Random Cards

Hello Stamping Friends!

In an attempt to catch up a bit, I am going to post some random cards here.  I went through photo files on my laptop, and thought, Good grief!  I am so far behind!  Here goes!


This was for a nephew and his new bride.  I love this die from Stampin' Up!  It makes fancy cards so quick and easy!  The glimmer paper is sweet sugar plum, and I think I had sparkles on my floor for weeks!






I have another nephew in the US Navy, stationed in Japan.  The Open Sea stamp set goes perfectly with this paper stack, also from SU, though I forget the name.  Plus, I think lost lagoon is a perfect color for ocean themed cards!




Now, a card for a niece.  I had to take the photo quickly before I stuck it in the mail.  Her sorority recently took group photos with everyone wearing burgundy, holding sunflowers.  I had a stamp set in mind; turns out I gave it away!  So I chose this Itty Bitty set from Unity Stamp Company. It's hard to tell, but the crown is gold embossed.  I brushed more mustard and delightful dijon ink around the bees, and sponged my embossed background.  And I love the lace as an added detail!

Another nephew (I have 12, not to mention nephews-in-law!) was in a musical recently.  It was put on by a group called The Penguin Project, and the entire cast is made if children with developmental or sensory disabilities.  I am so proud of Ethan being on stage, even doing a few dance steps and having a few spoken lines.  The "Broadway Bound" dsp from SU was perfect.  My penguin is from an unknown dollar bin source.

Finally, this card was made months ago for a friend in ministry who completed her term in leadership.  She was SO supportive of me, as I grew to understand my own role.  I am blessed to have worked with her.

I have lots of "get organized" goals for the coming months.  Not just here, but in reading more books, getting more exercise.  I better not wait until the New Year...no time like the present!

Thanks for stopping by!

Inky {{{HUGS}}}
Kim  

Clusters of Cards

Hello Stamping Friends!

Recently I had stated that I had been stamping but not blogging.  So today I decided to post some of the cards I made in the last 2-3 weeks, with some brief descriptions.

This first batch is the most recent, and all four of the cards have already been mailed.  I was very behind on my birthday cards.  I had the card bases cut, intending to use a different dsp, but opted for "Patio Party" after I looked at my May birthday calendar!  Since the cards went in many directions, I used the same stamp and supplies.  The card bases are summer starfruit and midnight muse.  One card also uses strawberry slush card stock.  Lots of different patterns of Patio Party were used, plus some stitched ribbon in starfruit and raspberry ripple.  The sentiment is from "Word Play," colored with midnight, starfruit, and raspberry markers and layered with scallop circle punches.  Easy-peasy.







Next, I wanted a more masculine batch.  When I was a SU demo, I got samples of dsp that I displayed in baseball card folders. I still have the samples, and periodically make a batch featuring them.  This was simply a Text dp (can't remember the name) so all the pieces look the same.  Card bases are bravo burgundy and sahara sand, and there is some not quite navy also used. I used "The Open Sea" to stamp on the dp.  Various sentiments were used, all stamped on vanilla:  "Hello Again," "On Your Birthday," "Delightful Dozen," and "Whimsical Words."  Avery Elle enamel dots, burlap, and brads add the final details.  






Now I have a fun set featuring "Domestic Goddess" dsp. I never bought a pack of this; it did not appeal to me at all.  But now that I used the samples, I wish I had more!  The colors are springy...looks a bit retro!  Card stock used includes pool party, so saffron, calypso coral, and smoky slate.  The slate ws dry embossed with my houndstooth folder.  Bakers twine and taffeta ribbon add soft touches.   I used a sentiment from "Whimsical Words" on six of the cards, then donated those to a non-profit in town that always needs thank you cards.  The other card features a sentiment from There She Goes stamps (no longer in business).  I gave that card to my friend who helps me with housework every week, since I am physically unable to do much of it.  I used to hide my messy craft room.  No more!  The sentiment on her card says, "The only place housework comes before stamping is in the dictionary."  So true!





Next, two similar cards.  I had a piece of "Comfort Cafe" dsp on my cutting table, which started things off.  Card bases are cajun craze,, with a layer of soft suede.  The suede is dry embossed with the Cuttlebug folder "stylized flowers."  The sentiment is from "Blessings from Heaven," stamped in midnight muse on vanilla.  My punches helped a lot: circle, scallop circle, and butterfly.  Midnight muse ribbon finishes it off.  I wanted midnight ribbon for the birthday cards, but I can't find it!  I may have to clean up my space!  LOL


Finally, I made 2 of these ink-less cards.  My husband and I have two friends who are priests, and Star Wars fanatics.  A while back we saw some goofy Star Wars kitchen items which we bought just to give as silly gifts.  For a few years, May 4th has been known as Star Wars Day on social media.  We couldn't send the gifts without cards, right?  The card base is sahara sand.  I added some "Going Places" dsp.  I ran some vanilla card stock through my printer for the sentiment, using Amatic font, size 48.  It is mounted on more mustard card stock.  I had some corrugated card stock which I cut using two star punches. Very quick and simple.




Whew!  Lots of cards from different days.  Hopefully I will have new cards to post tomorrow.  Thanks for stopping by!


Inky {{{HUGS}}}
Kim

Mashup for the Guys!

TGIFM!

Thank Goodness it's Friday Mashup!

Hello everyone!  I have had so much fun as a Guest Designer for the Friday Mashup this month!  What I enjoy the most is visiting so many blogs to see YOUR creations!  Such a fabulous variety!  This week is my last as a guest designer...but you will see me playing along as much as I can in the future!

Today's challenge comes from Bree.  It's a fun sketch, or a masculine card...or Mash it Up to make a masculine card using this sketch.  Of course, I am Mashing things Up!

It's been a while since I have made a square card, but once I chose my image an started gathering elements, I knew I needed a wider layout.  But as I began assembling pieces, I realize that I varied the sketch...just a bit.  My card base is sahara sand, and I used two different patterns from "Nautical Expedition" dsp (plus one in the photo!)  My image is SU's "Sail Away." I colored it a bit with blender pens using sahara sand, cherry cobbler, and not quite navy. I also sponged a bit of not quite navy in the water and sky though it is hard to see in the photo.  For the scallop detail, I used some denim cut with my Sizzix circle die in my Big Shot.  The denim is from an old shirt that my husband has, errr, ummm, outgrown.  The fabric is in good shape, so yes, I saved it!  Since this card is for him, he'll get a little bit of his shirt back!  Ha!  Each scallop is starting to fray a little, but I like this unexpected detail.  The sentiment is from SU's "Happiest Birthday Wishes."  The enamel dots are Prima brand, and the bakers twine is from SU.

My picture isn't great, but I can't ask Bruce to take the photo since the card is for him.  His birthday is in July...can't believe I am this early!

Thanks for stopping by!  I sure hope you join us by playing along with this week's challenge!

Inky {{{HUGS}}}
Kim

Hello Stamping Friends!

Life is crazy...and that means my blog gets ignored.  Sigh!  Frankly, my stamps have been ignored too!  But recently I completed 4 SCS Inspiration Challenges in one day!  It was a lot of fun...and I managed to get them uploaded on my SCS gallery, but not here.  So I am just going to do a quick write up...

The first inspiration challenge had lots of beautiful carved items, wood tones with some portions painted white.  I used this piece of retired creamy caramel, white craft ink, and the Just Believe stamp set as main highlights.  The wood grain embossing folder, lace trim and butterfly embosslit add some details...and let's not forget Teeny Tiny Wishes!









The next challenge had us look at photographs from major cities around the world. I was inspired by a photo of the fabulous Ferris wheel on Chicago's Navy Pier.  I used this Sentimental stamp set from Sale-a-bration (which has 3 wonderful vintage images) and The Open Sea to make my own pattern paper on a piece cut out with the top note die.   I added some baker's twine and striped ribbon, with On Your Birthday again.  The colors are night of navy, cherry cobbler, and soft suede.  The card also works for a recent sketch challenge.






My third card was tricky, but fun to make.  The inspiration site had lots of fabulous fabric and accessories.  I was inspired by this piece.  I have a cajun craze card base, used Paisley Petals stamp set, and went to town with blender pens.  Not exactly what I envisioned, but overall, I like it!  The black satin ribbon adds some drama, and the sentiment (Blessings from Heaven) softens things up.

My final card for this post is a quick, CAS card.  I was inspired by a cute tote...which I cannot link now because it sold out!  LOL.  It was woven, simple color block with reddish-brown leather straps.  *wink*  My card is crumb cake, pacific point, touches of cajun craze and vanilla.  The sentiment is Thank You Kindly.  My ribbon is retired dusty durango, hiding the polka dot side.  The large brads are from a craft store.

Whew!  At least I am catching up!  Thanks for stopping by again!

Inky {{{HUGS}}}
Kim

Manly Valentines!

Hello Stamping Friends! I am posting a couple of Valentines which are geared a bit more toward guys. I hate to stereotype...but let's face it. So many Valentines are frilly, sparkly and filled with pink! As a card maker, it is tough for me to create interesting guy cards to begin with. Add that challenge to a holiday marked by roses and chocolate, and it's easy to get stumped! But with a little outside-the-box thinking, I came up with some fun creations!! I actually CASED myself on both of these...but hey, if you like a card, why not tweek it just a bit for a new purpose!! My new purpose is a small fund raiser. I am selling Valentines for a local network of service organizations. You can read about my busy project by clicking on the tab Projects for LIFE!

This first card is a combo of elements from this anniversary card and this get well card. I started with a basic black card base, adding a strip of black pattern paper. Using my Extreme Elements stamp set I stamped in cherry cobbler and basic gray ink. The Extreme Guitar is heat embossed...black craft ink AND black embossing powder to get it solid! I added a star in cherry cobbler and a sentiment from the Hostess set Perfect Words punched out with an oval punch. Silver brads, and long-ago retired red twine finish it out.

The next card features the Nautical Expedition dsp and The Open Sea stamp set. I CASE'd this birthday card I recently made for my brother-in-law. My card base is early espresso, and I used early espresso bakers twine. I stamped with not quite navy, cherry cobbler, and early espresso ink on whisper white card stock. The sentiment is from Word Play...isn't it perfect for a Valentine?

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

Friday Mashup! Birthday Pastels!

Hello Stamping Friends! It's the first Friday of the year, and we are ready to roll (and stamp!) at the Friday Mashup!!

1. Make a Birthday project



2. Make a project using Pastels
   


3. Or Mash it Up and make a Birthday project using pastels
   

Many times we think of pastels for women...soft tones, even pastel shades. But I needed a card for another brother-in-law (I have 8 of them!) whose birthday is next week. Like his brother (my hubby), George spent many years in the Navy. So, using "The Open Sea" and the retired Nautical Expedition dsp was the perfect choice. I started with a basic gray card base, and added various pieces of the Nautical Expedition dsp. I stamped the 2 images in versamark on whisper white card stock. The ship was colored by using a sponge dauber and not quite navy Stampin' Pastels, "thumping" the color into the image. I used ruby red for the compass (it's a retired set of pastels!). I used pastels also on the sentiment from Teeny Tiny Wishes. My punches came in handy...the word window, modern label and circle punch. Dimensionals and baker's twine are the final details.

So, feminine or masculine looks, I hope you can join us this week at the Friday Mashup! Check out the challenge blog and see some great inspiration!

Inky {{{HUGS}}}

Happy Father's Day!

Today is a great day to celebrate Dads!! All week, my sister has been sharing memories of our dad on Facebook. Dad loved to sing and play guitar. I grew up singing with him, at home and at church. The links my sister shared were of songs dad would sing, but by the recording artists themselves. But today, she shared a recording of him singing "I Love..." which was originally sung by Tom T Hall, I think. My aunt found an old cassette recording of it, and shared it with our family at dad's funeral 6 years ago. Hearing it today brought smiles and tears to me... I love my dad very much, and miss him very much. I look forward to seeing him in heaven some day!

My own husband, Bruce is a great dad. We had one son, Gabriel, who was stillborn...and 41 foster kids over 8 years! Bruce loved all those kids so much...and one of them even called Friday night to wish him a Happy Father's Day! So neat that some of the kids stay in touch!

I made this card for Bruce. Even though we don't have kids in the house now, or in college for that matter, he is always a dad!

The card measures 5x5"...with a basic gray card base. I used Nautical Expedition dsp from the Summer Mini (one pattern on the front, another inside). The image panel features stamps from The Open Sea (also in the summer mini). I stamped on whisper white, using basic gray and cherry cobbler ink. I mounted the panel onto not quite navy. I embellished the card with cherry cobbler bakers twine and a retgire big designer button. The sentiment is predictably from Teeny Tiny Wishes...with the word window and modern label punch. I'm tellin' ya...great investment!!

I hope you are celebrating today...with your dad, or father-in-law, or husband, or grandpa...or maybe one of your own sons is a dad now. Whomever it is...have a great day withy the dads in your family!!

Inky {{{HUGS}}}

Summer Mini Club Projects

Hello Friends!

It has been a busy weekend! At work this week, I signed lots of receipts and pledge letters for our fund raiser. Did I ever tell you how it went? It took a couple of weeks for pledges to be entered into the computer...but here we are. The goal was $80,000 for operating expenses...but the pastor giving the appeal challenged us to stretch to $100K to prepare for growth. Well, we reach $123K...WooHoo!! Praise the Lord!

On Friday night, I had my Stampin' Club. We made 2 projects, both using products from the Summer Mini catalog. My first card is a complete CASE of this card from my cyber friend Wendy. It was nice to have someone else do the design work! LOL!! The card base is early espresso, and I added a nice striped pattern from the Nautical Expedition DSP. Another pattern was used for the 1/2 scallop circles on the left. I stamped the compass from The Open Sea stamp set in early espresso on cherry cobbler card stock. The ship is stamped with not quite navy ink on whisper white layered on espresso. I used my ticket corner punch for a simple detail. I added some cherry cobbler bakers twine, then added a sentiment from Teeny Tiny Wishes on the modern label and scallop oval punch.

The second card is bright and feminine. The card base is melon mambo. I stamped versamark on whisper white. I first stamped the sentiment from All Holidays, and coated it with the new wild wasabi embossing powder. After I heated that, I stamped an image from Fifth Avenue Floral, then used the melon mambo embossing powder. I finished the card with a strip of Beyond the Garden dsp and some daffodil delight satin ribbon.

Like what you see? You can get these products by checking out my Stampin' Up! website...just click here!

Now, I have to finish my power point presentation for a conference this week! Yup, I have been busy! But it's all good stuff...busy blessings, I guess you could say!

Inky {{{HUGS}}}

Color Challenge takes to the Open Seas!

Hello and Happy Tuesday!!

Sort of...my stomach has been bothering me all day! I think my chicken salad sandwich from the deli yesterday did me in! Aack!! I stayed home from work after a horrible night of very little sleep. After getting up around 10:30 this morning, I ate a little and decided I might as well stamp.

Today's Color Challenge on SCS was a classic...basic black, crumb cake, and cherry cobbler. I still need some masculine birthday cards, so I decided to play some more with the Nautical Expedition Suite from the Stampin' Up Summer Mini catalog. I wanted quick, easy designs since I was not feeling so great. My first card features an image on a sheet of Nautical Expedition DSP. It is a large image; I trimmed it down just a bit to fit on a 5x5 square card, made with a crumb cake base. I added 5/8" basic black grosgrain ribbon and basic black brads. I combined the scallop oval, modern label and word window punches in the featured colors with Teeny Tiny Wishes. the entire image layer is popped up on dimensionals.

My second card has a basic black base, and I stamped images from the new set The Open Sea in a random pattern on whisper white. Very quick! I used an sentiment from On Your Birthday and some brads on the large decorative label punch, layered with a bit of crumb cake. It's hard to see, but I added some of the new baker's twine across the middle. Love this new accessory!





I already know that this Nautical Expedition Suite will get a lot of use in my home...my hubby spent 7 years in the Navy, as did one of his brothers and his dad. But even if you don't have any Navy people in your family, this is a fantastic collection of stamps and accessories! Check it out here!

Inky {{{HUGS}}}

Sail Away with the Summer Mini Catalog!!

Hello Stampin' Friends! It's May 1st...that means the new Stampin Up! Mini Catalog is LIVE!! One batch of items I just had to get was the Nautical Expedition Suite. This card features the DSP and a single stamp called Sail Away, both from that collection. The card base is sahara sand. I stamped the boat in basic black craft ink on whisper white and heat embossed it. The fabric comes from an old denim shirt that I convinced my husband to sacrifice. (I'll buy him a new one!) I ran the denim through my Big Shot with my decorative trim die. I used the denim because this weekend's Mini Virtual Stamp Night challenge #1 called for fabric on our projects. I thought the texture was fun, and the color great for the water on this card. I need some birthday cards for guys...so using Teeny Tiny Wishes and the word window punch fit the bill. Some silver brads add a simple detail...and the main image is popped up on dimensionals.

I'll be playing with more of this Nautical Expedition Suite. Check it out here!!

Inky {{{HUGS}}}