InkspiredTreasures.com

May 2012 Tour de Freaks

Woohoo!  It's time!  Time for the monthly Tour de Freaks…brought to you by the Control Freak Swappers!  This month we are featuring the retiring products!  Better grab them now before they are GOING, GOING, GONE!!!  You've probably just come from Wendy Weixler's blog.  Weren't her projects fun? 

My projects don't have much stamping, but do have several accessories that will be retiring at the end of the month!  Most obvious is the Poppy Parade and Pear Pizzazz In Colors!  I'm REALLY going to miss them!  Also obvious is the Designer Paper, Pocketful of Posies, that is retiring.  I love the subtle red pattern in this package and thought it would be great for my watermelons and then the Pear Pizzazz stripe made a great looking rind!

Here is a closeup of the Watermelon Slice box:

Can you tell what I used to make the watermelon slice box?  Yes!  I used the Petal Cone Die and overlapped two of the panels to make it 3 sides instead of 4 (after I cut two sets out with the Pocketful of Posies Designer Paper).  I cut off one of the overlapping flaps of the petal cone die and used it for the Watermelon on the card below!  The black seeds are from the Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch that is retiring.  I used a White Gel Pen to outline stitches along the edges of the box.  I punched holes with the Crop A Dile (what will I do without that tool???) and thread the Black Scallop Dot Ribbon thru to the inside and tied a knot to hold it secure for the handle.  The bottom flaps overlap to keep the treat inside.

For the card, I used a base card of Poppy Parade cardstock.  I layered on Basic Black that I punched with the retiring Eyelet Border Punch (sob!).  I ran the Pear Pizzazz cardstock thru the Big Shot with the Square Lattice Impressions Folder.  I wrapped the Basic Black Scallop Dot Ribbon around and tied a knot.  To hide the "seam", I added a tiny sliver of the Pocketful of Posies Designer Paper.

The Watermelon was made by one of the flaps on the Petal Cone Die as I said above.  Then I used my Circle Scissors Tool (retiring!) to cut a 2 3/4" Circle from the green "rind" Designer Paper.  I used a White Gel Pen to add some stitching around the inside of the watermelon.  I punched out the "bite" of watermelon with the Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch and made more of the black seeds!  It is popped up on the front with Stampin' Dimensionals.  I stamped the Happy Birthday from Happiest Birthday Wishes, a hostess set that is retiring, with Basic Black in the bottom corner.

Hope you enjoy my post of retiring products!  Now on to the next stop my great friend, Mary Brown at StamperCamper's Corner, who has wonderful projects, as usual!  Enjoy the Tour!

CCMC202 – Vintage Vogue

Today is Thursday and time for the Create with Connie and Mary challenge!  We have a color challenge for you to try…one of your last chances to use up some of that Poppy Parade you have around!  I am SO going to miss that color!  It is so striking in this color combination…the red hot of Poppy Parade with the cool tones of Pool Party, and then Basic Black to make it POP!

I used Stampin' Up!'s Vintage Vogue stamp set…yes, it is retiring.  I remember when it came out that I was SO in love with it and used it on almost everything!  But, I must admit, it has been sitting on my shelf lonely.  Thought I'd pull it out one more time.

I started with a base of Pool Party cardstock.  I layered on Basic Black and Whisper White that I ran thru the Big Shot with the Perfect Polka Dot folder.  I punched a 2 1/2" Circle from Pool Party cardstock, then stamped the bottom of the circle with the vine image from Vintage Vogue and the greeting from that same set in Basic Black on top.  I stamped three Vintage Vogue flowers with Poppy Parade Ink on Whisper White and cut them out.  I added Pool Party Designer Brads in the center and Pool Party leaves that were also cut out. 

I used a scrap of Domestic Garden Designer Paper and layered it on Poppy Parade cardstock, and adhered it to the base card layers.  I added the circle on top, then popped up the flowers around the edge of the circle.  Finally, I added three little Pearls within the circle for some extra bling.

Make sure you check out what the rest of the Challenge Team did this week over on Create with Connie and Mary!  Then grab your stamps and play along!

Now You’re Cooking

I had purchased this Now You're Cooking stamp thinking I'd do a fun class with it, but ran out of time to offer it.  I do think it is an adorable image…wish they would have left it in the new catalog…but it IS retiring.

I used Mary Jo's Lunchtime Sketch from last week, but didn't get it posted in time to submit it for her challenge.  It was a fun one…surprisingly similar to the Freshly Made Sketches one I did on Saturday!

I took my colors from the Domestic Goddess Designer Paper for this card.  The base is Pool Party and I layered on the Domestic Goddess plaid background.  Then I used a strip of the Floral pattern.  I cut a piece of Poppy Parade cardstock to layer along the side.  I stamped the Now You're Cooking image with Stampin' Write Markers in Pool Party, Poppy Parade and So Saffron on Whisper White and punched with the 2 1/2" circle punch.  I stamped You're Invited from Wedding Sweet in Basic Black on Pool Party and punched with the Modern Label punch. 

I thought it needed just a little more, so I used the Boho Blossom punch to make a flower similar to the ones in the designer paper.  The center flower is the Itty Bitty Trio flower and a tiny mini brad.  It is popped up with Stampin' Dimensionals on the front.  Then I added a clear Itty Bitty Button tied with Pool Party Baker's Twine and placed it on the Oven Mitt.

I love the crisp clean look to this card!  Hope you enjoy it, too!

FMS34 – Totally Tool

I've used Stampin' Up!'s Totally Tool stamp set quite a bit.  Seems like all the men in our family are into "tools", so I get lots of opportunity!  I liked the sketch over at Freshly Made Sketches (FMS34), so decided to use it for the basis of my card!

So here is my card!

The base of my card is Early Espresso cardstock.  I cut two different patterns from Well Worn Designer Paper.  The stripe I layered onto Marina Mist cardstock to make it pop a little more.  I placed those on the front and added River Rock cardstock across the bottom, stamping the words with Early Espresso Ink.  I used the back side of the Marina Mist Scallop Dots Ribbon to hide the seam and adhered in the back.

I stamped the hammer with Black Stazon on Very Vanilla cardstock and watercolored with my AquaPainter and Cajun Craze, Early Espresso and Basic Gray Stampin' Write Markers.  I punched with the 2 1/2" Circle Punch and layered on a 2 3/4" Circle of Early Espresso cut with the Circle Scissors Tool.  It is popped up on the front with Stampin' Dimensionals.  Finally, I added three Antique Brass brads for the "nails" in the upper right corner.

I like it…hope you do, too!  Make sure you order the Totally Tool stamp set and Well Worn Designer Paper before they retire at the end of the month!

CCMC201 – Something Sweet

First…just let me take a minute and THANK everyone who had such nice comments about my new studio.  I am beyond thrilled at how it turned out and feel very blessed that my business supported having it built.  Even the cabinet rep said he was taking pictures for his portfolio…his first stampin'/scrappin' studio!  Luckily his wife is a seamstress, so he understood my need for lots and lots of drawer space!

But, it's Thursday and time for another Create with Connie and Mary challenge!  We have a fun sketch for you to try this week…I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE sketch challenges!

I wanted to use Stampin' Up!'s retiring stamp set, Something Sweet, before it goes away.  Better grab it soon!  I love this gumball machine!  It definitely is a set that I will keep!

I started with a base of Pacific Point cardstock and ran the front thru the Big Shot with the Perfect Polka Dots Impressions Folder.  I added a band of Big Top Birthday Designer Paper…turned sideways, I thought the horizontal stripes were perfect for the sketch!  I cut the ends into a flag shape.  I stamped the gumball machine on Whisper White with Real Red and Basic Black Stampin' Write Markers and the thanks along the side is from Pretty Postage stamp set.  I added a Rhinestone Jewel to the top of the Gumball machine.

I stamped the gumballs in Pacific Point, Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Wild Wasabi and Melon Mambo on Whisper White, then punched with the 1/2" Circle Punch.  I filled the gumball machine and even had a few falling out of the opening as the sketch showed!  I laughed while I was creating this…just too much fun! 

Make sure you check out what the rest of the Challenge Team did this week over on Create with Connie and Mary!  They had lots of fun with the sketch, too!  Then grab your stamps and play along!  We love to see your work!

FIGI GRAND VACATION TRIP!

WOOHOO!!!  I'm ready to announce that I earned Stampin' Up!'s Figi Grand Vacation Incentive Trip!  What an AWESOME feeling!

THANK YOU so much to all that supported my goal with clubs, classes and online orders.  You certainly are the BEST and I appreciate you all!

WINNERS of the Incentive Trip drawings are:

SANDY MOORE

$50 gift certificate!

Her order last night at my Studio Reveal Party put me over the top!!!! 

THANK YOU!

CHRISTINE JANIS

$100 gift certificate

Her online order on 4/16 put her in the drawing!

THANK YOU!

I'll touch base with both of you to select your FREE merchandise from the New Catalog and will be placing the order June 1st for you!

CCMC200 – It’s A Celebration!

WOOHOO!!!  It's a CELEBRATION! 

Create with Connie and Mary is celebrating their 100th challenge (we started numbering on #100)!!!  Hard to believe we actually have been doing them each week for that long!  To celebrate…we have some BLOG CANDY for those that play along with the challenge this week!  Check out all the details over on Create with Connie and Mary!

Since this is a special challenge, we are doing a special theme…

• Make a celebration card
• Use your favorite designer series paper from the MAIN catalog (before it retires)
• OPTIONAL:  Use a banner or pennant on your card

Here is MY celebration card:

I started with my favorite Designer Paper in the main catalog…Hostess Only Cheerful Treat!  I love the bright colors!  The base of my square 5 1/2 x 5 1/2 card is Melon Mambo.  I layered on Lucky Limeade, then Whisper White.  For the pinwheel, I cut three 1 3/4" squares of the patterns in the Designer Paper, cut them in half, then rounded one of the corners.  I arranged the points together and spaced them around that center point evenly.  To hide that area of overlapping points, I punched a 1" Circle of Lucky Limeade, then added a Brights Button tied with Lucky Limeade Baker's Twine.  I stamped Celebrate Today from Stampin' Up!'s Perfectly Penned in Basic Black on Melon Mambo, cut it into the pennant shape and attached it under the button and to the front with a Stampin' Dimensional.

I love the whimsical look of my card and hope you do, too!  Make sure to check out the BLOG CANDY and what the other Challenge Team Members did for our special 100th Challenge over on Create with Connie and Mary!  Then grab your stuff and play along!

Love & Laughter

WOOHOO!!!  It's DONE!  My studio is FINALLY done!  I'm feeling LOTS of Love & Laughter, but scroll down to see the card I made using that set!  lol!  I'm in the process of moving things back in.  I'll be taking photos this week and share them after my Reveal Party next Monday night!  Be watching for details!!!

This is the FIRST card that I made in my new space!  I needed a Bridal Shower card yesterday and the stamp set, Love & Laughter from the Occasions Mini is PERFECT for bridal showers and weddings!  Remember that TODAY is the last day to order from the Occasions Mini!  So make sure to email me or order ONLINE today!

PLACE YOUR ONLINE ORDER HERE!!!

This is the bride-to-be that I did the wedding invitations for a couple weeks ago (I'll be posting those soon!)  Her colors are Melon Mambo and the retired Brilliant Blue.  Good thing I still have a few scraps of Brilliant Blue leftover that I could use on her card.  If you want to recreate it, use Pacific Point…it is a really good substitute!

I used a base of Melon Mambo cardstock.  I added a layer of Whisper White that I used with the Adorning Accents Embossing Folder heart pattern along the bottom (LAST CHANCE FOR THESE, TOO…don't know if they will make it into the new catalog or not!)  I added a strip of the Hostess Only Cheerful Treat Designer Paper (going away, too!) and a Scallop Border punch piece of Brilliant Blue.  I stamped the dress in Melon Mambo on Whisper White and layered it on Brilliant Blue cardstock.  I stamped Best Wishes from Petite Pairs in Pacific Point Classic Ink (I don't have my Brilliant Blue ink anymore…see how it matched?)  and punched it with the Modern Label Punch.  I added a Boho Blossom flower of Whisper White and Melon Mambo and a Brilliant Blue Brad in the center.  I added a string of pearls along the waistline of her dress for a little extra bling!

As I mentioned, this is a WONDERFUL set for Weddings and showers!  Don't let it get away!  It is staying in my stash, I know!

Click HERE for the Retired Lists!!! 

Want to win a $100 or $50 Shopping Spree?  Get details HERE!

LAST DAY for OCCASIONS MINI!  Start shopping HERE!

$100 FREE Merchandise Offer!

This post will stay at the top, scroll down for current posts!

$100 FREE GIFT CERTIFICATE OFFER

FROM CONNIE BABBERT!

And…many of you know…I am VERY close to my goal of earning Stampin' Up!'s Fiji Incentive Trip.  To help me reach my goal this Stampin' Up! year, I'm placing everyone's name in a basket for each order of $50 or more (before tax & shipping) BEFORE I reach my goal!  Orders can be online, clearance rack, retired list, or main and mini catalogs!  Yes, Stamp Club orders count, too!  ANYONE can place an order and WIN!  Place it online, at a workshop, a class or email me!

START SHOPPING RIGHT HERE!!!

What can you WIN?  I'll draw a name for a $100 gift certificate!!!  You'll be able to use it on NEW catalog merchandise after June 1st!  So…for now…order those sets you can't live without.  And…you may win the chance to get $100 of FREE NEW catalog merchandise!  

ANOTHER CHANCE TO WIN!

BE THE ONE THAT PUSHES ME OVER THE AMOUNT…get a $50 gift certificate.  I'm getting SO SO CLOSE!  Winners will be announced when my goal is reached!!!

SCROLL DOWN FOR NEW POSTS!

****************************************************************

CCMC199 – Rue Des Fleurs

It's Thursday and time for another challenge from Create with Connie and Mary!  This week we have a color challenge for you using one of the retiring In Colors…Peach Parfait!  It will help you use up some of that stock that you have on hand! 

I haven't used Stampin' Up!'s Rue Des Fleurs stamp set much, but I do like it…very different style than the one I normally use!  It is in the Occasions Mini Catalog that ends on April 30th, so don't delay getting it!   I thought it paired nicely with this color combination! 

I started with a base of Peach Parfait cardstock.  I layered on Night of Navy polka dot Patterns Designer Paper.  I made a bow from the Very Vanilla Seam Binding Ribbon and secured the ends behind the DSP.  I cut the Label Framelit from Sahara Sand and used Finial Press Impressions Folder (it is RETIRING!  Oh no!) on it.  Then I cut another Label of Very Vanilla and stamped the corset from Rue Des Fleurs in Night of Navy Classic Ink.  I added a bit of color with the Peach Parfait Stampin' Write Marker on the flowers and added Pearls along the sides of the Label.  Before I placed it on the card, I added a pennant of Night of Navy cardstock between the Labels to make it pop!  Finally, I stamped Thanks from this same stamp set in Night of Navy along the bottom.

Make sure to check out what the rest of the Challenge Team did this week over on Create with Connie and Mary!  Then grab your Stampin' Up! stamps and play along!