Double Take...

Today is a bit of a double challenge coming straight at ya!

First... we have the Stamp Simply 40 - Some like it hot AND second, the Impression Obsession DT decided to heat things up too with a summer challenge! So, I decided to join forces on this one and use some of the new Impression Obsession summer stamps!!!

For Sharon's Stamp Simply challenge the central theme is anything liquid -- drinks, a bath, the rain, water in a vase, the options are endless! Click HERE for the "official rules!"

Well, my ocean scene is certainly liquid and it's certainly summer!

I stamped the Seascape from Impression Obsession on a couple different pieces of paper. First on the light blue to be my "ocean", second on green for my sea grass, third on white so that I could chalk the sandy ocean floor, fourth on orange for my fish, and a sixth time on peach for my star fish. I used the white gel pen to color in the bubbles and ripples in the water. I used chalk on the blue piece around the ripples just to give it some depth! Cut it all up and paper piece it into place, add some glitter glue to the fish and star fish and that part is done! This card is actually a 4-1/4 square. I stamped the sentiment "Dropping You A Line" on a scrap piece of green, matted it onto the pearl blue and then punched a hole at the top. Now comes the fun part! I used a looped head pin for beading, cut it down and used a tool to curve it to create my "fishing hook!" Thread through some natural hemp cord (Stampin' Up) and attach this to the back of your mat. Attach this to a green card base and you're done!
Be sure to check out what the other IO gals did! They'll be posting throughout Friday!
Laura, Daniela, Deborah, and Kelli!

Need some more inspiration for the Some Like It Hot Stamp Simply Challenge, check out the Stamp Simply Team's creations!

Janine, Jennifer, Dee, and Tammy!


p.s. Don't forget about Gina K's Release Par-tay!!! Friday night, June 20th from 7-10 PM central! Games, contests, challenges and more. Plus, MORE sneak peeks! 5 new stamp sets, 7 new singles, plus new FAB bling! Join us at the Gina K. Forum on Splitcoast!

Sneak A Peek with a Peek-A-Boo!!

Hi All! This Friday, this bouquet of flowers..... could be YOURS! It's one of the new 1 Free with 3 set from Gina K. Designs. Buy three sets - you get this baby free! It's called Friendship Blooms and it has the prettiest flowers in it. Since I love flowers and I love to color--- what could be better?? I stamped my image on a circle that I cut out with my circle Nestabilities die. I then colored the flowers and vase with watercolor pencils and blended it all with a blender pen. Add some Stickles and that was it! I matted a scalloped green circle onto a larger circle that I sponged with sage green ink.

Now comes the surprise! I attached my flower piece to the base with one of Gina K's new kind of bling - they are rhinestone brads - they are smaller than the "mega" ones already in her store but bigger than a lot of the other brands out there -- makes them perfect! Why do I need a brad you ask.... scroll down and see!
There's a peek-a-boo phrase! I love this font - so elegant!
The rest of the card is pretty simple. The center is a strip of paper that I edged with ivory cardstock that was punched with the Threading Water Fiskars Border punch. I used my slot punch from Stampin' Up to create the holes for my ivory satin ribbon. That's pretty much it!!

Do you want to see some of the other Friendship Blooms Sneak Peaks? See what these DT members have cooking!
Kurtis
Michelle G.
Emily
Michelle Z.

There's also some new additions to the Kindred Spirits line - Check these ladies' blogs out!
Linsey , Joanne , Julie B., Barb

If you check out Barb's post, you might get a big chuckle! Remember my 4 year old's Cool Club that she created? Well Barb offered up her services as Treasurer of the club. After a long and lengthy debate between my daughter and I, we deemed she was worthy. Afterall, she will have to handle a LOT of money from dues for all the cool people in the world - you know? Anyway, check out her post -- tooooo cute!!!

Coffee With A Friend...

Hi all! You might not know this about me-- I am a coffee nut. I have to have my morning coffee and even my family knows not to really talk to me at length about anything really important when I am JBC (Julie Before Coffee). One of the greatest gifts recently from a friend was a coffee card. I love just being able to drive up to a kiosk and know that I can order whatever I want because this little luxory card is in my purse!!

So, why not Pay It Forward? Well, the new Stamp Simply set - Coffee With Friends - from Flourishes is PERFECT for great presentation! Last time I was getting my cuppa joe I begged for an extra cup and bought a gift certificate. That's when the fun began!!

I wrapped the coffee cup in a sage green paper and found a couple decorative papers ( K & Company) that matched up well. I used my Scalloped Oval and Oval Nestabilities to create the accent on the front of the cup. I paper pieced the coffee cup, added the flourishy "steam" and then accented it with my Copic Spica glitter pen. I used my slot punch from Stampin' Up to create the slits for the tied ribbon on both sides. On the scalloped oval, I sponged the edges with brown ink. On the bottom of the cup, I glued a piece of 1/2" brown grosgrain ribbon just to help it look more finished. Warning - you have to use strong tape to make the layers stick around the curved cup!!

I've never used a coffee bean as an accent on a stamped creation before! This was fun -- just added it with a mini glue dot!
On the top, I used my circle Nesties to add the sentiment. The coffee with friends saying fit PERFECTLY!

The next part of this project was to create the sleeve for my coffee card. I didn't really take the measurements but I set the card down on a strip of paper and then just penciled in lines where score lines should be. I created three folds and then on the last fold, I trimmed it down so that it would be more of a flap. Add some decorative edging, paper piece one of the cups from the stamped cup set, then mat it on top of a circle, scalloped circle and another contrasting circle and add some ribbon as an accent! The cool thing is - I only taped down half of this matted piece with foam tape so that the scalloped edge could slide underneath this and keep this all in place. I hope that makes sense!!


When you flip it open.... voila! The coffee card that was tacked down using some removable double stick tape!!
So, this little number is all ready to go for a friend who loves java. Think she'll take me with her?!?! LOL!

Happy Wednesday!

Sneak-A-Peak Time!!

Hi all! We're just a few days away from another Gina K. Designs release and this one has so many surprises--- it's really hard to even believe! New sets, new singles, new bling and new illustrator who really rocks... WOW!

Tonight, it's all about the girly girls! This is a brand new set from Rupa Shevde called Retro Boutique! So many fun images in this set that will make up great cards for your gal pals!

I love this little dress! It just screamed "paper piece me!" So, I did! All of the papers are from Lasting Impressions and are all the same color but each layer is a different design. I even sewed an edge on the base of the mat to give it a little more "ooomph!" The sentiment is also a part of the set. I love how little it is. I don't know about you, but I think all sets should come with some mini messages like this. Something that adds without overpowering! The tag is actually a part of a Cuttlebug mini tag set. I added some adhesive pearls, some sheer polka dot ribbon and bam---done!

Here's a close up of the dress... LOVE IT!If you want to see some of the other sneak peaks take a trip on over to see....

Linsey
Melanie
Michelle

And, don't forget to stop by Gina's place for all the release party details! She's also got a great giveaway going on!!!

Until tomorrow!!!

You are my sunshine....

Hi all! Hope you're spending time with the men in your life that are also great dads! I actually made this card for my hubby. I was down in my craft room and he pops in as I was making it and says -- Oh, I like that. Then, it dawned on me - "Wait, you're not supposed to see this!" I laughed and said - Great, cuz I'm making it for you. So, pretend you didn't see it!! He laughed.

I created this card with some fun decorative paper (Kaleidascope), some ribbon (American Crafts)and some watercolor paper (Strathmore, 140lb. cold press). I actually stamped the image - twice. I stamped it once on a piece of watercolor paper that I cut out with an oval Nestabilities die and then again on a scrap. I needed the umbrella in this stamp to pop up! I colored it with watercolor pencils and then blended it all with an Aquapainter. The "sand" was done with a stipple brush using Ranger Distress Ink in Tea Dye. I added some "white caps" to my waves with the help of some white Liquid Applique. I also cut a strip of paper with my scalloped scissors and then used the "wrong" side to create my "wave" strip of paper that borders my ribbon. After I made my card, I though -- I wanna go there! :-)

This set is so fun. It's the free with three set. Check it out HERE. It's called "You Are My Sunshine." The good news? Next Friday, when new images are released -- you'll be able to purchase this one!

Hope you have some sunshine in your lives! Enjoy today! We're barbequing and the kids want to take their dad and grandpa bowling! So, off to the lanes we go!

Stamp Simply -- Go Bold!

Hi All! TGIF! I can't believe it's Friday already. It seemed like I blinked and Friday appeared! Well, with each and every Friday comes an all new Stamp Simply Challenge! This week -- Go BOLD! Sorry, I screamed there, didn't I?? The goal is to use bold colors like you never have before. Check out Sharon's site for all the details!

You might look at my card below and say - that's bold? What's up with that? Well, ask my mother - the "Rubbermaid" if I have an aversion to navy. She will undoubtedly say "YES!" Look through my blog - won't see a bit of navy. So, that's how I went bold!

My decorative paper really set the scene for this one. It was all from a kit I got way back when from the Imagination Project. I don't know if they are even still around. Seen as I don't like navy -- never used it! LOL! The ribbon, everything was in this kit. I did have the turquoise rhinestones. The "hello" stamp is from Impression Obsession. Click HERE to see the full set!

After I finished this card - I knew it was a complete departure from anything I've ever done before. I was a little out of my comfort zone!!

Want to see some other BOLD creations?
Janine
Jennifer
Becky
Tammy
Dee

Flowers on Vellum - A How To

Hi all ! Last week, I shared a card that I made on vellum with colored pencils. Click HERE to see that post. Well, I promised to show you all how I did it with a different floral image! So, here goes! This image is from the newly released Peony set from Flourishes. It's a perfect image to try out this technique because there aren't a ton of colors like the card from my previous post.

Here's what you'll need: Prismacolor pencils (you have to use a pencil with a wax base in order for the colors to blend!), translucent vellum, neutral color ink preferably dye based (so that it dries well on the vellum)

First, stamp the image on your vellum. I used Ranger Distress Ink in Brushed Corduroy. I did have to heat set the ink a bit to get it to dry. Keep in mind, you don't want to hit the heat tool on the vellum too long. It will burn!
You'll want to start your coloring on the back side of your image. Be sure to start with the darkest colors first. This is where it gets super easy with stamps like this - the stamp actually shows the "shaded" areas! Color the shaded areas with your darkest color. I used Process Red on the petals and Olive Green on the leaves.
After you finish with the darkest colors, some of you might look at it and say "YUCK!" This looks terrible! Trust me - stick with it. The trick to this technique is blending the colors together with the lighter shade. I used Deco Pink and Chartreuse. A good back up to Chartreuse is Lime Peel.

This is what it looks like from the back side after you've blended the color. How do you blend the color? Using a heavy hand, you just color over all the places you already colored with the dark color and all the places that don't yet have color.

See how much softer this looks just by coloring over the top with a light pink and a light green?

Next, I matted the Peony onto some Two Scoops paper by Basic Grey. I wanted it to look like the image was "floating" on the decorative paper. I love how you can still kind of see the pattern through my floral image. From here, add some matting, some ribbon and secure the vellum pieces with some brads and you're done! The word "Peony" was stamped using Tea Rose Vivid ink.
Coloring with Prismacolors are a blast. They are so blendable and are very forgiving! If you give this technique a try, be sure to let me know! I would love to see what you come up with.

Tomorrow it will be time to Stamp Simply for another Friday challenge -- this one is BOLD!

Coffee Time The Stamp Simply Way!

Hi All! Today I'm bringing you day two of the release for the new line of stamps for Flourishes! This is their new Stamp Simply line called Coffee With Friends - it's a gorgeous set with coffee cups, flourishes, sayings and more! If you ask the woman who came up with the concept for this set - Sharon Johnson - the idea behind the Stamp Simply line is to be able to grab one set and have all the images you need for great cards in that set! Perfect--huh?

For this card, I used Two Scoops paper from Basic Grey to set the color scheme. Then I used the stacked coffee cups and embossed them first on the pink base then also on different swatches of paper using Versamark ink and gold embossing powder. From here, I went into paper piece mode and cut out the different cups. I love how each one matches but brings a different kind of flair! Both the "steam" and the saying were stamped used Tea Rose Vivid! ink. Add some pink satin ribbon and tie on the saying with some gold embroidery thread and you're pretty much done! FYI: The actual piece that I stamped the cups on was created using the Spellbinders Nestabilities Long Rectangles and the Scalloped Long Rectangles.

Here's a close up of the cups. I actually used some of the flowers that were on the decorative paper, cut them out, added rhinestones and used them as accents on the card!

Here's a close up of the saying and how I attached it to the ribbon...
ETA: Just found out that Caardvark's challenge is "Drink Up!" This card fits for that challenge - don'tcha think!?! Head on over to see the other cute cards!! Click HERE to see!

Well, this has been a blast and tomorrow - the fun continues! I promised last week a bit of a
lesson on coloring on vellum with colored pencils.... so stay tuned!

See you then!

Pretty Peonies

Hi all! I'm kind of bouncing off the walls today because I finally get to spill the beans--- literally -- and share the new sets from Flourishes! Two stamp sets are being released today and they are both gorgeous!

The first was the dream child of the fabulous Sharon Johnson. Gosh, you'd think I was the president of her fan club! Hey wait -- maybe I should be! If you've been with me in blog land, you know that I'm part of the Stamp Simply team and there's a group of us that like to give you inspiration for her Friday challenges. Well, now there's a Stamp Simply stamp line! And, let's just say a whole bunch of creativity is brewing with this one!!! It's called Coffee With Friends
and it's just a fabulous set! I'll post a card tomorrow that I did with it! In the meantime, click on the link and check out all the images!

But first, I couldn't resist the romantic peony. You know how I am a sucker for flowers and this one is to die for! Click this ---Peony --to see the full set. There are bugs, words, lillies and accents. Too fun!

This card was made by inking up the stamp with ink pads. I used Vivid! Brick for the petals and Olive and Vintage Green Vivid! for the stems and leaves. After I stamped the image, I went over the entire image with a damp water brush to meld the colors together and make it look like a watercolored image. I lined up my scalloped rectangle Nestability die and used it to cut my scalloped "frame." I stamped the leaves a second time and then cut out pieces of it and layered it so that my leaves would hang out over my scalloped edge. The rest is simple! I added a lacy ribbon to a floral decorative paper mat, added some adhesive back pearls and then matted my floral image on green and then red.

Here's a close up of the flower....

Be sure to check out what some of the other design team members did. It's worth the trip!
Sharon Leslie Linda Faith Jan Marie and Susan

Back with more tomorrow! Happy Tuesday!

Sneak Peek 2!!

This sneak peek is a special one for me --- that's because it's Sharon Johnson's first Stamp Simply set with Flourishes!! My sneak is a bit of a giveaway!!! It's kind of obvious what this image is -- but that doesn't even come close to what is in this set! There are images, fun accents, two sayings and more! The reason why it's special -- and I hate to gush-- but Sharon is such an enthusiastic and supportive member of the blogging community. She's always there to lift you up and give you a cheer! So, now that it's her moment in the sun, I am so happy for her new endeavor!! I know this stamp line will be a huge success!

If you want to read more about the line, she posted a story behind the series on her blog. You can read it HERE.

Well, the "sneak peeks" are over tomorrow. Tomorrow they are unveiled and will be available for YOU! So check back! I'd love to show you what I've cooked up. I'll also have links to all the other design team members' beautiful creations!!

Until then.....

Sneak Peek!

Hi All! Hope you are enjoying your weekend! Only one day left.... :-(

I don't have anything to share because I've been working on some projects for the debut of some brand new stamps from FLOURISHES! I have so say both sets that will be unveiled next Tuesday are very unique and I LOVE both!

Here's a peek....
Wanna see more???? You'll have to check back Tuesday!! :-) That's when these beautiful stamps will be revealed and available for you to get your little hands on!

With this peek, it's pretty obvious it's a flower - any guesses on what kind?!?!? Take care everyone! I'll be back tomorrow with another guessing game!!

Spring Silhouette - Stamp Simply 38!!

Happy Friday!!!! Oh, man I need a weekend. I need a weekend bad. I need to kick up my heels and feel the sun on my face! Ok... I digress....

The weekend is nearly here - so, that means it's time for Sharon's Stamp Simply Challenge!!! This week, it's all about the silhouette. But, here's the deal - in an effort to make sure everyone can create with their own personal style - you don't need to make your image look like a silhouette. It just needs to be a solid stamp! You can color it with markers. You can emboss it. You can do whatever you want as long as you use a solid stamp! Click HERE for the "official details!"


Well, when I heard what the challenge was - it was a no brainer which stamp set I would use!!! The new Spring Ephemerals set from Flourishes that I have been using all week -- what else! This card is about the easiest card ever! I used Basic Grey's Scarlet's Letter paper - stamped my bleeding heart flower on it with black ink. I matted it onto black that had been edged with gold leaf pen. Cut a strip of the distressed red paper, stamped the "Thank You" from the Many Sentiments set and then again layered that on a strip of black that had been edged with gold. I put the strip on my card (card front is also Scarlet's Letter paper) Then, using foam tape, I taped my image to the left side of the card. The black embellies are actually just flat back black rhinestones that I got at Mikes in the jewelry isle! That's it my friends! You seriously can't get any easier than that! And, you know I LOVE the black and red combo! I think I am addicted to it in fact!!

Want some more inspiration? Check out what these fab ladies did with this week's challenge:

Jennifer
Janine
Becky
Tammy
Dee

Hope you are all enjoying today and have fun weekend plans ahead! Take care!

p.s. For those of you who asked if you could be in the "cool club," you're in. I have to warn you though - I had to personally vouch for each and every one of you to my four-year-old. She actually asked --"And, they are all cool?" I said, "Of course, you think I don't hang with cool people!?!" So, you're in. I'll be contacting you all for dues!! LOL!!

Flowers On Vellum

Hi All ! This card is one I made FOR-EVAH ago. Well, not this exact card, but one exactly like it. Confused yet? LOL! I made one for a colored pencil class I taught on coloring on vellum. Well, after the class, I submitted the card to Rubber Stamper. Apparently, this card lived on in their archives when they sold to Crafts N' Things. Well, now it's on page 89 of the June issue! Fun! What a great surprise!! The stamp is the Zinnia stamp from Serendipity Stamps.

It's ironic, because I did this technique on another card recently (before I knew about the magazine) and will share more of a how- to next week. Why can't I show you now?? Oh, thanks for asking! Well, it's featuring a stamp set that hasn't been released yet! Don't worry, it's less than a week from now! :-)

Before I go, another, yet another Ellie story. Sorry - she's on a roll lately! It was a busy work day and I kind of was preoccupied. I was in my kitchen leaning up against our breakfast bar when I see this little head pop up. It was Ellie, resting her little chin in her hands. "Mom," she says. "Wanna be in the cool club?" "The cool club?" I say. "What do you have to do to be in the cool club?" She looks (very seriously) at me and says, "Just be cool. I made it up. Right now I'm the only one in it." "Oh," I say. "Count me in." As she turns around and walks away, all I hear in her little voice is one word - "cool." HA! Oh, four-year-olds are such a kick in the pants.

Hope all is well in your neck of the woods! I'll be back tomorrow with -- you guessed it -- Friday's Stamp Simply challenge! This one is "solid!" (That was my hint!!)


p.s. I almost forgot!! GO RED WINGS! Whoop! Whoop! Whoop!

Best Wishes!

Hi all! Happy Wednesday! Got another super duper easy card for you today! Remember how I said that yesterday's card could be a part of a set? Well, this could be card #2 in my little collection of cards! I used more of the Scarlet's Letter collection from Basic Grey, and of course, the Spring Ephemerals set from Flourishes. I also used the same sentiments set - using the 'Best Wishes' from the Many Sentiments set. Why not? It was all there for me on my desk! I even used the ink pad thumping technique (Olive and Vintage Vivid! for leaves and Garnet for flowers) - remember - that's when you "thump" the different colors of ink directly on your stamp to color it instead of using a marker. I used my ticket corner punch on two opposing corners and added some hot fix nail heads (Kandi Kane corp.). Tie on some black sheer ribbon, mat it up and you're done! Ok, this is card #2. Will there be a card #3. It hasn't been born yet, but that doesn't mean it won't be! :-)

Before I go, a bit of a family folly for you! My daughter decided at age four that she was JUST TOO OLD for baths. She informed us all that showers were going to be her new bed time routine. As we got the water warmed up tonight, I heard tons of giggles as she waited to "jump in." My hubby helps with bath time and I must have missed the conversation about why it was so critical that she get rid of baths now. Well, hubby says laughing, "Ellie's going to be five soon and she said that she had to take showers now because she is still four and her brother started showers when he was five." What do you think she did as soon as she got out and got dressed. YEP, she ran down stairs and told her brother!! That's my girl! A competitive little spirit! Gotta love it!!

Hope you're all enjoying your week! It's hard to believe it's Wednesday already!!!

Many Thanks!

Hi all! I got a quick and easy one for you today! The main image in this card is from the new set just released from Flourishes. It's called Spring Ephemerals and it's quickly becoming my favorite set. For those who don't know this about me - I am addicted - yes addicted - to floral stamps. There can never be too many!!

For this card, I used a technique that I think they call ink pad thumping! It's done by just tapping different colors on your image to color it. Because the "greenery" is easy to separate out from the flowers, this technique worked beautifully! I used two shades for the flowers - Garnet and Raspberry Vivid! inks. The leaves were done with Olive and Vintage Vivid! ink pads. I also added some Antique Linen distress ink around the edges with a sponnge. After I was done, I stamped my sentiment "Many Thanks" from the Many Setiments set also by Flourishes, using Versafine Black Onyx, matted it up on black, used my slot punch from Stampin' Up for the ribbon hole and that part was done! Can you see on the distressed red piece on the card that there is a background stamped over my distressed paper? The paper is Basic Grey's Scarlet's Letter. Overtop, using Garnet ink, I stamped the Damask background stamp. I love this subtle look! I strung my sheer black ribbon through the hole, wrapped the excess around the red piece and then matted the whole thing onto an ivory colored card!

This could easily be a 15 minute card! The fun thing is, you could use each flower in the Spring Ephemerals set, add a new sentiment and easily make it a card gift set!! Who wouldn't want that as a nice little "thinking of you" gift!

Hope you are having a fabulous start to your week! Don't forget the fabulous blog candy that Leslie Miller is offering up! Catch you back here tomorrow!

Monogram It!

Monograms are all the rage right now and I have to say, after playing with the new Monogram Stamper by JustRite over the weekend, this little stamping toy sure makes it easy! I made this grouping of cards for a friend and I love how it turned out! All of the paper came out of a Basic Grey's Scarlet's Letter 6 by 6 pad. This makes it VERY easy to color coordinate! I used the Monogram Stamper with the large alphabet and instead of using the border that came with the set, I used the Damask Border. I love this design! It's so classy and elegant! While each matted circle was created with the small circle and scalloped circle Nestabilities, and each has a black satin ribbon accent, each note card is a tad bit different. Can you see the envelopes? I masked off an edge and used both the Damask background from Flourishes and a border stamp in the Flourished Elements set, to give my envelopes a pop of black too!

This one is a black and white look with AB Crystals in the four corners of the border.

This one is primarily black and red with red rhinestones....

And the upper one here has amber rhinestones while the lower one has gold nail heads. See the red strip on the lower note card? That was done with the red distressed paper in the paper pad with the brand new Spring Ephemerals set just out by Flourishes LLC! I stamped it once in black and then stamped over it with gold. It was a cool effect! Too bad it is just along a strip of paper!
Do you want a chance to win a Monogram Stamper of your own???? Well, run, don't walk over to Leslie Miller's place. She's got some fantastic blog candy and I've been told, there won't be just one winner -- there will be FOUR!

Good luck & I'll be back tomorrow!