Batter Up! Father's Day Alternative #3

My third Father's Day card needed is for my husband!  Guess what!  It will be Alternative #3 card using the May 2021 Paper Pumpkin - Batter Up!  As you have all probably realized by now, an Alternative card using any kit is one that you make your own design using either all kit elements or part kit elements and part other elements.  It is not a reproduction of the card designs provided in the kit itself, although it could possibly be a you CASE one of the original kit designs.  I see a lot of cardmakers like myself who are obviously challenged to make their own designs rather than use those provided.

My Batter Up! cards have all used additional cardstocks and patterned papers, because we live fairly close to Seattle, Washington where the Seattle Mariners play, and their team colors are not at all similar to the colors provided in the kit, except luckily the die-cut sentiments are in a sponged gray background with blue-inked sentiments.  Both of these colors are part of the Mariners colors, but the reds, yellow-golds, and kraft colors also in the kit do not fit so well.  

One die-cut was a replica of a trading card with yellow-gold framing and the word League in red.  I wanted to use this for my husband's card, so I used a black Sharpie to very carefully re-color League.  Success!  I did NOT color outside the lines!  I fussy-cut off the yellow-gold frame and re-mounted it onto a two-layered panel set in navy blue and a Mariners green patterned paper.  I stamped "DAD" from the Hats Off stamp set in the current SU annual catalog and popped it on my newly framed trading card,  The baseball hat was stamped with the kit stamp set onto navy blue cardstock and outlined in a Black Journal pen.  I was able to use one of the patterned card front panels provide in the kit...a blue and light gray mottled white pin stripes., plus added some cardstock layers below.  Take a peek at my finished card...inside and out!

Ingredients:  Stampin' Up products:  Cardstock--Night of Navy, Tranquil Tide, Smokey Slate (inside). Patterned Paper--Regals 6x6 dsp-Shaded Spruce (2019-20). Stamps--Hats Off (stamp-DAD). Ink--Tranquil Tide, Balmy Blue (hat stamping). Paper Pumpkin/June 2021--Batter Up! Kit--pin-striped paper, stamps (hat), Baseball Card die-cut (modified).  Gems--Glitter Enamel Dots (Copic colored Dk. Blue). Journal Pen-Black (hat markings).  Other: Papertrey die--To Die for Sentiments/-Happy Father's Day (inside). EK Punch--Victorian Corners. Colorbox Ink--Charcoal (ink distressing).  Wink of Stella--Clear. Size--4-3/4x6 inches.

A Sunny Hello for a Fast Recovery!

I wanted to participate in the SCS Teapot Tuesday Challenge--6/22/21 for the husband of SCS friend, Sharon Madson.  Larry broke his hip recently and is feeling rather housebound and in need of cheering up, and I have the perfect card that I started back in August last year but stopped almost immediately.  It is  from my very first Paper Pumpkin card kit, entitled A Box of Sunshine...une boîte de soleil.  I stopped because I knew I couldn't just follow the kit design...it needed more layers to satisfy me.  I didn't have the right supplies with me, because I was on a crafting trip with my Mom and sister in Oregon. 

 
I'm remembered this card that I never got back to finishing because of the challenge requirements...it is the perfect cheerful Hello card to put a smile on Larry's face. Though I remember the challenge requirements for a cheerful, thinking of you, hello, hugs, and etc. card, what I did not remember was that our challenge hostess wanted us to think French when making our cards as well.  Suggestions were to think Eiffel Tower, French flag...blue, white, and red, French wine/cheese, a French painter, a French singer or song, etc.  She even provided a French song/ video, La Tendresse by Bourvil that we might use as inspiration, but it didn't inspire a sun-themed card, and I was determined to use the sunshine/ hello card I had in mind. 

I had an idea that led me to search for a possible French song that would inspire a sun-themed card.  I found a lovely song that really enchanted me entitled, The French Song...When the Sun Says Good-day to the Mountains sung by Lucille Starr.  It a beautiful song, and I played and listened to the video/song several times while completing Larry's card.  The song has stuck with me (in the English version, but I actually prefer it in French ), and I find it replaying in my head at odd times of the day!

I've successfully added two more layers comprising a new black cardbase and a golden dot panel below the sun rays paper provided by the kit.  I really like how the black makes the sunshine and black dotted paper POP.  My only other change was to drop my horizontal band and sun a tad lower...I thought it balanced the card better.  Take a peek at Larry's card...I hope it lifts his spirits and he like it!

Ingredients:  Stampin' Up products:  Cardstock--Basic Black, Whisper White.  Kit--June 2020 Paper Pumpkin/ Box of Sunshine--Gold metallic sun ray paper, stamps (Hello), sun diecut, black/white dotted strip, fishtail banner.  Artistry in Bloom sequins.  Other:  Patterned paper layer--Pebbles Basic 12x12 Paper Pad (dots).  Colorbox Ink--Chestnut Roam (ink distressing).  EK punch--Victorian Corners.  Chatterbox computer verse.  Size--4-3/4 x 6-inches.

Batter Up! Father's Day Alternative #2

 My second Father's Day card will be for my son-in-law.  Once again, I will use the May 2021 Paper Pumpkin - Batter Up! card kit, but making my own Alternative #2 card design totally unrelated to those provided in the kit.  I will use the Seattle Mariners as the theme for this card as I did on the card for my son.

I will use papers and inks not provided in the kit for the Seattle Mariners team colors, as the kits was off on another color journey totally unrelated to Mariner colors.  I was able to use the pocket die-cut, baseball, bats, and the stamps provided in the kit.  I also used the SU - Hats Off / Hat Builder stamps for the #1 (stamp) and the baseball hat (a die).  Take a peek at my finished card.  I think Josh will like it.

Ingredients:  Stampin' Up products:  Cardstock--Night of Navy, Tranquil Tide (inside) Smokey Slate (inside). Patterned Paper--Regals 6x6 dsp-Shaded Spruce (2018-19). Stamps/ Dies--Hats Off/ Hat Builder dies (stamp-#1+die-hat). Ink--Tranquil Tide. Paper Pumpkin/June 2021--Batter Up! Kit--stamps, baseball, bats, gray pocket.  Gems--Glitter Enamel Dots (Copic colored Dk. Blue).  Other: Papertrey die--To Die for Sentiments/-Happy Father's Day (inside). EK Punch--Victorian Corners.  Copic Markers.  Wink of Stella--Clear. Size--4-3/4x6 inches.

Mother's Day for My Youngest Daughter

Our family decided to celebrate Mothers' Day and Father's Day together for several reasons. . .not everyone's double COVID vaccine would be optimally effective, plus there were so many mothers to celebrate, it just seemed the best solution to make it easier on everyone!  Here's the problem. . .did I remember this particularly important fact when it came to making the cards needed for this celebration?  NO!  I had just finished my third Father's Day card when I realized I should have made three Mother's Day cards as well.  Simultaneously, I also realized that I just had no time to fit them in before the week-end!  

Not the optimum solution, but this is how I solved my dilemma with no time to make three more cards. . .  My  youngest daughter, Jackie, lives the furthest away, and therefore, not as easy to just pop over to make a belated card delivery, which was my plan for the other two.  My oldest daughter and daughter-in-law live within a 10-minute drive from me.  So, I focused on at least getting Jackie's card done and delivered at our family barbeque event.  Another reason I chose her is that Jackie will be celebrating her third Mother's Day, and I have not yet been able to spend this holiday with her as I have with the other two. 

 

Back in May when we delayed our Mother's Day celebrations, I had already decided to do a flower garden theme for all my family Moms.  I had just bought a new Mother's Day die that I was anxious to incorporate in some manner.  For Jackie's card, I decided to use some papers and florals from Stampin' Up's Made to Bloom card kit from the 2019 Occasions catalog.  One thing that I've noticed is that there haven't been many who have branched out and made other alternative designs than those provided in the original kit.  But, if you've followed me at all, you know that I just can't make the card designs provided in the kits.  I usually make alternative designs before the kit designs, and this card is no exception.

For my card front design, I love layers, so I added a Blackberry Bliss cardbase and a gold foil mat layer before adding a third layer of one of the patterned papers provided in the kit.  I added a gold foil horizontal band to anchor the kit-provided gold-edged floral bouquet, plus I ink-distressed its edges.  My finishing touch was to sprinkle on a few gems for interest.  I decided to incorporate that new Mother's Day die on the inside as the sentiment and "verse" combined...how pretty it is in the gold foil!  Take a look below at the inside and outside finished card.  I think my youngest daughter will enjoy her card.

Ingredients:  Stampin' Up products:  Made to Bloom Card Kit (2019 Occ./ retired)--BG patterned paper, Gold foil-edged flowers.  Cardstocks--Blackberry Bliss, Calypso Coral, Gold Foil.  Ink--Crumb Cake (ink distressing).  Gems--Glitter Enamel Dots.  Punch--Curvy Corner Trio (retired).  Other: Sargent Art--Acrylic Glitter Glaze (flower centers).  Papertrey Ink die--To Die for Sentiments--Happy Mother's Day die.  Size--4-3/4 x 6 inches.

June Brings a Birthday for Sister-in-Law#2

As mentioned in the past, I have eight sister-in-laws...most from my husband's side of the family.  I keep track of them by numbers based on their birth date in chronological order.  The first sister-in-law birthday of each year is my brother's wife in May, and she is sister-in-law #1.  For June, we celebrate sister-in-law #2 and her birthday is coming soon.  Once again, I decided to use the Made to Bloom kit, making my own design.

From the kit, I used the calypso coral patterned paper, the pink scalloped panel, and part of the floral wreath.  I fussy-cut an arc of flowers off the wreath to use on the sentiment focal oval.  The cardstocks, die, stamp, embellishments, and glitter glaze were all additions I added to make my design alternative.   I used the glitter glaze on the flower centers to add a bit of shine.

It's fun to use kits in ways not provided and see what you can come up with yourself other than the designs provided.  Take a look below at my finished card inside and out for sister-in-law #2.  I think she will like it!

Ingredients:  Stampin' Up products:  Cardstocks--Whisper White, Pretty-in-Pink (ret.).  Made in Bloom kit (2019):  patterned paper layers, floral piece.  Ink--Blackberry Bliss.  Ribbon--1/4" White Crinkled Seam Binding.  Sequins--Artistry in Bloom.  Other: Stamps--Penny Black-Sweet Wishes.  Dies--Spellbinders Floral Ovals; Lawn Fawn Fancy Scallop Rectangle.  EK Punch--Scalloped Corners (inside).  Sargent Art Acrylic Glitter Glaze.  Chatterbox computer verse.  Size: 4-3/4 x 6-inches.

Batter Up! Father's Day Alternative #1

When I got my May 2021 Paper Pumpkin - Batter Up!, it was all about baseball.  Right then and there, I decided I needed to use the kit to make my Father's Day cards!   Father's Day will soon be upon us and I have three cards to make, so I'd best get started.

The team in our neighborhood is the Seattle Mariners.  The Mariners colors are: Navy, Metallic Silver (gray), Northwest Green (teal-tone green), and Cream, with the accent color Mariner's Yellow.  Unfortunately, the Paper Pumpkin kit colors are navy, red, golden yellow, pacific blue, gray, kraft, and white; therefore, all three of my card will be my own alternative designs for sure, as the kit designs are sure to use colors that do not fit our team colors!

My first card will be for my youngest son, and he is long-time Mariners baseball fan.  His card is definitely my own design and not even close to a CASE of any kit design.  These are the kit materials that I've used:  four precut die-cuts--the "All Star tag," two bats, and a baseball, plus kit stamps for baseball cap and DAD sentiment.  Added materials are:  navy cardstock, gray cardstock, green teal-tone dsp, wood plank stamp, ink (SU: Tranquil Tide, Balmy Blue), and epoxy stars (Copic colored green).  I'm pretty happy with the results, and I think my son will be pleased...take a peek below:

Ingredients:  Stampin' Up products:  Cardstock--Night of Navy, Smokey Slate, Tranquil Tide (inside). Patterned Paper--Regals 6x6 dsp-Shaded Spruce (2019-20). Ink--Tranquil Tide, Smokey Slate, Balmy Blue (hat stamping). Paper Pumpkin/June 2021--Batter Up! Kit--stamps, baseball, bats, All Star die-cut.  Stars--Itty Bitty Epoxy Accents (Copic colored Dk. Green). Journal Pen-Black (hat markings).  Other: MFT Stamp--6x6 BG--Wood Plank. Papertrey die--To Die for Sentiments/-Happy Father's Day (inside). EK Punch--Victorian Corners.  Colorbox--Chestnut Roan (ink distressing).  Wink of Stella--Clear. Size--4-3/4x6 inches. 

A Ballerina for Amara's Birthday, Too!

My oldest son's fiance has two adult children. Her daughter has a daughter who was born between my granddaughter #2 and granddaughter #3.  She is a wee little thing, and my granddaughter #3, who is five months younger, is at least three inches taller!  We consider Amara our adopted granddaughter #4, and she needed a birthday card for her second birthday in early June.  Needless to say, she needed a ballerina birthday card as well!

To decide what colors her ballerina would feature, I asked what colors of clothing Amara looked the very best in...the answer was turquoise (aqua) and yellow.  So, a two-tone card Amara would get.  I used an SU retired Tempting Turquoise cs and Crushed Curry.  patterned paper I chose was a little pale, so I sponged Daffodil Delight ink over the surface.  Since I made the last ballerina card for Evie, I purchased the body parts that I spoke of in the first ballerina card made (see it here: A Ballerina Birthday for Callie!); therefore, this little girl has real arms and a real torso, and legs, which are hidden below her clothing!  Other than these added body-shaped parts, there is very little difference in construction.  Take a peek below at Ballerina card #4 in light turquoise and yellow:

Ingredients:  Stampin' Up products:  Cardstock--Crushed Curry, Tempting Turquoise (ret.), Whisper White.  Patterned Paper--All Abloom dsp stack (2014-15).  Ink: Daffodil Delight (sponging).  Pearls-mini--Copic colored.  Other:  DCWV Glitter stack--Turquoise-oval frame/ Yellow-skirt.  American Crafts POW--Marine Glitter paper (bodice/ balloon).  Dies--Alina Crafts--Ballerina, Doll Body Set; Spellbinders--Floral Ovals, Petite Ovals Large; Lawn Fawn--Party Balloons; MemoryBox--Varsity Numbers; Autone dies (Amazon): Balloon Message Strings (happy birthday sentiment). EK punch--Victorian Corners (inside).  Ribbon--Offray 1/2" Turquoise Organza (lengthwise 1/2 cut).  Copic Markers.  Wink of Stella: Black   Stash--Balloon strings--Lyon Sparkly Mini Yarn; Glitter Tulle--turquoise/ yellow.  Chatterbox Verse.  Size: 4-3/4" x 6-1/4".