Paper Players #173 - Shaped Cards and Shopping!

Hi there! I haven't fallen off the face of the planet, I promise. I'm back with my project for the fun challenge over at the Paper Players! This week, my fabulous friend Jaydee is hosting a "Shaped Card" challenge. How cool is that?! Speaking of cool...we have a crazy cold front here in South Texas right now. I know that 38 degrees might not seem that cold to some of you, but we are shivering down here! Ack! Please send sweaters and hot chocolate! :)

I have honestly had a crazy week. Like "try not to eat carbs because you are stressed" week. I didn't cave though. It was tough!! When I finally sat down to create a project for this challenge, I didn't know what to do. So, I went for a walk to pick up the mail and inside the mailbox was a pretty envelope containing the holiday catalog from Tiffany & Co. That was my inspiration for the challenge. 

So, in my homage to Tiffany & Co. I created a little "purse card" in Coastal Cabana with some sparkly, girly accents. I used the Eastern Elegance DSP for some pattern and dressed it up a bit. My handbag card was cut by hand (no pattern), which is something I think I have done only one other time. It might not be perfect but it was fun to create. I used an oval die cut to trim round the handle of the purse, then punched out the "middle" of the handle with the XL Oval punch. I am actually going make a few adjustments to the measurements to make this a gift card holder for an upcoming class...and possibly a tutorial.

Please join us over at the Paper Players!  The challenge is open through Friday, November 29th, 2013 at Noon (PDT). Stop by and say hello to the rest of the Design Team to see what they are sharing this week.   

The Paper Players Design Team

Ann Schach

Anne Marie Hile 
Jaydee

LeAnne Pugliese

Nance Leedy

Sandy Mathis

Before I sign off...I have to share some news. Remember our little three-legged foster kitty Tony "Triple" Paws? Well, he is officially part of our family. He has been with us as a foster since May and did not have ONE single inquiry for adoption through the rescue. Can you believe it? Well, 6 months later, he has blossomed from a scared, angry little guy into a friendly, curious kitty. Not to mention he is adorable! He fits in so well with our family, we honestly felt it wouldn't be fair to him to take him from a life he has come to finally trust after everything he has been through. Triple is adopted and officially part of our pack! :)

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Perfect Blend for Paper Players #152

Hello there stamping friends! This week at the Paper Players, the ever-talented LeAnne is our hostess with a fabby "tic-tac-toe" challenge. Pick a line, across...down...or diagonally. Or if you are a SERIOUS over-achiever, go for the whole sha-bang and create a project featuring the entire board. For my card, I successfully achieved 5 of the nine "squares"...the bottom row and half of the middle row. I am on a huge kick with the color yellow right now, so I couldn't resist.

After I saw the new Stampin' Up catalog, the FIRST set I added to my wish list was Perfect Blend. As a self-admitted Starbucks addict, it called my name...in a really loud and overly-caffeinated way. Lol! I have also been itching to crack open my new Soho Subway DSP.  I'm originally from New York...NOT the "city" but "upstate". Something about this paper and the stamp set make me long for a trip back East...and coffee. Yes, I need coffee! 

For the embossed element, I used both "dry-embossing" on the background DSP and the scalloped edge border. I "wet embossed" the coffee cup and attempted to shade it with a sponge dauber and a marker. I suck at distressing, I know this. Oh, and the sentiment is MEANT to be distressed...It wasn't me being a messy stamper. Haha! I paper-pieced, cut-out and popped-up the image. It's a simple card, with little details...I kind of like it! All of the supplies used to create this card are listed at the end of this post. 

Please join us over at the Paper Players this week. The challenge is open through Friday, July 5th, 2013 at Noon (PDT). Stop by and say hello to the rest of the Design Team. They are an amazing group of gals and I am honored to work with them every week. 

The Paper Players Design Team

Ann Schach

Anne Marie Hile

Jaydee

LeAnne Pugliese

Nance Leedy

Before I go, I wanted to share a photo of our little foster "prince" Tony Triple Paws. He is still with us and really coming out of his shell...slowly but surely. He is BFF's with the other kitties and loves lounging around. Isn't he gorgeous?

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Stampin' Up! Supply List

Stamps: Perfect Blend

Paper:  Soho Subway DSP, Early Espresso and Very Vanilla card stock 

Ink: Early Espresso, Crumb Cake Classic Ink and Versa-Mark Ink

Accessories: Large Scallop Die, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Houndstooth Embossing Folder, Summer Starfruit 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon, Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool,  Basic Pearls, Big Shot and Stampin' Dimensionals

Christmas Lodge for Paper Players #114

Hello there! I hope this post actually shows up, as I am having MAJOR woes with Blogger right now. I keep getting a nasty "error" message and I am trying to sneak in this post while Blogger lets me. Eeek! So, it's Sunday and time for another fun challenge over at the Paper Players. This week, the super-fabulous Ann Schach is our hostess with an awesome sketch challenge.  

I decided to create a Christmas card with this sketch, partially because the stamp sets (Christmas Cottage and Joyous Celebrations) were sitting on my desk already. I saw them...and the sketch...and thought "yes, this could work".  Also sitting on my desk was the Festival of Prints Designer Series Paper Stack from the SU! Holiday catalog. I picked a pattern from the stack and let that be my guide for the color combo on this one: Cherry Cobbler, Bashful Blue and Very Vanilla. 

The cottage and sentiment were heat embossed using black craft ink and clear embossing powder. I added some snowy detail to the lodge with Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, I also sponged the edges with Bashful Blue ink. As a tribute to our challenge hostess, I decided to dress up my card with some pearls...because they are an "Ann-approved" supply! 

Finally, a quick shot of the inside of the card, using a sentiment from the Occasional Quotes (ret.) set: 

I hope you will join us this week at the Paper Players and give this awesome sketch a go. The challenge closes on Friday September, 28th at Noon (PDT). Have a look at what the rest of the gals on the Design Team have created for inspiration this week: 

The Paper Players Design Team

Ann Schach

Anne Marie Hile (you are here)

Amy White

Dawn Easton

Helen Heil

Jaydee

Jen Arkfield

LeAnne Pugliese

Nance Leedy

But before I go...I "have" to post a shot of Abby, by demand. 

This kitten has her own fan club, I tell you! 

Although, from this shot, she is simply TOO exhausted to think about it! 

Stampin' Up! Supply List

COMING SOON! As soon as Blogger releases me from "time-out" I will add the supply list. This post took 3x as long as it normally does to post with the glitch and I am kind of sleepy. Stay tuned!! :) 

You're Amazing for {DD#21} and {FMS#53}

Hello there stamping friends! It's Saturday and that means it is time for another fab color combo over at Dynamic Duos. This week we are keeping it "monochromatic" and GREEN with Certainly Celery and Always Artichoke. 

I used the sketch design from Tui at Freshly Made Sketches for my inspiration for this one. It was a fun layout to showcase some scraps of DSP (Designer Series Paper) that perfectly matched the color combo I was working with. 

I paired the You're Amazing stamp set with the coordinating Apothecary Accents Framelits for the main image. I stamped the image in Always Artichoke and colored in the "amazing" with Certainly Celery ink and a Blender Pen. I added some bling and some Crystal Effects to make it pop a little more. The Essentials Paper Piercing Pack helped add a little flair around the edges of the sentiment. I personally think that is a "must-have" if you have the coordinating dies. It's super-easy and adds a lot of extra detail. 

I hope you will join us this week at Dynamic Duos and play along. The challenge closes Thursday, September 27th at 12 Noon (PDT). Check out what the rest of the gals on the Design Team have created for inspiration: 

The Dynamic Duos Designers:

Allisa Chilton

Allyson Anderson (GD)

Anne Marie Hile

Anika Lerche

Karen Aicken (GD)

Lesley Croghan

Lisa Elton

Michelle Bala (GD)

Melissa Chipperfield

Paige Grabau

Sue Joyce 

Before I head out, I wanted to share a photo of Abby, our "foster kitty". I have had a LOT of emails asking about her and thought I would share a recent photo of her doing what she does best...being CUTE!

Have a HAPPY day! :) 

Stampin' Up! Supply List

Stamps: You're Amazing

Paper: Subtles and Regals DSP Paper Stacks, Always Artichoke, Crumb Cake and Very Vanilla card stock

Ink: Always Artichoke and Certainly Celery Classic ink

Accessories: Blender Pens, Certainly Celery Buttons, Lucky Limeade Baker's Twine (it looks like Certainly Celery), Essentials Paper Piercing Pack, Paper Piercing Tool, Crystal Effects, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Basic Rhinestones, Mini Glue Dots and Stampin' Dimensionals

Wicked Googly Halloween for {PP#113}

Hi there! It's Sunday and time for another challenge at the Paper Players. This week, Nance is our fabulous hostess. It's CAS (clean and simple) week and the twist on the challenge is to feature some banners on your project.

So, I am not the queen of CAS, by admission. I try...but I have a slight addiction to layers and therefore, will never ROCK the CAS-style. I had an idea in my head for this card and it didn't really come together like I wanted it to. Sorry, friends...I am failing in the crafty world lately. Someone call the "Mojo Fairy" because I need her help!!! Bibbity bobbity...just get it together AM! :)

I broke out the new Howlstooth and Scaringbone  DSP for my card. I really wanted to focus on the patterns and add some extra charm from the Googly Ghouls stamp set. My goal was to have the spider peeking out from the middle banner....I added a pop of sparkle behind the spider to make this creepy-crawler stand out. The spider and the sentiment were heat embossed for some extra shine. All of the supplies I used are listed at the end of the post. 

I hope you will join us and play along at the Paper Players this week! Please stop by and see what the rest of the Design Team have created for inspiration with this "banner-tastic" challenge. 

The Paper Players Design Team

Ann Schach

Anne Marie Hile (you are here)

Amy White

Dawn Easton

Helen Heil

Jaydee

Jen Arkfield

LeAnne Pugliese

Nance Leedy

Ok, to further confirm my "crazy cat-lady" status, That is a joke...you do NOT really have to confirm that. I'm not QUITE there, YET. But I have to add an Abby photo to today's post. Here is a shot of her playing with my husband's iPhone. Yes, he downloaded some apps for the kitten. Yes, they do have apps for kitties! Crazy, right??

Stampin' Up! Supply List

Stamps: Googly Ghouls and Wicked Cool

Paper: Howlstooth and Scaringbone DSP, Silver Glimmer Paper, Basic Black, Very Vanilla and Tangerine Tango card stock

Ink: Basic Black Craft ink and Basic Black Classic ink

Punches: 1" Circle punch, 1- 1/4" Circle punch, Large Oval Punch, Modern Label punch and 1- 1/4" square punch (to make the banners)

Accessories: Silver Elastic Cord (ret.) Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Googly Eyes, Basic Rhinestones and Stampin' Dimensionals

Not So Frightening Feline {DD#20}

Hello there! Another week has come and gone and it's time for a new Dynamic Duos challenge. This week we are dressing things up with a "Black Tie"color combo of Basic Black and Lucky Limeade. The twist of this challenge is that you can also add some "dessert" to your creation by making a Halloween themed project. Spooktacular! 

I used the awesome sketch over at Mojo Monday for my card layout. As soon as I saw it, I knew I wanted to give it a go! Hooray for banners!

I have to admit, my mojo has been struggling lately. This one was kind of tough to get going and I'm not 100% sure I love the result. But I tried and that's what counts, right? I used the Frightening Feline stamp for the first time for this one. The image was heat embossed with Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder for some added pop. The main photo of the card is terrible, sorry...I will re-shoot it tomorrow.

I have determined that, for me, the best way to get out of the "mojo rut" is to drag out the bling...so that is what I did. (Who am I kidding...I didn't "drag" out the bling. It is ALWAYS on my desk!) Might be a little excessive but honestly, can you ever have TOO much sparkle? It looks pretty cool in person, I promise!

Please stop by and join us this week at Dynamic Duos! The rest of the Design Team have whipped up some awesome inspiration, too.

The Dynamic Duos Designers:

Allisa Chilton

Allyson Anderson (GD)

Anne Marie Hile

Anika Lerche

Karen Aicken (GD)

Lesley Croghan

Lisa Elton

Michelle Bala (GD)

Melissa Chipperfield

Paige Grabau

Sue Joyce 

Speaking of "not so frightening felines"...I couldn't leave without sharing a photo of Abby. Look at her! Don't you just want to hug her fluffy face?? GAH! When she plays, she needs to get EVERY toy out of her little basket. it's too cute! I shared this photo on Instagram the other day...anyone else hooked on Instagram? Love it!! :) 

Stampin' Up! Supply List: 

Stamps: Frightening Feline, Mixed Medley (spiderweb) and Teeny Tiny Wishes 

Paper: Lucky Limeade, Basic Gray and Basic Black card stock

Ink: Basic Black Craft ink

Punches: Word Window punch, 1- 1/4" Square punch (for banner tails), 1" Circle punch and 1/2" Circle punch

Accessories: Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder, Chevron Embossing Folder, Heat Tool, Basic Rhinestones and Stampn' Dimensionals

Non-SU! Accessories: circle and scallop circle die

Layered Labels Wedding for {PP#112}

Hellooo there stampers! Hope you are having an awesome day out there. I wanted to share my card for this week's challenge over at the Paper Players! This week, Lesley is our hostess and she has a fab color trio to try. 

I had a wedding card to make for our cousin and for some reason these colors seemed like they would be an elegant mix for the occasion. I got the inspiration for my layout from the sketch over at the Create with Connie and Mary challenge. They always have such great sketch ideas! :) 

Overall, the card is pretty simple, just a lot of layers...I love layers! Haha! I added some bling and Glimmer Brads to dress things up along with a pretty satin bow. The framed sentiment from the Layered Labels stamp set was heat embossed, too. I love that there are matching die cuts for that set in the Apothecary Accents Framelits dies. So easy! The scallop trim punched border, under the die cut sentiment, was added after the card was put together. Gotta love when you almost rip a card apart to add an element. *sigh* But I love the added pop it gave the card and I hope the happy couple loves the card, too. 

I hope you will join us over at the Paper Players this week and play along! Stop by and visit the rest of the gals on the Design Team to say hello and see what they whipped up with the colors. The challenge closes on Friday, September 14th at Noon (PDT). 

The Paper Players Design Team

Ann Schach

Anne Marie Hile (you are here)

Amy White

Dawn Easton

Jaydee

Jen Arkfield

LeAnne Pugliese

Nance Leedy

One more thing, before I sign off...how about a cute kitten photo to make you say "awww"? Little Miss Abby (our foster kitty) has been doing very well, although I kind of forgot how much work little kittens can be. But she's so stinkin' cute, we really don't mind too much. 

Have a HAPPY day! :) 

Stampin' Up! Supply List

Stamps: Layered Labels

Paper: Baja Breeze, Basic Black and Basic Gray card stock

Ink: Basic Black Craft ink

Punches: Scallop Border Punch

Accessories: Lacy Brocade Embossing Folder, Stripes Embossing Folder, Apothecary Accents Framelits, CLear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Black Glimmer Brads, Black Satin Ribbon (ret.), Basic Rhinestones and Stampin' Dimensionals

Day of Gratitude Thanks for {DD#19}

Hey, hey..it's Saturday! Where did the week go? Yikes...I need a couple of days back. How about you?  Never-the-less, it IS Saturday and time for another fab color combo at Dynamic Duos. This week, we are going subtle with a couple of rich and regal colors: Cajun Craze and Always Artichoke. Admittedly, NOT my two most favorite colors ever, but you know what? They really look awesome together!! 

I used the sketch from Fab Friday Challenge as the inspiration for my card layout. My blogging buddy, Mindy, just started her challenge blog and I couldn't wait to play along. 

I'm excited that it is almost fall...well, that is the case for anywhere OTHER then South Texas. So as we experience our "cool front" this weekend in the low 90-degrees, I will live vicariously through those of you that really ARE experiencing the start of the fall season. *said with a hint of jealousy*

You know how you have a few stamp sets that you will always gravitate toward? The Day of Gratitude set is one of those sets for me. I love how those images look stamped in ANY color. For my card, I fussy-cut the leaves. I also sponged ink on the edges to cover-up my poor cutting skills. Lol! I listed all of the supplies for this card at then end of the post, if you are interested.

Before I sign off, I wanted to share one of the reasons why I have been missing from the blogging world recently. Along with recovering from foot surgery, my husband and I decided earlier this week to foster a kitten from a local shelter. I will share her story in an upcoming post...trust me, you will want to have some tissues handy. But until then, let me introduce: Miss Abby! 

The cuteness is at a ridiculous level with this little 7-week-old furball...who eats a LOT!

Please stop by and visit the Dynamic Duos challenge this week and try out this fabby color combo. The rest of the gals on the Design Team have created some awesome projects for inspiration, as well. Stop by and say hello. The challenge closes Thursday, September 13, 2012 at Noon (PST).  

The Dynamic Duos Designers:

Allisa Chilton

Allyson Anderson (GD)

Anne Marie Hile

Anika Lerche

Karen Aicken (GD)

Lesley Croghan

Lisa Elton

Michelle Bala (GD)

Melissa Chipperfield

Paige Grabau

Sue Joyce

Have a very HAPPY day! :)

Stampin' Up! Supply List

Stamps: Day of Gratitude and Full of Life (inside sentiment, retired)

Paper: Regals DSP Paper Pad, Cajun Craze, Always Artichoke and River Rock card stock

Ink: Cajun Craze and Always Artichoke Classic ink

Accessories: Finishing Touches Die, Bitty Banners Die, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Stamping Sponges, Basic Pearls, Natural Buttons (Holiday Catalog), Hemp Twine and Stampin' Dimensionals