Featured Stamper Time!

Hello Stamping Friends!

If you have been following my blog at all, you know I have been busy catching up on the 2016 challenges at The Paper Players.  But the other half of my stamping goal is to complete all of the 2016 Featured Stamper challenges at Splitcoaststampers.  Honestly, before this past Sunday, I had only done 15 so far!  Yikes!  I probably won't be able to catch up,, but I'll see what I can do.

I decided to make a Christmas card each of these challenges, since I still need a lot of Christmas cards.  A few will be worth duplicating later on to help build up my stash.  I completed the four most recent Featured Stampers, along with the three oldest challenges that I had skipped.  Busy busy!  Here we go...

This week's Featured Stamper is Mary, aka octoberbabe.  I see her quite often in the gallery, including Virtual Stamp Night challenges.  I chose to CASE this card.  I kept the lost lagoon, even embossing it with the World Traveler folder.  I added a strip of All is Calm dsp.  The base and circle are brushed silver.  The sentiment is from "Greetings of the Season," stamped in pear pizzazz on a decorative label.  The image is from "Miracle of Christmas," stamped in lost lagoon.  The ribbon is from a gift I received a while back, because I always reuse my ribbons!

Last week featured another stamper I often see around VSN, Shannon, aka scrapaholic007.  I chose this Christmas card to CASE.  I used the thick whisper white for the base and image panel.  Using SU's "Work of Art," I stamped the background in sahara sand, marina mist, night of navy, rich razzleberry, and crushed curry.  The image is from "Come to Bethlehem," in tuxedo black...except the star, which was inked with versamark and heat embossed in silver.  I added a rhinestone for extra sparkle.  The greeting is from the same set, stamped in midnight muse.  

  

I spotted this card on the day Jan, aka Precious Kitty, was featured, and knew I wanted to CASE it.  I had to look quite a while to find this Sizzix die from SU, which I bought just before it retired.  I had not used it yet, but I plan on making a dozen of these!  I printed sheet music for "Joy to the World" on very vanilla card stock, and sponged the edges with crumb cake ink.  The card base is always artichoke, and the dsp is "Deck the Halls" from SU, slightly distressed.  The sentiment is from "Greetings of the Season" stamped in cherry cobbler and punched with a scallop circle.  Scrunched artichoke seam binding finishes it off.








Next, I chose THIS card from MommaPatti's gallery.  I kept a similar color scheme, featured pine trees, a bit of sparkle, and the same sentiment from "The Sounding Joy." (Mine is stamped on vellum and embossed in silver.  My base is pool party. The dsp is retired from a Valentine pack.  I used label framelits to cut out a piece of blushing bride and very vanilla.  The bb is embossed with Divine Swirls folder.  I stamped trees from "Lovely as a Tree" colored with creamy caramel and sage shadow.  I added a bit of dazzling diamonds, which is hard to see, and pleated satin ribbon.

Here is a card CASE'd from Kathy, aka MochaFrap's gallery.  I chose this card.   My dp is from an old stash of Creative Memories paper from my scrapbooking days.  The sentiment is from "Greetings of the Season," stamped in cherry cobbler on very vanilla, matted on always artichoke.  The flowers are made from the 5-petal stamped and a tiny circle stamp, using riding hood red, al;ways artichoke, and crushed curry.  Seam binding wraps it up.

Now, a card for a challenge posted in January!  I chose this card from Michele's (aka Whimsey) gallery.  The image and greeting afe both from Our Daily Bread Designs "Blessed Christmas."  I colored the image with markers, stamped on watercolor paper, and spritzed with water.  After cutting it out with the label framelit, I sponged with crumb cake ink.  The card base is early espresso, dsp is "Deck the Halls," and accessories are enamel dots, satin ribbon, and crochet trim.  

Finally, here is another card, this time featuring Minnur's gallery, CASE-ing this project.  I kept the tree theme, again using "Lovely as a Tree."  I used always artichoke, very vanilla, chocolate chip, and cherry cobbler card stock.  My accessories are the SU wood grain embossing folder and non-SU enamel dots.  Another "Greetings of the Season" is featured in this simple design.  I almost forgot...I also added some dazzling details.  A bit less messy than the dazzling diamonds! 

Of course, I still have a lot to do in a short time.  Stay tuned to see how many challenges I complete!

Inky {{{HUGS}}}
Kim

Featured Stampers Again

Hello again!

Today, I have a few Featured Stamper challenge cards.  I made a couple weeks ago, but the first one was made tonight.  I better post here before I fall further behind!  LOL

Today's Featured Stamper is Penni (aka razldazl).  I chose THIS card to CASE.  I used SU stamps, "Avery," "Thoughts and Prayers" (the branches) and "Teeny Tiny Wishes."  The black and white dp is from SEI's "Black Orchid."  The card stock is pumpkin pie, whisper white, and basic black.  The sketch is from the current challenge at The Paper Players.   Penni made a set of 4 yellow/black cards; I hope to make three more cards later this week.   

My next card also combines a FS challenge with The Paper Players.  I CASE'd THIS card from Jen's (aka JenCarter) gallery.  I was inspired by the colors.  The circle motif made it easy to combine challenges.  My card base is smokey slate; the layer of basic gray is dry embossed with the decorative dots embossing folder.  I used Urban Garden dsp for three of the circles; the scallop circles are in baja breeze and whisper white. The sentiment is from "Blessings from Heaven."  Some long-retired kiwi kiss polka dot ribbon finishes it off. 

The next card is one for FS Helen (aka helekins).  I chose THIS card to CASE.  I used similar colors, water coloring and butterflies as in the original.  My image is from SU's "God's Beauty" and the sentiment is from "Happy Home." My card stock is pool party, calypso coral and whisper white.  I used my aqua brush with pool party, calypso coral and daffodil delight ink.  Enamel dots and bakers twine wrap it all up.

It has been fun working on these challenges.  Hope to stamp more this week!

Inky {{{HUGS}}}

Kim

I'm Back...with some Featured Stampers!

Hello Again!

Wow...it has been quite a while since I have posted!  I still haven't posted the rest of my Dare to Get Dirty cards, though one is included here.  My husband and I took a fabulous 2 week vacation in early August, and upon returning I was busy with laundry, mail, and general catching up.  But I have started getting back into my ink and stamps this last week, and it feels great!

I decided I needed to get serious about my goal to complete all of the 2016 SCS Featured Stamper challenges.  Here we go!

I actually made this one last Sunday (the day Mary, aka Stamps-n-Lingers was featured), but didn't get a decent picture for days.  I chose THIS card to CASE.  I chose a similar color scheme(perfect and pale plum, not quite navy, pool party, baja breeze), and a variation of sponging (daubers).  Instead of a line image, I featured a silhouette. In place of sparkly ribbon, I chose tiny rhinestones.  The stamp is from SU's "Thankful Thoughts," and features a quote from Mother Teresa, who will be canonized tomorrow!







Next, I went to the previous FS challenge which features Donna, aka didlet.  I chose THIS masculine card to CASE.  My card base is midnnight muse, and the front panel is a combo of Comfort Cafe dsp and confetti cream.  I used SU "Extreme Elements" and the birthday stamp from "Delightful Dozen."  My inks are soft suede, crushed curry, and midnight muse.  The sentiment is also stamped on a scalloped circle, layered over some burlap ribbon.







Next, I CASE'd this card from Amy, aka amymay998.  Initially, I was going to stick with the monochromatic palette, but I had this strip of midnight muse on my table.  Keepin' it simple!  The card base is early espresso, and I used espresso ink to sponge a layer of crumb cake pattern paper.  I stamped butterflies from "Kinda Eclectic" in midnight muse and espresso.  The strip is textured with my paper crimper.  The sentiment is from "Wetlands," on a decorative label with a touch of taffeta ribbon.






Finally, this card is for THREE challenges!  I started it before vacation, but the background wasn't dry.  It actually was for a DTGD challenge, plus a SCS color challenge, and a Featured Stamper:  Rita, aka scootsv.  Rita stops by my gallery and makes friendly and encouraging comments.  I chose THIS card to CASE.  I didn't have the exact colors, but came close.  I used poppy parade ink which seemed to be close to the watermelon wonder lace ribbon.  The pear pizzazz was used in the background as well as leaves stamped from "Kinda Eclectic."  And instead of peekaboo peach,, I used peach parfait.  This challenge helped my budget:  no need to buy every color, right??  By the way, the background is just a watercolor wash, trimmed with my scallop border punch.  I used the butterfly thinlet and scallop circle punch, plus a sentiment from "Whimsical Words."  All of this on a soft suede card base.

Whew!  That's a lot...plenty for a comeback I think.  I have other cards to post...gosh I hope I can catch up this week!  Thanks for stopping by!



Inky {{{HUGS}}}
Kim

Featured Stamper Time

Hello everyone!

I set a goal to complete all of the 2016 Featured Stamper challenges from Splitcoaststampers, but fell behind right away.  I actually had this post in my drafts SINCE MARCH!  By the original text, I could see that I intended to post several cards, but only had one so far.  So there it sat and sat.  Since I had ignored this particular goal, I never got back to it.  Until now.

There is no way I can catch up with months of challenges in a single post, but I will  show a few.  Gotta start somewhere, right?  Cleaning up my blog drafts is a lot like cleaning out my email inbox. It feels good to finally do it!

This first card was made on Super Bowl Sunday (I remember because I was stamping while hubby watched the game), for Featured Stamper Beatrice, who is a scrapbooker.  As much as I want to get into scrapping, I knew that wasn't happening right away!  I chose THIS PAGE as my inspiration.  I chose a similar color palette.  I also chose wavy lines in embossing, as well as how I cut my dsp.  The black striped SU ribbon also mimics her design.

My card base is basic black.  The layer of sage shadow is dry embossed with the Cuttlebug divine swirls folder.  My dsp is from SU's "Nouveau Chic."  The stamps are from "Fox and Friends" and "Just Sayin'" using sage and basic gray, plus some apricot appeal sponged on the edges.  The images are popped up...featuring a scallop circle and Word Bubble framelit.  The bakers twine is from Joanne's...can't remember the brand.  This card was for my nephew-in-law who still looks like a teenager!

Next, a card I made today.  That's 5 months between cards...how weird is that?  Any way... an online blogger friend of mine joked about being available all month for birthday gifts, lunches, etc.  I told her if she sent me her address, I would send her a one-of-a-kind card.  She is not a paper crafter. She blogs about faith and family.  I thought it would be fun to connect beyond the internet.  Her favorite color is purple, so this week's color challenge at SCS is perfect.  The Featured Stamper is a new one for me:  Kendra, aka jksand.  She must be new to a lot of people, because many projects in her gallery have 0 comments...but they are GORGEOUS!  Just shows how big the stamping community is, and how hard it is to catch everyone!  I chose THIS card to CASE.   I kept the white card base, jewel colors, and diagonal sentiment.  Instead of stamping in color, I stamped images from SU's "Mixed Bunch" in versamark, and clear embossed.  Then I sponged the challenge colors generously. The colors are rose red, elegant eggplant, and island indigo.  My sentiment is one stamp, so I used markers to add variety of color.  Enamel dots finish it off.  The card is about 5x7 inches, larger than my usual.  I bought a lot of A7 envelopes, getting ready for Christmas projects, so I thought I would try that here.  I like the bigger size!

I was considering waiting until I finished another FS card, but I better not.  This post could sit for months all over again!  LOL  I'll work on catching up another time.  Thanks for stopping by!


Inky {{{HUGS}}}
Kim

Featuring Sympathy

Hello again! It is not often that I write up a post in advance these days, but hey, it's a New Year!  I am trying to be more productive an timely in all of my projects.

One of my 2016 stamping goals is to complete all of this year's Featured Stamper challenges posted over at Splitcoaststampers.  I found that I have often looked at the challenge, but rarely complete them.  It might be because they post on Sunday, and my husband rarely works Sundays; it's nice to have a day with him.  But since I give myself wiggle room (I don't have to do them the day or even the week they are posted) I should be able to do these.  One reason I picked the Featured Stamper is that it is fun if I "know"the stamper.  I haven't met many SCS members in real life, but I do chat with a lot of them in the various forums. I enjoy seeing my friends get this honor!  It is also fun to be inspired by stampers whose galleries I have never seen.   So many different styles!  While I am posting on a Sunday, I don't have the current challenge done.  I'll be away from home all day.  I do have this year's first two featured stamper challenges to share...

The first challenge highlights the gallery of Kathy LeDonne.  Kathy participates in many of the SCS challenges, so I was happy to see her as Featured Stamper!  I chose THIS card to CASE.  I love the flowers she used, and my set (Watercolor Garden II) had not been touched for a long time.  My color scheme is completely different; I used the palette from Color Challenge #564.  My card base is sahara sand, with a layer of very vanilla.  I do not have any cucumber crush ink or card stock, so I used wild wasabi.  The 2-step flowers are stamped in wasabi, sahara sand, and pacific point, and I sponged the edges, then popped it up.  The ribbon is non-SU...from my nephew's wedding favors!  I embossed the wasabi card stock with the Cuttlebug stylized flowers folder.  The sentiment is from "So Sorry."  Candy dots finish it off.

The next Featured Stamper was someone I had not seen before:  gunilla.holmqvist  What a lovely gallery!  I chose THIS card to CASE.  I chose a similar color scheme and similar main image. My card base is crumb cake.  I added a layer of "Sweet Sorbet" dsp.  On very vanilla, I stamped the hydrangea image from "Because I Care."  It was colored with markers: crisp cantaloupe, calypso coral, mellow moss, and pistachio pudding.  I had hoped more variation of shades would show up, but it didn't.  I added ruffled pistachio ribbon, and the same sentiment on a popped up layer.  (I messed up the "for your loss" so I restamped and punched out with the word window)

A woman in the neighborhood passed away last week.  One card is for her adult daughter, the other is for the neighbor next door who helped nurse the woman in her home for years.  Even though it is cold and dreary...or perhaps because of that, I wanted these cards to have a hint of spring.

Thanks for stopping by...let me know what you think!

Inky {{{HUGS}}}
Kim

Featured Stamper Time

Hello, and Happy Sunday!

I have not stamped since my quick card I made last Monday.  After church today, I peeked at the Featured Stamper challenge  at Splitcoast and decided to play along.  As I looked at my list and photos, I discovered that I had not played this challenge at all in 2015!  This may become my focus next year!

Anywho...I decided to play with two FS challenges just for fun.  I also played with my new photo editing tool...a free online program at PicMonkey.com   I love it!  I still need to learn some skills, but it will be fun to practice.  I have even created some "memes" with our own photographs.  My husband takes nice pictures, and I don't want to worry about copyright issues.

Back to the cards...

This week's Featured Stamper is Debra, aka pdncurrier.  She has an absolutely lovely gallery, and I selected THIS card to CASE.  My card base is confetti white.  I used an embossed scrap of black, and a scrap of Limited Edition dp.  I stamped directly onto the dp with the 2-step image from SU's "Field Flowers."  My sentiment is from "On Your Birthday."  Some bakers twine and candy dots finish it off.








Next, I played with the FS challenge from 2 weeks ago... Melissa, aka mtstout928.  I chose THIS vibrant card to CASE.  Instead of white, I used a black card bases, plus a turquoise mat.  I used real red, daffodil delight, and tempting turquoise ink and my aqua brush for the background, all on glossy white.  The organza ribbon is a favorite; I have probably had it for 12 years!  I use it sparingly because I love it so much, and will be sad when it is gone!  The sentiment is from "Field Flowers," stamped in black and punched out. Dmensioanls and some sponging make it stand out.  Finally, I added the SU Butterfly...one of my favorite new toys!  It is highlighted with an enamel heart from Anna Marie.

Thanks for stopping !  Now it's time for me to check in on some blogs to see more inspiration.

Inky {{{HUGS}}}
Kim

Featured Stamper Time!

Happy Sunday!

It's Featured Stamper day over at SCS, and we had an amazing gallery to peruse!  Christyne (aka coconutmuffn) is so talented!  I was not familiar with her work, and apparently she is new to many others as well.  According to her blog, she is also a PhD student in biotechnology...so she must be BUSY!

THIS is the card I chose to CASE.  The DP reminded me of a scrap I had of some paper, sitting on my huge pile of scraps.  I bought it quite a while ago from a big box store.  I kept the black matting and similar color in sponging a birthday sentiment.  Here is my card...

My sentiment is from SU's Happiest Birthday Wishes, colored with baja breeze and poppy parade markers, then sponged with lucky limeade.  It is punched out with the extra large scallop circle, punch and matted on the large circle from the Sizzix circle die.  I also used Fox & Friends for the turtle, and Just Sayin' for the other sentiment.  The Word Bubble framelits are my favorite!  Bakers twine wrap it all up.

I also want to show an update.  I recently posted a card for the Colour Me...! challenge, and decided to make more cards in seasonal colors.  Check it out!

I hope to make more of these to sell or give as gifts.

Thanks for stopping by!


Inky {{{HUGS}}}
Kim

Cards for My Staff

Hello Stamping Friends!!

Last October, I had three new people join the ministry staff.  That means that this week, I had three 90-day evaluations to complete. Each of these women are doing great work, so I enjoyed making cards for them.  I will post 2 cards today, both using daily challenges on splitcoaststampers.  The third one used a blog challenge, so it will have its own post.  :-)

The first card was for last Sunday's Featured Stamper challenge.  It had been ages since I participated in this challenge, but when I saw that Lynn (aka allee) was being honored, I had to join in.  She frequently makes comments on my cards...so I wanted to share the love!  You can see my inspiration card by clicking here.  I made the card for Julie, our new Director of Operations.  It is a new position for our ministry...and having her in-house allows me to spend more time connecting with the community and individual supporters.  My card base is peach pizzazz, with a layer of very vanilla.  I used various acrylic blocks to stamp with peach pizzazz, pumpkin pie, daffodil delight, melon mambo, and primrose petals.  My sentiment is from Stampabilities, stamped with pumpkin pie craft ink, then heat embossed.  The image is from "Of the Earth," a retired SU hostess set, also heat embossed.  I punched it out with a scallop circle,then sponged with peach pizzazz.  It sits over pumpkin pie taffeta ribbon.

The next card uses a recent SCS color challenge:  very vanilla, soft suede, and raspberry ripple.  I made this card for Kelley, who had been a volunteer, but was hired after a longtime staff member moved  away.  Kelley has been a blessing!  My card base is raspberry ripple.  The layers of soft suede and very vanilla were embossed in the Big Shot with the fancy fan folder.  I added both suede and raspberry ribbons.  The sentiment is from Stampabilities.  The flower is from SU's Mixed Bunch, punched out with the coordinating punch, and finished off with a gold brad.  I used my bird punch to get the soft suede leaves.

Thanks for stopping by!  It feels good to be stamping and  blogging on a regular basis again!

Inky {{{HUGS}}}
Kim

Featured Stamper x2

Hello everyone. I am posting cards which I made several days ago. One I nearly completed last Sunday, but I didn't get back to it until Wednesday. I made the 2nd one on Wednesday too. Both cards are for last week's Featured Stamper challenge on SCS. It was a new gallery for me to enjoy...Vickie, aka redlynny. I chose this beauty to CASE.

I loved the cut out flower over the rich designer paper, and the simple sketch of the featured stamper card. Well, I picked Paisley Petals dsp and the coordinating stamp set to stamp, color, emboss and cut out. But the dsp is so strong, I felt the cut-out image just didn't work...so I made 2 cards. Couldn't let my cut-out images go to waste!

Everything used here is from Stampin' Up. My first card has an early espresso card base. I layered the dsp over pear pizazz, which includes a scallop trim border. I used retired early espresso satin ribbon and not quite navy taffeta ribbon. I used the little leaves sizzlit in my big shot, and lightly sponged the pear pizazz with early espresso. Instead of a cut out flower, I stamped a sentiment from "Blessings from Heaven" and another Paisley Petal image that I did not color... then punched it out with the scallop circle punch and lightly sponged it with baja breeze and not quite navy.

Since I had not one, but 2 Paisley Petal images stamped, colored with blender pens and embossed, I made this other card. Using crumb cake for the base, I added a simpler pattern of the Paisley petals dsp and a layer of baja breeze. The baja breeze was embossed with the petals-a-plenty folder and sponged with not quite nav ink. More espresso satin ribbon, but this time I layered crumb cake taffeta ribbon in a scrunched manner. My images were adhered with dimensionals. I used a stamp from Perfect Words, and punched it out with an oval punch.

I added some dsp inside each of the cards...and I already know to whom I will send them. I think just about anyone can use a bit of encouragement!

Thanks for stopping by!

Inky {{{HUGS}}}

Sunday Challenges!

Happy Sunday! I made 2 cards today. I wanted to make more, but arthritis meds made me groggy. Oh well. I am thrilled that I got these 2 done!

The first card is for the Featured Stamper challenge, and ths week we get to CASE Dianne (aka Eured99). Dianne stops by my gallery a lot, and makes such encouraging comments. I was thrilled to use her work as inspiration!! I chose this card to CASE. I kept the sketch and used all Stampin' Up products as she did. Instead of dry embossing, I sponged the image panel. It looks weird, but hey, I got it done! LOL! I used melon mambo for the card base, and added razzleberry lemonade dsp (retired.) The crushed curry ribbon and ink are also retired. The image is from Aviary, and the sentiments are both from Hostess sets...Precious Butterflies and Perfect Words. The image and oval punched sentiment are both popped up with dimensionals.

My next card is for today's Hope You Can Cling To challenge, as well as this week's sketch challenge on splitcoaststampers. My card base is pink pirouette, and I added a layer of very vanilla which was embossed with perfect polka dots. I pulled out retired Sending Love dsp, adding some sparkle. I made some of my own dsp with butterflies from Precious Butterflies in rose red, pink pirouette, pretty in pink, and pear pizzazz. The large scallop circle is retired pear pizzazz pattern paper. I stamped more butterflies in pink pirouette and a sentiment from Perfect Words in pear pizzazz. I used the butterfly punch to finish out the sketch. The pearls and glimmer brads add the final details.

Tomorrow I'll be back at work...no stamping...boohoo! Well,maybe some late at night! So many new challenges, so little time! *wink*

Inky {{{HUGS}}}

Featuring New In-Colors!

Hello Stampin' Friends!! It's Sunday, so I made a new mess in my craft room! Love it!

I checked out the Featured Stamper challenge on SCS, and we get to CASE Taylor, aka stagccva!! She has a fabulous gallery!!! A lot of her cards are pretty involved, but since I needed to make a lot of cards today, I went with a simpler design. Here is the card I chose to case: I love butterflies, so I was drawn to that, and her dotted ribbon gave me the perfect opportunity to use my NEW SU ribbon that arrived Friday! Dots and scallops! WooHoo! Can't wait to order the other colors! (Is it July yet?) My butterflies and sentiment are from Flight of the Butterfly, a great 2-step stamp set. One butterfly is punched out with the coordinating punch and popped up with a dimensional. I used 3 new In-colors: pool party, lucky limeade, and indigo island!! Love these together! My card base is pool party...just got a mixed package of the in-color card stock...I'll be ordering more of this stuff soon!

This card also fits for the Paper Players Challenge ...my first time playing! We were challenged to make a thank you card...and I can always use more of those! The card is nearly flat...easy to mail to one of my ministry volunteers, dontcha think? Check out http://thepaperplayers.blogspot.com toplay along!

Hope you have a great Stampin' Sunday too!

Inky {{{HUGS}}}

Stampin' Sunday!!

(Note: Blogger is giving me fits! I was unable to link all of the challenges today...I'll try again tomorrow.)

Hello Stampin' Friends!

Sunday is a day of rest...and for me, that means playing with my inks and stamps! No laundry, no dishes, just play!! I decided to catch up on a few challenges from SCS. This post could get long!

First, I made this card yesterday for the Inspiration Challenge found here. The inspiration site had party supplies, and I was captivated by this colorful napkin. I used naturals ivory for my card base. My scallop trim punch got a workout with some scraps in melon mambo, rich razzleberry, cajun craze, tempting turquoise, and old olive. Some of the scraps were already embossed. The medallion image is from the Artisitic Etchings stamp set, colored with markers. The sentiment is from On Your Birthday, and that other detailed stamp is also from Artistic Etchings. I added 2 bands of scrunched satin ribbon. Overall, a very different look!

My next card combines this week's Color Challenge (baja breeze, soft suede, and perfect plum) with today's Featured Stamper Challenge. I chose this card to CASE. The card base is textured soft suede, and I added 1/2 a top note die piece of elegant soiree dsp. I brought out my recently retired Sale-a-Bration set "Bliss" for these wonderful butterflies, popped up with dimensionals. The sentiment is from Because I Care, a Hostess Level 1 set, stamped on vanilla and cut like a banner. Baja seam binding and plum flower brads finish it off.

Catching up with my beloved color challenges...here is one with regal rose, rich razzleberry and very vanilla. I had not used regal rose in months, and now I have used it twice within 10 days! I was truly at a loss...but I opted for this simple and quick sponged look. I ran my vanilla card stock through the big shot with the elegant lines impression folder, then sponged the two bright colors right over the surface. I added lots of rhinestones to make it very girlie! The sentiment is from Just Believe, and it is layered on the modern label and scallop oval punches.

The next color challenge (actually, going backwards!) features so saffron, certainly celery, and blushing bride. A young woman from our church is getting married this summer; her bridal shower is in 2 weeks. Her colors are muted pinks and greens, so I decided this combo would work. I got this Blissful Bride stamp set in that online auction back in March. Perfect! I stamped it with basic black ink, then used my markers to color the sash and flowers. The sentiment is from Teeny Tiny Wishes, punched out again. Finally, I added some retired saffron ribon and basic pearls.

My last card is not a color challenge! It's Friday's Free 4 All, hosted by my friend Dawn. We could post anything, any theme, color...just had to include something we got for free. I got these bright brads and ribbon from my friend Kathy last summer. I brought out retired card stock in yo-yo yellow, pink passion, and only orange. I wish I had stamped 4 flowers...kinda planned just one brad to off-set, but then the squares are so small, so I added the center punched flower. Oh well...it's bright and fun!

Now I have to clean up my mess so I can stamp more tomorrow!!

Inky {{{HUGS}}}

For the Birds...Part 2

Hello and Happy Sunday!
I really did not plan on posting 2 cards in a row with birds, but why not, right? Today's Featured Stamper on SCS is Becky, aka Bspinks. She has a lovely gallery, and I chose this card to CASE. I thought I had some dsp with music on it, but nope! So, I went to my stash of church music copies (don't worry, we have a license to copy for our parish), and I cut out a small strip from Psalm 25. The music was white, but I stained it, literally, with tea. When it dried, it wasn't quite right, so I sponged some close to cocoa on it. The bird image is retired, from Touch of Nature, the sentiment is an unknown single stamp. Both are stamped in basic black craft ink, then heat embossed. The DSP is called Love Letters. I used my Beautiful Wings embosslit and Big Shot, cutting out lots of butterflies from cherry cobbler, basic black, and cherry cobbler. The ribbon is retired SU ribbon originals. I used the scallop trim punch, and mounted it all on a crumb cake card base.

I'll be sending this to a friend who has been going through a rough time. She finished a round of chemo earlier this month...and her husband had surgery last week to remove part of his lung because of cancer. So much for one family. Thankfully, they are people of strong faith.

Thanks for coming by!

Inky {{{HUGS}}}

Weekend Challenges

Hello Stampin' Friends!

Another busy work week, but the weekend is for stampin'!! I made just one card yesterday, since I didn't want to "ignore" my hubby 2 weekends in a row! LOL! Today is Featured Stamper day on SCS, and we get to CASE Irene, aka DandI93. Another great new gallery for me!! Here is the card I chose to CASE. I used the same sentiment from Thoughts and Prayers. I kept the nature theme going with Botannical Gazette dsp and Nature Walk stamps, still available from the Occasions Mini catalog until April 30. The card base is early espresso, and the images are stamped on very vanilla cut out with the Top Note die and my big shot. Note that I cut off the edge along the perforations, so the lower layer of dsp can be seen. I colored the flowers with my markers, stamped once, then again to soften the image and add dimension. The butterfly is stamped in early espresso, but colored with so saffron using my blender pen. I cut it out and popped it up with dimensionals. Some sponging and vintage brads finish it off.

Yesterday's Inspiration challenge took us to a fun beach/nautical decor website. I chose this mirror as my inspiration. I am not thrilled with the execution of my design...but it was fun nonetheless! I used the single stamp Elegant Thank You in chocolate chip craft ink, used clear embossing powder, then heat embossed. It is stamped on an oval, then I placed random sizes of card stock strips around it to mimic the inspiration piece. Each of the pieces are dry embossed with the square lattice folder and my big shot, then sponged with chocolate chip. The colors are chocolate chip, baja breeze, certainly celery, so saffron, bashful blue,and basic gray. I mounted it on a sahara sand card base.

If I decide to make another, I would mount the strips first, then cut out the center. That's IF I make another one!! LOL!!

Thanks for stopping by! Inky {{{HUGS}}}

Happy Featured Stamper!

I told you I'd be right back!! *wink*

Today's Featured Stamper challenge led me to another new gallery...Elaine, aka Quixotic. She has a lot of very nice detailed cards, but shucks I was tired! I needed something Clean and Simple! LOL! This card fit the bill perfectly! I used daffodil delight for my card base, and added a layer of Ice Cream Parlor dsp...available only through THIS Thursday for Sale-a-Bration! I stamped "happy" from Define Your Life in pacific point, and mounted it on pacific point card stock. Just a touch of pumpkin pie taffeta ribbon was added. Finally, I used 2 Ice Cream Parlor buttons. I did not add thread...then they looked bare (gasp!) so I stuck pearls in the center!

I made another card featuring melon mambo instead of pacific point. With the word "happy" I could use these for LOTS of occasions!

Inky {{{HUGS}}}

Featuring Colors and Ruffles

Happy Sunday!!

I have been having fun in my stamp room today! Among other things, I needed to check out the Featured Stamper Challenge on SCS. Today's FS is MaryBeth, aka MBRCutie25. I was not familiar with her, but oh my! What a lovely gallery! I chose this card to CASE.

Instead of stamping on the base directly, I mounted my whisper white on a daffodil delight card base. I kept the same sketch...a sentiment on the left, flowers on the right, and a band along the bottom. I used On Your Birthday with markers, and Awash with Flowers, which is a 2-step stamping set. My colors are old olive, daffodil delight, and night of navy...all from one of my favorite combos from Color Challenge #303. The night of navy is highlighted with a scallop trim border.

This is the first time I have tried this ruffled ribbon technique. I put a line of sticky strip on the navy, then attached my old olive satin ribbon. Essentially, you manually scrunch the ribbon, pressing each "valley" into the sticky strip. Some people have even peaks, some random...mine are random 'cuz I am not very good at it yet!! LOL!! Another thing: it takes a lot of ribbon! I thought my piece was long enough, but I began to run out. Solution? Leave one side flat and add pearls. Ta-dah!!

Thanks for stopping by!!

Inky {{{HUGS}}}

Featured Colors

Hello Again!



Sunday is Featured Stamper day on SCS, and I made this card that afternoon. Uploading...well, that has taken quite a while!! The Featured Stamper is Charlene (aka Willow01) and this is the card I CASE'd. I kept the same sketch, using dsp on top,as well. My sentiment (from Elements of Style) is in a similarly shaped layer, (I used my extra large decorative label punch), but I added a regal button instead of ribbon. Instead of the large felt flowers, I stamped my flowers, but I did keep the (basic jewels ) pearls on the card. My flowers are from the Sale-a-Bration set "Bliss." My color choices were dictated by last week's Color Challenge...not quite navy, cajun craze,and daffodil delight. The dsp is from Greenhouse Gala.

Not sure who will receive this card...but I am sure I can find someone on my mailing list to receive it!!

Inky {{{HUGS}}}

Challenge Catch-Up!

I have not posted for a week, but I have stamped! So I am doing a long post...hang in there!

I did 4 challenges from SCS this week...Featured Stamper, Clean and Simple, Color, and Sketch. I also spent a bunch of time prepping card kits for my friends. I hosted a World Card Making Day event all day yesterday. Lots of fun...big mess! heehee! I even had a woman come and stamp for the very first time! I think she's hooked already!!

This is my Featured Stamper challenge card. "Hobbydujour" was the star of the day...very nice gallery! Here is the card I CASE'd. I loved the simplicity of one bright color and a neutral. I used Eastern Blooms for my flowers, Elements of Style for the flourishes at the bottom, and Teeny Tiny Wishes, all stamped in Melon Mambo. I used my ornament punch to make the vase. Just cut of the tip! The paper is from the neutrals paper pattern stack to go with the basic gray card base. Rhinestones and ribbon finish it off.


Monday's Clean and Simple challenge was a sketch, and it was perfect for me to make some more thank you cards. I have a couple of male board members who did a lot of work the day of the Walk for Life. I needed cards that were not too frilly! The card base is river rock (I'm trying to like it!), an I added cherry cobbler and very vanilla. The cherry cobbler was run through the Big Shot with a Texturz Plate from Backgrounds 1. I used Thank You Kindly and Pocket Silhouettes, stamped in Cherry Cobber and Soft Suede, respectively. I added some hemp twine and a button from the regals collection. I really love my buttons this year!

Next came Tuesday's Color Challenge...basic gray, daffodil delight, and regal rose, with the option of another color, since gray is a neutral. I added wild wasabi. I immediately thought of my numerous floral sets, but wanted to try something different. This is Love You Much, and I had rarely used it, but this was fun to make! I colored the image with my markers. I also had fun with my scallop trim punch and heart to heart punch (which makes 3 different heart sizes). I used more of my pattern paper stack, since I had some out from the featured stamper challenge! I added some 1/4 inch grosgrain ribbon and one tiny rhinestone on the flower.




Finally, I made this thank you card for Sketch Challenge 300. Because of this milestone, lots of prizes are being offered by random drawing. I'll let you know if I win anything! The card base is cherry cobbler, and I added basic black, embossed with perfect polka dots in my big shot. Since I am making thank you's for each of my staff, I used the cute little bird in Fun and Fast Notes again, colored with markers and my blender pen. The DSP is from Love Letter. Fun patterns! The markers are blushing bride, daffodil delight, wild wasabi, cherry cobbler, and riding hood red. I also added some self adhesive pearls, and used my corner rounder a lot!

Hope you made through this mini-gallery! Time for me to stamp again!!

Inky {{{HUGS}}}

Sunday Feature

On Sunday mornings (or late Saturday nights) I always peek at splitcoatstampers to see who has been named as the week's Featured Stamper. I admit, I would love to have this honor,but with thousands of super-talented people, I may have to stick with just CASE-ing the ones chosen! LOL

Today's stamper is named Cathleen (ctorina). I often notice her work...she is so gifted! For the FS challenge, you select one project from the FS gallery and then CASE it (copy and send to everyone). You must change at least 3 things, but keep it close enough to show the inspiration. You may use the same stamped image, same colors, same sketch...just have fun!

I chose this card to CASE, and came up with my card shown here. I used naturals ivory, not quite navy, close to cocoa card stock and ink, Bella Bleu DSP, photo corner punch, gold brads, ribbon originals, and dimensionals. The image is from Of the Earth (a Level 1 hostess set) and the sentiment is from All Holidays.

I should make more of these...I really like it! Hope you do too!

Inky {{{HUGS}}}