Paper Players #55-Lesley's Color Challenge

Hi Friends! I'm sorry that I am posting twice today, but my Blogger woes have set me a little behind. It's Sunday and that means it's a new challenge over at the Paper Players and I'm "better late then never" with this one. Whew! The lovely Lesley is our hostess this week and has selected this beautiful color combo for us to take for a creative spin. 

My card was also inspired by the sketch over at Card Patterns this week. I saw the sketch (and the awesome DT creations on their site) really early, yesterday morning and knew I wanted to give it a try. Only problem...then Blogger locked me out! So, I was going by memory on this one. I was a little off, using 3 instead of 4 panels on the bottom. This is why I should have written it down. Ugh! Sorry ladies, I hope it still works! 

If you have visited me before, you probably know I LOVE punches! I think it is my way of over-compensating for my lack of skill in the water-coloring department. Lol! I decided to dust off two of my most unused punches for the one: the Fancy Flower and the 5-Petal Flower. I tried to jazz up the layered flower with lots of little details, too. The Poppy Parade flower is stamped with an image from the Flower Fest stamp set, the Baja Breeze flower was inked in Versa-Mark and then heat-embossed with Iridescent Ice, the Basic Gray flower was run through the Paper Crimper and the Crumb Cake flower was sponged with ink and then given a pop of bling. It's a simple card over-all, but I really like how it came out. 

All the supplies used to create the card are at the end of this post. 

Before I go, I have to share one more photo with you. Yesterday we welcomed a new addition to our "all-things-Apple-loving" household. I had to snap this photo because Ozzy planted himself next to the box as soon as we brought it inside...and continued to sit there for 45 minutes!! He was either guarding it or claiming it as his own. Either way, it was photo-worthy. Haha! 

Thanks so much for visiting today! Please stop by the Paper Players blog and see what the rest of the DT has created this week. The challenge is actually going to run for two weeks, so you have until July 22nd to play along. Have a great day! :) 


Stampin'  Up! Supply List: 
Stamps: Flower Fest and Sincere Salutations
Paper: Poppy Parade DSP (ret. hostess set), Basic Gray, PoppyParade, Crumb Cake and Baja Breeze card stock
Ink: Versa-Mark, Poppy Parade and Baja Breeze classic ink...also Basic Gray and Crumb Cake ink for sponging the edges
Accessories: Fancy Flower punch, 5-Petal Flower punch, Boho Blossoms punch, Itty Bitty Punch pack, Scallop Edge Border punch, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Basic Gray 3/8" Taffeta ribbon (ret.), Paper Crimper, Iridescent Ice Embossing powder. Basic RHinestones and lots of Stampin' Dimensionals

Delicate Doilies Accordion Purse and Cards at CPC!

Hi there! I have had UBER problems with Blogger, this weekend. So I am trying to play a little "catch-up". This was supposed to post yesterday, but as I was banished from Blogger, here it is today. Sigh! 


So, here we go. I wanted to share with you another fabulous project over at Craft Project Central: 

This pretty accordion purse makes the perfect handmade gift!  Who wouldn’t love to receive a pretty handmade purse with matching cards inside?!  In addition to being a great gift, this is a quick and easy class and club project!  This fun project includes Instructions for both the purse and the matching cards!

This pretty project was designed for you by one of the new guest designers this month, Laurie! (Click her name to visit her blog)

To get the instructions for Laurie’s project, just subscribe to July at Craft Project Central. You will get 10 awesome projects for only $10. What a deal!  And please stop by and visit Laurie and let her know how much you like her beautiful project!

Scrapbook on a Spool at Craft Project Central

Turn a wooden spool into a mini scrapbook album and wrap your memories around it! I just LOVE this unique and fabulous project, designed by Kris over at Craft Project Central! It is just one of the 10 awesome projects you will receive with a subscription to July. You will get 10 projects for only $10 and that is a great deal! 

To get the instructions for Kris’ project, just subscribe to July at Craft Project Central.

And please stop by Kris' blog to leave her a happy comment on her beautiful project!

Thanks for stopping by! 

Enjoy your day! :) 

Butterfly Style for Our Creative Corner

Hello there! OK, I have to admit...this card has been made since early last week. Our Creative Corner is having a Design Team call to "show your style" and that was my motivation for putting this one together. I have been SO hesitant to submit it, because after all was said and done...I just wanted to make sure it was good enough to submit. So...no looking back...I'm going to "just DO it"! Eeek! :) 

When it comes to "my style", I'm still trying to determine what that really is. Usually, I think it has a lot to do with those cards that come together really easily when you make them, or the ones that make you happy when you finally see the finished product. This card did both for me. I made two cards a while back with a color combo that I loved and a sketch that immediately inspired me when I saw it. This card is a "hybrid" of both of those cards. Click HERE and HERE to see them. 

I know, I KNOW...I'm really using that butterfly punch I recently purchased. I promise, this will be the last card with the butterflies for a while. 

So, back to that style-thing...I guess mine includes fun colors, lots of shapes and textures...and bling! I love details. Sometimes I obsess over them. But that's not necessarily a BAD thing, is it? :) I knew I wanted to make this card for the DT call and as I got it finished, I liked it so much and decided to make 7 more of them to share with a swap I participate in every month. I used a recently retired set, Punch Potpourri, simply because I was hooked on that stinkin' butterfly. Haha!

Here is the inside of the card, with another stamp from the same set:

So, there you have it. Thank you so much to the gals at Our Creative Corner for the opportunity to apply to their great team. If you have never visited their site, go there NOW! There is some awesome inspiration there. Thanks for stopping by to visit. Have a very HAPPY day! :) 


Stampin' Up! Supply List: 
Stamps: Punch Potpourri and the sentiment from Apple Blossoms (both ret. hostess sets)...also Itty Bitty Backgrounds (ret.) for the corner of the inside of the card 
Ink: Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive and Tempting Turquoise Classic ink 
Paper: Vellum, Greenhouse Gala DSP, Tempting Turquoise, Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry card stock
Accessories: Perfect Polka Dots Embossing folder, Square Lattice Embossing folder, my beloved Butterfly punch,  Boho Blossoms punch, Word Window punch, Modern Label punch, Pear Pizzazz Seam Binding, Signo Uni-Ball White Gel pen, Basic Rhinestones, Sticky Strip and Stampin Dimensionals
Non-SU! Accessories: circle and scallop circle dies

Hand Stamped Sentiments #74: Buttons!

Hi there! It's Hand Stamped Sentiments Tuesday! This week we are all about projects featuring BUTTONS! Any buttons, any design...we want to see how you can showcase these little gems on YOUR creation! 

If you have visited my blog before you may have heard about my fear, ok, that was a bit dramatic...how about my weirdness about "naked buttons". If given the chance, I always seem to want to thread some string, cord, floss...etc. through these little buggers. Well, I decided to use the Bitty Buttons today, backed with card stock from the Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack. Funny, when you add a card stock backing to these tiny buttons, threading them is a complete and utter nightmare. I spent TOO much time trying to force Baker's Twine through them before finally accepting defeat. My bitty buttons are "au naturel" and I am proud of them! I think...

My color combo is from the INFAMOUS SU! Color Coach...Daffodil Delight, *new* Lucky Limeade, *new* Island Indigo...with a splash of Real Red thrown in for fun. (That was my creative effort!) This card was also my attempt at a somewhat clean and simple (CAS) creation. I have been envious of all of the designers that can use "white space" perfectly, every time. YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!! :) I tried a "less is more" approach on this one. I don't know if it was effective, but I tried! 

Finally, here is the inside, ready to compose a hand-written note:

So, bust out your buttons ("naked" or "dressed up") this week and play along with us at Hand Stamped Sentiments! Please stop by and check out what the rest of the Design Team has cooked up, too. I hope you all had a wonderful weekend out there and thank you so much for visiting today. :) 

Stampin' Up! Supply List: 
Stamps: Short and Sweet
Ink: Real Red Classic ink
Paper: Real Red, Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade, Daffodil Delight and Whisper White card stock
Embellishments: Perfect Polka Dots Embossing folder, Baker's Twine, Small Heart punch, Small Oval (ret) punch, Large Oval punch, Itty Bitty Shapes punch pack, 1/2" Circle punch, 3/4" Circle punch, Bitty Buttons, Stampin' Dimensionals, 

News from Craft Project Central!

Hi there! I have some exciting news to share today! I was invited by the fabulous Jacque Craig, to be a Guest Designer again this month at Craft Project Central. Whoo Hoo! My project will be featured later this month but , starting today, I will be sharing a preview ALL of the awesome projects featured with this month's subscription. If you get a chance, PLEASE stop by the designer's blog and share some happy comments! :) 

These adorable little cake favor boxes are perfect for birthdays, weddings or baby showers!  Fill them with treats or a gift card (or both!).  Make one for a sweet little gift, or make a whole cake for a stunning presentation!!  Project instructions include custom templates for three cake box sizes (make tiers), instructions to create beautiful flower roses, and instructions on how to make the sweet baby shower invitation!

This fabulous project comes to you designed by Leigha Rock, one of the new designers for July! To get the instructions for Leigha’s project, just subscribe to July at Craft Project Central!  And please leave Leigha a comment on *her blog* and let her know how you liked her project! :) 

Paper Players Challenge #54-Christmas in July

It's July 4th weekend. It's 100+ degrees here in Texas. What BETTER way to celebrate then to "get some jingle on" with the Paper Players?  That's right...this week, Jaydee is our lovely hostess and she is in the holiday spirit with our weekly challenge. I cranked up the A/C, put some Bing Crosby on the iPod and got to creating...

What's that you say? That DSP and a few embellies are "retired"? Well, that my be the case, but sometimes you just have to go with what inspires you. The simple reality is, I have a LOT of stampin' supplies in my arsenal that are just-plain-neglected. As much as I want to share the latest and greatest, all the time...sometimes, it is just a GOOD thing to just go with the creative flow. Retired items or not, I just LOVED creating this card! I got the inspiration for the "hook" on the ornament from the NEW 2011/2012 SU! Idea Book and Catalog (page 40, to be exact). 

Add some Glimmer Paper and rhinestone *sparkle* and it was "beginning to look a lot like...." well, you know the rest! Finally, here is a shot of the inside of the card, with a sentiment from the "Snow Swirled" set: 

Before I wrap up, I wanted to share some shots of my sweet fur-pups for the holiday weekend. We are hosting yet another, Texas BBQ tomorrow and I had to make sure my boys were "dressed to impress" for our guests. Unfortunately, fireworks are banned here here in San Antonio for the holiday, due to the the drought...but that's ok. We will make our own fun, spending the day with great friends! :) 

How cute are my "dapper dudes"?? 
*even though Emmitt was being a wee bit stubborn...ugh!!*

I hope you will get in the "holiday spirit", this week and play along with us at the Paper Players! Please be sure to stop by and visit the rest of the Design Team for some awesome inspiration. Have I mentioned that these gals are the BEST?? Because they are. :) 

The Paper Players Design Team: 

Ann Schach

Lesley Croghan 

Jaydee

LeAnne Pugliese

Nance Leedy

Lauri Ingram

Sandra Azzopardi

Tui Nathan - July Guest Designer

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


Stampin' Up! Supply List: 
Stamps: Tags til Christmas, Teeny Tiny Wishes, Snow Swirled (inside sentiment)
Ink: Real Red and Old Olive Classic ink
Paper: Holiday Jingle Simply Scrappn' kit (ret), Real Red Glimmer Paper, Real Red, Old Olive, Very Vanilla  card stock
Accessories: Ornament punch, Word Window punch , Modern Label punch, Scallop Border punch, Square Lattice Embossing folder, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Old Olive Grosgrain Ribbon, Very Vanilla 1/4" Taffeta ribbon, Silver Elastic cord (ret.), Clips Assortment, Real Red Corduroy buttons (ret.) and Stampin' Dimensionals.  

It's Finally Here...Happy Stampin' Up! New Year!

Today is the day! 

**Happy Stampin' Up! New Year!** 

The brand new "2011/2012 Idea Book and Catalog" has officially launched!  

CLICK HERE to view the catalog right now! 

Also, be sure to check out the new Celebrando Creatividad catalog. 

CLICK HERE to view it now. 

Of course, if you would like to get your hands on your very own copy of either catalog, please contact me today at annemariehile@gmail.com

Stampin' Up! has also announced  a very exciting offer that just started today! 

From today through July 31st, you can join the Stampin' Up! family for only $99! 

Would YOU be interested in:

• A 20 percent product discount! (30% off on your FIRST qualifying order)
• A free monthly issue of Stampin' Success, Stampin' Up!'s demonstrator-only magazine!
• Sneak peeks at brand-new products!
• Invitations to exclusive Stampin' Up! events!
• Exclusive access to me and my fabulous SU! team for great ideas and lots of creative inspiration. 
• Two free months of your own personal SU! website (if you sign up within your first 21 days as a demonstrator)
• Free access to a community of 30,000+ crafters/stampers and creative artists, as well as 160,000+ project samples!

Whether you are looking to start a business or simply get a discount on your stamping supplies, this is a great time to try Stampin' Up! on for size. These benefits will be available to you through Dec. 31, 2011, with no obligation to sell or purchase anything further. If you just want to take advantage of this great offer, it's ok. You would keep everything from the starter kit!  

As an added bonus, during this promotion, you will also earn a FREE *Exclusive* Christmas Keepsake Project Kit (a $40 value):

To find out more details about what is included in the $99 Starter Kit promotion and the Christmas Keepsake Project Kit, please click the "PROMOTIONS" tab up on the top of my blog or CLICK HERE to visit my Stampin' Up! website. Please feel free to contact me with ANY questions you may have.

Don't miss out on this fantastic deal! 

Have a HAPPY day! :) 

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