Hand Stamped Sentiments #73: So Charming

Happy Tuesday to you! 

This week over at Hand Stamped Sentiments, we have a very "charming" challenge. 

For my project I made a gift set. I decorated a Pomegranate Lemonade 4oz. filled candle from Bath & Body Works and made a coordinating 3x3 gift card. I decided to use my Trinket Crown charms and from there my project morphed into a very "royal" theme. 

As I dressed up my candle with the new Flirtatious DSP, I couldn't help but want to give the candle lid the "royal treatment", too. I used the Eyelet Border punch to dress the lid up in sparkly style. The lid can actually be used to set the candle on while it burns, too. (*Note: I used Sticky Strip to adhere everything to the candle to give it some extra hold with the heat of the candle,)

For the coordinating gift card, I just repeated a lot of the same elements that I used on the candle. I used the "Enjoy" sentiment because this can be a fun gift for a friend's birthday, a congratulations gift, or simply a gift to tell your friend how truly wonderful they really are. Throw it all together in a pretty pink gift bag and you have a treat fit for a queen...or at least a "Queen for a Day"! 

We sure hope you will join us this week at Hand Stamped Sentiments with YOUR charming creations! Don't have any Stampin' Up! charms? Not to worry. We welcome you to use any brand of charms you have...we just want you to have some FUN! Thanks for stopping by and visiting! 

Have a HAPPY day today! :)


Stampin' Up! Supply List: 
Stamps: You're a Gem
Paper :  Flirtatious DSP, Melon Mambo, Pretty in Pink and Whisper White card stock
Ink: Melon Mambo Classic ink
Accessories: Eyelet Border punch, 1" Circle punch, 1 1/4" Circle punch, 1 5/8" x 7/8" Oval punch, Scalloped Oval punch, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing folder, Melon Mambo Pom Pom trim (ret.), Silver Elastic Cord (ret.), Trinket Crown charms, Basic Rhinestones, Sticky Strip and Stampin' Dimensionals
Non-SU! Accessories: Bath & Body Works 4 oz Pomegranate Lemonade filled candle

Paper Players Challenge #53-A Sketch Challenge

Hello and Happy Sunday to you! It's that time again. Time for another fun challenge over at the Paper Players. This week our fearless leader, Lesley, has whipped up a super sketch to try. Also, it is the 1-year anniversary of the Paper Players blog! How great is that? We hope you will join us in the celebration this week! 

For my card, I decided to showcase the brand new Pocketful of Posies DSP coming out in the new Stampin' Up! Catalog on July 1st. I love this color combo of Early Espresso, Baja Breeze, Soft Suede and Whisper White. I originally was going to make a masculine-themed card with this mix, but remembered that I needed an anniversary card...so that's what I went with. The list of supplies can be found at the end of the post. 

Here is a quick shot of the inside of the card, using a sentiment from the (ret.) Best Yet set: 

We sure hope you will join us, with your creation, over at the Paper Players. Be sure to hop on over to visit the rest of the Design Team to see their lovely creations: 

The Paper Players Design Team: 

Ann Schach

Lesley Croghan 

Jaydee

LeAnne Pugliese

Nance Leedy

Lauri Ingram

Sandra Azzopardi

Cindy Beach - June GD

Thank you so much for stopping by. Before I go, I wanted to share a "special" photo of mine, not only for my fellow Paper Players DT gals (*wink, wink*), but because I really think everyone can enjoy this one. That's right, even Matt Damon LOVES the Paper Players...and that is a REALLY good reason to play along this week! :)  

Have a HAPPY day today! 


Stampin' Up! Supply List: 
Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes and Best Yet (ret.) 
Ink: Early Espresso Classic ink
Paper: Pocketful of Posies.DSP (new 2011-2012 catty), Early Espresso, Baja Breeze and Whisper White card stock
Accessories:  1 3/8" Circle punch, Scalloped Circle punch, 2-Step Bird punch, Signo Uni-Ball White Gel pen, Stampin' Dimensionals and Basic Rhinestones

Butterfly Thanks for PPA 98

Two posts in one day is almost unheard of for me, but I wanted to post my card for the Pals Paper Arts challenge before the challenge ended. Also, I'm super honored and excited to share that last week I was chosen as a Pals Paper Artist Pick. :) You can view my card by clicking HERE. I am so inspired by the awesome creativity that is shared there every week, not only from their uber-talented DT but from everyone who plays along in the challenges. This week at PPA, they have a shared a great sketch:

I pulled out my NEW Just Add Cake DSP (coming out July 1st) and the Flower Fest set from the Summer Mini catalog for this one. There is just something about this paper that instantly makes me happy...which is odd because there isn't any PINK to be found in it, anywhere! I just love the mix of soft colors and the fun polka dots.  

I think I am one of the last people on the planet to discover the "cute-ness" of the Butterfly punch. I recently purchased it and can't seem to stop using it! :) I layered my butterflies for some dimension and heat embossed the little guys for added shine. I used Versamark ink and Clear Embossing Powder. You can see this better by clicking on the photo above. Their little "antenna's" were made with Silver Elastic cord. After adding the bling, I thought the "You're a Gem" sentiment seemed like a fun match. 

I used some scraps from the front of the card to decorate the inside, as usual. See how that sentiment is stamped on layered punches? That was NOT on purpose! It is covering up the VERY crooked sentiment I stamped the first time around. Oops! 


Thanks so much for stopping by! 
Have a very HAPPY day today! :) 


Stampin' Up! Supply List: 
Stamps: Flower Fest (Summer Mini Catty), You're a Gem and Sincere Salutations (inside)
Ink: Versamark and Wild Wasabi Classic ink
Paper: Just Add Cake DSP (New 2011-2012 catty), Wild Wasabi, Baja Breeze, So Saffron, Peach Parfait and Whisper White card stock 
Accessories: Butterfly punch, 1" Circle punch, 1 1/4" Circle punch, 1 3/8" Circle punch, Scallop Border punch , Decorative Label punch (inside), XL Oval punch (inside), Silver Elastic Cord (ret.), Basic Rhinestones, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing folder, Sticky Strip, Clear Embossing powder, Heat Tool, Embossing Buddy and Stampin' Dimensionals

Hand Stamped Sentiments #72: Stars and Stripes

Hello and Happy Tuesday to you! I'm excited to share the new, weekly challenge over at Hand Stamped Sentiments. After taking a week off, I am really excited to be back. This week we are celebrating the "Stars & Stripes",  to get ready for the upcoming July 4th holiday. We hope you will join us! 

I don't typically make cards for July 4th, but I ALWAYS need cards for our military friends. I used the Land of the Free stamp from the SU! Summer Mini catalog for this one. I wanted to keep it simple and still showcase the theme. I stamped the main image and the star accents (from the NEW Pennant Parade stamp set) in Versamark ink and heat embossed with Gold Embossing Powder. 


I used Brushed Gold card stock to compliment the embossing. For the panel behind the main image, I made some "stripes" using my score board and a bone folder, every 1/4 inch. Initially, I used a Paper Crimper, but liked this result better. 

Finally, here is a quick shot of the inside of the card. I will add a sentiment when the occasion presents itself (although, I am hoping that it will be used for a well-deserved promotion that will be announced later this week): 

We hope you will play along this week at Hand Stamped Sentiments. Please hop on over to the site and see what the rest of the lovely ladies on the DT have created for your inspiration. 

Thanks so much for stopping by! Enjoy your day today! :) 

**Click HERE to shop for Stampin' Up! products 24/7**

Stampin' Up! Supply List: 
Stamps: Land of the Free (Summer Mini catty)  and Pennant Parade (New 2011-2012 catty)
Paper: Not Quite Navy, Cherry Cobbler, Brushed Gold and Whisper White card stock
Ink: Versamark ink
Accessories: Gold Embossing powder, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Ittty Bitty Punch pack, 3/4" Circle punch, Star punch, 1" Circle punch, Scallop Trim Border punch, Heat Tool, Bone Folder and Stampin' Dimensionals
Non SU! accessories: scoring board

Paper Players Challenge #52-Jaydee's CAS Challenge

It's Sunday and that means it's time for another fun challenge over at the Paper Players. It is also Father's Day, so I'm wishing a great day to all the Dad's out there. :)  This week, the fabulous Jaydee is our hostess and she has whipped up another one of her awesome CAS (clean and simple) sketches. 

For this one, I decided to break open some of the NEW In Colors that Stampin' Up! will be releasing July 1st. I pulled out my trusty Color Coach to help out with the color combo. I can't say enough how much I LOVE this handy tool for inspiration.

The stamp set is a new Hostess set that will also be coming out on July 1st, called Simply Soft. It is a "two-step" set but I decided to use the outline stamp and color it in with Blender Pens and Classic ink pads. I really like "two-step stamping", but I get a little antsy when I can't get it to line up perfectly...even though I know it really isn't supposed to. It's just a quirk of mine. :) 

I also roughed up the edges with the 7-Sided Distressing Tool and then used the Color Spritzer Tool to add some detail using Wisteria Wonder and Lucky Limeade markers.

I sure hope you will join us over at the Paper Players this week with your take on this CAS sketch. Be sure to pop on over to visit the other Design Team members to see what they have created for your inspiration. 

The Paper Players Design Team

Ann Schach

Lesley Croghan

Jaydee

Lauri Ingram

LeAnne Pugliese

Nance Leedy

Sandra Azzopardi

Cindy Beach GD

Thanks for visiting! Have a very happy day today! :) 

*Click HERE to order Stampin' Up! 24/7*

Stampin' Up! Supply List: 
Stamps: Simply Soft (new hostess set) and You're a Gem
Paper: Wisteria Wonder, Lucky Limeade, Elegant Eggplant and Whisper White card stock
Ink: Elegant Eggplant, Wisteria Wonder, Lucky Limeade Classic ink
Accessories: Color Spritzer Tool, 7-Sided Distressing Tool, Finial Press Embossing Folder, Wisteria Wonder & Lucky Limeade Stampin' Write markers, Elegant Eggplant Grosgrain ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals and Basic Rhinestones

Paper Players Challenge #51-A Color Challenge

Howdy! Happy Sunday to you, although my post is much later then usual today. My husband and I hosted a "Texas-sized" party last night and our weekend has just been crazy, to say the least. I learned a few things this weekend, though: never go to Costco on a Saturday afternoon expecting to get "in and out" quickly, my house is completely NOT child-proof and we truly have some fantastic friends. :) 

Back to the post at hand...It's time for a new weekly challenge over at The Paper Players! Ann is our hostess this week and she has picked a super-fantastic color combo to try! How can you go wrong with Melon Mambo, Wild Wasabi and Daffodil Delight? These are some HAPPY colors, for sure. We would love to see your creations...if you don't have these exact colors, use something similar. Just have some fun! 

I used three new items from the upcoming 2011-2012 SU! Catalog for this one: the Pennant Parade stamp set, the coordinating Petite Pennants Builder punch and Just Add Cake DSP. This was at the request of one of our guests last night, who was infatuated with my craft room. She is 5 years old and thought that the punch was the coolest thing EVER. She suggested I make a card with it soon, so here it is! :) 

I went with three main elements on this card: polka dots, dimension and punches. I also threw in some bling, for fun. Why not? All the supplies used are listed at the end of this post. 

Here is the decorated inside of the card: 

Thanks for stopping by today! Please hop on over to The Paper Players blog to take a peek at the awesome inspiration from the rest of the Design Team. We hope you will join us this week and try out this fun color combo, too. :) 

Have a great day! 
*CLICK HERE to shop for Stampin' Up! 24/7*


Stampin' Up! Supply List: 
Stamps: Pennant Parade (New in 2011-2012 catalog)
Ink: Daffodil Delight, Melon Mambo and Wild Wasabi Classic ink
Paper: Just Add Cake DSP (New in 2011-2012 catalog), Daffodil Delight, Melon Mambo, Wild Wasabi and Whisper White card stock
Accessories: Petite Pennants Builder punch (New in 2011-2012 catalog), 3/4" Circle punch, 1" Circle punch (inside), 1 1/4" Circle punch (inside), Large Star punch, Scallop Border punch, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border punch, Daffodil Delight 1/4" Grosgrain ribbon, Baker's Twine, Melon Mambo jumbo button (ret), Perfect Polks Dots Embossing folder, Stampin' Dimensionals, Glue Dots and Basic Rhinestones
 (inside)Non SU! Accessories: scalloped rectangle die cut

Doiley Mojo and a Sneak Peek

Hello there and Happy Friday to you! Where did this week go? Whew, it sure flew by for me. I have been on a bit of a creative hiatus lately, not really sure why. On Wednesday, I received a special delivery, via UPS, containing some brand-spankin' new Stampin' Up! goodies (and the new catalog, too!). Hooray! I finally had some time today to break into everything and create. Slight problem...I had NO mojo. I decided to turn to two of my favorite challenge sites to give me a much needed, creative "kick in the pants". When mojo is lacking, what better place to go then the Mojo Monday blog? I am always inspired by the awesome sketches there and this was no exception.

Next up, I hopped on over to Pals Paper Arts (where you can always count on some fabulous, creative ideas) and their challenge this week is to "show us your signature style". I had a sketch, I had a box of new supplies...and NOW I knew exactly what I wanted to do! 

Whenever I am in a creative slump, two things always bump me out of it: the color PINK and anything SPARKLY. if you have visited before, you know this to be true. I don't really know what my "style" is, but I think it has something to do with the things that make you happy when you create. That was my motivation. :) 


This card has a couple of *sneak peeks* to share, too. I used the new Flirtatious Specialty DSP, the Delicate Doilies stamp set and the Lace Border punch (inside) which will be available July 1st. Two of my favorite colors are showcased in that paper: Melon Mambo and Pretty In Pink. Love it! 

I created the fan-fold flower from the 2 3/8" Scalloped Circle punch, CLICK HERE for a link to a tutorial from the lovely Nance Leedy. I topped off my flower with a layered, stamped image from the Delicate Doilies set, which happens to coordinate perfectly with the Doiley Triple Layer punch. I dressed it up with some rhinestones and there you have it. The polka dot ribbon is retired, but there may, or may not, be something comparable in the new catty. I just can't say. ;) 

Finally, here is the inside of the card: 

Thanks for stopping by today! I'm off to finish getting my house in order for a party we are hosting tomorrow night. So much to do, so litle time. Eeek! Please stop by and visit again soon. Have a HAPPY rest of your day! :) 

Stampin' Up! Supply List: 
Stamps: Delicate Doilies (in the 2011-2012 catty July 1st) and Something to Celebrate (sentiment from ret, hostess set) 
Paper: Flirtatious Specialty DSP, Pretty in Pink, Melon Mambo and Whisper White card stock
Ink: Melon Mambo Classic ink
Accessories: Square Lattice Embossing folder, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing folder, Lace Border punch, 2 3/8" Scalloped Circle punch, Doiley Triple Layer punch, 1" circle punch (for scalloped trim on the front of the card), Silver Elastic cord (ret), Melon Mambo Polka Dot ribbon (ret.), Stampin' Dimensionals, Sticky Strip and Basic Rhinestones

Hand Stamped Sentiments #70: Father's Day Challenge

Hello there! It's Tuesday and that means it is time for another fun challenge at Hand Stamped Sentiments. This week, it's all about the guys with our Masculine/Father's Day challenge. We sure hope you will join us this week and play along. :) 

For my card, I realized, yet again, that I really need to add more masculine sets to my "stamping arsenal". I used a retired set, Plane and Simple for this one. I was SO hoping it would make it into the new catalog coming up July 1st.  But, it was not meant to be. Still, this is a set I will continue to hang on to. 

I don't know about you, but I tend to struggle with "guy cards". This gal LOVES her bling and it is often tough for me to remember that "less is more" when it comes to cards with a masculine theme. I went to my "dude consultant" (aka: my hubby) for some feedback on this one.

The stamped image and sentiment are both heat embossed for some extra pop. The airplane image was then distressed, with a few different tools. First, I used the Color Spritzer tool with both a Cajun Craze and a More Mustard Stampin' Write Marker. Then, I sponged More Mustard ink towards the center of the image. Another sponge with Cajun Craze ink was used around the outside of the card stock where the image was stamped. Lastly, I took a Sponge Dauber with Always Artichoke ink and dabbed ink over the embossed image and also around the outer edges of the card stock. I also used sponging and the Color Spritzer tool on all of the the other layers, too.  

Since I was restricted from adding sparkly bling, I went with LOTS of dimension. Every layer is popped up using a lot of Stampin' Dimensionals. A complete list of products used can be found at the end of the post, too. 

Finally, here is the finished inside of the card. This one is actually for my step-father. I am almost 100% certain he doesn't visit my blog on a regular basis, so I'm not going to ruin the surprise. :) 

Please hop on over to the Hand Stamped Sentiments blog and check out what the rest of the gals on the Design Team have created. We would love it if you would join in the fun with this week's challenge. Thanks for visiting! 

Have a very HAPPY day! :) 
*Click HERE to shop for Stampin' Up! 24/7*

Stampin' Up! Supply List: 
Stamps: Plane and Simple (ret.) and Something to Celebrate (ret. hostess sentiment)
Ink: Basic Black Craft ink, Always Artichoke, More Mustard, Cajun Craze Classic ink 
Paper: To the Nines Specialty DSP (ret., inside), Cajun Craze, Always Artichoke, More Mustard and Very Vanilla card stock
Accessories: Clear Embossing powder, Cajun Craze, More Mustard, Always Artichoke Stampin' Write Marker, Color Spritzer Tool, Sponges, Sponge Daubers, star brad (ret.), silver brads, Stampin' Dimensionals and Framed Tulips Embossing folder
Non SU! Accessories: striped embossing folder

Paper Players Challenge #50-Kind Thanks

Hello and Happy Sunday to you! What a crazy, busy week I had last week...sheesh! I was super excited to finally get some time to create a card, for the new challenge at the The Paper Players. LeAnne is our fabulous host this week and she has challenged us to a "Thank You" theme. We are also excited to share creations from our new Summer DT members: Lauri Ingram & Sandra Azzopardi and our June Guest Designer: Cindy Beach. SO excited to work with these lovely ladies! 

For my card, I decided to use my Punch Potpourri (hostess, level 1) stamp set and the coordinating Butterfly punch, two items that have been sitting unused in my stamp room for entirely too long. I also used the new Paisley Petals DSP that is coming out in the new SU! catalog, which releases July 1st. The colors in this paper are gorgeous and any chance to use some Cherry Cobbler is always a good thing. I decided to layer my butterflies and pop them up to give some extra dimension. The middle layer is light-weight vellum. I really need to use vellum more often. In hindsight, I think I should have spritzed the vellum layer with shimmmer spray....hmmm! For a complete list of supplies used, please see the end of this post. 

Here is the finished inside of the card, ready for a hand-written thank you note: 

I also wanted to share a photo from the awesome day my hubby and I spent at the lake, yesterday. We had a party with some wonderful friends and even though it was ridiculously HOT, we couldn't have asked for a better day. We enjoyed fun in the sun, plenty of Texas BBQ and LOTS of laughter. Although, my skin has somewhat of a Cherry Cobbler tone to it right now, as I did not use enough sunscreen. Eeek! :) 

Thanks so much for stopping by! Please pay a visit to the The Paper Players and check out what the rest of the Design Team have whipped up this week. We sure hope you will play along with YOUR "Kind Thanks" project.

The Paper Players Design Team

Ann Schach

Lesley Croghan

Jaydee

Lauri Ingram

LeAnne Pugliese

Nance Leedy

Sandra Azzopardi
Cindy Beach (June Guest Designer)

Before you leave, please leave me a comment to say hello. 

Have a very HAPPY day today! :)

Click HERE to order Stampin' Up! 24/7! 

Stampin' Up! Supply List: 

Stamps: Punch Potpourri (hostess, level 1) and Day of Gratitude (sentiment)

Paper: Paisley Petals DSP, Vellum, Cherry Cobbler, Always Artichoke, More Mustard and Very Vanilla card stock

Ink: Cherry Cobbler, More Mustard and Always Artichoke Classic ink

Accessories: Butterfly XL punch, 1 3/8" x 5/8" Oval punch, 1 3/4" x 7/8" Oval punch, Scallop Trim Border punch, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Cherry Cobbler seam binding, Chantilly Lace 1/2" Crochet trim, Basic Pearls and Stampin' Dimensionals