper.

The sage shadow backdrop is stamped with both the star and mosquito (state bird of MN) images using Sage Shadow ink.  I also heavily sponged the edges with the Sage Shadow ink.  It still needed something....so I grabbed my Chocolate Chip marker and the Color Spritzer tool.  This backdrop is matted on Chocolate Chip cardstock.

The bear (and all the other images come from the Under the Stars stamp set) is stamped on Creamy Caramel cardstock with Chocolate Chip ink.  I cut him out and colored his belly and cheeks with my Stampin' Pastels.

The sentiment is stamped on Creamy Caramel cardstock.  I punched it out with the Large Oval punch, sponged the edges with Close to Cocoa ink and matted it on a Scallop Oval punched from Chocolate Chip cardstock.  I added a bow made with twine to finish off the sentiment.

Of course, the bear needs to hold something.  So I grabbed my balloon stamp (from Crazy for Cupcakes) and stamped it with Brocade Blue ink on Brocade Blue cardstock.  I sponged it a bit to make it more 3D looking.  Some linen thread for the string finished off the card.

My stampers loved this card at last week's Just Cards class.  They love having another "guy card" to add to their stash!!

I'll be back tomorrow with another project!!

Stamping 411: Saturday Sketch

 Okay....I admit it.....this sketch was a doozy for me!!  Could it be the full belly from my birthday dinner of yummy Famous Daves ribs?  Who knows?  This one had me stumped.

Now I know I really should've made a patriotic card since it's the 4th of July, but I just made one yesterday for Blogger's Challenge.  So.....I went to for some bright and summery colors.

 I grabbed two of the new In Colors:  Melon Mambo and Rich Razzleberry.  I also threw some Only Orange and Basic Black in there to pull it all together!!

The base card is Melon Mambo (5 1/2" x 8 1/2"....scored in half).

I added a 3 1/2" x 5 1/4" layer of patterned paper (from the brand new Razzleberry Lemonade designer series paper pack).  It's impossible to see in the photo, but I folded up the bottom edge (about 1/2") of the patterned paper to expose the other side of the paper (which happens to be a Rich Razzleberry print).

On the bottom is a 2 1/2" x 5 1/4" strip of Only Orange cardstock.

The flowers come from the Eastern Blooms stamp set.  The stamp I used actually has 3 flower images on it, but I only chose to ink one of those images for this card.  I stamped two Rich Razzleberry flowers and one Melon Mambo flower.  The flowers are punched with the 1 1/4" square punch and then matted on Basic Black squares that were punched with the 1 3/8" square punch.  The squares are adhered onto the card using dimensionals.

Now, the sketch also calls for an embellishment on the left side of the flowers.  I chose to use a white large grommet.  Rather than piercing the grommet through my cardstock layers, I chose to push the legs of the grommet down (towards the outer edge of the circle) and adhered to the card using mini glue dots.  I tied a short piece of Melon Mambo polka dot grosgrain into a knot and placed in the center of the grommet with a mini glue dot.

Now, I did add a few things that weren't in the sketch.....the Rich Razzleberry photo corner and the sentiment.  My card needed it for proper balance.

The sentiment (from Teeny Tiny Wishes) is stamped with Basic Black ink on Only Orange cardstock.  I punched it with my Small Oval punch and sponged with Only Orange ink (my only sponging on this card.....can you believe it????).

Happy 4th of July to all the American visitors today.  Have fun and be safe!!

We are off to a 4th of July parade and then a BBQ/pool party back at the house!!!

Until next time......Happy Stamping everyone!!!!

The Land I Love

 This week's Blogger's Challenge was Flag (or Red, White and Blue).  I chose all of the above!!!

I don't own too many home decor items for the patriotic holidays.  So, with the help of a little Target dollar spot frame and some cardstock.......I made my own!!

I used a retired stamp set called Land I Love.  My husband actually purchased this stamp set.  As a lifelong Boy Scout, he fell in love with the patriotic images.

The flag is colored in with markers (Brilliant Blue, Real Red and Going Gray).  After breathing on the stamp to remoisten the ink, the image was stamped on Shimmery White cardstock.  I added some speckles to the image with my Color Spritzer Tool and a Going Gray marker.  I also sponged the edges with Going Gray ink. 

The focal image is matted twice...first on Silver metallic...and then on Real Red.

The focal image sits on a 4" x 4" piece of Brilliant Blue cardstock stamped with the star stamp (also from Land I Love) and Brilliant Blue ink.

I embellished the frame with Real Red wide grosgrain ribbon, star brads, and the sentiment which reads "where liberty dwells there is my country". 

I can't wait to see what the other Blogger's Challenge ladies have been up to.  If you want to see too, just click on the Blogger's Challenge icon on the right sidebar of my blog.

If you are a US citizen, Happy 4th of July everyone......be safe!!!

It's My Birthday....A Gift from Me to You!!!!

Yup...it's true....today is my birthday!  I am 29......again!!  In fact, I am celebrating the 13th anniversary of my 29th birthday!!  LOL!!!

It's time to celebrate, and you get all the benefits!!!

If you place an order of $50 or more (not including shipping and tax) with me between July 2nd and July 4th, I will mail you a Classic Stampin' Ink Pad (color of your choice).  It's a great way to get a start on the new In Color collection. 

If you are placing an Online Order, please DO NOT add the free ink pad to your order.  I will order the ink pad in a separate order and will mail it to your home.

If you email me your order, I will add the ink pad to your order.  I will pay the difference of the ink pad, it's shipping and tax costs. 

Card Recipe

stamps:  Upsy Daisy, Teeny Tiny Wishes

paper:  Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White, Razzleberry Lemonade DSP

ink:  Rich Razzleberry

accessories:  Clear Rhinestone brads, Modern Label punch, Rich Razzleberry Polka Dot grosgrain, sponges, dimensionals