Let's Have Cattail Weather for a January Birthday!

My husband's brother has an early, early January birthday, and I wanted to make a card for him this year since I've missed several birthdays during Covid!  Masculine cards are more difficult for me, so I need lots of inspiration to get my creative mojo brewing, and I'm already running out of time in order to beat the lengthy out-of-state mailing time. 

The weather here and in northern California has been really cold for the last several weeks, and I know the family has all been talking about...let's bring on the warmth!  Ultimately, I decided to case a card I made over two years ago so that I could use its wonderful cattail scenery dies again and speed up my finishing time with the idea of let's bring on that warm cattail weather and a lovely sunset sky!  We sure need some gold rays and are already getting tired of winter!

My husband has decided to send his brother an email picture of his card inside and out on his birthday just in case it does not arrive on time!  Now that's being proactive!  Take a peek below at the repeat version of my own old card and the inside design with my BIL's birthday verse!

Ingredients:  Stampin' Up Products:  Cardstocks--Rich Razzleberry, So Saffron, Soft Suede, Naturals-Ivory (retired).  Inks--Rich Razzleberry, Crushed Curry, Real Red (sky sponging/ stamping).  Stamps--Friend Like You (sentiment/ dragonflies).  Dies--Friendly Silhouettes (cattails/ dragonflies).  Punch: Tailored Tag.  Marker: Early Espresso (pussywillows).  Mini Pearls (Copic colored).  Other:  EK Victorian corner punch (inside).  Chatterbox Verse--computer made.  Size: 4-3/4" x 6". 

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.

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.

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 Birthday Card for Josh, the Family Hiker!

October is full of birthdays in our family.  This week's family birthday celebration is for my son-in-law, Josh, who is my youngest daughter's husband!  He is away on a camping trip, so I had time to be late with his card!  (Love it when it's okay to be late!)  

Per my usual cardmaking style, I began searching for a theme ideas that might fit him.  I checked out Splitcoaststamper challenges to give me ideas, which brought to mind a card made by my friend, Luci Kirschbaum, featuring an outdoor afternoon sunset scene that you might see on an outdoor hike.  Since Josh loves to hike and my daughter and their 7-month old granddaughter often accompany him, I decided an outdoor scenery card would be the perfect theme for Josh.  

I decided to use Luci's card as inspiration for my card, along with some other ideas from the challenges I reviewed.  Of course, I had to add my own modifications and ideas to make the card more "me."   Take a look below at my finished card and inside coordinated design.  Josh really seemed to be thrilled with his card and had a big appreciative hug for me!

Ingredients:

Stampin' Up Products:  Cardstocks--Rich Razzleberry, So Saffron, Soft Suede, Naturals-Ivory (retired).  Inks--Rich Razzleberry, Crushed Curry, Real Red (sky sponging/ stamping).  Stamps--Friend Like You (sentiment/ dragonflies).  Dies--Friendly Silhouettes (pussywillows/ dragonflies).  Punch: Tailored Tag.  Marker: Early Espresso (pussywillows).  Mini Pearls (Copic colored).  Other:  EK Victorian corner punch (inside).  Size: 4-3/4" x 6". 

A Thank You Needed for a Wonderful Gesture!

In late August, my daughter and I wanted to go on a mini-vacation for my birthday.  A long-time friend offered her Long Beach, oceanside condo for our use, insisting we take it for the cost of the cleaning fees only.  I really tried to get her to let us contribute some or part of the rental fees she would ordinarily receive, but she firmly refused.  Right then and there, I decided I would make her a thank you card and enclosed a dining gift card to one of her favorite restaurants in the Long Beach area.

Though I purchased the gift certificate while in Long Beach, I was not able to get to that thank you card immediately, because I was still recuperating from my right hand surgery.  I attended a Stampin' Up card class in late September when I was able to start a little cardmaking, and with the help of a friend, I was able to get whatever embossing and die-cutting I needed done.  I planned to finish at home if my hand got too tired.  I was delighted that one of the card designs was a thank you card, which I very much needed to fulfill my plan to thank my good friend.

The thank you card sample had a basic good design and a pretty color palette, but my creative mojo came up with changes I wanted to make, which I completed at home later.  I also wanted to check out some Splitcoaststamper challenges, to see what I needed to meet some requirements, and I was delighted to see if I completed the card using the same basic design and colors, that it would work well with several.  Now, it was time I got to work.

To start, I enlarged the card to my favorite size 4-3/4 in. x 6 in. by adding a new white cardbase and Early Espresso mat layer beneath the top embossed layer.  Then, I applied my thoughts to make the card reflect my creative mojo.  I shifted the sentiment rectangle layers more to the center both to the top and left, as the original was placed very far to the right and to the bottom.  I added three more mini leaves in Pretty Peacock, Old Olive, and Early Espresso to fill in my desired leaf layers.  I added sparkle with Wink of Stella to the added espresso little leaf and the thanks die-cut.  I also added the sequins to add a bit more pizzazz.  I am pretty happy with my modifications and thank Dar Peterson for letting me elaborate upon her original design.

I hope my friend will love her card and thank you gift card.  I know she will enjoy the dinner for two and dessert upon her next visit to the coast. 

I designed an inside layout and composed a little verse to send along in my friend's thank you card.  Take a peek below.

Ingredients List:

Stampin' Up products... Cardstock:  Whisper White, Early Espresso, Pool Party, Pretty Peacock, Old Olive.  Patterned paper:  Come to Gather dsp (Holiday 2019).  Stamps: Colorful Seasons (leaf vein stamp).  Dies:  Seasonal Layers (leaves); Well Written (thanks).  Embossing Folder: Subtle 3D (background).  5/8" white flax ribbon (sponged w/ Pool Party ink).  Size: 4-3/4" x 6".

Cute Skeleton Bones for Halloween

It's that time of year where I get to make Halloween cards.  I just really enjoy putting together interesting and offbeat cards, and my four adult children and their spouses enjoy receiving them.  For my DD#1 (darling daughter), I found two challenges at Splitcoasters that spurred along my imagination and my creative mojo began to rumble!

I wanted to use skeleton bones on my card, and I pulled out an old 2015 Stampin' Up set that I had not ever inked up.  Being that this card would be for my oldest daughter, I thought a few feminine touches might be nice, so my skeleton ends up being a wee girl skeleton but not so terribly scary.  I am really happy with the results that morphed as I put it together.  I completed the inside with my very own Chatterbox verse and added some embellishments to coordinate with the card front.  Take a peek below. . .I think DD#1 will be delight!

Ingredients:  Papers:  Stampin' Up Basic Black, Shimmer White, Whisper White, Happy Haunting dsp (stars); Darice Core'dinations Glitter Silk--Silver Mist. Stamp/Die set: Howl-O-Ween Treat/ Boo To You dies (2015 Holiday).  Dies:  Pierced Scallop Background.  SU Punch:  Ornate Tag Topper.  SU: Lucky Stars EF.  SU Embellishments:  3/8" Glitter Ribbon-White, Metallic Thread-Silver, Iced Rhinestone.  Chatterbox sentiment/ verse (handwritten/ computer printed).  Size: 4-3/4 x 6 inches.

The Loss of Another Loved One!

This blog is very difficult to write.  I have just finished another sympathy card for my friend and cardmaking buddy, who just lost her Dad at the end of June, and 18 days later; she lost her mother due to an automobile accident!  It is difficult to find words words to comfort her, but to let her know she is my thoughts and prayers and hope that she receives solace from knowing how much her family and friends are thinking of her.

After getting my creative mojo juices flowing by checking out a few Splitcoasterstamper (SCS) challenges ideas before starting my friend's much needed sympathy card, I decided to try a new background technique (for me) using Shaving Cream and stamp pad re-inkers.  I was really pleased with the results.  I had the butterfly I ultimately used sitting on my craft table for a while.  It was a leftover from a failed background attempt, but the butterfly turned out well, so I thought I'd save for future use.  My card's color scheme came from the Inspiration challenge and the butterfly.

I'm pretty pleased with my results and hope that this card will help ease some of my friend's grief, and at least let her know that I have her in my thoughts and prayers.  Take a peek at the card below.  If you are interested, the design and construction story follows below the card recipe for materials used.

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Recipe:  Stampin' Up products:  Cardstock--Wild Wasabi, White Shimmer, and Watercolor paper.  DCWV Glitzy Glitter Stack (gold).  Stamps--Painted Petals (flowers).  Inks--Wild Wasabi, Crisp Cantaloupe, Calypso Coral.  Dies--Butterflies Thinlits; Layering Ovals Framelits.  Solid Thick Baker's Twine--Wild Wasabi.  Other:  Smooch--Pearlized Accent Ink/ Gold.  ImagineCrafts--Frost Shimmer Spritz.  Ribbon--Offray 5/8" Sheer Scallop/ White.  Chatterbox sentiment/ verse.  Size:      4-3/4" x 6".

The Story

One of the things I like about the challenges over at Splitcoaststampers is that you can enter them at any time.  If you missed one, and you've set yourself a goal to finish all challenges within a particular challenge in the current year., you can enter when you get the card made.  I always check out the current week's challenges first, and I usually starting with the Inspiration Challenge, which selects a website for you to browse for inspiration.  At Zazzle Souvenirs, I found a Celebration of Life Guest book with a lovely picture of a pretty butterfly, which reminded me of the finished butterfly that I had sitting around on my craft table for over three weeks waiting for an eventual home.  I thought this sympathy card might be a great way to use it.  

There was also a Free 4 All Challenge a few weeks ago that I missed where you were to find inspiration about something from one of your neighboring states from where you lived.  I researched Oregon, and found that they had several conservation programs going in different areas of the state and on different species of butterflies, because they were either endangered or close to being endangered because their habitats were being destroy by human growth in their migration paths.  There was also an old Ways To Use It Challenge back in March 2017 concerning butterflies that I missed with my knee surgery.  It seemed a foregone conclusion that I was meant to make a card with a butterfly on it!

Next, I searched the Featured Stamper Challenge that I missed last week for some layout ideas, and  I found several cards with layouts that I thought might work out.  I really had been wanting to try out the Shaving Cream background technique, so I checked out the Technique Lovers Challenge, and  found an old challenge from last year that involved using shaving cream.  I have shied away from this Technique Lovers Challenge and the Mix-Ability Challenge (mixed media) as I haven't tried many of the areas of cardmaking that these challenges often require.  I really feel nervous, as a beginning novice, to try many of the techniques and ideas that are used in these two challenges, but I've made myself a goal is start diving in...so I dive, I did!

My "stash" butterfly had a variegated color scheme.  I had used Stampin' Up's Wild Wasabi, Crisp Cantaloupe, and Calypso Coral inks with a Shimmer Frost Spritz on top and some smudged pearlized gold accent ink in a few spots, as well.  I decided to try the Wild Wasabi in the shaving cream on watercolor paper and see what happened.  I was trying for a Celadon Green (a soft light minty shade) so that I could enter the color-themed Alphabet Challenge for Letter C.  I was pretty thrilled with the results!  It turned out a lovely soft green just like I wanted.  It was several shades lighter than the actual Wild Wasabi ink color.  After drying the card front with my heat tool, I spritzed the entire surface with the Shimmer Frost Spritz.  

The layout idea had a verse panel with a bird perched on the top edge in the lower right third of the card front.  Instead of this, I stamped a floral arrangement on the lower right third using my MISTI stamping tool. I planned to have my butterfly rest on these blooms.  I flicked and dotted with Smooch pearlized gold accent ink, creating many tiny random gold dots over the surface.  I also added gold streaks to the flower leaves and stamen dots on the blooms.  As did the layout idea, I added the vertical ribbon band along the left side.  Mine was a white sheer scalloped ribbon, but instead of a ribbon bow, I centered a solid green thick Baker's twine down the ribbon center tying off with a green twine bow.  I added an oval sentiment with a gold glimmer scalloped mat toward the top left.  I die-cut a second open-cut butterfly from the gold glimmer paper and added it under my variegated "stash" butterfly, staggering it about 1/16" so that it just barely peeked under that top butterfly.  I was truly satisfied with my results.

Losing a Loved One!

A dear lady friend and cardmaking buddy has just lost her Dad, and another sympathy card is needed.  I was in the mood to make a soft and feminine card with some sort of flowers.

Following my usual pattern, I checked the Splitcoaststamper (SCS) challenges that I had not participated in to find some ideas to focus on and get my mojo moving.  Several challenges dealt with the possibility of using flowers, but I needed to come up with a color scheme and a layout.  I  found my color scheme from the newest Inspiration Challenge using a lovely coral, soft brown, and cream top from the Serengeti Fashions website and refined it with the Alphabet Challenge, Color Letter I for Ivory.  I came up with an idea for my layout from the Featured Stamper Challenge that used a quatrefoil background with a flower, though I modified my layout a bit to make more mine by using a lattice three-layered die-cut with only partial background coverage.

As my card evolved, I added more blossoms and more sizes than I first planned, and I added pearls and glitter to the flowers and to the lattice to give the card some sparkle.  Take a peek at my friend's finished sympathy card below, both the outside and  inside designs, plus the computer-composed sentiment and verse.

Ingredients:  Stampin' Up products:  Cardstock--Soft Suede, Crisp Cantaloupe, Very Vanilla.  Stamps--Gorgeous Grunge (splatters); Flower Shop (large pansy); Petite Petals (small flower).  Ink--Soft Suede, Crisp Cantaloupe.  Die--Bigz Lattice (3 layers).  Punches--Pansy; Petite Petals.  Ribbon--3/4" Chevron Calypso Coral.  Glitter--Dazzling Diamonds.  Pearls.  Other products:  My Favorite Things Die--Interactive Oval Word Window.  Computer-made sentiment/ verse.  Size:  4-3/4" x 6".

Birthday Panda for a Young Niece!

My first niece on my side of the family will be having her eleventh birthday  in June.  I need to get a card made and off in the mail.  I bought a card kit from Stampin' Up, which I usually do not do, but I loved the papers and colors, which remind me of the colors in a challenge provided by Spiltcoaststampers.  The kit provides four card designs and materials to make four of each design.  I really did not want to have four cards all the same, so I've been venturing forth mixing and matching the kit materials, plus adding others to come up with my own designs.

My niece is right at that in-between age when she may or may not like fuzzy animals on her birthday cards, but with the help of some inspiration from a second Splitcoasterstampers challenge, I wanted to use a panda bear on her card.  I still LOVE panda bears, so I'm hoping she might enjoy them too!  For this card, I used materials from three of the kit's card designs, plus added some additional cardstock colors and a panda stamp as well.  Take a peek below at my cute little panda card...hope the recipient likes it!

Ingredients:  Stampin' Up products:  Cardstock--Whisper White, Old Olive, Flirty Flamingo.  Stamps--Perfect Pandas (2018 SAB).  Ink--Old Olive, Baked Brown Sugar (ink distressing).  Punch: Scallop Border (ret.).  Perennial Birthday Kit (2018 Occ):  materials from three different card designs: denim/ gold dsp, floral dsp + balloon die-cuts + Dapper Denim twine.  Other: Memento Tuxedo Black Ink; Spellbinder dies: Long Scallop Rectangles SM (modified).  Chatterbox verse. Size: 4-3/4" x 6".

Thinking of You, Dear Friend!

The month of May has been filled with lots of not so happy news from illnesses to those who have gone to their final resting place.  I need another card for a dear friend, who had serious surgery within a few days of my niece, which I noted in my last post.  My friend will also be looking toward a lengthy recovery until she feels "normal" is a word she can use in her vocabulary again!

Besides flowers, I've been wanting to send her one of my handcrafted cards, which she always enjoys for her birthday!  While making my niece's card, I was keeping in mind card ideas for my dear friend using a modified card kit design as well.  Another thing I was keeping in mind was that I wanted to complete another SCS Alphabet Challenge, because I am so far behind (comes from being crafting AWOL with knee surgery!!).  Here is my second card kit re-design, using parts from one original design and parts from another.  Take a peek below...I think my friend will be pleased.

Ingredients:   Stampin' Up products:  Cardstock--Dapper Denim, Flirty Flamingo.  Stamps--Heartfelt Blooms (2018 SAB).  Ink--Dapper Denim, Baked Brown Sugar (ink distressing).  Dies--Lots of Labels framelits.  Embossing Folder: Fancy Dots (2016 AC).  Perennial Birthday Kit (2018 Occ):  materials from two different card designs:  floral disp + white/floral shaped tag + ribbon/ twine.  Other: Spellbinder die: Labels 10 (sentiment).  Punch:  EK Victorian Medium Photo Corner.  5/8" Gold Glitter Washi Tape.  Pretty Pink Posh sequins.  Chatterbox verse (Bob Marley quote modified).  Size: 4-3/4" x 6".

THE CARDMAKING STORY

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Kind Thoughts Sent Your Way!

Just a few weeks ago, we received the heart-wrenching news that my niece just had major surgery and is looking toward a long and tedious recovery.  She is just nine months younger than my oldest daughter, and they were great pals growing up, flying back and forth each summer to spend a few weeks with one another to keep in touch.

We, of course, sent flowers right away. alternating weeks sent so she would always have a fresh bouquet, but my daughter and I wanted to each send a special card, made from the heart, to remind her we are keeping her in our thoughts and prayers.  About two months ago, we bought card kits from Stampin' Up that would make four each of four different card designs, and this last week-end was the time to get it out and spend time making the cards we needed.  We, of course, did not want to follow the four design samples exactly, because we did not want four sets of four designs exactly the same.  With this in mind, we went to work finding our own design deviations and remodels.

I like to participate in Splitcoaststampers challenges, so I did a little research before getting started.  I decided to start with the Old Olive green card parts from the card kit from my research.  Take a peek below at my change-up, alternate-design for the "green card," which I think my niece will enjoy.

Ingredients:  Stampin' Up products:  Cardstock--Old Olive, Dapper Denim, Whisper White, Flirty Flamingo, So Saffron, Myths & Magic Glimmer paper.  Stamps--You're Inspiring.  Ink--Dapper Denim, Baked Brown Sugar (ink distressing).  Dies--Pretty Pines framelits.  Punches--Leaf, Boho Blossoms (ret.), Petite Petals (ret.); Heart Confetti Border (ret.).  Glitter Enamel Dots (Copic colored).  Blue Fishtail Curvy Banner: Hand-drawn/ Fussy-cut.  Perennial Birthday Kit: materials from two card designs: green bg + white diagonal die-cut + white curvy banner + ribbon/ twine).  Other: Punch: EK Victorian Medium Photo Corners. Wink of Stella/ Clear (flowers).  Chatterbox verse (Bob Marley quote modified).  Size: 4-1/2" x 5-3/4".

THE CARD-MAKING STORY

The papers and patterned papers provided in the card kit coordinate with Dapper Denim, Old Olive, Flirty Flamingo, Whisper White, and Gold Foil colors. My first step with my kit was to cut the front and the back of the folded card base into two separate pieces, because I planned to add new cardbases and layers using one of the coordinating cardstock colors to supplement where needed.  This actually gave me the potential of 32 different cards instead of just 16, though I would probably use some of the solids for inside layers to host my verses, so ultimately, I will not create 32 different cards. 

I decide to start with the "green card" materials.  This card was supposed to have balloons layered onto of the white diagonal lattice.  I used the solid olive paper that came with the kit and added it to a white cardbase.  I added an olive glitter layer under my white diagonal lattice, and flowers below.  I borrowed the curvy double fishtail banner from another of the card design and hand traced and enlarged its curvy shape on Dapper Denim cardstock to add the under mat.  I finished with Dapper Denim photo corners to add more blue, seeking to eliminate quite so much olive.  I added a different sentiment from a another stamp set than that recommended for the kit cards.  

Sympathy for the Loss of a Brother!

My daughter-in-law's father just lost his brother due to an accident and surgery complications, and once again, I needed to make another sympathy card.  This is the second recent loss of one of her uncles, as her mother lost one of her brothers about a month ago.  It seems like I have made several too many of these types of card lately.   

I was going to participate in the SCS Ways to Use It challenge several weeks ago, which required the use of a silhouette—stamped or die-cut, but I was not able to get to it.  I have an idea in mind using a partially finished card started over a year ago that will work great.  It is a leftover from a card class by Dar Peterson to which I have made several changes.  

I changed up the background from vertical coloring with Stampin' Up markers into a horizontal watercolored background using Crushed Curry and So Saffron ink and an aqua painter.  When the panel was dry, I added very fine dots of black paint for a bit more interest.  I also changed the direction of my Flourish Framelit die-cut going from bottom to top and place my sentiment in the top left corner instead of the bottom right.  I added some Wink of Stella for some sheen on my black silhouetted flourish, and I added white pearls instead of black-inked pearls.  Next, I die cut a decorative-edged, Daffodil Yellow layer instead of using a plain So Saffron layer, and I made my Delightful Dijon layer with less of its color edge showing.  Take a peek at my finished card below:

Ingredients:  Stampin' Up products: Cardstock--Whisper White, Daffodil Yellow, Delightful Dijon, Basic Black.  Stamps: Flourishing Phrases.  Ink: Crushed Curry, So Saffron, Basic Gray (sentiment).  Dies:  Flourish Framelits.  Pearls.   Other:  Die: Avery Elle Postage Stamp.  Folk Art Acrylic Paint: Licorice.  Chatterbox inside verse.  Size: 4-1/2" x 5-3/4."

Thinking of You, Friend!

I have several Thinking of You cards that I need to make and get in the mail, yesterday!  One is for a friend who always have me over for tea when visiting in her seaside town.  I saw a challenge where we were to make a card around a song, and as soon as this, I thought about her and the song, I'm a Little Teapot, came to mind, and I couldn't get it out of my head.  With tea in mind, a search through my To Do box and brought forth pieces of an unfinished card that I started in a class about 4-1/2 years ago.  

Yes, I love to go to classes and socialize, and I usually don't get all the design samples completed.  To give me some credit (rolling my eyes), sometimes that is deliberate, because an idea comes to mind where I want to change something little or big about the card.  I don't complete the card at class in order to make the changes at home with my own supplies.  This one, I have kept near the original design, but made the original Melon Mambo card base into a layer.  I re-sized most pieces smaller, plus I added two more layers. . .a white cardbase and a die-cut decorative Old Olive layer.  I also popped up all the layers above the Old Olive layer from those first two added layers.  As a finishing touch, I ink distressed all my edges for a bit of a vintage flair, but I see this does show up well in my picture.

I think my friend will like her card, with its little teacup and happy colors, and be pleased to know I've been thinking about her.  Take a peek below at my finished card inside and out.

Recipe:  Stampin' Up products:  Cardstock--Old Olive, Melon Mambo, Whisper White.  Patterned dsp:  Gingham Garden (2013 AC).  Stamps: Kind & Cozy (2013-14 AC).  Ink: Old Olive, Melon Mambo; Ink Distressed: Soft Suede.  Punches: 2-1/4" Scallop, 2-3/8" Circle. Scallop Trim Border (ret.).  Embossing Folder: Stripes (ret.).  Ribbon: 3/8" Old Olive Striped Organdy. Rhinestones.  EK Punch: Scallop Photo Corners.  Die:  Reverse Confetti Die: Lacy Scallop Frame.  Fussy-cut teacup.  Chatterbox verse.  Size:  4-1/2" x 5-3/4".

Traveling Teapot Challenge...Sympathy Card #2!

Splitcoaststamper's Teapot Challenge for May 15, 2018 is for the mother and grandmother of our SCS friend's great niece, who has left us and gone to her final resting place with God.  I wanted to participate in this challenge and send my card on the way to this family, who are so grief stricken.  I am praying that all of our SCS cards will help bring solace to their wounded hearts.  It is always difficult to deal with losing loved ones, but when they are young as well, it makes it doubly difficult.  Take a peek at my card below, which is bright and cheerful, and I hope it bring a small smile to their faces.

Ingredients:  Stampin' Up products:  Cardstocks--Bermuda Bay, Lemon-Lime Twist, Whisper White.  Pattern Paper--Eastern Palace DSP.  Stamps: Thoughts & Prayers, Christmas Quilt (stamped bg).  Ink--Bermuda Bay, Lemon-Lime Twist.  Dies--Quilt Builder Framelits, Layering Ovals Framelits (plain/ scallop), Stitched Shapes Framelits.  Pearls.  Size: 4-3/4" x 6".

Hugs & Prayers for SCS Friend. . .

A wonderful Splitcoaststamper friend has lost her young, great niece, and I wanted to join the Teapot Party to let her know we are so sorry for her family's loss.  To lose someone is always difficult, but that much more so when they are very young!  I am sending our friend hugs and prayers in a card, sealed with a kiss.

I have had this fantastic stamp set that I know it has flooded Splitcoasterstampers and Pinterest with oodles of card, but I have never inked it up myself.  I thought this lovely tree and scenery would be just right for a sympathy card.  I'm hoping it bring comfort to our SCS friend.  Time will eventually help heal and allow her and her family to remember wonderful memories of this sweet little girl who has gone too early to a peaceful and loving place.  Take a peek below at my finished card inside and out.

Ingredients:  Stampin' Up Products:  Cardstocks--Blushing Bride, Lucky Limeaide (ret.), Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla; Stamps--Sheltering Tree; Inks--Chocolate Chip, Pear Pizzaz, Strawberry Slush, Pink Pirouette, Memento Tuxedo Black, Burnt Brown Sugar (ink edge distressing); Embossing Folder--Petal Pair (2018 Occ); 1/2" Pink Pirouette seam binding ribbon (ret.).  Other:  Stash--Metal Leaf; Chatterbox sentiment/ verse (computer printed); Size--4-3/4" x 6".

Mother's Day for Grandbaby's Mom!

My daughter-in-law is celebrating her second mother's day, with grandbaby, Callie being 14 months old.  I, of course, wanted to make her a card, and after waiting for my mojo to kick in, I finally had a great idea.  

Ginger loves ice cream and Cold Stone Creamery, so I planned to give her a Cold Stone gift card, and a greeting card with ice cream cones would be perfect.  I thought of a Stampin' Up DSP collection called Tasty Treats, and I found the perfect piece.  See the story below on how my mojo began to jell so that I arrived at my great idea!

After finishing the card front, my next step was to design an inside that continued the card front's theme.  I composed and typed an inside verse appropriate for a Mother's Day card and finished the verse off with a bit of embellishing.    I'm pretty happy with my stash scraps added to make Ginger's card and color ideas borrowed from several SCS challenges, and I think she will be pleased. Take a peek below at the finishing inside and out!  If you are interested in "The Mojo Development and Construction Story," it is located at the bottom, below the Ingredients list.

Ingredients:  Stampin' Up products:  Cardstocks--Calypso Coral, Crisp Cantaloupe (ret.), Whisper White; Paper--Best Ever dsp (2015 SAB); Tasty Treats dsp (2015 Occ); Stamps--Crazy About You; Ink--Crisp Cantaloupe (ret.); Punch--1-3/4" Scallop Circle, Banner Triple, Scallop border (ret.); Dies--Hello You Thinlits; Solid Twine--Crisp Cantaloupe (ret.).  Punches: Zutter Corner Rounder, EK Med. Scallop Photo Corners, WRMK Corner Chomper: Scallop. Wink of Stella-Clear; Copic marker.  Chatterbox verse (computer printed).  Size: 4-3/4" x 6".

"The MOJO Development and Construction Story"

I have bits and pieces in my stash of cards I started and didn't finish or from cards designs from classes that I attended that I wasn't totally sold on the original design and took the pieces home to add to it to make it more fitting to my card style.  Last week, I was browsing and found a scalloped punched flower, a button, a two-layer square mat with "CELEBRATING" already stamped and a cursive "you" die-cut.  I had several birthdays coming up and another Mother's Day card needed, so I set these pieces aside, thinking I might be able to do something with them.

Meanwhile, I had been browsing SCS challenges to see if anything inspired me, and I saw a card by Jennifer (aka picard76), the current Featured Stamper, that I really liked, including the lovely colors.  Here was possibly another idea for my next card.  

Another day or so went by, and I revisited my pieces thinking I definitely might use them for my daughter-in-law's Mother's Day card, because the "celebrating" her would fit in.  Now, I had already purchased a Cold Stone Creamery gift card, because she loves ice cream and Cold Stone.  

My mojo began to work and thoughts began to jell as the colors in Jennifer's card brought to mind the Stampin' Up Tasty Treats DSP paper collection from several years ago that featured these same colors in the form of ice cream sundaes and cones.  An "aha moment" arrived, and I knew just what I wanted to do!

I wanted the flat stamped and punch flower to have more dimension as it was just too flat.  I though of stamping more flowers and layering them, but then I decided to cut the individual petals so that I could lift them and thus give the card more depth and dimension.  I also rounded two of the square corner on the layered square where the flower would rest.  The "you" sentiment die-cut was already cut out from Crisp cantaloupe cardstock, and I colored it with Copic markers to the color of the Calypso Coral cardstock as I decided to use both shades in my layers.  I threaded my button flower center with a criss-cross solid cantaloupe cord, and I tied a knot and frayed the ends.  I decided to make the fishtail banner shorter and centered it under the flower's square, but keep its tails loose.  This allowed the "you" die-cut space to reside on the ice cream dsp close just a teeny bit under loose banner ends. 

On the inside design, I punched a little scallop edging at top and bottom of the verse cardstock, and I added double-layered, scalloped photo corners around the verse.   I also added a pocket on the right flap of Crisp Cantaloupe cardstock covered with a smaller panel of the ice cream patterned paper.  I added a scalloped edge at the top of the pocket to dress it up a bit.  The pocket was now ready to have the Cold Stone gift card inserted.

Bootie Tags for Baby Smiley!

My son's girl friend needed some baby gift tags for the birth of her great-niece and asked me if I could help out and make a few tags, possibly with baby booties on them.  I knew I had a baby shoe die, but hadn't used it before, but said I'd see what I could do.  Take a peek below at the finished product. . .Katrina LOVED them!  If you are interested in the creative mojo story, it follows below the "Ingredients" lists.

Ingredients:
For each tag:
White Tag base:  Stampin' Up DSP cardboard back sheet:  2" x 4-1/4."  Stampin' Up Scallop Tag Topper. Stampin' Up Christmas Stocking Thinlet die (modified stocking + bow).

Booties - top row from the left:

--Bootie #1:  Stampin' Up products: Pink Pirouette cardstock; Shimmer White cardstock.  Martha Stewart Heart Loops Border punch (cuff + tag bottom).  Stampin' Up 1/8" Pink Pirouette satin ribbon.

--Bootie #2:  Bo Bunny Double Dot Passion Fruit. Stampin' Up Shimmer White.  Stampin' Up Perfect Dot Embossing folder (cuff).  Simon Says Scallop Stitches die (cuff).  Stampin' Up Curvy Corner punch (tag bottom). 1/4" Strawberry Slush silver edge ribbon.

Booties: bottom row from the left:
--Bootie #3:  Stampin' Up Melon Mambo cardstock; Shimmer White cardstock.  Simon Says Scallop Stitched die (stocking edge...no cuff).  Stampin' Up Happy Heart Embossing folder (fussy cut two hearts from embossed cardstock).  Martha Stewart Heart Loops Border punch (tag bottom). 1/8" Offray hot pink grosgrain ribbon.
--Bootie #4:  Stampin' Up Rose Red cardstock; Shimmer White cardstock.  Stampin' Up Fancy Dot Embossing Folder (cuff).  Martha Stewart Swirling Lace Punch Around the Page Border (tag bottom).  1/8" Offray pink grosgrain ribbon (Copic colored).
--Bootie #5: Stampin' Up cardstocks: Pretty in Pink; Shimmer White cardstock (pattern edges); Pink Pirouette cardstock (bows).  Recollections Itsy Bitsy Ditsy Cherry Pie (cuff + toes).  Simon Says Scallop Stitches dies (cuff + toe edges).  Stampin' Up Open Scallop border punch (tag bottom).  Stash: Pink & White Baker's twine, doubled.

The Creative Bootie Story

When I took a look at the die, it just didn't strike me as what you want for a newborn, plus it was a bit fussy with lots of little parts to die-cut and put together.  I wanted it to be more like a little knit booties, and I wanted it to be simpler, as I'm still not up to too much cardmaking and die cutting after the knee surgery.  

I had been looking at some of newly published SCS challenges recently, particular the "Featured Stamper" and I remember a Christmas stocking card.  From that, an idea came to mind to use my Christmas stocking die that I purchased last year, but never got a chance to use it, and to cut down the length of the stocking!  It would be perfect for modifying and using as baby botties.  

It worked really well with a bit of ingenuity for the bootie cuffs and using different papers to achieve different looks.  This idea worked splendidly, but it didn't end up making it any quicker or easier, as I got carried away.  I added different colors of pink cardstock for each set of bootie tags, plus some Bo Bunny Pink Passion Double Dot, and a mini pink flower print.  I also added some different trims, dies, and embossing, and border punching.  I have to say, Katrina LOVED them...take a peek below:

Christmas Medallion has Pzazz!

LOVE THIS KIND OF NEWS!

THIS CARD IS NAMED A 

SPLITCOASTSTAMPERS' FAVORITE 

OF THE WEEK ENDING - NOVEMBER 18, 2017

I'm needing to catch up on more cards for this Christmas season as well as my Splitcoaststampers' Alphabet Challenge.  I'm way behind in both categories!  Letter "M" is the current alpha challenge and it just opened with a bonus challenge added to use Letter"N" in the form of material with a nap or the Nib of your marker.  

I wanted to work those requirements into a Christmas theme, and I already had something brewing in my head using more of my Christmas gift wrapping paper from my re-cycle stash.  By planning carefully, I was able to fit my card into three Splitcoaststampers' challenges.  

While making this card, I learned that with the MISTI stamp tool, I can actually stamp a sentiment on gold glittery paper as long as it is the type that is fairly smooth without much of a nap, BUT you have to stamp over and over at least 10 times to get more and more depth of color and be patient to let it dry well.  I was going to use a gold shimmer vellum, but I did not have Navy embossing powder and the Stampin' Up ink did not dry well on the gold shimmer vellum so that I could use clear embossing.  

TIP:  When working with wrapping paper, which tends to be thin, I cut a 6" by 6" square of gift wrap and adhered it with my Scotch 3M tape runner to cardstock scraps to give it thickness and body.  If I used more than one scrap, I used scotch tape on the back side over the seam to be sure it was stabilized.  I also made sure I ran a double row of tape on the sides to allow for trimming my 6" square to fit any card size I planned to make, plus I ran a few tape rows toward the center horizontally and vertically.

Even with all my adjustments and changes as I put this card together, I'm pretty happy with the finished look. . .take a peek below, and then see "The Story" of making the card below the card picture.

The inside design and verse are under construction...check back later for posting.

Ingredients:  Paper:  Stampin' Up Night of Navy cs; DCWV Glitzy Glitter Stack (gold); Christmas re-cycle gift wrap (navy/ gold embossed).  Stamps: Stampin' Up--Hang Your Stocking (sentiment).  Ink: Stampin' Up Night of Navy.  Dies:  Stampin' Up Layering Circles Framelits (scalloped).  Punches:  Stampin' Up--1-3/4" circle; Curvy Corners (retired).  Stampin' Up Foil Snowflakes (medallions).  Ribbon: 7/8" Offray Shimmery Sheer--yellow (color modified with Copics: Y28/ YR23).  Size: 4-3/4" x 6".

The Story

I started my card with the look of a present or gift in mind and used a sheer shimmer ribbon vertically and horizontally like gift wrap.  I didn't have the exact color I needed, but not to worry...I colored my pale yellow ribbon using the wide angle nib of my Copic marker pens YR23 and Y28 to colorize it to the perfect gold!  Now, my card fits the Alphabet Challenge Letter "M" for Medallion and bonus Letter "N" to use material with a nap or the Nib of your marker.

I saw that the July Dirty Dozen Christmas Challenge asked you to create card with presents in mind...bows, boxes, old wrapping paper, or great a gift.  Old wrapping paper works just great for me!

For the yearly 2017 Christmas Card Challenge, my card does not fit any of the specific categories for the months, except December, which is "Anything Goes!"  Fortunately, in this challenge, we are given the monthly themes for the entire year, and we can post to any of the months at any time!  So, hey, I'm early for something for a change!

My Son's First Father's Day!!!

My son, Mark, is celebrating his first Father's Day this year, and I wanted his card to be very special.  I recently went to a cardmaking event hosted by Daralee Peterson, where we learn to do a tool box step-card, which turned out delightful.  Since my son is a home-builder by trade, what better card for him than a tool box...something he uses almost everyday of his life!

I had never made a step card before, so for me this was an added challenge to making this card.  I used Stampin' Up's Nail It stamps and Build It framelits dies for all the tools and items popping up all around the card's steps and drawers.  I just love how this turned out, and I'm sure Mark will as well!  Take a peek below: 

Ingredients:  Stampin' Up:  Cardstocks-Real Red, Crumb Cake; Silver Foil. Stamps-Nailed It, Urban District, Hardwood. Dies-Build-It framelits.  Ink-Early Espresso, Archival Black, Soft Suede (distressing). Embossing Folder-Hexagons Dynamic EF.  Step-Fold Technique.  Size: 4-/4" x 5-1/2".  (Thanks Dar for your lovely card design to replicate.  I tweaked drawer placement and a few tools to please my eye and created the interior design).