Paper Players 64- Plant or Animal CAS

Hi there and Happy Paper Players Sunday to you! This week, the lovely and talented Ann Schach is our  hostess and she has challenged us to create a Clean and Simple card using an animal OR a plant as your  main image. 

For my design, I used the fantastic sketch over at Cardabilities this week. I just discovered this site and there is some awesome creative inspiration there! :) 

I ended up creating TWO cards for the challenge. I started out with a baby card in mind, as I am needing one for a dear friend. Then, after whipping up a 'boy" card...I just decided to make another card for a "little lady", too. You can never have too many baby cards on hand...I actually have a swap coming up later this month that is "baby-related"...hmmmm! As the theme of this challenge was CAS (clean and simple), I tried to keep my layers to a minimum (for the first time EVER) and wanted to showcase the new Nursery Nest DSP I recently purchased. I paired the paper with the Fox & Friends stamp set. 

Here is a close-up of the "boy" card: 

 Here is the close-up of the "girl" card: 

Same elements...different colors...and there you have it: simple cards for a baby boy AND a baby girl! All of the supplies used are listed below but if you have any questions, please shoot me an email.  We sure hope you will join us this week at the Paper Players. Be sure to visit the rest of the gals on the Design Team to check out their lovely creations: 

The Paper Players Design Team

Ann Schach

Anne Marie Hile

Jaydee

Julie Marshall

LeAnne Pugliese

Lesley Croghan

Nance Leedy

Tara Bilbao
Sandra Conner (September GD)

Before I go, I wanted to share a photo. This is EPIC because since we have had these two crazy cats under one roof...this is THE closest they have EVER been to each other. I think the look on Benjamin 's face completely expresses the utter "joy" he is feeling for this moment, as well: 

Thanks for stopping by today! Hope your day is HAPPY and fun!!! :) 

Stampin' Up! Supply List: 
Stamps: Fox & Friends and Short & Sweet
Paper: Nursery Nest DSP, Marina Mist, Pear Pizzazz, Blushing Bride and Whisper White card stock
Ink: Pear Pizzazz, Blushing Bride and Marina Mist Classic ink
Accessories: Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Corner Rounder punch, Scallop Edge Border punch, Word Window punch,  Pear pizzazz 1/2" Stitched-Poly ribbon, Blushing Bride 1/2" Stitched-Poly ribbon, Basic Rhinestones and Stampin' Dimensionals
Non SU! Accessories: silver pearls, circle and scallop circle die cut

Our Creative Corner- Not BIG on Pink

Hi-ya friends and Happy Saturday to you! This week at Our Creative Corner, the lovely Sharon is our hostess and boy, does she have a fun challenge. The theme is "Not Big On Pink" and here are the details to play along with us: 

• Use any shade of blue, and just a touch of pink.  (if you need a number, think 1/5 or less in pink)  
• You must also incorporate some texture, (ie: fabric, ribbon, floss, etc) and a metal piece (ie: brad, push pin, charm, etc.).  
• Make something pretty without going over the top in pinks!  Heather Hilliard of House Beautiful circa Oct 2011, said that, 'A bright, happy blue becomes very sophisticated when paired with a neutral'.   So, if you find you're having a bit of a struggle, let Heather's words help guide you.  
• Most of all, have FUN!

Sooo, I have to say that NOT using pink was a major challenge indeed, for THIS girl! If you have stopped by in the past, you may have noticed how much I like...LOVE that color. As I got to thinking about my creation this week...and that itty-bitty bit of pink I could use...I went with this fun dress form image.  Now, it's NOT a SU! image (the sentiment is though), but you know what? That is ok. My craft room contains a few other treasures that occasionally like some attention, too. :) 

I paper pieced that sweet little dress and then accessorized the outfit with the pops of pink...and glitter glue...there was no requirement of glitter but this card was screaming for it. Seriously, what gal wouldn't like sparkly pink shoes?? GAH!! My metal accents were sort of sneaky (hope it's ok, Sharon) by using the silver jeweled brad and some silver metallic pearls. Metallic, but in a really "girly" way. 

Lastly, a shot of the inside of the card. I left it blank for now. It could easily be used for a thank you, a birthday or a "just because you are fantastic" card...because those are the best cards to send and receive!

I sure hope you will play along with us this week at Our Creative Corner! Please stop by the site and see what the rest of the fabulous gals on the Design Team have whipped up, too. You will NOT be disappointed! 


Thanks for visiting! Have a very HAPPY day! :) 


Supplies: 
Stamps: Perfect Words (sentiment, hostess) and non-SU, stinkin' cute, dress form image
Paper: Subtles Collection Patterns Paper Stacks (in Bashful Blue), Very Vanilla, Basic Gray and Bashful Blue card stock
Ink: Basic Black Classic ink
Accessories: Dotted Scallop Ribbon punch, Pretty in Pink 1/4" Grosgrain ribbon, silver pearls, Basic Pearls, Dazzling Details Glitter Glue (Holiday Mini) and alcohol-based markers

New Projects at Craft Project Central

Hi there! I just wanted to share the latest projects that have been posted over at Craft Project Central this week. The September subscription is full of fabulous projects, so if you haven't signed up yet, be sure to check it out. It's an awesome deal! :) 

First up, here is a gorgeous project created by Deanna: 

-Friends Gift Box & Card-

Here’s a pretty little gift box and matching note card that you can make, fill with something special and give to that special friend!  Change up the theme and make the gift box for any special occasion from birthdays, holidays, showers, and more!

Next, here is a spooktacular Halloween project created by Laurie: 

-Halloween Luminaria & Candy Containers-

Here are some exciting projects to make your Halloween even more fun!  Great ideas for candy containers to give to the kids’ classmates, as well as a Luminaria to decorate your home!

To get the instructions for these projects, just subscribe to September at Craft Project Central.  And please leave Deanna and Laurie a comment and let them know how much you like their projects!

Have a HAPPY day today!! :) 

Hand Stamped Sentiments #84- Fall Theme

Hello and Happy Tuesday to you! It's time for another fun challenge over at Hand Stamped Sentiments! This week we have a theme-challenge for you. It's all about FALL! Even though the weather is back in the 100's here in South Texas...a gal can pretend there are cooler temps on the horizon...right? *fingers crossed* 

I also incorporated the design from the Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge: 

So, in making this card, I realized something. I am definitely NOT a "collage-stamper".This one was really tough for me. After owning the French Foliage set for over  year, I finally decided to bestow some ink upon it, for this card. I have seen so many stampers create such gorgeous collage-style layouts with this set and I tried my best to emulate them. I even added some gold embossing and the Color Spritzer Tool to add some texture and dimension. I also sponged some ink on the edges. I'm not so sure how it came out....

Here is the simple inside, ready for a personalized note. Don't you LOVE that Confetti White card stock? I really like the flecks of soft color embedded in the paper. I need to remember to use it more often! 

Thanks for visiting! Please check out the lovely ladies on the Hand Stamped Sentiments Design Team to see what they have created! We hope you will join us in the Fall FUN, this week, too. The challenge is open until Monday September 19th at Noon (CST)


Have a HAPPY day! :) 

Stampin' Up! Supply List: 
Stamps: French Foliage and Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink: Versa-Mark, Soft Suese, Early Espresso, Not Quite Navy So Saffron and Cajun Craze Classic ink
Paper: Well Worn DSP, Soft Suede, Early Espresso, Cajun Craze, Night of Navy and Confetti White card stock
Accessories: Hemp Twine, 3/4" Circle punch, Word Window punch, Modern Label punch, Gold Embossing Powder, Square Lattice Embossing folder, Scallop Trim Border punch, Chantilly 1/2" Lace trim, Paper Crimper, Color Spritzer Tool, Soft Suede Strampin' Write Marker, Sponges, Stampion Dimensionals and Antique Brads. 

Paper Players #63- Color Challenge

Hello there! Before I get to today's post, I want to take a moment to reflect. Today marks the 10th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, here in the U.S. Today we honor those who lost their lives on that tragic day, those who continue to mourn the loss of their loved ones, those that were first on the scene and those serving our country in the military. Today, as a nation, we REMEMBER...and we are strong. 

This week at the Paper Players, the lovely and talented Nance whipped up a fabby color challenge for us: 

Here is what I created: 

Pals Paper Arts is having a Halloween theme challenge and that was the perfect inspiration for my FIRST Halloween card of the year. Woot Woot, I just LOVE making cards for fall holidays!

I used this week's fantastic sketch over at Stamping 411 for my card layout: 

The stamped image was embossed and colored-in with Stampin' Write Markers. The complete supply list is featured below this post. I don't want to over-explain the card, but if you have questions, I am only an email away: 

annemariehile@gmail.com

Thanks for stopping by! Please make sure to pop over to the rest of the lovely ladies on the Paper Players Design Team and check out their colorful creations. We hope you will join us this week and play along. 

The Paper Players Design Team

Ann Schach

Anne Marie Hile

Julie Marshall

LeAnne Pugliese

Lesley Croghan

Nance Leedy
Tara Bilbao
Sandra Conner (September GD)
Rita Wright (this week's super-star-guest!)

Before I go, I thought I would share another fun photo with you. It's time for some Benny Max! If you have visited before, you know this kitty LOVES the spotlight. He is looking uber-fluffy in this shot...although it is up for debate if it is "chunk" or truly "fluff". Either way, you have to give him some props for the intense stare. He's such a mess! ;)  

Stampin Up! Supply List: 
Stamps: Wicked Cool 
Paper: Frightful Sight DSP, Riuch Razzleberry, Basic Gray, Old Olive and Whisper White card stock
Ink: Basic Black Craft ink
Accessories: Stripes Embossing Folder, Scallop Edge Border punch, Rich Razzleberry and Old Olive Stampin' Wrrite Markers, Rich Razzleberry 5/8" Satin Ribbon (ret.), Clear Embossing powder, Heat Tool, Stampin' Dimensionals and Basic Rhinestones
Non-SU Accessories: circle and scallop circle die cuts , glitter glue

September at Craft Project Central

Hello there! What a busy start to the month of September. This post was supposed to happen at the start of the week but I have been out of town on business. I am finally home trying to play catch up. Phew!  I am SUPER excited to announce that the amazing Jacque Craig has asked me to return as a Guest Designer over at Craft Project Central this month. Hooray! 

If you have never checked out Craft Project Central, you are missing out on some awesome tutorials in the monthly subscriptions. 10 project tutorials for only $10 is an amazing deal, too! (There is also a fun monthly card challenge to play along with!) My project will be featured later this month, but for now, I wanted to share the three projects that have been posted so far. Be sure to click on the artist's name to visit their blogs and share some smiles wih them, too. :) 

The fun project below was created by the lovely Julie Edmonds: 

-Mini Milk Carton Box & Card-

This great hexagon box is created using the Mini Milk Carton die!  It’s so quick and easy!  Fill it with some fun goodies and pair it with the coordinating card and you’ve got a GREAT little gift! Change up the colors and theme and you’ll have a great little gift box for the holidays, birthday’s, Valentines Day, or any gift giving occasion.

This next project was created by the fabulous Kim Score: 

-Pentagon Roll-Up Box & card-

Give a gift that is truly unique and special!  This pentagon-shaped box rolls open to reveal five compartments with windows to display the contents within!  Fill with an assortment of candies, trinkets or other surprises for that special someone!

Next up, is this sweet, fall project from Julie Beltramo: 

-Pumpkin Gift Box & Card-

If you’re looking for a way to give some Halloween/Fall treats, this cute little pumpkin box, and it’s coordinating card are perfect!  With the ribbon "stem" you can either hang the box for a fun decor piece or use it as an easy pull-up handle and hide some special treats inside!! 

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

Hand Stamped Sentiments #83- Clean and Simple

Hello there! It's Tuesday and time for another fun challenge over at

Hand Stamped Sentiments. 

This week, it's all about keeping it simple...Clean and Simple, that is! 

Now, CAS cards are a bit of a struggle for me, as a self-proclaimed "layer queen". So, I turned to Clean and Simple Stamping for some inspiration. As soon as I saw the Fall to Layout #156, I immediately got the idea to break out my favorite stamp set....yup, Button Buddies! This stamp set and I have quite the bond, let me tell you. 

Although, I did something different with the set this time...look Ma, NO buttons! I just love this cherry image and after inking it up, using Stampin' Write Markers, I gave those little guys a big ol' dollop of Crystal Effects. Yes, there are two layers on this card...but for me that is a CAS breakthrough. Lol! At first the white layer was left plain but it just called out for some texture. (I have to compensate for the lack of layering somehow, don't I?) Bring on the Stripes Embossing Folder! . Finally, I added a little pop of bling-y goodness using Red Glimmer Paper and a trio of colored pearls. 

As an added bonus, I do believe I spy a piece of cat hair adorning the card, too. *sigh* Please pay no attention to that...and NO it does NOT qualify as another layer! ;) 

Please stop by the Hand Stamped Sentiments site to check out the Clean and Simple creations from the rest of the lovely ladies on the Design Team, too. We sure hope you will join us this week and play along. Thanks for stopping by! Have a very HAPPY day today! :)  

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

Stampin' up! Supply List: 
Stamps: Button Buddies and Goody Goody Gumdrops (retired set, sentiment)
Paper: Real Red Glimmer paper, Real Red, Early Espresso and Whisper White card stock
Ink: Early Espresso Classic ink 
Accessories: Real Red, Early Espresso and Wild Wasabi Stampin' Write Markers, Crystal Effects, Stripes Embossing Folder, Large oval punch, scallop Oval punch, Real Red 3/4" Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon (ret.) and Stampin' Dimensionals
Non-SU! Accessories: colored pearls, circle and scallop circle die cuts

Paper Players #62- Birthday Theme Challenge

Happy Sunday! This week at the Paper Players our fabulous hostess, Lesley has challenged us to create  birthday-themed projects. Let's face it, we ALL know someone who is having a birthday, so we really hope you will join us this week. We are also welcoming our brand spankin' new Fall Design Team members along with our new Guest Designer for the month of September. SO excited to work with these talented gals! :) 

I decided to create a masculine-themed card for the challenge because I never seem to have enough "guy cards" in my card stash. I used the Open Sea stamp set which was featured in the, now retired, Summer Mini Catalog. But, there is GOOD NEWS! It was just announced that this set is available to order until July 2012. Contact me for details! 

The DSP that matches this set IS retired though. No worries, because it is available in My Digital Studio and that's where I got it. The cool thing about MDS is the versatility it offers. I just needed a 3"x5" piece of DSP for my project, so that is exactly what I printed off. So easy! Point, click, print...

I sponged some ink on a few of the layers and then started to rough up the edges with a Sanding Block. Then I changed my mind...because that's generally how I roll. So, there are sporadic sanded edges. ;) All of the materials used to create the card are listed below. 

Finally, here is the inside of the card, using the leftover DSP I printed off. I left it blank until I get ready to send the card off:

Thanks for stopping by! Please visit the rest of the Paper Players Design Team to see their birthday-themed inspiration. We hope you will join us this week! Our challenge is open through Friday, September 9th at midnight (CST). Have a HAPPY day today! :) 

The Paper Players Design Team

Ann Schach

Anne Marie Hile

Jaydee

Julie Marshall

LeAnne Pugliese

Lesley Croghan

Nance Leedy

Tara Bilbao
Sandra Conner (September GD)

Stampin' Up! Supply List: 
Stamps: Open Sea and Plane and Simple (ret. sentiment)
Paper: Nautical Expedition paper (downloaded in My Digital Studio) Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake, Night of Navy and Whisper White card stock
Ink: Night of Navy, Crumb Cake (for shading the sails on the boat) and Cherry Cobbler Classic ink
Accessories: 1- 1/4" Circle punch, 1- 3/8" Circle punch, Word Window punch, Modern Label punch, Baker's twine, Crumb Cake 3/8" Taffeta ribbon, Gold Brads, Sanding Blocks, Stamping Sponges and Stampin' Dimensionals
Non-SU! Accessories: gold baubles

Upsy Daisy for Our Creative Corner

Hi there and Happy Saturday! It's also the kick-off to Labor Day weekend here in the US, so that is pretty exciting. I'm SO ready for a relaxing weekend here in the Texas heat before a busy week of traveling. It's time for another fun and fabulous challenge over at Our Creative Corner. This week, Holly Kean is our  lovely hostess and this is what she has for us: 

"I'm inviting you to dig up your patterned papers and get inky by stamping right on them to create something totally new and different. Imagine the dramatic background a simple damask stamp on a striped designer paper could create! Or grab a cute image stamp and your favorite patterned paper to make a never-been-seen-before focal point for your card!"

I picked my paper and my stamps...and then...I was STUCK! Ugh! I hate when that happens. So, I decided to turn to some inspiration from the ColourQ  to put it all together. Whew! This week marks their 100th challenge and they have teamed up with this sweet sketch from Clean and Simple Stamping:

The second part of their challenge is to use a favorite color combo from their archives. I LOVED this mix when I first saw it and regretted never playing along. I pulled out the colors for today's card and was ready to go! I mean, SERIOUSLY...how adorable is that scarf in the inspiration photo?! If THAT doesn't get the mojo workin', I don't know what will! (I only wish it got cold enough down here in Texas to actually WEAR a cute scarf like this!) 

I embossed the image from the Upsy Daisy stamp set on First Edition Specialty DSP. I just love this paper as a background for stamped images! 

I added a few layered flowers (because I was still thinking about that gorgeous scarf!)  and embossed the sentiment. Finally, I added some pearls to the layered flowers and the punched trim...why NOT? I followed the sketch but NOT the whole "clean and simple" thing...I need to learn how to use LESS in the layer department. 

Thanks so much for stopping by! Please visit  Our Creative Corner to see what the rest of the lovely ladies on the Design Team have created this week. SO many beautiful designs!! You will NOT be disappointed. We sure hope you will join us and play along. 


Have a HAPPY day today! :) 


Stampin' Up! Supply List-
Stamps: Upsy Daisy 
Paper: First Edition Specialty, Old Olive, Basic Gray, Basic Black, Crumb Cake and Very Vanilla card stock
Ink: Basic Black Craft ink and Crumb Cake Classic ink (for sponging) 
Accessories: Scallop Trim Border punch, Boho Blssoms punch, Itty Bitty Shapes punch, Word Window punch, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Basic Black 1/4" Taffeta ribbon (although it actually looks more gray then black), Very Vanilla 1/8" Taffeta ribbon, Black Embossing powder Embossing Buddy, Heat Tool, Basic Pearls and Stampin' Dimensionals