FMS127 Freshly Made Sketches Challenge

Another great sketch from Freshly Made Sketches! The Fresh Prints Paper Stack in the Spring Catalog features Real Red, Coastal Cabana, and Crumb Cake. I like that the prints in these 4x6 stacks are petite - meaning they are the perfect scale for card projects. I'm ready for spring, how about you?

Supplies used:

• Tools: Big Shot Die Cutting Machine, Apothecary Accents Framelits Dies, Hearts a Flutter Framelits Dies, Finishing Touches Edgelits Dies, Petite Petals Punch
• Stamps: World Treasures, Flowering Flourishes, Petite Petals
• Paper: Whisper White, Coastal Cabana, Crumb Cake, Real Red, Fresh Prints Designer Series Paper Stack
• Ink: Real Red, Crumb Cake
• Embellishments: Baker's Twine White, Pearl Basic Jewels, Designer Buttons Subtles

Petal Parade Bookmark

A bookmark is one of my favorite quick projects to make and to give - often I will leave one on a co-worker's desk as a little surprise when they return. The bookmark format is also a great blank slate to play with a new stamp set, or experiment with colors and composition. I couldn't decide which of the twine colors to use, so I grabbed all three!

The Sweet Sorbet Designer Series Paper, Sweet Sorbet Accessory Pack, and Petal Parade stamp set are all exclusive Sale-A-Bration products meaning you can earn them FREE (one item free per $50 ordered). Sale-A-Bration runs through March 31, 2014.

Supplies used:

• Tools: Scalloped Tag Topper Punch
• Stamps: Perfectly Penned, Petal Parade
• Paper: Pool Party, Whisper White, Sweet Sorbet Designer Series Paper
• Ink: Basic Black, Summer Starfruit, Pool Party, Crisp Cantaloupe
• Embellishments: Sweet Sorbet Accessory Pack

Wine Bottle Tag

The new Scalloped Tag Topper Punch is really versatile - here I simply cut a 2" x 4" piece of card stock for the tag base, and used the punch on both ends. Then I decorated the tag with several shapes and images from the Chalk Talk stamp set and coordinating Framelits dies. Perfect for decorating a bottle of wine, olive oil, or flavored vinegar. A 5-minute project, maybe?

Supplies used:

• Tools: Big Shot Die Cutting Machine, Chalk Talk Framelits Dies, Scalloped Tag Topper Punch
• Stamps: Chalk Talk
• Paper: Baked Brown Sugar, Calypso Coral, Very Vanilla
• Ink: Baked Brown Sugar, Calypso Coral
• Embellishments: 3/4" Chevron Ribbon in Calypso Coral, Large Pearl Basic Jewels

Spiral Flower Die

I believe gift packaging should be as memorable as the gift itself. The centerpiece of this box is of course the beautiful felt flower made with the new Spiral Flower Die. After die cutting the felt, simply roll it up from the outside in, securing with hot glue along the way. The last round tab acts as a base for the flower. I then created a little platform using the Blossom Flower Punch from Coastal Cabana card stock, and gave it some dimension by sponging Baked Brown Sugar around the edges.

The tag was created with the Chalk Talk stamp set and coordinating dies. After auditioning the design elements, I discovered the Ruffled Stretch Trim created a really nice little skirt around the base of the flower. Finally, I glued a Vintage Faceted Button to the center of the flower to give it some sparkle. The nice thing about this box is that it can be completely reused. The belly band slides off - and both the box and band may be used again!

Supplies used:

• Tools: Big Shot Die Cutting Machine, Chalk Talk Framelits Dies, Spiral Flower Originals Die, Blossom Flower Punch
• Stamps: Chalk Talk
• Paper: Kraft Gift Box, Coastal Cabana, Very Vanilla, Retro Fresh Designer Series Paper
• Ink: Baked Brown Sugar
• Embellishments: 3/8" Ruffle Stretch Trim in Coastal Cabana, Designer Vintage Faceted Buttons
• Other: Yellow Felt, Hot Glue Gun

FMS126 Freshly Made Sketches Challenge

Another great template design by Freshly Made Sketches! I've been itching to use Perfect Blend and paper piece the belly band - these colors are bright and bold - just how I like my coffee! Not a lot of supplies needed for this simple design, super quick and easy.

Supplies used:

• Stamps: Perfect Blend
• Paper: Basic Gray, Whisper White, Kaleidoscope Designer Series Paper
• Ink: Basic Black
• Embellishments: 3/8" Satin Stitched Ribbon Summer Starfruit, 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon Basic Black

Planning Ahead - Father's Day

With as busy as life is these days, it's never too early to plan some spring and early summer holiday cards, including this one for Father's Day. The stamp set Lovely As A Tree is priceless - so many uses! I used the new Hardwood background stamp as well - this seemed like a natural choice. (SO happy Stampin' Up now offers the versatile background stamps in Clear Mount! Less expensive and easier to store - YEAH!!) I used an Aqua Painter to add some warmer tones of Old Olive ink around the top edges of the tree. Sort of reminds me of the sunshine filtering through the leaves ... ahhhh ... leaves ... something to dream about! #Chiberia

Supplies used:

• Tools: Modern Label Punch
• Stamps: Hardwood Background Stamp, Lovely As a Tree, Teeny Tiny Wishes
• Paper: Whisper White, Baked Brown Sugar, Garden Green
• Ink: Early Espresso, Garden Green, Old Olive, Baked Brown Sugar
• Embellishments: Early Espresso Baker's Twine, 1/8" Mini Brads

Can't ... Stop ... Coloring ...

The Stampin' Up Vivid Vases single from the spring catalog is highly addictive. Who doesn't like coloring? You could use watercolor pencils, ink and blender pens, aqua painter, watercolor crayons, markers, and the list goes on. I got a large scrap of white paper, and stamped the image 3 times in Staz-on ink. I used two of the images for practice, and the 3rd for my final card. Inside you could stamp a sentiment of choice, Mother's Day or even Easter? The colors are light and refreshing, considering we still have 6" of snow on the ground!

Supplies used:

• Tools: Stampin' Trimmer
• Stamps: Vivid Vases
• Paper: Whisper White, Pear Pizzazz, Wisteria Wonder
• Ink: StazOn Jet Black, various ink pads for watercoloring
• Embellishments: Designer Buttons Subtles, Baker's Twine Whisper White, 3/4" Chevron Ribbon Pear Pizzazz

You Make Me Happy Card

Baked Brown Sugar is my new favorite neutral brown! It's warmer than Crumb Cake (my standard go-to fav), and not as dark as the other brown ink choices. I also appreciate the coverage that the new Firm Foam ink pads give, such as the sentiment shown here from Perfect Pennants. I would have avoided a solid coverage stamp like this one in the past when we had the linen ink pads.

I really need to send more cards like this one - randomly - to let people know how much I appreciate them!

Supplies used:

• Tools: Big Shot Die Cutting Machine, Banners Framelits Dies, Chevron Embossing Folder
• Stamps: Perfect Pennants
• Paper: Baked Brown Sugar, Tangerine Tango, Very Vanilla, Retro Fresh Designer Series Paper
• Ink: Baked Brown Sugar
• Embellishments: 3/8" Ruffle Stretch Trim in Coastal Cabana, Essentials Wooden Elements

Happy Congratulations

I'm always trying to find easier ways to do things. I love this new stamp set because you can use any color scheme, and it's suitable for a variety of life events including graduation, engagement, move to a new city, just about anything that takes us on to the next phase of our life!

This came close to being a one-layer card, but in the end I decided on mounting the front and inside panels on Crisp Cantaloupe. I also couldn't leave it flat, I added an In Color Boutique element which provides some texture. If you were mailing this, you could leave the element off and it would be perfectly flat for mailing.

Choose your own color scheme! I borrowed this color scheme from the Sale-A-Bration Sweet Sorbet Designer Series Paper. I also cut an envelope liner out of the the Sweet Sorbet DSP to tie it all together.

Supplies used:

• Tools: Big Shot Die Cutting Machine, Envelope Liners Framelits Dies
• Stamps: Happy Congratulations
• Paper: Whisper White, Crisp Cantaloupe, Sweet Sorbet Designer Series Paper
• Ink: Basic Black, Summer Starfruit, Crisp Cantaloupe, Pistachio Pudding, Pool Party
• Embellishments: In Color Boutique Details

FMS125 Freshly Made Sketches Challenge

My entry in this week's Freshly Made Sketches challenge could be an anniversary card, Father's Day card from a wife, or just a "thankful for you" type of card! I love the nautical theme, and for some reason I think of the little whale as myself. IF the snow were to go away, maybe I could get out for a walk now and then!

Even though the weather is frightful, I'm happy to be indoors stamping today.

Supplies used:

• Tools: Big Shot Die Cutting Machine, Starburst Framelits Dies, 1-3/4" Circle Punch
• Stamps: Hello, Sailor
• Paper: Whisper White, Pacific Point, Gold Foil Sheets
• Ink: Pacific Point
• Embellishments: Gold Sequin Trim, Gold Baker's Twine, Pacific Point 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon

Vivid Vases Card

I had the urge to do some coloring (it just never gets old) and the Vivid Vases single stamp is the perfect choice for some water coloring. I used an Aqua Painter and Soft Sky ink to ever so slightly paint the left side and bottom of the vases to achieve the look of shadow and water. Thanks to my friend Sheila for teaching me that! I was so happy until I somehow got an inky partial thumb print in the upper right corner of the vases panel, so added a happy Daffodil Delight banner and button to cover up the disaster.

By the way, I thought this stamp would be more versatile for me if I separated the sentiment from the image, so I cut the two apart, and side mounted the sentiment on the wood block - it just fit on the end with a tiny bit of trimming.

Supplies used:

• Tools: Big Shot Die Cutting Machine, Banners Framelits Dies, Designer Buttons Regals, Aqua Painter
• Paper: Smoky Slate, Whisper White, Island Indigo, Daffodil Delight, Watercolor Wonder Designer Series Paper
• Ink: StazOn Jet Black, Daffodil Delight, Island Indigo, Tangerine Tango, Soft Sky
• Stamps: Vivid Vases
• Adhesive: Dimensionals, Snail Adhesive

FMS123 Freshly Made Sketches Challenge

This is my first time participating in a Freshly Made Sketches challenge! I enjoy the simple templates this group posts nearly each week, and all the creative submissions by the readers. I chose hexagons for my 8 shapes, and had fun choosing some brighter, spring-like colors. I popped 3 of the hexies up with dimensionals to give some texture. I'm in love with the Crisp Cantaloupe twine that is included in the Sweet Sorbet Accessory Pack, a Sale-A-Bration exclusive product.

Supplies used:

• Tools: Hexagon Punch, Big Shot Die Cutting Machine, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Chevron Embossing Folder, Sweet Sorbet Accessory Pack
• Paper: Crisp Cantaloupe, Pistachio Pudding, Whisper White, Pool Party, Summer Starfruit, Sweet Sorbet Designer Series Paper
• Ink: Pistachio Pudding, Basic Black
• Stamps: Six-Sided Sampler
• Adhesive: Dimensionals, Snail Adhesive

Personalized Name Stamp

I just love the styling on these new personalized monogram stamps from Stampin' Up. Create a cool address label, or a customized message for gifts and goodies! The stamp is created in photopolymer - so it sticks really great to your favorite clear mounting block. Here are just a few ideas for this new stamp:

• Save the date
• From the desk of
• Just married
• This book belongs to
• Address stamp
• Thank you
• From the kitchen of
• Made with love

For safe, secure online ordering, CLICK HERE.

I Support Community

For the past 15 months I've have been honored to be a part of a new not-for-profit organization based in Naperville, Illinois called I Support Community. The mission of ISC is to be a one-stop resource of trusted information on local, regional, and national charities. Whether you are interested in volunteering or giving financially, isupportcommunity.org can point you in the right direction!

Founder and Executive Director Marion Ruthig completes a lengthy due diligence process, examining every aspect of a potential charity partner, before bringing the final decision to the Board of Directors. If accepted, a video crew is scheduled to film the charity, and after editing, the final video is posted on the web site along with more information plus easy ways to donate and become involved.

At the end of ISC's first year in existence, we had 17 charity partners on board with more on the way!

Please visit isupportcommunity.org and browse our charity partners - watch a video or two. We hope you will be as moved as we are by the presentations, and will support an organization that speaks to you!

Sale-A-Bration is HERE!

I always save up my crafting dollars in anticipation of Stampin' Up's annual Sale-A-Bration event, where every $50 spent gives you a free product!

View the Sale-A-Bration catalog HERE.

Shopping online with Stampin' Up is safe and secure, please visit my store HERE. Then click SHOP in the upper right corner below my contact information.

Sale-A-Bration runs January 28 through March 31, 2014 so there is plenty of time to earn free exclusive products.

Sale-A-Bration Sneak Peek

stream of consciousness post ... decorative dots ... new embossing folder ... sale-a-bration starts soon ... adorable mini banner punch ... baked brown sugar ... coastal cabana ... gold baker's twine ... you too can sew on paper ... banner framelits dies ... retro fresh ... spring catalog ... i'm really ready for spring ... winter can't end soon enough ... my feet are cold ... that is all

Sketched Birthday Circle Thinlit Card

I'm in love with the new Thinlet Card dies, the one shown below is the Circle card. It's quick and easy to use the Big Shot die cutting machine and this die to make the fastest card possible - and all the coordinating dies make it simple to decorate your card. My sample below showcases the 2013-2015 IN Colors, which look oh so pretty together. While I had the Big Shot out, I added texture to the scalloped circle using the Square Lattice embossing folder. Forgive my camera - for some reason Strawberry Slush is looking rather "tomatoey" - I know that's not a word but you catch my drift.

Click HERE for a video on the new Thinlit Card dies!

Supplies used:

• Tools: Circle Card Thinlits Die Set, Big Shot Die Cutting Machine, 2-1/2" Circle Punch,
  Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Bone Folder
• Paper: Pistachio Pudding, Strawberry Slush, Whisper White, In Color Designer Series Paper Stack
• Ink: Pistachio Pudding, Basic Black, Stampin' Write In Color Markers
• Stamps: Sketched Birthday, Yippee-Skippee!
• Adhesive: Dimensionals, Snail Adhesive

Wedding Money Holder Card

This super easy project again uses the new Envelope Punch Board to create the most adorable tab on the inside of this money holder (fits cash or check). The Smoky Slate base is cut to 8.25" x 7", then scored at 3" and 6" across the 7" width. The tab is created on the shortest side, and the when folded over, the inside is secured by Sticky Strip. Fits inside a #10 business envelope, or make your own matching envelope with the Envelope Punch Board! A little bit of bling always adds the perfect touch. I'm sure I'll be giving more than $20, but that's all I had in my wallet for the photo shoot! :-)

Supplies used:

• Tools: Envelope Punch Board, Stampin' Trimmer, 2-1/2" Circle Punch
• Paper: Smoky Slate, Quatrefancy Specialty Designer Series Paper
• Ink: Strawberry Slush, Basic Gray
• Stamps: Love & Laughter
• Embellishment: Basic Jewels Rhinestone, 1/8" Silver Ribbon
• Adhesive: Dimensionals, Sticky Strip

Another File Folder Card

I couldn't stop making File Folder cards the other day with the Envelope Punch Board. Show off both sides of the paper by using Designer Series Paper. A neat feature of the Envelope Punch Board is that it allows you to round off the corners in addition to punching notches, and creating score lines. This card was super quick and easy, and I love the spring-like colors. I'm going to store this card and when I'm ready to give it, I'll write the recipient's name on the tab.

Supplies used:

• Tools: Envelope Punch Board, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die Cutting Machine, Chalk Talk Framelits Dies
• Paper: This and That Epic Day Designer Series Paper, Whisper White
• Ink: Pool Party, Calypso Coral
• Stamps: Chalk Talk
• Embellishment: Calypso Coral Baker's Twine, Basic Jewels Rhinestone