Rain or Shine for {DD #40}

Hello stampers! This week at Dynamic Duos, it's time for our "Black Tie" challenge. Basic Black and Tempting Turquoise are the colors of the week and we have a "dessert option" to use CLOUDS in the design of your card. You can add this option to your project, or not. It's up to you! 

I created this quick and easy card using the umbrella image from the Rain or Shine Stamp set from the SU Spring catty. The sentiment comes from the Bootiful Occasions stamp set and fit perfectly with the theme of the card. I love the new Cloudy Day Embossing Folder! It's a quick and easy way to add a pop of texture to the background. I finished everything off with some polka dotted ribbon and (of course) some sparkly rhinestones. Easy Peasy!

Please join us this week at Dynamic Duos! The challenge closes on Thursday, February 21st at Noon (PST). The rest of the Design Team has created some fun projects with the colors this week, too. Stop by and say hello: 

Allyson Andersen

Christina Barnes

Vicki Burdick

Karen Day

Deanna Dean

Jenny Engelke

Anne Marie Hile

Bobbie Jones

Erna Logtenberg

Amy White

Have a HAPPY day today! :) 

CLICK HERE to order anytime 24/7 from my Stampin' Up! website

Stampin Up! Supply List

Stamps: Rain or Shine (Spring catty) and Bootiful Occasions

Paper: Brights DSP Paper Stack, Tempting Turquoise, Basic Black and Whisper White card stock

Ink: Tempting Turquoise and Basic Black Classic ink

Accessories: Cloudy Day Embossing Folder, Bitty Banners Framelits Dies, Big Shot, Basic Rhinestones and Stampin' Dimensionals

Non-SU Accessories: circle and scallop circle die cut

Happy Birthday, Cupcake for {PP #132}

Hi everyone! This week at the Paper Players, the fabulous Ann Schach has a color trio for us to try out. Summer Starfruit has quickly become a favorite color for me, so I couldn't wait to create my card. 

I have also been wanting to play along over at the new "Seize the Birthday" challenge. I was inspired by the sketch and the fun birthday theme. This week the theme is to create "feminine cards" and what gal doesn't like cupcakes? 

Ok, I do know I have been a little "bling happy" with the past couple of cards I have made. I'm going to try to lay off the sparkle for a while after this card. Ha..the key word there is "try". One thing I love about this color combo is that the Patio Party DSP (Designer Series Paper) in the current SU catty has these colors combined already, so that was what I decided to use for my card. I added some fun texture, a banner sentiment and some sparkle to finished everything off. The sentiment is stamped on vellum, too. All of the supplies I used are listed at the end of the post. 

I hope you will join us over at the Paper Players this week The challenge is open through Friday, February 15th at Noon (PDT). Please stop by and visit the rest of the Design Team to see what they have whipped up with these pretty colors: 

The Paper Players Design Team

Ann Schach

Anne Marie Hile

Jaydee

LeAnne Pugliese

Nance Leedy

Amy O'Neill

Brian King

Jen Nelson

Justin Krieger

Sandy Mathis

Have a great day! :) 

CLICK HERE to order anytime 24/7 from my Stampin' Up! website

Stampin' Up! Supply List

Stamps: Best of Birthdays (25th Anniversary SU set)

Paper: Patio Party DSP, In Color Designer Series Paper Stack, Vellum, Midnight Muse, Summer Starfruit, Primrose Petals and Whisper White card stock 

Ink: Midnight Muse and Primrose Petals Classic ink

Accessories: Chevron Embossing Folder, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Bitty Banners Framelits Die, Bitty Buttons, Primrose Petals 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon, White Baker's Twine, Big Shot, Basic Rhinestones and Stampin' Dimensionals

Non-SU! Accessories: circle and scalloped circle dies

Sparkly Butterfly Thanks for {DD #39}

Hello there! This week at Dynamic Duos, we have a subtle color combo to try out: Pink Pirouette and Pool Party. I love, love, LOVE these colors together! Not a shocker since I am a fan of pretty much anything pink. :) 

I used the sketch from Mojo Monday for my layout. I haven't played there in a while and always enjoy their awesome sketches.

Initially, I had it set in my mind that I wanted to make a baby card with these colors, but just couldn't seem to find a stamped image that worked with the layout. Then I spied the Oh, Hello stamp set on the corner of my desk and said "yup, that's the one". I kind of cheat when I add two colors to a stamped image. I could have colored both areas with markers but sometimes I struggle to get a crisp image, so I use try to use a stamp pad for part of the image, whenever possible. Usually, I use some scotch tape to mask off the part of the image I am going to make another color.  However, my husband has moved the scotch tape to an area of the house that is currently undisclosed, so I had to make do. (Even he doesn't remember where he put it! *shakes head*) I stamped the sentiment in Pink Pirouette, then wiped off the ink on the "Thanks" portion of the stamp with my finger. Really technical, huh? Then, I colored in the "Thanks" with a Pool Party Stampin' Write Marker. You can vaguely see a hint of pink on the "N" but don't look at that, ok? Remember, I have missing tape and was trying to improvise! Ack!

I finished everything off with ribbon, a button, butterflies and bling. It was not my original plan, but I like how it turned out. The rest of the supplies I used are listed at the end of the post.

I hope you will join us and play along at Dynamic Duos this week. Our challenge closes Thursday, February 14th at Noon (PDT). Please stop by and visit the rest of the Design Team to see what they created with this soft and subtle color combo: 

Allyson Andersen

Christina Barnes

Vicki Burdick

Karen Day

Deanna Dean

Jenny Engelke

Anne Marie Hile

Bobbie Jones

Erna Logtenberg

Amy White

Have a great day today! 

CLICK HERE to order anytime 24/7 from my Stampin' Up! website

Stampin' Up! Supply List

Stamps: Oh, Hello (Spring catty)

Paper: Sycamore Street DSP (Sale-A-Bration catty), Subtles Designer Series Paper Stack, Pool Party, Pink Pirouette and Whisper White card stock 

Ink: Pink Pirouette Classic ink

Accessories: Needlepoint Border Embossing Folder (Spring catty), Pool Party 1/4" Ribbon (Sale-A-Bration catty), Pool Party Button (also from SAB), White Baker's Twine, Beautiful Wings Embosslits Die Big Shot, Basic Rhinestones and Stampin' Dimensionals

Non-SU! Accessories: oval and scalloped oval die

Sunshine, Sprinkles, Owls and Adoptions...Oh, My!

Hi stampers! The title of my post is a little random, I know. Hopefully it makes sense by the time you get to the end. I'm in a sassy mood today as I had the day off and was wicked productive. Don't you love days like that? I got a LOT scratched off my never-ending "to do" list, including cleaning up my stamp studio. I was a little scared to go in there, as it looked like the Tasmanian Devil ripped through there recently. Not a joke, by-the-way. It was BAD! 

I was so happy that my space was fresh and clean, I celebrated by...getting it messy again and making some cards today. Oh well! I made this card after seeing the awesome sketch over at Freshly Made Sketches, created by the amazingly talented Cindy Hall. I got to meet Cindy at SU Convention last year, which was pretty cool! 

When I get really excited about creating, I always reach for bright and cheerful colors. The Sunshine and Sprinkles Designer Series Paper (from the SU! Spring catalog) is one of my absolute favorites right now. I couldn't decide which stamps to use and after staring at my collection for longer then I truly needed to, I abandoned that thought completely and went to my punches. WHOOOO loves owls? This girl does! I've listed all of the supplies I used at the end of the post. 

So what's up with that "adoption" in the title of my post? Well, if you are a regular visitor to my blog, you know that my husband and I have been fostering a dog from the city shelter since last September. After many months of unsuccessful (and some very creepy) adoption inquiries, we decided that Mr. Oscar had already found his home...with us! So we went ahead and made it official last week. Thank you to everyone who has been inquiring about him for an update. Oscar (he is the one on the right) is super excited to be part of the family and so are we!

Until next time...Have a very HAPPY day today! :) 

CLICK HERE to order anytime 24/7 from my Stampin' Up! website

Stampin' Up! Supply List

Stamps: Owl Together Now (retired)

Paper: Sunshine and Sprinkles DSP (Spring catty), Brights Designer Series Paper Stack, Pacific Point, Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight Old Olive and Whisper White card stock 

Ink: Basic Black Classic ink

Punches: Owl Builder Punch, Bird Builder Punch (branches), Large Oval Punch and Modern Label Punch

Accessories: Cloudy Day Embossing Folder (Spring catty), Melon Mambo 3/8" Striped Organdy Ribbon (Spring catty), Big Shot, Basic Rhinestones and Stampin' Dimensionals

Sending Sympathy and Prayers for {PP #131}

Hello there stamping friends! I hope you all are enjoying your weekend out there. Although I had to work yesterday,  I took some (much needed) time off this past week and am feeling totally rested and reenergized. Funny how a LOT of extra sleep can do that, huh? This week at the Paper Players, the amazingly talented Nance is our hostess and she has a theme challenge for us. Sympathy cards are the cards we don't ever want to make but unfortunately do need to make from time to time.   

Sympathy cards are pretty difficult for me to create, in general. As soon as I saw this week's layout over at Retro Sketches, I was immediately inspired to put my card together. I love the clean layout and the repeated elements in the design.

The Natural Composition Specialty DSP is a product I have had stashed away for quite some time and it is a shame I don't use it more often. It's super-cool and if you like having the embossing already finished for you (without the mess) then you need to pick up a pack ASAP.  I layered the butterflies using the embossed image from the Bloomin' Marvelous set (which I earned for FREE during SU! Sale-A-Bration). As far as the details go, I am listing all of the supplies I used at the end of the post. Please email me at: annemariehile@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Here is quick shot of the inside of the card, continuing the sentiment from the front. I think the Petite Pairs stamp set is one of those sets that everyone should own. That set has seen a LOT of ink in my stamp studio. 

I hope you will join us this week at the Paper Players and share your creations with Nance's theme challenge. The challenge closes on Friday, February 8th at Noon (PDT). The rest of the Design Team created some gorgeous cards this week. Please stop by, visit their blogs and say hello:

The Paper Players Design Team

Ann Schach

Anne Marie Hile

Jaydee

LeAnne Pugliese

Nance Leedy

Amy O'Neill

Brian King

Jen Nelson

Justin Krieger

Sandy Mathis

CLICK HERE to order anytime 24/7 from my Stampin' Up! website

Stampin' Up! Supply List

Stamps: Bloomin' Marvelous (Sale-A-Bration) and Petite Pairs

Paper: Natural Composition Specialty DSP, First Edition Specialty DSP, White Vellum 8- 1/2" x 11" card stock, Bravo Burgundy, Basic Black and Very Vanilla card stock

Ink: Versa-Mark, Crumb Cake, Basic Black Classic ink

Punches: Scallop Trim Border Punch, Modern Label, Large Oval and Bitty Butterfly (Spring Catalog)

Accessories: Basic Black 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Stampin' Sponges, Bitty Banners Framelits Dies, Basic Pearls, Mini Glue Dots and Stampin Dimensionals

Lots of Hearts for Dynamic Duos #38

Hello and Happy Saturday to you stampers! This week at Dynamic Duos, we have a "Bold and Sassy" color combo which is perfect for your Valentine's Day creations...or for ANY occasion, really. You really can't go wrong when Pretty in Pink is involved, I always say. 

Note to self: anytime I even think about using white embossing powder on black card stock, it is ALWAYS a disaster. I stamped that sentiment 4 times. Totally regret my decision NOT to use the Embossing Buddy before the powder started pouring. Yikes!

My new favorite stamp set from the SU Spring catty HAS to be Hearts a Flutter. I love that it has coordinating die cuts, too. Awesome-sauce! This card was originally going to only have three hearts but then the Glimmer Paper got involved. Then the layers. Then the bling. You know how it goes. All of the supplies I used are listed at the end of the post.

I hope you will join us and play along at Dynamic Duos this week. Our challenge closes Thursday, February 7th at Noon (PDT). Please stop by and visit the rest of the Design Team to see what they created with this awesome color combo: 

Allyson Andersen

Christina Barnes

Vicki Burdick

Karen Day

Deanna Dean

Jenny Engelke

Anne Marie Hile

Bobbie Jones

Erna Logtenberg

Amy White

CLICK HERE to order anytime 24/7 from my Stampin' Up! website

Stampin' Up! Supply List

Stamps: Hearts a Flutter and A Happy Heart (ret. sentiment) 

Paper: Red Glimmer Paper, Pretty in Pink, Real Red and Basic Black card stock

Ink: Real Red Classic ink and VersaMark

Punches: Small Heart Punch

Accessories: White Baker's Twine, Framed Tulips Embossing Folder, Adorning Accents Embossing Folder, Hearts a Flutter Framelits Dies, White Stampin' Emboss Powder, Basic Rhinestones and Stampin' Dimensionals

Feel Goods for Paper Players #130

Hello there stampers! I am here (a wee bit late) with my card for the Paper Players challenge. This week, the lovely and talented LeAnne is our fabulous hostess and she has a fun sketch to try out.  

For my card, I went with a bunch of brand new stamping goodies that have been needing to see some love in my craft room. I love the sentiments on the Feel Good stamp set from the Spring Catalog. The paper, embossing folder ribbons and buttons, I earned for FREE through Stampin' Up's awesome Sale-A-Bration promotion. Click HERE for more details! I just love the colors in this paper, especially because it has Summer Starfruit included in the combo. That color makes me smile! All of the supplies I used are listed at the end of this post.

Please stop by and visit the Paper Players this week! I hope you will play along with this fab sketch with a card of your own. The challenge closes on Friday February 1st a Noon (PDT). Have a HAPPY day today! :) 

The Paper Players Design Team

Ann Schach

Anne Marie Hile

Jaydee

LeAnne Pugliese

Nance Leedy

Amy O'Neill

Brian King

Jen Nelson

Justin Krieger

Sandy Mathis

CLICK HERE to order anytime 24/7 from my Stampin' Up! website

Stampin' Up! Supply List

Stamps: Feel Goods

Paper: Sycamore Street DSP (Sale-A-Bration), Summer Starfruit, Island Indigo and whisper White card stock

Ink: Rich Razzleberry Classic ink

Accessories: Vine Street Embossing Folder (Sale-A-Bration), Sycamore Street Ribbon and Button pack (Sale-A-Bration), Basic Rhinestones and Stampin' Dimensionals

Non SU Accessories: oval and scallop oval dies

Sale-A-Bration is Here!

It's the most wonderful time of the year at Stampin' Up! Sale-A-Bration has officially begun! Who is ready to party? 

There are three great ways to earn benefits during this promotion. 

Check out the details below! 

Love to shop? How about shopping and getting rewarded? Welcome to Sale-A-Bration!

During this promotion you may choose any one product from the Sale-A-Bration brochure for every $50* you spend. This year's offering includes exclusive stamp sets and accessories, as well as a selection of catalog stamp sets, digital content CDs, ribbon, buttons, and even an embossing folder! Now, more than ever, there's something for everyone! 

View the Sale-A-Bration brochure here. See available My Digital Studio products here.

*Excluding tax and shipping

Shop anytime in my online store 24/7 by clicking HERE.

Sale-A-Bration +  Stampin' Up!'s 25th anniversary = the best time to host a Stampin' Up! party!

• Get FREE Silver Glimmer Paper when you host a $150 workshop!*  
• Get a FREE hostess bundle when you host a $400 workshop!* 

Hostess Bundle Details:
The Hostess Bundle includes

• Madison Avenue stamp set (wood- or clear-mount)
• Sycamore Street Designer Series Paper
• Sycamore Street Ribbon & Button Pack

Contact me today to host your workshop: annemariehile@gmail.com

Sale-A-Bration + Stampin' Up!'s 25th anniversary = 25% more Starter Kit products for FREE! 

That's right, during Sale-A-Bration new demonstrators will receive $156.50 worth of products for only $99. How cool is that? There are so many awesome benefits to being a Stampin' Up demonstrator. I'd love to tell you more about them and have you on my fabulous team. 

Contact me today to join my team! 

You can also read more about joining HERE on my website or email me (annemariehile@gmail.com) for more info. 

Dapper Dad for Paper Players #129

Hello there! This week at the Paper Players, the lovely and talented Jaydee is our hostess. She has an awesome sketch to use with a CAS (clean and simple) theme.

I don't know about you, but I always have a need for "guy cards". I never seem to have enough on hand. I used the *new* Dapper Dad stamp set from the Spring catalog for the first time on this card. The bow ties seemed a little boring on their own, so I dressed them up with some Silver Basics Designer Buttons, also new in the Spring catty. "Naked buttons" creep me out, so I added some twine to the centers. Also, it is tough to see in the photo, but I added some paper piercing to the bottom corners. All of the supplies I used are listed at the end of this post.

Please join us this week at the Paper Players and share your CAS-tastic creation. The challenge is open through Friday, January 25th at Noon (PDT). The rest of the Design Team created some awesome projects. Stop by and say hello to them: 

The Paper Players Design Team

Ann Schach

Anne Marie Hile

Jaydee

LeAnne Pugliese

Nance Leedy

Amy O'Neill

Brian King

Jen Nelson

Justin Krieger

Sandy Mathis

Before I sign off, I wanted to share a recent photo of little Abby, although she is not so little anymore. She's 5- 1/2 months already and is quite the sassafrass. She also loves the camera, which is great because I snap a LOT of photos of her. My little diva! Have a HAPPY day! :) 

CLICK HERE to order anytime 24/7 from my Stampin' Up! website

Stampin' Up! Supply List

Stamps: Dapper Dad and Best Dad Ever (sentiment) 

Paper: International Bazaar DSP, Daffodil Delight, Rich Razzleberry and Chocolate Chip card stock

Ink: Chocolate Chip Classic ink

Punches: 1- 1/4" Square punch (for banner "tails) 

Accessories: Chevron Embossing Folder, Silver Basics Designer Buttons, twine, Paper Piercer and Stampin' Dimensionals

Non-SU! Accessories: silver pearls