Pink Bow Birthday

I seem to be on a roll with Pals Paper Arts Challenges.  This week's theme caught my eye, again. The challenge was to use brads.   I love brads and I tend to get carried away when I get the chance to use them.

I made two versions of the card for my entry.  Here they are together.  The first card used rhinestone brads and plain brads in different colors.  After I studied it a while, I redid the card with one more layer  and using brads all the same color.  Which do you think I entered in the Pals Paper Arts Challenge, PPA95, this week?

Here's a closer look at each of the cards.The first version...

And the second version.

This is the one I entered.  It seemed to need the extra layer, and it wasn't quiet as jarring as the sample that used multiple kinds of brads.  I also sponged the edges of the Decorative Label with Soft Suede to give it dimension

Here's the card recipe:

Stamps:  Well Scripted
Ink:  Cherry Cobbler, Soft Suede
Paper:  Pink Pirouette, Botanical Gazette, Subtles Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack (Love these stacks!)
Accessories:  1-1/4" Pretty in Pink Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Brads - Pretty in Pink and Rose Red from the Subtles collection, Dimentionals, Spong, Pink Rhinestone brad from the Circle Fire collection, Glue dots, Beautiful wings embosslit die, Big Shot die cut machine, and Decorative Label Punch.


Final few days to save 30% on the Digital starter kit, select stamps, select My Digital Studio download packages, and / or Digital Download products during National Scrapbooking month (May 2011).  See current promotion link below.

Current Promotion Details
Start You Own Business
Host a workshop
24/7 Shopping at my Stampin' Up! Website
Download Free Stampin' Up! Catalogs

Enjoy!

Wedding Heart

I decided to do another Pals Paper Arts Color Challenge this week since the theme was anything for a wedding and I needed to make a wedding card for my wonderful niece and her new husband-to-be in California.

Here's my card. 

It was based on another card I did a few years back and also showcases a heart made out of grosgrain ribbon based on a ribbon wreath card by Marisa (or Whiterockmama if you visit Splitcoaststampers) of Rosemary Reflections.  She has a link to a tutorial for how to make these wonderful ribbon fantasies.  To form the heart I tied a piece of 1/4" Whisper White Grosgrain ribbon on the top to give it a heart shape.

Stamps:  Occasional Quotes
Paper:  Whisper White
Ink:  Basic Black
Accessories:  Vintage Wallpaper Texturewd impressions embossing folder, Basic Pearls, 5/8" Whisper White Grosgrain Ribbon, 1/4" Whisper White Grosgrain Ribbon

Here's my original card that I cased.

Don't forget, just two more weeks to take advantage of Scrapbooking Month Specials.

• 30% off Select Stamp Sets, including one of my all-time favorite butterfly sets called Simple Friendship.
• 30% off Select My Digital Studio(TM) professional print products,
• 30% off Digital Download Products--bundles-- for themed photobooks, and
• 30% off the Digital+ Starter Kit and/or Stampin' Memories Add on when you join the Stampin' Up! family as a demonstrator.

Enjoy

Gaga over Blossom Petals Punch

I couldn't resist doing another version of the Mother's Day card I made my mom and posted yesterday -- only this time I changed the sentiment so that I can use the card for other occasions as well. 

My real incentive happened when I stumble across the Pals Paper Arts Color Challenge site this week and thought this card would look great in the PPA Color Challenge colors using Pear Pizzaz, Peach Parfait and Poppy Parade. 

I'm still gaga over the Blossom Petals Punch.  I'm thrilled it is a carry over items from the Stampin' Up! Occasions Mini catalog.

Here's my new version of the card I posted yesterday.

Stamps:  Build a Blossom, Just Believe (Sentiment)
Ink:  Poppy Parade, Pear Pizzaz
Paper:  Sunnny Garden Designer Series Paper, Pear Pizzaz, Peach Parfait, Poppy Parade
Accessories:  Blossom Petals Punch, Sweet Stitches Fabric Designer Brads (Occasions Mini), Eyelet Border Punch, Modern Label Exgtra Large Punch, Bone Folder.

To order any of the supplies above or either of these punches that are still available from the Stampin' Up! Occasions Mini catalog, visit my on-line Store.

Enjoy!

Naturally Mother

It getting warmer outside and everything is fresh and new!  Colorful flowers are popping out of the ground, and in Texas, the humidity is still low -- it is simply the best time of the year!

I had so much fun making this card.  I used the same colors as the flowers my DH planted for me in the front flower bed. Who knew that even the garden store followed fashion colors!   And I was surprised at how fast and easy it was to make this card.  I am so pleased the punch for this stamp set is one of the carry-over items from the Stampin' Up! Occasions Mini catalog!  There are a number of items you can purchase from the Holiday and Occasions Mini catalog and the Occasions catalog.  You won't find these items posted in the Summer Mini, but you can add stamp and punch numbers below to your order.

I made this for my mom in Minnesota for Mother's Day.  I love that with the Build A Blossom stamp set and Blossom Petals Punch I can create this easy-to-make flower so quickly. 

After stamping the petals in Melon Mambo on Pink Pirouette, I punched them out with the matching Blossoms Petals Punch.  Then I curled the petals slightly with my bone folder.  A few leaves in Always Artichoke were added to the underside and I also used one of the Fabric Designer Brads in the center, although the stamp set comes with a wonderful center (actually, 2 circle centers; a 1/2" and a 1" center stamp) to give you more variety.  This is a very versatile stamp and punch set and one you'll want to add to your collection as soon as possible!  While the stamp set and punch aren't in the catalog, you can still add them to your order buy using the numbers below. 


Stamps:  Build A Blossom - 121994 (Clear); 121923 (wood), Home is where your mother is (retired)
Paper:  Springtime Vintage Designer Series Paper (Occasions Mini), Very Vanilla, Always Artichoke, Pink Pirouette
Ink:  Always Artichoke, Melon Mambo
Accessories:  Fabric Designer Brads (121880- Occasions Mini), Blossom Petals Punch - 121808, Bone Folder, Eyelet Boarder Punch

On another note, I'm so excited to share with you the new Stampin' Up! Summer Mini Catalog.  Download your free copy today!  Good May 1 - August 31, 2011

Also, this is National Scrapbooking Month.  Look at these great promotions for May and save today.  If you're a mom, this is a great time to drop a hint that Stampin' Up! is what you really want.  Or spend that gift card someone thoughtfully tucked inside your card.

• 30% off Select Stamp Sets, including one of my all-time favorite butterfly sets called Simple Friendship.
• 30% off Select My Digital Studio(TM) professional print products,
• 30% off Digital Download Products--bundles-- for themed photobooks, and
• 30% off the Digital+ Starter Kit and/or Stampin' Memories Add on when you join the Stampin' Up! family as a demonstrator.

Stampin' up! Promotions


http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/donnaross/promotions





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Current Promotion Details
Start You Own Business
Host a workshop
24/7 Shopping at my Stampin' Up! Website
Download Free Stampin' Up! Catalogs


Enjoy!

Springtime Smiles

It is hardly Spring in Houston, with our weekend weather close to 90 degrees.  It feels much more like the middle of Summer.  Friends and family in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, however, all reported snow last week.  SNOW!...While we're running around in shorts, tee-shirts and barefoot, planting our spring flowers. 

With just one more week remaining to purchase from the Occasions Mini Catalog from Stampin' Up! I'm showcasing the Easter Blossoms stamp set again.  I've paired it with this month's Spring-is-Blossoming special.

Here's the creations I came up with.  As I often do, I like to make a couple versions of the cards I make to try different color combinations, background papers and sometimes different sentiments.

For  a closer look at each card:

Both cards used background papers from Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper.  The card above uses two prints from Paisley Petals.  For this kind of card, I think my favorite is the smaller patterns on the designer papers.

I've always been partial to monochromatic cards, so the second version sent me looking for a patterned paper to match my Marina Mist card stock and image stamped in Marina Mist.  The card below uses an additional paper from the Patterns Designers Series Paper Stack.  I'm always surprised by how often when I can't find a coordinating paper among my Designer Papers, I reach for these wonderful Paper Stacks.  Each stack has so much to choose from.   

Here's what I used:

• Stamps:  Easter Blossoms, Four Frames
• Ink:  Marina Mist
• Paper:  Marina Mist, Whisper White, Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper, Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack - Subtles
• Accessories:  Stampin' dimensionals, Sponges,  3" Circle Sizzix Original Die, 3-1/2 Circle Original Die, Decorative Label Punch, Satin Ribbon, Big Shot Die Cutting Machine, Circle Scissors Plus

Don't miss your favorites from the Occasions Mini catalog.  While a few of the items may be picked up in the 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalog, you will not be able to order them until July...or not at all.  So look through your Occasions Mini Catalog and place your online catalog order today...this week... before April 30, 2011.  Hurry, some items are already out of stock and no longer available to order, such as the Vinilla Rosettes.

You can also take advantage of the April special.  With a $20 minimum purchase, you qualify to order two brand new products from the upcoming 2011-2012 Idea Book a Catalog.  I've used both of these new products-- the Four Frames Stamp Set and the Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper --on the cards above.  This special Spring-is-Blossoming offer is good this month (April 2011) only.  After April 30, these two products won't be available again until July 1.

Read more about current Stampin' Up! specials, here.

Enjoy!

Order Anytime, 24 X 7

Believe

I was drawn to a card on Dawn Olchefske's site recently and had to create my own version of Dawn's lovely card.  This uses a section of the Big Shot Lattice Die, which is among my favorite Big Shot dies.  I added an extra layer of the Elegent Soiree Designer Series paper and kept my colors monochromatic.

Please tell me what you think, and let me know if you have questions.  Here's what I used:

• Stamps:  Just Believe
• Ink:  Soft Suede
• Paper:  Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Elegant Soiree Design  Series Paper
• Accessories:  Stamping dimensionals, Basic Pearls, Boho Blossoms, Bitty Shapers Punch Packs, 1-1/4" punch, Big Shot Die Cutting Machine, Lattice Die

Reminder 1:  Just two weeks remain to order from the Occasions Mini catalog.  Place a $20 minimum purchase and you qualify to order two brand new products from the upcoming 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog.  Place your order and before you submit, you'll be asked if you want to order the Four Frames Stamp Set and the Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper.  This special Spring-is-Blossoming offer is good this month (April 2011) only.  After April 30, these products won't be available again until July 1.

Reminder 2:  If you are a customer of mine, your Summer Mini Catalog is in the mail.  On May 1 I'll make the free mini catalog download available here, where you can always find all of the Stampin' Up! catalog downloads.  To purchase the large 2010-2011 Idea Book and Catalog, contact me anytime.

Enjoy,

Easter Blossoms

It's been a busy couple of weeks, but I finally had time to stamp!  I made these cards using the Easter Blossom set from the Occasions Mini Catalog.  You can order from the Occasions mini through April 30, 2011. 

I like to make a couple versions of each card when I create.  Using different sentiments, I always have cards on hand when I need them. 

I like how they turned out... and these were simple to make. 

Stamps:  Easter Blossoms
Paper:  Basic Gray; Pretty in Pink
Ink:  Basic Gray
Accessories:  Pretty in Pink Satin Ribbon, Oval Punches, Decrative Label punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Basic Half Pearls, White Gel Pen, Dimensionals, Framed Tulips Embossing Folder, Big Shot Die Cut machine

Here is a closer look at the card using Oval punches and scallop oval punches and the Sending Springtime wishes from the Easter Blossoms Stamp Set.  I stamped the branch and sentiment in Basic Gray.  Then I took a white gel pen and colored the flowers lightly and carefully to allow the stamped image to show through the white gel pen.  I used the Framed Tulip Textured Impressions Embossing Folder on the basecard to create the raised boarder. Pretty in Pink satin ribbon added a touch of elegance.

Here is a closer look at the card using the Decorative Label Punch, and the scallop oval punch with the Happy Easter sentiment from the Easter Blossoms Stamp Set. 



http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ItemList.aspx?categoryID=493

Thinking of placing an order?  Check out the restocked Stampin' Up! Clearance Rack items including great grab bags, while they last. 

• A $5 grab bag includes at least $20 worth of discontinued products
• A $10 grab bag includes $40 worth of discontinued products including ribbons, Accents & Elements, chipboard, Designer Series Paper,m or Simply Sent kits.  Grab bags do not contain stamp sets or tools.

Also, check out the Spring is Blossoming promotion giving you a sneak peek at two brand new prducts from the upcoming 2011-2012 idea Book & Catalog.  From April 1-30, Four Frames Stamp Set and Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper can be ordered with a $20 minimum purchase or get them FREE when you host a $350 workshop.  These products wont be available again until July 1.

I'm so excited!  I just signed up for Stampin' Up! convention in July in Salt Lake City.  Early registration for demonstrators ends April 12 and saves your $30.  If you've been thinking of starting your own business and want to attend Convention in July, it's not too late to join stamping up as a demonstrato and register for Convention while seats are available.

Enjoy,

Specials

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Host a workshop
24/7 Shopping at my Stampin' Up! Website
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Why do I love My Digital Studio...scrapbook page

While vising the MyDigitalStudio.net site recently, I came across a great digital studio page by Cindy Schuster that sums up why so many of us are falling in love with digital scrapbooking and digital cardmaking. 

This is a shameless case of Cindy's page with my choices of favorite Designer Series Paper, stamps, and embellishments.  One of the ideas I forgot to mention on my reasons for loving My Digital Studio software is that  although Stampin' Up! may retire stamps, papers, colors and accessories and they are no longer available for purchase, if I've purchased it as a My Digital Studio download, I'll have my favorites ... forever!

If you are a My Digital Studio software user, why not case this and use your favorite digital downloads to showcase some of the interesting things you can do with My Digital Studio.  Send me a link in the comments section below.  I would love to see what you did! 

I'm planning to have several of these professionally printed by Stampin' Up!'s professional print services and keep them on hand for classes and open houses.  I'm also thinking that this is a great template for a page entitled 8 things I love.  I love using templates because you don't have to start from scratch -- although I did on this page. To change my layout, I could add photos, change the background paper and colors and add many different embellishment. 

The project I wanted to show you is the latest digital card I made using My Digital Studio.  I stated with a template available as a download and customized the Designer Series paper and embellishment.

After printing the card front on my home printer, I mounted it on a Soft Suede background.  It was a quick, fun card, but it seemed flat and commercial rather than handmade and personal.  So I added extra pages to my project, copied the card elements to a separate page, and printed the card elements individually

Then I hand cut the elements while I was watching TV and popped up the elements on dimensional to make this card.  I sponged the edges with Soft Suede and added buttons and twine. 

While I was printing my card elements, I also up-sized the digital top note element to make a text block for the inside of my card.  I rarely add elements to the inside of my cards; but with My Digital studio, it is so easy -- why not?

 

I also personalized one of the card front images for my brother's birthday. 

And finally, I played with different buttons on the card front. 

Other then the card I'm sending my brother in Minnesota for his birth this week, I'll add the rest of my samples to my stash of cards -- ready when I need them.  Thanks for indulging my little craft session today.

Two quick reminders:

• Sale-A-Bration ends March 31.  Just a couple more days to earn free stamp sets with your $50 order.
• The 15% off Sale-A-Bration discount for joining Stampin' Up! ends this week also.  You get the Starter Kit (Standard or Digital+) for 15 percent off--that's over $310 worth of Stampin' Up! products for just $148.75! You get a Bonus Bundle (worth up to $50) on top of the fabulous Starter Kit to get off to an awesome start! And you can sign up on line.Enjoy!
  
  
  
  
  Sale-a-bration Details
  Start You Own Business
  Host a workshop
  24/7 Shopping at my Stampin' Up! Website
  Download Free Stampin' Up! Catalogs