Glory to God

I guess you could say that this is my favorite style card, to make.  I enjoy so many different styles and techniques.  Vintage, clean and simple...and sometimes a little bit of shabby chic.  It all depends on my mood.
I saw the CASE Study Challenge #54 - It's a "Signature Style" Challenge
And it really had me trying to determine what "my style" is.  So...of course...I had to take them up on the challenge!
Then, on Sundays, I always check The Paper Players Challenge - this one is #61.  This week's sketch is by Jaydee.  This sketch was just what I needed for the card I had in mind.  Take a look...

 My card ~

 Well, I guess I figured out what my style is (at least, right now).  Because this card makes me smile :)
Yea, ribbon - lace - bows - embellishments - layering.  That kinda sums it up.  Hmmm...it's missing some sparkle, though!  I know.  I'll resist the urge to add some to this card...lol !
Anyway, thank you stopping in to take a look at my blog.  I SO appreciate it.

Supplies:

card stock: naturals ivory, cherry cobbler, always artichoke (SU)

dsp: deck the halls (SU)

ink: always artichoke (SU)

stamp: glory to God (Stampabilities)

other: ivory lace (spare parts by The Paper Studio), crumb cake seam binding (SU), deckled classic ovals large die (Spellbinders), pearls (Recollections), bow easy

Thinking of you

Just a quick post this morning before I get ready for church!  I put this card together quickly last night, for the challenge at CAS-ual Fridays.

The challenge is to use stickers, which is something I don't often use.  But...guess what?  I actually have a few, and I'd forgotten about these sticker strips that I've had for several months.  It made for a quick and easy-to-make card.  And I like the sparkle that the strips add to this card.  Yes, I like sparkle :)

I stamped my sentiment on the card base.  The sticker strips and gems are popped up on a separate panel.  Very easy peasy!  I guess that's all the explanation this card needs!

Thanks for taking a look...I hope you'll leave a comment :)

Supplies ~

card stock: stamper's select white (PTI)

ink: basic black (SU)

stamp: think big favorites #7 (PTI)

other: glittered stickers (The Paper Studio), black gems (Recollections)

Get Well Soon

One of my Aunt's is recovering from a fall that resulted in a broken finger.  I'm so thankful that she didn't have more serious injuries, but surgery was required.  So, this card is going out to her...along with prayers for a quick recovery.

I'm playing along in the Moxie Fab World, Trigger Tuesday challenge.  Take a look at this inspiration photo.  The design of this room is contemporary, but I can still see feminine touches in the colors, the wall sconces and the flowers.  So, that is where I drew my inspiration from.

The layout of my card came from THIS card I saw on Laura's blog at Doublestick Heaven.  Don't you love that name?  I knew I wanted to CASE her card eventually, and somehow this challenge card felt like the right place for it.  I knew I wanted a block of pink (from that wall in the photo), with accents of black and yellow.
This is what I created.

Ekkk!  This is one of those cards that turned out just as I had seen it in my mind.  Don't you love when that happens?  Hmmm...it would be nice if it happened more often...lol.
I created the flower from some So Saffron grosgrain ribbon, using a technique by Beate that I found on SplitCoastStampers.  It was so much easier to make, than I had thought it would be.  And took just a couple of minutes.  I finished off my ribbon flower with a small black gem.
The sentiment is from a PTI set that I recently purchased.  I'd been eyeing that set for a while now, and finally caved in and purchased it.  I'm so glad I did!  It's a large set and I can see that it will get a LOT of use.

Thanks so much for taking a look today!

Supplies:

card stock: stamper's select white (PTI)

stamps: simple sentiments stamp set (PTI)

patterned paper: pretty in pink print from DSP in color stack (SU), yellow print from english garden pack (Making Memories), black/white pattern from wedding pack (Making Memories)

ribbon: so saffron (SU)

other: gem (Recollectins at Michaels), scor-tape, round paper punch, thread, sewing machine

Peace, Love & Joy

As I've mentioned, I'm lagging behind on making our Christmas cards.  So...that's my focus for a couple of days.
The challenge at Lily Pad Cards (this one is a month long challenge) is a technique challenge.  And, it happens to be a technique that I love...emboss resist.  Yes!  You can click on the THIS link for all of the details.

Here is my take on the challenge ~

I pulled out a piece of patterned paper that I've had for a while.  It's called Orchestra (by 7 gypsies).  I embossed the snowflakes with white EP.  Then I started sponging with Wild Honey and Fired Brick distress inks.  Then, I sponged some of the Fired Brick along all four edges of the panel.  After stamping my sentiment on the white panel, I sponged those edges with the Wild Honey.  A few pearls and a big bow finished off my card.  This was a fun and easy card to make.  If you haven't tried this technique yet...you might just want to.  It's fun!
What do you think?

Thanks for taking a look!

Supplies:

card stock: stamper's select white (PTI), whisper white (SU)

ink: wild honey, fired brick (Ranger), onyx black versafine (Tsukineko)

stamps: snow burst (SU), blessed be the season (GinaK)

patterned paper: orchestra (7Gypsies)

other: versamark (Tsukineko), red pearls (Recollections), ribbon from my stash

Comfort & Joy - CFC101

First, I have to tell you what a FUN day I had yesterday :)  I went to a large Scrapbooking/Stamping Expo yesterday with several of my (very fun) friends.  I had such a good time!  Friends...paper crafts shopping...lunch & laughter.  What more could I ask for!

Ok.  Moving on :o)

Crazy 4 Challenges is doing a bingo challenge.  These challenges are a lot of fun.  Here are the challenge deets:

The 3 elements that I chose from the bingo card are - embossing, die cuts and ribbon.  And, since I'm waaaay behind on making my Christmas cards...I'm adding to my stash.

Take a look.

The red and white ribbon on my card, is some that I bought yesterday at the Expo.  The red and white herringbone pattern reminded me of candy canes.  Love that ribbon.
I don't know if you can see it, but I added some frosted lace stickles to the snow flakes.  It was difficult to photograph that detail, but it shows up much better IRL.  I used dry embossing and heat embossing on my card.  My die cut is a little Spellbinders star die, to which I've added a red gem. 

Thanks for taking the time to stop by!

Supplies:

card stock: real red, whisper white, brushed silver (Stampin' Up!)

stamps: frosty (Penny Black), word play (SU)

ink: basic black (SU)

punch - I don't remember the name (SU)

other: frosted lace stickles (Ranger), music embossing folder (Sizzix by Tim Holtz), star die (Spellbinders), ribbon (bought unpackaged, manufacturer unknown), sterling silver EP (SU), red gem (Want 2 Scrap)

Love begins...

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Well.  I decided I had plenty of time to make another card today.  Little did I know that it would take...hours...literally.  Oh. My. Goodness.  I hope I'm not the only stamper this happens to.  Please tell me I'm not. 
Anyway.  I loved the colors at the CR84FN 36 Color Challenge.  They're so very pretty.  Take a look at the photos that Mona chose for this challenge.

Wow.  Beautiful, huh?  It's been some time since I created a vintage style card.  And I thought these colors were just right for the card I wanted to make.

Here is my take on the challenge:

Even though this card took hours to create (don't ask me why), I'm so pleased with the results.  I'll have to keep my post short.  I have to get up VERY early tomorrow morning, so I need to get off this computer.  Soon.  If you have any questions, please ask!  I'll be happy to provide details.
I'm so glad to stopped in to take a look!

Supplies:

card stock: stamper's select white (PTI), so saffron, kraft/crumb cake (SU)

ink: kraft/crumb cake, so saffron, barely banana, basic black (SU), frost white (Color Box)

stamps: french foliage, occasional quotes (SU)

other: crumb cake seam binding (SU), baker's twine (RRR), white floral ribbon (Hobby Lobby), eyelet border punch (MS), die (labels four by Spellbinders), mini pin (Ideology by Tim Holtz), mini key (7 Gypsies), white tag and buttons from my stash

With Sympathy - The Play Date Cafe Challenge 94

Sunday, August 14, 2011

I finally have a chance to post a card this weekend.  I spent some time cleaning my house and doing laundry yesterday, but finally found a little time last night to make a card.  Ahhh....I love stamping :)  My reward at the end of the day!
Sunday lunch is done (lasagne and corn on the cob).  And, I've made to batches of zucchini bread (4 loaves).  The first 2 are almost ready to remove from the oven.  Mmmm....smells good.

Ok.  Back to stamping.  I found so many great challenges this weekend.  But, the colors over at The Play Date Cafe really drew me in.  Take a look at the PDCC94 challenge.  SO pretty!

Several days ago I saw a gorgeous card on Kalyn Kepner's blog.  I knew that I wanted to CASE her card (copy and share everything).  And, these colors were just right for the card I wanted to make.  You can see Kalyn's card HERE.

My card ~

  * You can click on any photo to see a larger version.
I used a similar stamp for my card.  I changed the colors and sentiment.  Also, instead of a border, I drew 3 lines under my focal point.  I added a few teal gemstones...then dotted crystal effects on each of the flower buds.  This card came together quickly (that's rare for me!) and I really like these colors for a sympathy card.
Well, I have to get back to the kitchen.  Gotta' get the next 2 loaves of bread ready for the oven ;- )

Thanks for taking a look!
Susie

* * * * * *

Supplies list:

card stock: not quite navy, chocolate chip, whisper white (Stampin' Up!)

ink: chocolate chip, more mustard, not quite navy (SU)

stamps: pocket silhouettes (SU), forever in our hearts (Verve)

other: gems (Affinity by The Paper Studio), glossy accents (Ranger), Stamp-a-ma-jig, ruler

Peace on Earth - CAS-ual Fridays challenge

Sunday, August 7, 2011

I'm slowly adding to my box of Christmas cards for this year.  Ummm...I believe this is number 3.  You're really impressed right?  Hmm...not so much, huh?

This card is going into the CAS-ual Fridays CFC 14 challenge.  Here's the challenge:

My card:

I don't often use glitter.  But hey...I'm always up for a challenge!  In fact, this gave me a chance to pull out the holiday pack of  Martha Stewart glitters/flakes/beads that I bought during the post-holiday sales last year.  Yes.  I admit it.  This was the first time it's made contact with card stock.  Can you say "excess stamping supplies"?  I thought so :)
Well, anyway.  This is a one layer card.  All of the stamping was done with Versamark (except inside the card.)  I heat embossed everything with silver EP.  Then, got busy making "glitzy glue dots"  as instructed!
This was fun...actually all of the CAS-ual Friday challenges are fun.
Thanks so much for taking a look!

Supplies:

card stock: not quite navy (Stampin' Up!)

ink: versamark

stamps: snow burst, four the season (SU)

embossing powder: detail silver (SU)

other: white gold glitter (MS), small zots, glossy accents, heat gun

Peace on Earth

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Yes, I'm forcing myself to get back into Christmas card making.  Don't get me wrong.  I love creating Christmas cards.  It's just a little difficult to think about the holidays when the weather is so hot and humid.  Heat, humidity and bugs.

Ah well. I digress.
I saw a card on Pinterest last night, that used heat embossing followed by sponging.  It was a floral theme, but I thought it would work with snowflakes, just as well.  THIS is the card on Pinterest, that inspired my card.

My card:

I heat embossed the entire front of the card with white EP.  Then masked the area to be sponged.  I used 3 shades of blue, in different areas - varying the intensity of color.  Then I stamped my earth ornament and sentiment after removing the mask.  Since the surface was uneven, I filled in any "missing" areas with a black stampin' write marker.  I added a tiny ribbon bow at the top of the ornament.
This will be an easy card to mail, since the only embellishment is the bow.
Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies:

card stock: stamper's select white (PTI)

stamps: peaceful season, serene snowflakes (SU)

ink: bashful blue, marina mist, pacific point (SU), onyx black (Versafine)

other: winter white EP (SU), black ribbon (Offray)

My First Guest Designer Spot!

Saturday, August 6, 2011
I'm so excited to share with you that I'm the Guest Designer at the Card Patterns blog this week!  THIS card was chosen as the winner for Sketch #124 at Card Patterns.  You can click HERE to see my feature on CP this week, along with a short bio and photo.

Take a look at Card Patterns Sketch #127!  You could do so much with this layout...I had several ideas right away.

And, this is my take on the sketch.

As soon as I received this sketch from the DT at Card Patterns, I knew that I wanted to use a doily die for the round panel in the layout.  I used my Parisian Doily die from PTI (love it).  I bought a pack of patterned paper recently, that I've been wanting to cut into.  Well, that's where my swirled background panel came from.  Also, I fussy cut the focal image from that same pack.  There were a lot of images to choose from, but I thought she fit my card perfectly, and the colors were just right.  I added a tiny gem to her earring and a bit of stickles to the bow at her waist, then popped her on the panel with some foam dots. The bit of vintage lace is some that I bought at an estate auction.

The 4th photo is a shot of the inside of the card.  I just had to use another piece from that same pack of papers.  I added a sentiment at the left side, using my Stamp-a-ma-jig to get it at the same angle as the images on the paper.  The size of the finished card is 6 1/4" x 4 1/4".
I really had a lot of fun with this card.  A big Thank You to the DT at Card Pattens for giving me the chance to be Guest Designer this week!!!

Materials:

Card stock: cajun craze, early espresso, naturals ivory (all Stampin' Up!)

Patterned paper: lady couture stack (DCWV)

Ink: early espresso (SU)

Stamps: sew lovely (Lawn Fawn), on your birthday (SU)

Dies: parisian doily (Papertrey Ink), std circles lg (Spellbinders)

Other: lace from an estate sale, glimmer brads (SU), 1 clear gem from my stash, distress stickles in scattered straw (Ranger), Stamp-a-ma-jig, scor-tape, adhesive foam dots

New blue shoes!

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Hey, a mid-week post...did you notice?  I usually only have the time to create/post on the weekends.  But, I've been working on this project Monday and Tuesday evening and I just couldn't wait to post this.  If you follow my blog (I'm hoping a few people follow it...hello...anyone there?), you probably saw THIS papercrafted shoe that I made recently.  It was SO much fun to make - and embellish.  Well, after I posted a pic on FB, my friend Linda (who loves shoes) asked me to make a pair for her.  I jumped at the chance :)

This is what I gave to Linda today ~

These measure about 6" in length, and maybe 3 1/2" in height...I forgot to measure them.  By the time I'd finished making these shoes, I'd cut down the time that it takes me.  Probably 1 1/4 hours per shoe.  I enjoy it so much, that I don't mind the time that it takes.  If you want to make one of these shoes (or a pair!), I found the pattern and instructions on Creating Keepsakes website.  Click HERE for a link to the download.
So...are you going to give it a try?
Thanks for popping in, I love visitors :)

What I used:

card stock: baja breeze (Stampin' Up!)

designer series paper: springtime vintage (SU)

trim: mettalic double E loop (Wright's)

brad: recollections - Michael's

scor-tape

crystal effects (to prevent the ends of the trim from fraying)