Stampin' Up!

CCMC289 Hello Sailor

February 6, 2014 By Connie | 8 Comments

It's Thursday and time for a new sketch challenge over on Create with Connie and Mary Thursday Challenge! This is a FUN sketch and you'll see the challenge team has LOTS of variety this week! So, here is the sketch:

And here is my take on it:

I decided to go with a "masculine" theme for my card. Hello Sailor is one of the sets that I received at Leadership. I was glad I hadn't purchased it earlier. I did have the High Tide Designer Paper…I always get ALL the designer paper! lol! After working with this set, I really do like it a lot more than I thought I would! Here's what I did

The base is 4 1/4 x 8 1/2 of Summer Starfruit, folded in half to make a square card.
I stamped the little anchor around the background randomly with Summer Starfruit ink.
I added a 1" strip of High tide Designer Paper diagonally across the background.
I cut a 2 3/4 x 2 3/4 piece of Whisper White and stamped the best mate greeting with Pacific Point Ink in the lower right corner. I stamped it again with Summer Starfruit on scrap Whisper White, then cut out the You're My pennant piece and adhered it over the Pacific Point one. It was a little tricky because I had to cut out around the "B" in Best Mates.
I added a couple rhinestones on top and bottom in the scrolls.
That was layered on a 3 x 3 piece of Pacific Point cardstock.
In the upper left corner, I added two pennnats from the High Tide Designer Paper, one was 3/4" wide an the top one is 1/2" wide.
Finally, I stamped the anchor again with Pacific Point ink on scrap Whisper White and punched it with the 3/4" Circle Punch and added it to the front with a Stampin' Dimensional. I also added a Rhinestone at the top.

I think it turned out cute and perfect for this sketch!

Make sure to check out the rest of the Create with Connie and Mary Challenge Team designs over on Create with Connie and Mary! Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Watercolor

February 5, 2014 By Connie | 2 Comments

I'm pretty sure I haven't shown this card yet! It is one that I did for my Control Freaks swap several weeks ago! It features Happy Watercolor from the Occasions catalog, along with the Starburst Framelits! One of the fun things with this Happy Watercolor stamp set is the "watercolor" image in it! So fun to stamp it behind the flower without pulling out your AquaPainter! Now…since I'm a card carrying Control Freak, you KNOW that "messy" watercoloring is just NOT my style and really a struggle to pull off! lol!

OK…here are the details.

The base is 4 1/4 x 11 Tangerine Tango, folded in half.
I embossed a 4 x 5 1/4 layer of Very Vanilla with the Delicate Dots folder (a FREE SAB selection!)
I cut a 2 3/4 x 4 1/2 Baked Brown Sugar layer.
On top of that is a 2 1/2 x 4 1/4 So Saffron layer, with a 2 x 2 1/2 piece of Retro Fresh DSP along the bottom. I hid the seam with the Baked Brown Sugar Ruffled Ribbon.
I stamped Thank You in the Happy Watercolor stamp set with Baked Brown Sugar above the ribbon.
The flower was stamped with Early Espresso on Very Vanilla, the background watercolor image with Tangerine Tango on top and cut with the Starburst Framelit. I layered it on a 2" circle (Circle Die) of Tangerine Tango cardstock and popped it up with Stampin' Dimensionals!
Finally, I added two Pearls in the upper right corner for some bling.

I love how all the "circles" in the background embossed folder, the DSP and the Framelits all coordinate so well together!

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Week 2 Spring Collection Challenge

February 1, 2014 By Connie | 2 Comments

It's the end of Week 2 of the Create with Connie and Mary Spring Collection and we've had fun showing off the Sale-A-Bration products this week in our project tutorials. Now it is time for our Saturday Challenge. We have a fun color challenge this week! Love the soft colors and hope they put you in the mind of Spring!

Here's my card using You're Lovely in the Sale-A-Bration catalog. I also used the beautiful Sweet Sorbet Designer Paper that is another option for Sale-A-Bration!

Here are the details:

The base is 4 1/4 x 11 Sahara Sand, folded in half.
I added a 4 x 5 1/4 piece of Pistachio Pudding cardstock.
On it, I added 1 3/4 x 3 1/4 pieces of Sweet Sorbet Designer Paper, rounding the two corners on each piece.
Over those, I added a 1 3/4 x 4 3/4 piece of coordinating Sweet Sorbet DSP and rounded all four corners.
I stamped the floral image with Black Stazon, then watercolored with Pistachio Pudding and Crisp Cantaloupe markers and my AquaPainter. I added the Live Happy greeting in Black Stazon, too.
That was cut with the Deco Label Framelit. Then I matted it by cutting two more Framelits the same size, cutting one in half lengthwise and one in half vertically, then spaced them so it created a mat.
My final touch was to add Sahara Sand Candy Dots on the horizonal pieces.

Make sure to check out the rest of the Create with Connie and Mary Spring Collection Design Team to see what they did this week over on Create with Connie and Mary! And, while you are there, it's not too late to sign up! We still have two full weeks to go…next week is CARD CREATE-TIONS! Nothing but cards!

CCMC288 Cool Kid

January 30, 2014 By Connie | 10 Comments

Today, Create with Connie and Mary has a wonderful color combination! I had so much fun with it! Of course, when I saw it, I immediately thought of using Retro Fresh Designer Paper…several patterns had the exact colors in them. But…what set to use with it??? Cool Kid! I wasn't sure about this set at first, but bought it because of the cat. I'm finding that I've used it quite a few times already! Remember my tutorial on the Tic Tac Toe board I posted a couple weeks ago?

And here is my card!

So here are the details:

The base is 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 Baked Brown Sugar folded in half.
I added a 2 x 5 1/2 piece of Retro Fresh Designer Paper with a strip of Tangerine Tango at the bottom.
I punched the banners from another pattern in Retro Fresh DSP and tucked them under the DSP on the front randomly.
I stamped the dog from Cool Kid with Baked Brown Sugar on Very Vanilla, then colored the boots and cape with Tangerine Tango marker and added a "ground" with the Coastal Cabana marker.
It was cut out with the Circle Framelit, then placed on top of a Tangerine Tango Starburst Framelit. Don't you love those combinations you can make with the framelits???
I stamped Awesome from Cool Kid with Tangerine Tango on Very Vanilla, then cut it with the Word Bubble Framelits.
Finally, I added two Candy Dots in Tangerine Tango above the dog image.

I know…I used 3 sets of Framelits on this card, but really…these are basics that you NEED in your stamping supplies, right? lol! And make sure to check out what the rest of the Challenge Team did over on Create with Connie and Mary!

It's not too late to join our Create with Connie and Mary Spring Collection 2014, featuring the Occasions and Sale-a-bration brochures. We have shown several fun projects so far! When you join, you'll be able to go back and see what we've done AND be one of the first to see the new projects. These are perfect for your classes and stamp camps, or to get EXCLUSIVE ideas on gifts, decorating and cards…you won't see these ideas posted ANYWHERE else! For less than $1 each step-by-step photo tutorial, you get over 18 projects and 24 card ideas at a price of only $29.95 US! Join us today over on Create with Connie and Mary!!!

SUOC89 So Very Grateful

January 28, 2014 By Connie | 4 Comments

Today our theme was One Layer Cards (embellishments ok) over on SUO Challenges! Now…you know me and that is a REAL challenge for me! I just don't DO one layer! Comes from being in so many swaps over the years that require more than one layer! lol! But…I thought this turned out pretty good…and even gives the illusion of more than one layer with the scored edges! I also rounded the bottom corners for a more interesting look.

I've been doing more and more watercoloring with markers this way. I'll first watercolor the image, then after it dries, I go back with the marker along the edges. The AquaPainter lightens the watercolored centers and the straight on marker darkens the edges…I love the contrast!

Here are the details:

The base is 4 1/4 x 11 Whisper White, folded in half.
I scored the edges all around the front of the card at 1/4 and 1/2 to create a double line all around.
I stamped the So Very Grateful flower image with Black Stazon in the lower left corner, then Watercolored with my AquaPainter and Real Red, Crushed Curry, Wisteria Wonder, Old Olive and Gumball Green Markers.
So Sorry is from the So Sorry greeting stamp set and I stamped it in Black Stazon, too.
Finally, I finished the center of the flowers with small Pearls.

I think it works great for a one-layer card, don't you? Make sure to check out what the rest of the SUO Challenge Design Team did over on SUO Challenges!

Happy Watercolor

January 27, 2014 By Connie | 1 Comment

Funny how it works some times. I purchased the Happy Watercolor stamp set thinking that it would be one that I used a lot. I think I've only pulled it out TWICE. One was for my Control Freaks swap that I I haven't posted yet. The other time was to make this card. In fact, this was the prototype for my swap card, but I went in a different direction. I don't know what it is about this stamp set, but I'm having a mental block when I sit down to use it. I've seen some lovely examples…I just don't get inspired. Now…give me Petite Petals…and I can go to town! lol!

Here's what I did:

The base is 4 1/4 x 11 Baked Brown Sugar, folded in half.
On a 4 x 5 1/4 piece of So Saffron cardstock, I added a 1 1/2 x 4 piece of Retro Fresh Designer Paper.
Next I wrapped the Baked Brown Sugar Ruffled Ribbon along the seam and secured it on the back.
I stamped the branch flowers twice with Baked Brown Sugar above the DSP, then colored them with the So Saffron Marker.
I stamped You Make Me Happy with Pool Party Ink and punched with the Decorative Label Punch and placed on the front with Stampin' Dimensionals.
Finally, I made a bow from the Gold Bakers Twine and added it on the stem with a Mini Glue Dot.

I hope you like it! I'm excited because Carter is coming over today to do his Valentines! His mom picked out a design and it is SO cute…I'm excited to help with them!

It's not too late to join! We are JUST starting Week 2 of our Create with Connie and Mary Spring Collection 2014 featuring the Occasions and Sale-a-bration brochures and have shown several fun projects so far! When you join, you'll be able to go back and see what we've done AND be one of the first to see the new projects. These are perfect for your classes and stamp camps, or to get EXCLUSIVE ideas on gifts, decorating and cards…you won't see these ideas posted ANYWHERE else! For less than $1 each step-by-step photo tutorial, you get over 18 projects and 24 card ideas at a price of only $29.95 US! Join us today over on Create with Connie and Mary!!!

Week 1 Spring Collection Challenge

January 25, 2014 By Connie | 5 Comments

We've just come to the end of Week 1 over on Create with Connie and Mary Spring Collection 2014 and we've showed off some fantastic projects! It's not too late to join! On Saturdays, the design team shares their challenge card. It is the only day that both subscribers and non-subscribers see any with the Spring Collection! Find out more details about our Spring Collection 2014 over on Create with Connie and Mary and make sure to check out what the Design Team did with this sketch!

I love this FUN sketch today!

I know, I know…again with the Petite Petals! But…have YOU bought it yet? lol!

And here are the details:

The base is 4 1/4 x 11 Crushed Curry folded in half.
I cut a strip of Basic Black cardstock and punched the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border. I added it behind the right side of the 3 1/4 x 5 1/4 piece of Kaleidoscope Designer Paper and adhered the entire thing along the left edge of the base card.
I used a 1/2 x 3 1/4 piece of Bermuda Bay going across the card and cut a Starburst Framelit from Basic Black and placed on the front.
Then I stamped the small flower from Petite Petals three times with Crushed Curry on Whisper White and punched them out. I also stamped one in Pear Pizzazz and cut it out for the leaves. I adhered them in a cluster on the Starburst Framelit.
For the centers of the flowers, I punched some small circles of Crisp Cantaloupe with the Owl Punch, then added Gold Sequins in the center.
I stamped Happy Birthday from Itty Bitty Banners in Bermuda Bay on Whisper White and cut it out, then placed on the front.
I also added a little bit of the extra Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border in Basic Black as an accent under the greeting as the sketch showed.

It's not too late to join! We are JUST finishing WEEK 1 of our Create with Connie and Mary Spring Collection 2014 featuring the Occasions and Sale-a-bration brochures and have shown several fun projects so far! When you join, you'll be able to go back and see what we've done AND be one of the first to see the new projects. These are perfect for your classes and stamp camps, or to get EXCLUSIVE ideas on gifts, decorating and cards…you won't see these ideas posted ANYWHERE else! For less than $1 each step-by-step photo tutorial, you get over 18 projects and 24 card ideas at a price of only $29.95 US! Join us today over on Create with Connie and Mary!!!

CCMC287 Petite Petals

January 23, 2014 By Connie | 7 Comments

We have a fun sketch challenge for you this week over on Create with Connie and Mary! The shape in the center can be anything, so you'll see below that I used a tag! Some of the other Challenge Team members did fun things with the shape, too!

Here's my card. Yes, I'm still obsessed with Petite Petals…just so much fun with this little shape!

Here are the details:

The base is 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 Island Indigo cardstock.
I embossed the Whisper White layer with the Decorative Dots fold (a Sale-A-Bration selection!)
I cut the flag piece in the center from Watercolor Wonder Designer Paper, it is 1 3/4" x 5".
I used the Scalloped Tag Topper Punch with Crisp Cantaloupe cardstock, then added an 1 3/4" wide panel of Whisper White and stamped You and Me from Perfect Pennants with Island Indigo ink. At the bottom I cut another 1/2" strip of coordinating DSP from Watercolor Wonder DSP package.
I stamped the Petite Petals flower three times with Daffodil Delight and punched them out. In the centers, I added the Gold Sequins. I also stamped one of the flowers with Gumball Green, then cut it up for leaves.
Finally, I added a sprinkling of more Gold Sequins according to the sketch.

Isn't it fun? I'm happy with how it turned out!

Make sure to check out what the rest of the Create with Connie and Mary Challenge Team did with the sketch challenge over on Create with Connie and Mary.

It's not too late to join! We are JUST starting our Create with Connie and Mary Spring Collection 2014 featuring the Occasions and Sale-a-bration brochures and have shown several fun projects so far! When you join, you'll be able to go back and see what we've done AND be one of the first to see the new projects. These are perfect for your classes and stamp camps, or to get EXCLUSIVE ideas on gifts, decorating and cards…you won't see these ideas posted ANYWHERE else! For less than $1 each step-by-step photo tutorial, you get over 18 projects and 24 card ideas at a price of only $29.95 US! Join us today over on Create with Connie and Mary!!!