Here for You...24-7

If you could see my stamping desk, you would be amazed that this card even exists! LOL! I almost took a picture for you to witness the horror, but decided against it! I decided that I would combine a couple of challenges today; this week's mojo monday sketch challenge and today's color challenge on SCS. I thought this week's sketch looked like fun and the layout worked well for many stamp sets that I have, but decided to pull out the "Friends 24-7" set that I love. I haven't used it in a while so I thought it would be a nice fit.

I started out by stamping the flower image with black ink and then coloring it with re-inkers and a blender pen. Mine are almost dry now, so I think a new pack is in order. There is nothing better than coloring with a new blender pen. I first colored the flowers completely with Pink Pirouette and then added Riding Hood Red on top. The leaves were colored with Certainly Celery and then a little highlighting with So Saffron.

My first thought was to use Bella Rose DSP, but decided on Candy Lane since it was already out in my horrific mess. I thought it looked cute with this image, too! I matted each piece except the base piece onto Riding Hood Red cardstock for contrast. Once I had the card all put together, I spritzed the focal piece and circle image with the Color Spritzer Tool and my Chocolate Chip marker.

I finished the design off with a bit of piercing at the top and then added three vintage brads to the side as the sketch had. I added some crystal effects to the flowers for some shine. This card will be headed directly into the donation pile!

As for my personal life, we finally got my son's birthday party plans figured out. He decided on a bowling party which should be super fun. Now I just need to get the invitations figured out and put together. I don't have a bowling stamp, so I will be getting creative! Also, this is the last day of my guest designer position for Verve Stamps! I have had so much fun! I will be participating in the project parade, so I will have a project upcoming! I will be working on that today and hopefully getting it all photographed, etc! Thanks for fluttering by!


Friends 24-7 Stamp Set
Paper:Candy Lane DSP, White, Riding Hood Red Cardstock
Ink: Black, Riding Hood Red, Pink Pirouette, Chocolate Chip, Certainly Celery
Accessories: Circle Punches, scallop punch, vintage brads, riding hood red taffeta ribbon, paper piercer and mat pack, scissors, crystal effects, blender pen

Cultivating Love

I went shopping on Saturday and found the *cutest* teacher t-shirt at Christopher and Banks. They had coordinating bracelets and necklaces. My son's teacher celebrated her birthday last week so I had to pick it up for her! It has a tree on it with hearts and says something about cultivating wisdom and blossoming love...something to that effect. I have already wrapped it or I would know exactly! LOL! Well, of course I had to make a coordinating card. The "Season of Friendship" stamp set was the perfect choice. I stamped the tree and the leaves and then used my 3 heart punch and punched out the hearts. I only used the small hearts and applied them with foam squares that I had cut in half.

I added some diamond stickles to the top of each heart and then some Amuse Twinkle gem stickers. I was trying to mimic the t-shirt design as closely as possible. I know that it seems more like a Valentine's card than a birthday card, but she will understand when she opens the present. I will be taking it all to school today when I go volunteer, so I had to make it quick and simple!

I added a little bit of extra detail and dimension by using the swiss dot embossing folder for the background and adding a strip of Rose Red Prints Pattern DSP.

Thanks for fluttering by!

Supplies:

Season of Friendship Stamp Set, Fundamental Phrases

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Certainly Celery, Basic Black, antique linen distress ink

Paper: PTI White, Certainly Celery, Rose Red Prints Pattern DSP, Ultrasmooth White

Accessories: 3 heart punch, diamond stickles, amuse twinkle gem stickers, oval punch, sponge, foams squares, celery 5/8 inch grosgrain ribbon, cuttlebug and swiss dot folder

Carte Postal SFYTT

I finally got back into the swing of things and made this on Friday night. I have been putting it off until Saturday morning the last two weeks and that makes me super stressed. I wasn't necessarily in the mood to stamp, mostly because I couldn't decide which images to use. I did finally land on the idea of using some of my fabulous images from TJDesigns . Jen's sketches are always so much fun to do, that I was finally in the mood to create and had a lot of fun putting this together! I decided to mix two of the sets; Journey to France and Vintage Collage. I also decided to use Friday's LSC for my color scheme. The challenge was to use only black and white. I always love a good black and white design and these images were the perfect fit. Everything was sponged with Antique Linen Distress Ink first and then a layer of black. I really like the effect. I trimmed the edges of my focal piece with my tag corner punch.

I was thrilled to be able to use another one of my mom's crocheted flowers. I like how it turned out layered on the printed paper flowers with the clock charm in the center.

You all know how much I love buttons, so I added a row of white buttons to the top. This card turned out exactly how I had envisioned, so I am happy! I really hope you will all take the time to try Jen's sketches for yourself. She now uses Mr. Linky, so it is super easy to link your card to her blog. I always love when I visit your blogs and see your interpretations of her sketch!



You won't want to miss out on the other girls creations.



Jen Del Muro and Jenn

Amy Rohl

Carole Burrage

Susan Liles and Amy Sheffer

I know I say it all the time, but I just want to say "Thank you" to all of my blog readers. I am constantly amazed that you all keep coming back! You are the best and I appreciate all of your sweet comments. You know they make my day!!!! Thanks for fluttering by!

Stamp sets: Vintage Collage and Journey to France by TJ Designs

Ink: Palette Noir, Basic Gray, Antique Linen Distress Ink

Paper: PTI Vintage Cream, Pattern Paper by The Paper Studio

Accessories: Ribbon by Creative Impressions, 1/2 inch circle punch, crop-a-dile, sponge, sewing machine and thread, buttons, clock charm, crochet flowers, printed paper flowers by Prima, foam squares, tag corner punch by SU!

Right at Home

I have been itching to ink up this lilac image from Lockhart Stamp Co. for a while now. It has been sitting there feeling lonely. I saw a wonderful demonstration by Debbie Olsen where she colored this image and it gave me a little more courage to try it. Mine pales in comparison, but I had fun with it. My photography always washes out my coloring out...if anyone has any tips, I would love to hear them. Anyway, I colored the image with copic and prismacolor markers. I tried to match the image with the paper, although the paper is blue rather than purple.

I wanted a vintage design, so I distressed the edges. I have had a few of you ask how I do that...it is super simple. I just use the edge of my fingernail and run it down the paper. If it tears, great...I will work that in to the design, if not, it just has a distressed edge. I usually like to sponge it after that so that the torn edges get the ink on them also.

I didn't have much time today to stamp, so I kept the layout super simple and just added a few embellishments with the buttons and ribbon. The sentiment is from Papertrey's "Boards and Beams" set which hasn't seen ink yet either, yet I have had it since it's release. Shame on me!

I added a little glitter to the flowers for some added detail. I am fortunate to have a neighbor two doors down with a row of lilac bushes that send their beautiful aroma down to my house. I can't wait for them to make their appearance! They are some of my favorite flowers!

Thanks for fluttering by!

Stay tuned tomorrow for Jen's SFYTT! Stamping Tip: Don't stamp your sentiment once you have raised your image with dimensionals or foam squares...it won't stamp evenly (especially if you are using acrylic stamps!)

Stamps: Lilac Pitcher by Lockhart Stamp Co., Boards and Beams by PTI
Ink: Palette Noir, Vintage Photo Distress Ink, Copic and Prismacolor Markers
Paper: Classic K Bailey 12 by 12 paper stack by K & Co., PTI White, Ultrasmooth white
Accessories: ribbon by creative impressions, buttons from my stash, linen thread, coarse crytal glitter by Martha Stewart and Doily Lace Edge punch by Martha Stewart, foam squares, sponge

True Friend

I spent the morning volunteering in my daughter's kindergarten class, made lunch and then decided to check out this week's sketch challenge on SCS. It looked quite fun, so I sat down and gave it a try! I decided to start out creating the base layers using the Bella Bird DSP. Once I had the card *built*, I decided on using the "True Friend" stamp set. I had used this set with this paper on another project and I felt like they went well together. There really isn't much stamping on this at all...the DSP does all the work.
I did add a little accordian flower under the butterfly for some texture.

Once I was done, I photographed my card, did all of my editing and then went to do my post. I had zero luck since my internet wasn't even working! Ughh! I was so frustrated! It is now 5:30 and I am finally getting it posted! Oh well! Better late than never!

Now it is time for dinner, so I better run!

Thanks for fluttering by!

Supplies: True Friend Stamp Set

Ink: Vintage Photo Distress Ink, Bordering Blue, Chocolate Chip

Paper: Pink Pirouette, PTI White, Bella Bird DSP

Accessories: White Taffeta Ribbon, Paper Piercer and mat pack, ribbon style tag, pearls, and doily lace edge punch by Martha Stewart, Foam Squares, Sponge

Simply Happy

I absolutely fell in love with the color challenge colors for today! They are happy colors! I thought the butterflies from "Flight of the Butterfly" would look great in the colors, so that is where I started. I also wanted to try this week's Mojo Monday sketch challenge and this set seemed to work nicely with it. My proportions are a tad off, but I don't think the stamping police need to get involved! LOL! As promised, here is another birthday design, which I think works nicely for an adult woman or little girl.

I kept everything clean and simple, not many bells and whistles, which is completely opposite of how I am in the mood to create! I really did want to *add* more, but couldn't find the right thing. Now that I am looking at it, it probably could use a little piercing around the focal image, but oh well! This is a SUO card that I think would be perfect for a workshop or stamp-a-stack, especially since the buttons were bought in bulk. The hardest part was deciding which DSP to use, which I settled on some Kiwi dots from the Rockabilly collection and the pink from a hostess DSP pack. I thought the two patterns worked nicely together. There really isn't much more to say about it...it is pretty straightforward.

We had a cold-front move in, so the spring like weather has come and gone and we are back to coats. I guess it is supposed to snow again tomorrow. My daffodils and hyacinths have finally bloomed and my tulips are ready to make an appearance in the next week or two.

Stay tuned this week for some vintage designs. I really need to get on the ball to get some more cards for the donation pile! Thanks for fluttering by!

Supplies:

Flight of the Butterfly Stamp Set, Fundamental Phrases Stamp Set

Ink: Basic Black, Baja Breeze, Pretty in Pink

Paper: Naturals White, Ultrasmooth White, Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss, Rockabilly DSP, Prints Pattern Pretty in Pink DSP

Accessories: Kiwi Kiss Satin Ribbon, Button Bouquet, Crochet Thread, Dimensionals

Bloom where you are planted

I wanted to share one of the projects I made for this month's Verve release. I realized that I haven't shared any of them here. This was one of my favorites of the bunch. I love 3 by 3 cards. They are perfect to send along with a plate of goodies or attach to a gift.

This particular set includes four designs with accompanying envelopes. The small box is the perfect fit. I created a tutorial for this quite a while back, but it is easy and fun! I used the "Floral Symphony" set for the entire project. It is such a fun set to work with and super fun to color! I chose my colors based on this My Mind's Eye paper that I love. I like the thickness of the paper, too. I was able to use it for the base of my box without any concern that it would be too flimsy.

All of the shapes were cut using Oval and Oval Scallop Nestabilities. I had a lot of fun with this project~ Thanks for fluttering by!

Supplies-
Stamps: Floral Symphony by Verve Stamps
Ink: Palette Noir, Copic and Prismacolor markers
Paper: My Mind's Eye, PTI White
Accessories: Buttons from my stash, ribbon by Club Wed, Diamond Stickles, paper piercer and mat pack, foam squares, oval and scallop oval nestabilities, linen tread

Birthday Celebrations! SFYTT

The other day when I was at Target, there was a display of clothes that I thought would tranlate into a fun card. The colors were gray and sage. The clothing was sleek and pretty and so I wanted to keep my design the same way. Today's SFYTT was the perfect fit. I knew I wanted the daisies in white, stamped onto sage cardstock. I just let the sketch lead the rest of my choices. My Upsy Daisy stamp set has been neglected, so I was glad to get it out and use it.
I was also glad to use some of the silk flowers from my pretties kit. I layered three for the top flower and used one of the diamond gem brads that are included in the kit and then used three small ones on the bottom and used Martha Stewart Gem Stickers in the centers. This card is *almost* SUO...with a few changes, you could make it that way. I used my cuttlebug for the background, but that could easily be swapped for a texture plate. I have them, but like the deep impression I get with the embossing folders better. Very clean, very simple and very straightforward.

I am always excited for a chance to use my 1/4 inch grosgrain ribbon on a design. There was a time when *every* SU! card that was made had this ribbon on it. Now that there are so many other choices that SU! offers, it rarely gets used. I really like how the sage ribbon looks against the sage paper. This is a perfect card for a workshop or stamp a stack.

You won't want to miss out on the other girls creations.



Jen Del Muro and Jenn

Amy Rohl

Carole Burrage

Susan Liles and Amy Sheffer

Thanks for fluttering by!

Dear Friend

Yesterday I sat down to stamp, knowing only that I wanted to use my previously uninked "Dear Friend" stamp set. It is a level 1 hostess set. I stamped two images, thinking that I would use both of them on one card, but decided instead to make two of the same card; one for me and one to go into my donation pile. I reached a dead-end on both designs, so I set them aside until this morning. I was thrilled to see that today's LSC on SCS was to have a spring flower be your focal point and to use a subtle color. I decided to make them a little different, and ended up liking the one with the butterflies better. I was worried about black butterflies, but I think they turned out okay.

I have no idea what these flowers are supposed to be, but they reminded me of some that I have in my yard that are yellow. The leaves made me think that they were some kind of plant that comes from a bulb, but I could be wrong. I decided to go with it. I guess that is the creative freedom one aquires when stamping! LOL!

I really liked how the black made everything pop. I used my swiss dot embossing folder for the larger white panel and then used my color spritzer tool and a black marker to make the color flecks.

Thanks for fluttering by!

Supplies:
Stamps: Dear Friend
Ink: Palette Noir, Copic Markers, Black SU! marker, Antique Linen Distress Ink
Paper: Basic Black, White, So Saffron
Accessories: Ribbon by Creative Impressions, Buttons from my stash, linen thread by SU!, Foam Squares, Paper Piercer and Mat Pack, Martha Stewart Butterfly punch and pearl gems, sponge, cuttlebug and swiss dot embossing folder

Smile

Yesterday at church I found out that our youth group will be doing a fundraiser and they need donations; I gladly signed up to donate some handmade cards. I guess each donation will be auctioned off at a special dinner. So...this card along with all the others I make between now and then will be going into a special pile for the event.

I played along in this week's mojo Monday sketch challenge which you can see here. I didn't participate last week, so I thought it was the perfect way to get my creative juices flowing. I thought it was a super fun sketch!

I chose to use my Flower Patch pattern paper from Making Memories. I thought it paired nicely with the new "Miracles Blossom" stamp set from Verve. I love coloring the flowers from this set, cutting them out and then popping them up with foam squares. I did the same with the flower pot. The sentiment is from the older "All About You" set that I can't seem to get enough of! The images were stamped with Palette Noir and then colored with Copic and Prismacolor makers. I added some diamond stickles to the tulips for some sparkle.

I thought that this layout was calling for some zig-zag stitches so I added a few of those on the main panel and on the horizontal strips. I already had some pink thread in my machine from a sweater I was repairing, so it worked out perfectly. The sketch called for a rounded bottom, which I did by adding a couple of silk flowers I picked up at Hobby Lobby a week or so ago. I keep pulling them out to add to my designs, but they haven't been the *right touch* until today. Some of the other *touches* to this card are because they are covering crooked or smudged areas! LOL! What is a girl to do? I wasn't about to start over!

All in all, I am pleased with the results and I think it captured the *feel* I was going for; Soft, Springy with a touch of vintage!

Thanks for fluttering by!

Stamps: Miracles Blossom and All About You by Verve Stamps
Ink: Palette Noir, Copic and Prismacolor markers, Vintage Photo Distress Ink by Ranger
Paper: PTI White, Flower Patch by Making Memories
Accessories: Sewing Machine and Thread, Silk Flowers by The Paper Studio, Ribbon from Michael's, Linen thread by SU!, foam squares, buttons from my stash, glue dots, sponge

Mr. and Mrs.

ETA: If you were here earlier, you may have seen a *slightly* different card. While I was making it, I knew it needed *something* else, but couldn't figure it out until I was uploading the photos. I knew exactly what it needed, so I made a whole new card! LOL!

I apologize for my tardiness! There weren't enough hours in the day yesterday for me to get to my SFYTT card, so here it is! I slept in and then set out to get it done! I love this week's sketch! Isn't it fun? I can see myself using this one again and again! I decided that my stash was in need of a wedding card and this paper seemed perfect. While I was making it, all I could think of was "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" which is true of this card. Something old is my "Fundamental Phrases" stamp set and hardware; Something new is my paper and ribbon; something borrowed is this fab sketch from Jen; and something blue...the paper, ink and cardstock.

Even though I am late and felt rushed, I had a lot of fun making this card. I wanted so badly to sponge the edges, but didn't feel it was appropriate for a wedding card. So....I resisted! The Mr. and Mrs. sentiment *barely* fit into that darn hardware. I was determined to use it, though. It looks better in real life with a straight view rather than the angle I shot the photo.
I used my nestabilites to make the oval shape at the top and added some Martha butterfliess and pearl gems to the center. Everything else is pretty straightforward.

You won't want to miss out on the other girls creations.

Jen Del Muro and Jenn

Amy Rohl

Carole Burrage

Susan Liles and Amy Sheffer

Thanks for fluttering by!

Supplies:
Stamps: Only Ovals and Fundamental Phrases
Ink: Bordering Blue
Paper: Bordering Blue, PTI White, Bella Bird DSP
Accessories: Styled Silver Hardware, Ribbon, Oval and Scallop Oval Nestablitites, Butterfly punch and pearl gems from Martha Stewart , Ticket corner punch. large oval punch

Thoughts of Love

You are all so sweet; can I just tell you that? Thank you so much for *all* of your sweet comments. It is nice to know that there are such nice people out there!

For today's card, I tried to keep it clean and simple. This started out being for yesterday's WT challenge; to use green. I knew I wanted to use Papertrey's Spring Moss paper and ink...I believe that this along with Aqua Mist were the first two colors that PTI came out with and of course they had to be mine! I have been hoarding the paper and ribbon ever since. I did break down and use quite a bit of Aqua Mist cardstock on my cousins bridal shower invitations. That is good for me! LOL! So...I stamped the tree image, which happens to be one of my new faves, with Spring Moss ink onto Vintage Cream cardstock. I stamped the sentiment with Palette Noir ink and then used my black SU! marker and my color spritzer tool to add some black flecks! I didn't even smudge anything this time, I just wanted to use it! LOL! Of course I had to add some buttons somewhere into the design. I ran the Spring Moss cardstock through my cuttlebug using the swiss dot embossing folder. This, too, is one of my faves! I adore it!

It just wouldn't be complete without a little Martha, so I added some Ultrasmooth Vanilla cardstock punched with the doily lace edge to soften the card. I kept the sentiment so that it could work as a get well or a sympathy. I stamped the "Thinking of You...Please know that I care" sentiment on the inside.

I have a hot date with my husband tonight, so I need to get started on tomorrow's SFYTT card! Thanks for fluttering by!

Supplies: Stamps: Thoughts and Prayers

Ink: Palette Noir, Spring Moss, SU! marker

Paper: Basic Black, Spring Moss, Vanilla, Vintage Cream

Accessories: Black gingham ribbon, linen thread, buttons, crop-a-dile, doily lace edge punch, foam squares, color spritzer, paper piercer and mat pack, cuttlebug and swiss dot embossing folder

Enjoy the Moment

The title of my post pretty much sums up this card. Yesterday I spent the day making quite a few projects that did and will end up in the trash. I spent yesterday morning making a seriously ugly card for the Color Challenge, which ended up in the trash. Then I decided to make some projects using some of my new Papertrey Ink. stamps, which turned out cute, until the ink smudged, the paper was cut incorrectly, etc. Yesterday was not my day...as far as stamping goes. The most frustrating thing about it all was that I *wanted* to stamp, but nothing was coming out right. At times like this it is just best to step away from the ink and set the stamps down! LOL! ( I did make a little banner similar to my spring banner for my kitchen, but it says "HOME" and I did it in my kitchen colors. I thought it might bore you to tears, so I didn't post it.)

So...I was fearful today was headed in the same direction when I checked out the Sketch Challenge. It just didn't inspire me, so I ran some much needed errands, made a quick stop to the quilt shop and picked the girls up from Kindergarten. The quilt shop is always a wealth of inspiration and I purchased a few things, including a darling little pattern that I can't wait to share the results! I will post it to my other blog "Thimbles and Thread", but I will link it here as well.

After lunch, I set out to create a card, falling back on some of my tried and true stamps, etc. So...with that in mind I just decided to "Enjoy the Moment"; and I did. This card isn't fresh, isn't unique or much different from many of my other creations, but I had fun making it and I love the color combo and vintage touches. I hope you like it, too! Thanks for fluttering by!

BTW: I totally love the quote on my blog today from Kurt Cobain!

Stamps: Mixed Messages by Papertrey, Ink.

Gentler Times by SU!, VintageCollage by TJ Designs Ink: Palette Noir, Pink Pirouette, Regal Rose, Bordering Blue, Kiwi Kiss, So Saffron, More Mustard, Perfect Plum, Vintage Photo by Ranger

Paper: Pattern Paper by K & Co., PTI Vintage Cream

Accessories: Ribbon by Basic Basic from Michaels, cream button by Jesse James, pink button by the Paper Studio, linen thread by SU!, liquid glue, glitter, 1/2 inch circle punch, crop-a-dile

Chocolate Bunnies

I usually don't participate in the TLC challenge over at SCS...I have come to realize that I am not a "technique" girl. Even though I don't participate, I usually check it out to see what it is. To my surprise and delight, it was a fun little 3-d project. You all know I am a sucker for a 3-D project; if it is a box, or bag...I am game!

I knew immediatly which set would be perfect for this little project; Chocolate Bunnies by Verve.

I love the little saying that it comes with...Bunnies are darling, so soft and so small, but I like the chocolate ones best of all! Isn't that so cute? I had some chocolate bunnies on hand from another project I did using this set for the release. They were the perfect size for this little box. This is such a fun project, too, because you can decorate the outside and then also the inside.

As you can see from the photo, the front flap comes down to reveal the inside that you can add some more stamping! I stamped the images using Palette Noir Ink and then colored them with copic and prismacolor markers. I added some buttons from my retired stash of SU! buttons. I finally removed all of my retired embellishments from my stack and store caddy. I was able to get all of my current embellishments in. I left my retired ones in a place where they are out and able to get to easily, if not I will *never* use them again. This was a quick, fun project for today. I printed out the Mojo Monday sketch challenge and I will probably work on that tomorrow! Thanks for fluttering by!

Supplies: Stamps: Chocolate Bunnies by Verve
Ink: Palette Noir, Copic and Prismacolor Markers
Paper: Almost Amethyst, White, Tea Party DSP
Accessories: Pretty in Pink buttons, Linen thread, Pink grosgrain ribbon, glue dots, easter grass, diamond stickles, chocolate bunnies by Hershey's

What would I do without you?

I made this yesterday for this weekend's Verve Sketch Challenge. I used the new, soon to be released tonight "Miracles Blossom" set, which I love and I also paired it with "All About You" which is from another release, but I love it. You can check out the sketch on the Verve Blog. Also, for all of you Verve lovers...you won't want to miss the release party on Splitcoaststampers tonight. If you follow the link, there is another link on the home page to get you where you want to be!

I have had so much fun creating samples and using these fabulous stamps! It is a lucky day when you get to design with the stamps you already love! I am thrilled to be a Guest Diva this month. Thanks again, Julee!

I colored the images with Copic and Prismacolor markers and although it is hard to tell in the photo, I paper pieced the pot using the background paper. I used my square and square scallops nestabilities dies for the focal image. I really love the pop of black in the paper, so I carried it through with the card base and the scallops.

I left the buttons naked, because I liked the black paper peeking through the holes. I cut out each of the flowers and popped them up with foam squares and gave each center a dot of Diamond Stickles. I finished the design off with a bow of satin ribbon! Thanks for fluttering by!

Supplies:
Stamps: Miracles Blossom and All about You by Verve Stamps
Ink: Palette Noir, Copic and Prismacolor markers
Paper: Basic Black, White, Urban Prairie by Basic Grey
Accessories: Nestabilities Dies, Scallop edge punch, paper piercer and mat pack, satin ribbon by club wed (it is on clearance right now) Diamond Stickles, Cuttlebug, Foam Squares, Buttons from my stash

Rockabilly Pirates

It is time again for another SFYTT! I was telling Jen how much I look forward to Friday night, once the kids have been tucked into bed, to sneak down to create my SFYTT card. My son and DH are off to a Utah Jazz Basketball game tonight, so my daughter is actually awake as I type. I guess they all can't be perfect nights! LOL! Don't get me wrong...I dearly love my kids, but once the day is done, so am I! LOL!
Today's card was *heavily* inspired by my dear stamping friend & SFYTT team mate, Amy . She made the most darling card using the new Rockabilly Specialty DSP and the Congrats set a couple of weeks ago (which can be viewed by following the link above). I didn't think I *needed* that set, but apparantly I did! I am always in awe of Amy's creations. She has such a great style. I started making this card knowing I would be using the sentiment set and paper she used, but once I went back to get the link to her card, I realized how similar they are! I am constantly inspired by Amy as she well knows.

I love this paper. As soon as I saw it, I knew I needed just for the cherries. I wasn't quite sure what I would use the skull and crossbone papers for. Isn't it funny that that is what I chose to use first? I must admit that I was a *little* disappointed when I opened the pack of paper to find that it wasn't the texture weight, but instead had glossy patterns. I now can say that I love the glossy pages and I am glad that they are the way they are! I love my Ahoy, Matey stamp set and knew that this sketch would be perfect for the images. I started off stamping the little pirate, but then the polka dot paper seemed to girly and I needed that print to balance things out (like I mentioned yesterday). So...I opted for the pirate ship which actually turned out perfectly because the heart in the middle of the crossbones is a feminine touch, I think. In the end, I think it would work for a boy or girl.

I kept everything clean and straight. I feel like I have been on a vintage rampage and maybe it was time to cool my jets. I don't want to become "one note" as I keep saying inside my head about my work. I popped the heart and crossbone sail with a foam square and paper pieced the next two using the same DSP. The image is colored with prismacolor makers and the Congrats sentiment is stamped with Whisper White craft ink. The bottom sentiment is stamped with Cotton White StazOn since it is on glossy paper. I added a dab of crystal effects to the heart on the sail to keep with the glossy theme!

You won't want to miss out on the other girls creations. They never cease to amaze me and I am constantly inspired by them...as you can see by today's card!

This month Jen has asked Jenn Diercks to be the guest designer! I am so thrilled.

Jen Del Muro and Jenn

Amy Rohl

Carole Burrage

Susan Liles and Amy Sheffer Thanks for fluttering by!

Stamps: Congrats, Ahoy, Matey

Ink: Palette Noir, whisper white craft ink, cotton white stazon, prismacolor makers, black stampin' write marker

Paper: White, Rockabilly DSP, Basic Black

Accessories: Color Spritzer tool, crystal effects, Vintage Brads, Foam Squares

Accordian Flower Tutorial, Q and A and a tiny slider

A few of you have requested a tutorial on making accordian flowers, so here it is! It is pretty easy once you get the hang of it.


Step 1: Before beginning, decide how wide you would like your accordian to be. If you want it to span 2 inches, then cut your paper 1 inch. If you would like it 3 inches, cut your paper 1 1/2 inches. Does that make sense? For this particular flower, I wanted it to span 3 inches, so I cut my thin DSP 12 inches by 1 1/2 inches. I would recommend 12 inches, no matter how wide the other measurement is.
Step 2: Score the paper at 1/4 inch intervals the entire length of the paper.

Step 3:
Prepare the button, embellishment or charm you will be adding to the center. I normally just use buttons or some kind of circular image, but today you can see that I am using a cut stamped image. Get your glue dots ready as well as a glue line if you have one. If not, get a piece of sticky strip. If you are using sticky strip, you could always get it adhered and leave the red sticky backing in place until it is time to secure it.
Put a glue dot on the back of your center embellishment and have it ready.

Step 4: Fan fold at each score mark.



Step 5: Attach glue line or sticky strip unless you already did like I mentioned before. Glue it end to end.

Step 6. Lay the flower out. Bring the center in tightly...tighter than what it shows in my photo. I couldn't photograph and hold it at the same time! LOL!

ETA: I no longer use glue dots to assemble my accordion flowers! I use hot glue. You will need to punch out a 1 inch circle for each accordion you will be making. Once you get to this step, apply hot glue to the back of your accordion flower, quickly press the punched circle onto the back and hold in place for 10 seconds or so. Once that is done, you can turn it over and add your embellishments.

Quickly adhere your pre-glue dotted embellishment to the center. Add a couple of glue dots to the back and adhere it to your project. If you don't know where it will be placed on your project, simply leave it on the waxy backing that the glue dots come on.

You are done! You have now completed your beautiful flower!



I decided to make a fun little project in addition to the tutorial. This is a little slider, similar to the one I did the tutorial for the other day. It is tiny. It measures 4 inches by 2 1/2. I thought it would be perfect to hold a gift card or a bit of candy.


Yesterday's WT challenge was to make an ATC, which I did, but didn't post here or on SCS. I made tiny ATC's for my son's BB coaches and attached them as tags to goody baskets I made for them. So...I decided that this could work as my ATC. Even though it is a box, it is *almost* the right measurement.





Also....here is the Q&A portion of this post! I have had a few of you ask me how I combine pattern papers. I will give you a few pointers that seem to produce nice results.

#1 If possible, work in the same *collection*. Most pattern papers come in a collection which means they are all meant to go with each other. SU! makes paper packs that all go together as well.

#2 Many of the prints are large and are made for scrapbook pages and not cards. If you must use one of these large prints, use it on the largest section of your project. Many manufacturers are making *card * size prints which is especially helpful. It is the same design as would come on a 12 by 12 sheet, but it is scaled down for the card maker.

#3 Try using 2 or more prints on your project. I like picking a large print, medium and small. The large print could be a floral, the medium polka dot or another floral or even plaid, the small print could be a swiss dot or polka dot. It is important to keep the colors and patterns balanced. A good rule of thumb is this...if you have 2 sided paper, the one on the back is a guaranteed match!

As you can see from my little box I made today...the largest print which is the stripe is the biggest piece. The next biggest print is on the background and the tiniest print is on the sentiment banner. They include a strip, a floral or more of a damask and a dotted floral.

#4 It may take time, but the most important thing to learn is balance. You want to keep colors and sizes so that your project feels balanced.

These are some tips that I have learned along the way that have helped me! I hope that you find them helpful! Thanks for fluttering by!

Supplies: Simple Friendship Stamp Set
Ink: Vintage Photo Distress Ink, Bordering Blue, Basic Gray
Paper: Almost Amethyst (woops) next time I will use Bordering Blue, Bella Bird DSP, Whisper White
Accessories: Liquid Glue, Martha Stewart Coarse Crystal Glitter, Ribbon by Club Wed, Button from my stash, sponge.