CAS Christmas Swap

Hello everyone! I have been horrible about keeping up with my blog this week, sorry. My husband and I have been taking some time off together, so I'm a little slowed down in the creative department. But *tick-tock*, deadlines call and I HAD to get to stamping and cutting to get a few swap cards done on time. I signed up for a CAS (clean and simple) Christmas Card swap at Spiltcoast last month. I was pretty excited to play along, as CAS cards are NOT really easy for me. Don't get me wrong, I love the look of a clean design, I just love lots of layers and lots of little details. But I figured out, when creating this card, that you still can do that on a CAS card...well at least I think you can.

I pulled out 3 sets for this one: Contempo Christmas (sentiment), Delightful Decorations (ornament) and Berry Christmas (the bow which you may, or may not, recognize from another earlier project). For my colors, I used Bravo Burgundy and Always Artichoke which looks like that traditional red/green combo I tend to avoid. But WAIT, when you throw in some Pink Pirouette it changes it up a little, right? 


I heat embossed the bow in silver and then added a couple of jewels and some glitter glue for added sparkle. I did my research and CAS cards can sparkle...I wanted to Smooch this baby, but thought that would be a little TOO much, though! :) The ornaments were punched out then popped up with Stampin' Dimensionals for a little lift. All that and I only added three layers...which is a monumental thing for me. Ha! 

There was also some excitement today with the feline "boys" when our little gecko, Harriet (thanks to Teressa for the great name) decided to taunt them through the window. This photo is completely fabulous for one reason alone...this is the first time my boys have been this close to each other, ever, without FIGHTING! Tomas has been part of our family since early-June and every day since then they have had a disagreement! Some days even involve injury...eeek! I guess the gecko was too important to allow their differences get in the way. Finally!! :)

Oh, and for the record, I had "James Morrison radio" locked in on Pandora today. Sorry Steve Perry, but James got my mojo workin'. :)


Thanks for visiting! 
Happy Stampin', 

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Makin' Merry with Steve Perry...

Have you ever made one of those cards? You know, the ones that start out like a really great idea, then once you get into the process you want to pull your hair out because nothing seems to be going right. That was this card for me. I'm not sure what it was...maybe it was the fact that no matter how hard I tried I just couldn't make a fall card with this color mix. I tried, trust me. I tried numerous times. In the end, though, I blame Steve Perry. Yes, Steve Perry, former lead singer of the '80's hit band, Journey. Why you may ask? Well, stay with me...

First, I remembered that I hadn't made my card yet for the challenge this week at The Play Date Cafe. I love the color combo. I decided on Crumb Cake, Marina Mist (which ended up looking horribly bright in the photos), Bashful Blue and little hints of Certainly Celery. They are really pretty together, try it out. :)

Then, I went back an forth with the theme. Fall or winter...because of the crumbling leaf image. After trying almost every fall stamp I own, I just couldn't get my "fall mojo" going. So, two hours later and still no hint of a card. Grrr! What does this have to do with Steve Perry? Well, let me explain. I always have some fabulous music blasting from my iPod while I am creating, either my own mix or from Pandora Radio. Today I was in the listening mood for some quality 80's tunes, for some reason. (Ah, my younger years.) So, I went with "Journey Radio" on Pandora. Apparently it did not help my creative mojo. Maybe I was too busy singing and dancing along, but it slowed me down with this project big time! Are you reading this Steve Perry (very doubtful, I know)? Your awesome vocal stylings were too distracting. I couldn't concentrate! You and your friends Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Foreigner and Queen...

Okay, enough talking virtually to Mr. Perry...let's get to the card. I finally decided on a holiday theme when I came across my Berry Christmas (ret.) set. After struggling, this set seemed to "work". It's simple, yes. But, I like it for a non-traditional holiday card. The Delicate Dots DSP (ret.) has some added Vanilla Smooch Shimmer for sparkle (see below for the shot in the blazing sunlight) and in lieu of lots of accessories, I simply went with three tiny pearls for "berries". 

Further proof that I had a creative battle of epic proportions today...here is a photo of my desk in the aftermath. I hesitated to post this, but yes, this is where I made something today. Hard to believe, I know. So although I struggled, thanks to Steve Perry...I won't stop believin'...(PLEASE tell me that you get my pun!). I'm off to have dinner with my guy. It's pizza night...thank goodness. I have to spend some time excavating my desk later tonight... :)

Thanks for visiting! 

Have a happy day, 

Punched Pumpkin

When I searched for a few "fall themed" challenges to inspire some creativity, I hit the jackpot this week. Last year in a card swap I was in, one of the cards had a fun punched pumpkin on it. I have been wanting to play around with making one of my own this year. 

This was the photo inspiration from The Shabby Tea Room blog this week. 

It seems that pumpkins are all the rage right now...hmmm, it's October, that's really not so hard to believe, I suppose. My card also fits for the photo challenge over at the Stampin' Celebration blog. This photo makes me smile...that's a whole bunch of stinkin' cute pumpkins, eeek! 

I knew I really wanted to make a punched pumpkin but had no idea how to lay it all out. Then I saw these sketches over at Hand Stamped Sentiments and my plan was hatched! HaHa! 

I just pulled out some Autumn Vine DSP (ret.) for my color combo of Really Rust (ret.), More Mustard, Chocolate Chip and Sage Shadow (ret.). At this point, I could go on and on about how much I love Sage Shadow and how sad I am that it's retired...but I will spare you that lengthy discussion. But I'm sad about it... 

The pumpkin is made from 3 of the medium oval punches (1 3/4" x 7/8"). I then embossed them with the Finial Press embossing folder and sponged some ink around the edges. The leafy branches were made with the Two-Step Bird punch. I just kept adding them until it looked full enough. I felt like it needed just one more bling, oops I meant thing...so I added 5 glitter flowers to the little arrangement and then I felt like it was complete. I think I will be making a bunch of these for Thanksgiving cards this year, actually. Hope you like them! :)

Stampin' Up Supply List: 
Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes (sentiment)
Ink: Chocolate Chip classic ink
Paper: Chocolate Chip, More Mustard, Sage Shadow (ret.) and Really Rust (ret.) card stock and Autumn Vine DSP (ret.)
Accessories: 1 3/8"x 7/8" Oval punch, 2-Step Bird punch, Corner Rounder punch, Scallop Trim Border punch and Word Window punch, 
**The glitter flowers, ribbon and jewels are non SU!

Have a great day! 
Thanks for stopping by, 

Get The Door, it's Frankie!

Knock, knock....Who's there?...It's FRANKIE!!...and he wants CANDY! I'm not sure when I actually bought this little Frankenstein stamp but I found it in my stash this morning and thought he would be fun to make a Halloween card with. I'm also doing something unheard of for me...entering it in three, yes three, challenges. That is lofty, I know, but I'm doing it. Frankie made me do it! HaHa!

First up, the challenge this week over at Cupcake Craft Challenges was to incorporate "SCARY CREATURES" into your project. Although Mr. Frankie here looks only a wee bit on the scary side, I thought he could pass for the theme. That's why I threw in a few spider brads, too...just to make sure! Spiders are scary, no doubt! 


My color combo came from the Colour Q blog. I am literally 20 minutes away from hitting the deadline for their weekly challenge as I type this, whew! 

The sketch was based on this weeks Sweet Sunday Sketch challenge. My panel is a little larger then the sketch, but c'mon, Frankie is a big guy. He wouldn't fit, so I just stretched it out a little! :)

I found some patterned paper in my supply which had the exact same colors as the challenge, which was pretty awesome. I also added some black dots to my scalloped border to give it some interest and the sparkly sentiment is a chipboard sticker. (I still want to decorate the inside of the card, too, but will have to add those pics later...tick tock!) 

Frankie is stylin' in his colored purple pants and jacket and shoes with the orange trim. I actually tried to shade around the image, which I have seen many people do. I think it looks okay but I know I have a lot to learn in that area. There you have it, one (sort-of) scary creature who is on the hunt for some chocolaty Halloween treats! Can you hear him now: "mmmm, Kit Kat, Snickers, Twix, GOOD."! That's right, Frankie sure knows where it's at! :) 

Thanks for visiting and enjoy your day today! 

Happy Haunting,

Eat, Drink & Be Scary

I love making fall and Halloween cards! When I saw the photo inspiration challenge over at the Papercraft Star site this week, I was immediately motivated to play along. How much fun is this photo? They plucked it from Martha Stewart Living magazine. If there is one thing to say about Ms. Martha, she knows how to throw a fabulous party, that's for sure. 

I took different elements from the photo to add to my card, which could also very easily be turned into an invite to a Halloween bash. The circles on the Ghostly Greetings DSP (retired) reminded me of both the pumpkins and the polka dots on the tablecloth. Ooh, ooh, ooh, I see cupcakes on that table, too....YUM! That's where the addition of the striped DSP came in. Yup, I can always spot the treats, hee hee! I actually made Halloween cupcakes yesterday for my hubby to take to work today. I'm sure they were JUST as good as Martha's! ;)


I didn't plan to use the Kiwi Kiss (retired) color but the striped paper had that color in it, so I just went ahead and incorporated it. The Halloween definition is from the Eat, Drink & Be Scary (retired) set. I embossed it in white on the black card stock to make it pop a little more. The spiders are rub on's and although spiders are generally really creepy, these guys are kind of cute. I finished it off with some ribbon, some fiber for sparkle and the three little bat brads. Hope you like it! :)

Thanks for visiting, 

Bloggin' Award!

Just the other day Kathy (The Lucky Stamper) was sweet enough to give me this Cherry on Top Award. Thank you so much, Kathy, for being so sweet to think of me! Stop by and visit Kathy's blog, too. She has some amazing projects to share and you will absolutely fall in love with her sweet puppy, Lucky. I know more then a few people who are just smitten with him! :) 


As a recipient of this award I have a few little objectives to complete. First, thank the person who gave it to me, with a link to their blog. (check) Then, post the award. (check) Now share three things about yourself, or three things you like to do. Finally, pass the award to five more people. 


Okay, three things about me: 
1. My love of creating with paper all started with my "sticker collection" back when I was in 3rd grade. The sticker collection had a brief come-back in 2001 when I really got into scrapbooking (scary "sticker sneezes" all over my pages...haha). Now, that little, okay huge, collection consists primarily of stamps, patterned paper and ribbon.


2. I could eat potatoes (cooked any way at all), edemame, grilled cheese sandwiches and apples EVERY day and never get tired of them. I will always pass on the pickles and mustard, though...blech! 


3. I have two really BIG fears...clowns and ostrich (yes, the giant birds). How is THAT for a random fact?? 


Now the daunting task of picking only 5 people to share this with...that is really a challenge. There are so many great blogs out there, many I visit almost every day. This is tough, but here are the blogs I want to share (I know some that I follow have already received this award so that made it a tiny bit easier to pick). 


1. Kelli- Sandcastle Stamper
2. Lynn- Creative Crafts by Lynn
3. Susan (peebsmama)- Susan's Day Off Creations
4. Denise (LavenderRose)- Lavender Rose Crafts
5. Christiana- Christy Gets Crafty

I also know that some folks don't participate in the blog awards...if one of you gals don't, no worries. Just know that I was thinking about you and wanted to give you a little shout out for your awesome work! :)


Have a happy day, 

Sparkly Snowman

Second post of the day, it's crazy, I know! I actually made most of this card over the weekend and almost forgot to finish it in time. How funny that earlier today I posted that it was 90 degrees here today and I'm now posting a snowman card! HaHa! I have been playing a lot of catch up today after the long weekend, running lots of errands, cleaning the house...even got a run in. Running in what felt like 1000% humidity is fabulous, by the way...NOT! It's been a productive day though, that's all that matters. 

I made this card from the color inspiration over at The Play Date Cafe. At first glance it looks like a red and green color combo, which I just struggle with...but NO, it's green and MELON!! Ha! I used Garden Green, Groovy Guava (guava is a melon-ish color, isn't it??) and Whisper White for this one. 

I knew I wanted this card to be predominantly white, which I never seem to do all that often. The background layer was embossed in a snowflake pattern and (if you look really closely in the photo) was "smooched" with Smooch Spritz in Vanilla Shimmer. I love that stuff! Sparkles make me smile! :)


My snowman is not a SU! stamp...I bought it a few years ago and love how cute he is. I attempted to try to shade the image (I'm still learning) and then after adding some shadows, sprinkled on Dazzling Diamonds glitter to create a "snowy effect". The pearls around the image...well, I am completely open to opinions on them. At first I added three to each top corner, because they looked a little like snowballs. Then I thought to keep adding them to the bottom. Is it TOO much?? I tried to remove them but started to tear the cardstock...EEEEK!! So there they stay. The sentiment is from the Teeny Tiny Wishes set and the punch and ribbon are non SU! 

As I was walking in from taking these photos on my back patio, look what my dog, Ozzy, spotted on the back of one of our patio chairs. *Insert girly scream here!* Sadly, this little gecko was just as scared of me as I was of him. He was pretty curious though. Although I was a little scared he was going to jump on my face and possibly attack me while I was taking the picture, I took the risk anyway. I think he needs a name...any suggestions out there?

Enjoy your day! 
Happy stampin',

Bright and Sunny Birthday

Happy Tuesday! Well, it looks like it's going to be a hot and humid fall day in Texas today. Nothing like a 90 degree day in mid-October to put you in the mood for the fall season. HaHa! Since the temps feel so much like summer, I thought why not crank up the air conditioning and play around with some bright colors this morning.

I used this fun color combo from Pals Paper Arts (I will never miss any opportunity to use Melon Mambo, by the way. LOVE that color!): 

 I paired it up with this week's Mojo Monday Sketch:

I didn't intend on using this much Melon Mambo on the card (it is REALLY pink!) but it just kind of fell together that way. I decided to use the Playful Pieces (hostess, level 3) stamp set again because it was still sitting on my desk from the last card I made. It really am starting to like the versatility of this set. You can really do a lot with it for pretty much, any occasion. The sentiment is from the Wow Flowers set. I flipped the Top Note around from the sketch completely on accident...oops. It was already stuck down though, so I just left it alone. I also decided on the pink ribbon from my stash (looks like it could be a Melon Mambo impostor) because the loops tied in with the loops on the presents. Then I added some buttons, bling and glitter glue to dress it up a little more. 

Stampin' Up! Supply List:
Stamps: Playful Pieces, Wow Flowers (sentiment)
Ink: Pear Pizzazz, Peach Parfait and Melon Mambo classic inks
Paper: Pear Pizzazz, Peach Parfait, Melon Mambo and Whisper White card stock and Peach Parfait DSP In Color pad (level 1, hostess set)
Accessories: Top Note Sizzix Die, Scallop Trim Border punch and Perfect Ploka Dots embossing folder
Non SU! Accessories: pink bling, glitter glue, ribbon and buttons

Have a great day!

Swap Cards

Last month I participated in a swap over at Splitcoast where participants made cards from the brand new sets from the SU! catalog (released back in July). Everyone signed up for a specific set and in the end, we swapped 26 different projects.

 I promised I would post photos of the cards when I got them back, so here they are. It was so nice to see the different creative styles from fellow stampers. It also encouraged me to put a few more stamp sets on my, ever-growing, wish list. :) 

I know some of the participants visit my blog on occasion, so I want to say a big THANK YOU for sharing their creativity. Everyone did a such great job! Thanks also, to our hostess, Jessica for organizing the swap.

Here are all of the cards (the card I made is at the end):

Thanks for stopping by, 

Playful Pieces and Ponchos

Hello and happy Sunday! I hope you are enjoying your weekend so far. I whipped up this little card this morning and wanted to share it. The best part is, the whole card took me less then a half hour to create, start-to-finish. That is a new record! :)

I used the color combo from The Color Dare blog as my inspiration: 

Color Dare #79: 

Marina Mist

Wild Wasabi

Early Espresso 

Then paired it up with the sketch from Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge: 

Up until today, my Playful Pieces (level 3, hostess) set has remained uninked. Probably because it consists of that dreaded "two step stamping" technique, that I'm not really all that good with. I will say one thing though, using this technique with the Clear Mount Stamps is WAY easier then with the wood blocks. To assemble the butterflies (or are they dragonflies??), I used 3 seperate stamps, one for the body, one for the large wing, and one for the small wing. The cool part was that I could stamp in 3 different colors, pretty easily this way. It's a pretty simple card but I like how all came out with the sketch and those fabulous colors.

Now for your daily dose of CUTENESS!! My little Ozzy got himself a stylin' new raincoat this week while I was out shopping. He refuses to go outside when it is raining, so I am willing to try just about anything at this point. He is a stubborn, stubborn terrier. I'm not sure if he was as amused as I was with it. 

Doesn't he look adorable?? (...or maybe a little like a 22 pound, fuzzy Gorton's Fisherman? HaHa!)

Stampin' Up! Supply List: 
Stamps: Playful Pieces, Short and Sweet
Inks: Marina Mist, Wild Wasabi and Early Espresso classic ink
Paper: Marina Mist, Wild Wasabi, Early Espresso and Whisper White card stock
Accessories: Ticket Corner punch, Word Window punch, Modern Label punch, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Paper Piercing tool, Marina Mist 1/8" Taffeta ribbon and some (non SU!) blue bling

Have a happy day! :)