Stampin Elizabeth

Happy Mother's Day (a wee bit late)

2012-05-13T22:03:00.000-04:00

This is the other card I made for Mother's Day this year. I'm late posting it (and mailing it) because my camera's battery died. This one is similar to the previous card I made as I used the same sketch Paper Players 92 and SCS Color Challenge 374. I used the same retiring stamp from Season of Friendship as shown in this card that is also featured on PP92. The little green leaves are from the Bird Builder punch, I just trimmed off the stems. For the little blue flowers I used an old SU punch and added green stick on gems. I didn't have any pearls in the shade of green I needed so I used an alcohol marker to color the pearl for the bird's eye.

Recipe:
Stamps: Season of Friendship, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Crumb Cake, VV, Pacific Point, Certainly Celery, DP - SU
Ink: Crumb Cake, Pacific Point
Accessories: Scallop Border Punch, Bird Builder Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Word Window Punch, Three Flower Punch, Cuttlebug, Stick on Gems, Pearls, Spectrum Noir Marker, and Ribbon

Inspired Mother's Day

2012-05-10T02:20:00.002-04:00

Mother's Day is coming this Sunday. There are a couple mothers in my family to celebrate with so this is one design that I made. This one uses another stamp set that is on SU's retirement list. The colors are from SCS Color Challenge 374 and the sketch is #92 that I found over at the Paper Players Challenge from last month.

It was a little tricky to color this image because it is a large solid stamp. I used my Certainly Celery and Chocolate Chip SU markers to color the stems, leaves and tops of the flowers. I don't have a marker in Pacific Point so I used a drop of the re-inker and a blending pen to color the petals.

Recipe:
Stamps: Inspired by Nature, Teeny Tiny Wishes - SU
Paper: VV, Crumb Cake, Certainly Celery, Pacific Point, DP
Ink: Pacific Point, Certainly Celery, Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Word Window Punch, Triple Layer Flower Punch, Border Punch, Corduroy Brad, Re-Inker, Blending Pen, Markers

Cake and a Nap

2012-05-08T22:22:00.000-04:00

I'm slowly replacing my stash of birthday cards that is almost empty. This card features a House Mouse stamp and is colored with my new Spectrum Noir alcohol markers. I so looove these markers! The colors are deeper and brighter tones of the pink, aqua and neutral shades from the CR84FN52 color challenge. The sketch is from Merry Monday Challenge 1 that was posted in January. I turned it on it's side to fit the stamped image. This is another card that I made the background from DP scraps that I cut in 1/2 inch strips.

Recipe:
Stamps: Eat Your Cake and Nap Too - House Mouse
Paper: WW, Bermuda Bay, Regal Rose, DP
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa
Accessories: Spectrum Noir Markers, Hodge Podge Hardware, Ribbons, Cuttlebug, MS Ribbon Punch, Nestabilities

Cutie Patootie Birthday

2012-05-03T17:57:00.002-04:00

This card is a combination of 3 challenges: SCS Sketch 383, Color Throwdown 187, and SCS Clean & Simple 167. I am so behind on the list of birthday cards I need to make. The combination of these 3 challenges instantly formed this card in my mind. The design of this card is perfect for a little boy, however I don't have any little boys in mind who have birthdays coming up in the next couple of months. My youngest niece, Little Munchkin, will be turning 2 early next month so I may make a card like this for her using more girly colors.

One note about this sketch, I love it! It noticed that it is similar to other sketches that I have used and I love all the layering of colors.

Recipe:

Stamps: Fox & Friends, Party this Way, Riveting - all SU

Paper: WW, Chocolate Chip, Lavender Lace, Certainly Celery, So Saffron, DP

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Certainly Celery, Lavender Lace, Creamy Caramel

Accessories: Twine, Button, SU Markers, Circle Punches, Lacy Ribbon, MS Balloon Punch

Simply In My Thoughts

2012-04-29T20:50:00.003-04:00

The SU retirement list is up and I realized that I have some stamps that are retiring that have not seen ink yet. I wanted to make a card for one of the ladies at my Waterlilyz table who is going through some very difficult trials. I used the Simply Soft set and a few 2010-2012 In Colors that are retiring. I used SCS Sketch Challenge 382 and the color combo I came up with on my own. The flowers were colored with SU markers. You can find the SU retirement lists here and if you would like to purchase these products before they go you can connect to my online store here.

Recipe:
Stamps: Simply Soft, Always in My Thoughts
Paper: WW, Chocolate Chip, Blushing Bride, Wild Wasabi, DP
Ink: Blushing Bride, Poppy Parade, Calypso Coral, Garden Green, Chocolate Chip, Wild Wasabi
Accessories: Circle Punches, Ribbon, Cuttlebug, Glimmer Mist, Stickles, SU Markers, Sanding Block

Get Well Wishes

2012-04-21T00:21:00.000-04:00

My card making mojo has been in a slump for a few weeks but it did come out to play a little bit last night. This card is way over due for a Water Lilyz friend who has been suffering from back to back physical ailments including a major surgery requiring a long rehabilitation. This card is a combination of SCS challenges: Clean and Simple Challenge 165, Sketch Challenge 381 and Color Challenge 368.

Recipe:

Stamps: Bright Blossoms, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Ink: Melon Mambo, Elegant Eggplant, Concord Grape, Garden Green

Paper: WW, Melon Mambo, Elegant Eggplant, Concord Grape

Accessories: Border Punch, Nestabilities, Sizzix Folder, Word Window Punch, Ribbon Punch, Stick on Gem, Markers

Cherish

2012-03-30T01:57:00.000-04:00

A friend recently got married and I made this card for her. I used mostly SU products except that I used Nestabilities for the shape of the card. It is hard to tell in this picture but I used Shimmer White as the front panel. It really has a nice subtle glow to it. I sponged the leaves and the flowers to give a little depth to the die cuts.

Recipe:
Stamps: Baroque Motifs - SU
Paper: Shimmer White, Wild Wasabi, Blushing Bride
Ink: Wild Wasabi, Blushing Bride
Accessories: Nestabilities, Simple Flower Embosselit, Leaf Sizzlet, Cuttlebug, Pearl

Rainy Days

2012-03-28T21:22:00.000-04:00

It's another rainy day on my night off so that means I can stay inside and be creative. I tried something different by coloring on kraft cardstock with Prisma pencils. I didn't like what I did with the background so I cut out Flopsy and his umbrella. I'll keep playing around with this technique to see if I can get better at it. The sketch is from last week's Split Coast Stampers Sketch Challenge 377 and it is entered into the Crafter's Companion Challenge 22

Recipe:
Stamps: Rainfall Flopsy - MFT
Paper: River Rock, Concord Crush, Bermuda Bay, Crumb Cake, DP - SU
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Ribbon, Prisma Pencils

Sweepie's 5th Birthday

2012-03-21T22:30:00.002-04:00

So my poor craft room with all of it's paper, stamps, inks and various embellishments has been woefully ignored for a couple of weeks. I had to wipe away a cobweb from the door handle. We have had an uncharacteristically warm and beautiful beginning to March and this gorgeous 70+ degree sunshiny weather has lured me outside to play. There are a couple of people I owe late birthday cards to and several other events coming that I have to make cards for. One of which is my little niece Sweepie is turning 5! Her favorite color is pink with a little bit of green. Most of the cards I have made for her in the past have those colors. Sweepie also enjoys her dance class that she goes to every week. When I go to visit her she shows me the new steps she's learned.

I tried the easel technique for this card and I'm surprised at how easy it is. Because it was my first time trying this technique I followed the instructions and made a 4x4" square card. I would liked to have made it 5x5" but I don't have envelopes that size. I colored the image with Sharpie and Bic permanent markers. I don't have the budget for Copics and I have seen other people on the web use these to color. The sketch is adapted from this one. I used scraps of different DPs that I have to make the background.

Recipe:
Stamps: Ballet Millie - MFT, Birthday Surprise - Verve, Happiest Birthday Wishes - SU
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper: WW, Green Galore, Regal Rose, Pretty In Pink, DP - SU
Accessories: Ribbon, Stick on Gem, Ribbon Punch, Nestabilities, Flower Bead

I'm a featured stamper!

2012-03-06T16:33:00.000-05:00

No card to post today but I wanted to share that this card of mine was recently featured on the Flutter By Wednesday blog. I'm now eligible to display this badge.

Each Wednesday Danni post a challenge that always includes a butterfly, angel or fairy. I have participated in a few of her challenges because of my love of butterflies.

Little Water Lily

2012-02-29T10:25:00.000-05:00

I have posted before about the Water Lilyz Bible study that I attend. There is one table that I was a regular member of before I moved last year that really took care of its members. About a month ago, I ran into to a couple of the ladies from that table and told them about the struggles I have been going through. Since then many of the ladies at that table have emailed and called me with their offers of prayer and concern. I have really felt the love of Christ from these ladies at this table. I am now making the 20 mile trek on Wednesday nights to rejoin these ladies. They make me feel like I have never left!

Now about the card design. I really loved the sketch from Merry Monday Challenge #6 but didn't enter this card because it is late and not a Christmas theme. I made an embellishment by laying ribbon loops and used retired SU designer papers. The image is colored with Prisma pencils and the her dress is paper pieced.

Please leave a comment and let me know what you think!

Recipe:
Stamps: Water Lily - MFT
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Basic Black, Pretty In Pink
Paper: WW, Pretty In Pink, Soft Sky, DP
Accessories: Paper Piercer, Ribbon, Glue Gun, Word Window Punch, Prisma Pencils, Goo Gone, Stick on Gem

Pearls and Prayers

2012-02-21T18:31:00.001-05:00

This card is going out to someone going through a very difficult time right now. I originally was making this card using the colors from SCS Color Challenge 363 without a sentiment so it could be generic. I received the difficult news before I finished the card so I thought I would send it as an encouragement.

The main image is cut out from DP. I used my colored pencils and Goo-Gone to add a little depth to it. The little butterflies I cut out from a border punch. This card qualifies for the Flutterby Wednesday 191 challenge.

Recipe:
Stamps: Serenity - Verve
Paper: WW, Pretty In Pink, Pink Pirouette, Basic Gray, DP
Ink: Basic Gray, Pretty In Pink, Pink Pirouette
Accessories: Cuttlebug, MS Punches, Word Window, Spellbinders Impressabilities, Pearls, Buttons, Prisma Pencils, Goo-Gone, Ticket Punch

Two Pot Kind of Day

2012-02-19T02:26:00.001-05:00

I could have used 2 pots of coffee each day for last week. I worked 5 shifts in a row and someone in my family is having some very serious medical issues. Because I have done so many straight night shifts I can't sleep on my nights off, so here I am wide awake. A good thing from all this is that my card-making mojo is going strong =-)

I use the sketch from MFTWSC59 for this. I made another attempt at stitching but had problems with the tension on my machine for one of the layers. I'll keep playing with the sewing machine and one day I will get it right.

Recipe:
Stamps: I Need Coffee Flopsey - MFT
Paper: WW, Craft, DP
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Colored Pencils, Goo-Gone, Sewing Machine, Brads, Word Window Punch, Ribbon, Paper Clip

Just A Note

2012-02-08T23:48:00.000-05:00

This card was made using TE Sketch Challenge 151 and SCS Color challenge 360. I got a sewing machine over Christmas and this is my first time using it on a card. I need to practice more getting a straight stitch. The paper flowers I made myself using SU's Boho Blossom and the retired Three For You punches.

Recipe:
Stamps: Dream A Little - SU, Accent Notes - Verve
Ink: Island Indigo
Paper: WW, Pool Party, Island Indigo, DP
Accessories: Sewing, Cuttlebug, Nestabilities, Handmade Flowers, Ribbon, Buttons

Mixed Bunch Birthday

2012-02-06T01:23:00.000-05:00

I found the sketch for this card on Pinterest but the website link of the original post was broken so I don't know who to give credit to. I used the new papers from the SU Salebration brochure and a stamp set from the current SU mini catalog. The paper is partially distressed but I wanted a little more so I added some Walnut color to it. I dipped into my hoard of ribbon and used some ruffled ribbons in coordinating colors. The flower I made using the retired Three for You punch.

Recipe:
Stamps: Mixed Bunch, Happiest Birthday Wishes
Ink: Early Espresso Classic and Craft - SU, Walnut Stain Distress - Tim Holtz
Paper: VV, Early Espresso, Peach Parfait, DP - SU
Accessories: Clear EP, MS Border Punch, Ribbons, SU Punches, Handmade flowers, Sponge

Smile

2012-02-05T02:39:00.000-05:00

This card I made using the MFTWSC57 sketch. It was a little different style for me because of the way the DP is cut and placed but I liked it. I used a decorative border punch to make the medallion which gave it a different look. The image is colored with Prisma pencils and Goo-Gone. I added a couple of little silver butterfly beads (I love butterflies) so it qualifies for the Flutter By Wednesday 188 challenge.

Recipe:
Stamps: Elisabeth Bell, Circular Sayings - Verve
Paper: WW, Rose Red, Wisteria Wonder, DP - SU
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Bermuda Bay
Accessories: Prisma Colored Pencils, Goo-Gone, MS Border Punch, Buttons, Butterfly Beads, Cuttlebug

Thoughts & Prayers

2012-01-25T01:55:00.001-05:00

This card is for a co-worker who has cancer and will be on extended sick leave. I was using up some scraps of DP to make this card and I think it turned out pretty well. This card is using SU products only although I think the DP is retired.

Recipe:
Stamps: Thoughts and Prayers - SU
Paper: WW, Crumb Cake, Chocolate Chip, DP
Ink: Bermuda Bay, Chocolate Chip, Rose Red
Accessories: SU Markers, Twine, Clear Button, Oval Punch

It's Your Day

2012-01-20T06:41:00.000-05:00

My cousin's birthday is coming up and so I made this card from her. The inspiration for the design and colors came from several different places.

Recipe:

Stamps: Grateful Elegance - Verve, Happiest Birthday Wishes - SU
Paper: Lucky Limeade, WW, Bermuda Bay, Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip, Melon Mambo
Ink: Versamark
Accessories: Gold EP, SU Embossing Folder, Corner Rounder, MS Punch, Ribbon

Winter Blues

2012-01-06T02:27:00.000-05:00

I know, the card doesn't fit the title and that's because I'm longing for Spring. The winter blues is an actual medical condition formally known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is a form of depression that occurs primarily in the late fall and winter months due to the shortened daylight hours. For some, SAD can be quite debilitating. I was diagnosed with SAD a few years ago and it has hit me hard this year. Over the past few weeks I have noticed my moods going in a downward trend. When I'm not at work, it is very difficult to get out of bed or off the couch. I feel like all of my energy has been mysteriously zapped from my body. Sometimes it even hurts to move. Things that I normally take a great interest in just leave me feeling blah. I haven't gone to my church or Bible studies in several weeks. The real unfortunate thing is I haven't been missed.

In the Fall I did let the ladies of my Bible Study know that I suffer from SAD and that I tend to get depressed and lonely. I put in several prayer requests at my church about this too. I'm disappointed to say that none of my "friends" have called or emailed me to see how I am doing. No one has noticed my absence from 3rd row center at church on Sundays, nor have my "friends" from the Bible study I was a part of noticed. I am fortunate to have at least 2 true friends, Abena and Susanna, who noticed the change in my moods and withdrawing from usual activities. Abena and Susanna have truly been showing me Christ's love. I wish I could say the same for the many others who have said they are my "friends".

Earlier this week I was very angry. The fact that I cared enough to be angry is a good sign. I was sad and angry that I was so alone. I was angry that I had notified several people that I may need help and prayers and yet I was ignored. I'm disappointed in the people at my church and Bible study but I'm not disappointed with God. The past 2 days I had the strength to read a chapter of the Bible each day. God showed me that I must forgive them. I'm no longer angry, but I'm still disappointed in them. I know God will not let me go through something that is too much to bear and that He is always with me, even in my darkest times. Maybe He is allowing me to go through this for the benefit of others.

Yesterday I was able to enter my craft room and work on a card. I went to a stamping meeting last night and had a lot of fun. I'm at my computer now writing this entry and posting my card. Am I free from depression now? No. I have some good days and bad ones during the winter. I believe what helped is having people who really care contact me, pray for me and offer their companionship and assistance. I'm not writing this to put down the people at my church or Bible study (I doubt any of them read my blog anyway) but I'm writing this in hopes that it will make people aware of those around them who may suffer from depression. I hope you who are reading this will have those around you who are lonely or depressed brought to your minds. Please don't ignore us! We need real friends. We need the body of Christ to come around us and encourage us. If you don't see us for a while, please give us a call or send us an email. We need to know that people do care. Be real friends like Abena and Susanna are to me.

Isaiah 26:3-4 "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock."

Card Recipe:
Stamps: Elisabeth Bell
Paper: WW, Lucky Limeade, Calypso Coral, Pool Party, DP - DCWV
Ink: Stazon Black, Pool Party
Accessories: Prisma Colored Pencils, Goo-Gone, Cricut, Blending Stumps, Border Punch, Mulberry Flowers

Christmas card for Sweepie

2011-12-18T22:10:00.000-05:00

I made a card for my little niece Sweepie and have one for her little sister, Little Munchkin, in process. I had a lot of fun with this card as I got out my colored pencils, Goo-Gone and blending stumps. I'm a bit out of practice with my coloring technique. I also finally set up my Cricut and used my new Paper Lace cartridge. I love this cartridge as there are so many fun shapes and designs, even ones that are doily-like as the one on this card. It is hard to tell in this photo but I used Stickles to accent the ear and hand muffs. I ran DP through the Cuttlebug and then lightly sanded it to bring out the white core.

Recipie:
Stamps: Elisabeth Bell
Paper: WW, Pixie Pink, Green Galore, DP
Ink: Stazon Black
Accessories: Colored Pencils, Goo-Gone, Blending Stump, Cuttlebug, Martha Stewart Punch, SU Snowflake Punch, Cricut, Sanding Block, Stickles, Buttons, Stick on Gems

O Come Let Us Adore Him

2011-12-16T04:50:00.000-05:00

I did it! I made a little over 100 Christmas cards and mailed them out to family and friends. I usually don't like to make the same exact design of a card more than twice but this project was not as tedious as I thought it would be. I did do 3 different variations of the card using different Nestabilities shapes.

Recipe:

Stamps: Come to Bethlehem - SU

Paper: WW, Not Quite Navy

Ink: Not Quite Navy

Accessories: Nestabilities, Stickles, Silver Beads

Let Your Light Shine

2011-12-07T10:42:00.001-05:00

I'm finishing up my Christmas cards and I took a little break to participate in the SCS Featured Stamper Challenge 252. This week's Featured Stamper is Studbo and her gallery is amazing! I see myself CASing many of her cards.

This card has my typical winter theme of blue, white and silver. Giving you a hint of the colors that I used in my Christmas card this year. After I mail out my Christmas cards I will be posting pics.

Recipe:
Stamps: Baroque Motifs - SU, Starstruck, Grateful Elegance - Verve
Paper: WW, Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy
Ink: Not Quite Navy Classic & Craft, Baja Breeze
Accessories: Cuttlebug Folder, Clear EP, Stickles, Corner Rounder, Dew Drops, Ribbon

Butterfly Inspired Birthday

2011-11-12T01:27:00.001-05:00

As I am waiting for my SU order with my Christmas card supplies to arrive, I'm making cards for various occasions to have on hand. This one I specifically made for one of my best friends who's birthday is later in the month. The sketch for this card is from the SCS Clean & Simple 143 Challenge. The idea for the punched out and popped up butterfly is from the SCS Ways to Use It 348 Challenge. This card also fits with the Flutterby Wednesday 179 Challenge.

Recipe:
Stamps: Inspired by Nature, Flight of the Butterfly - SU
Paper: VV, Tangerine Tango, Garden Green, Chocolate Chip
Ink: Garden Green, Tangerine Tango, Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Butterfly Punch, Scallop Trim Border Punch

Our Help, Psalm 124:8

2011-11-09T23:41:00.001-05:00

Psalm 124:8 is one of the Bible verses I turn to when I face trials or discouragements. It reminds me that God is the Creator and He is always available to help me. Since God created the heavens and the earth, my problems are very small tasks for Him. I was reminded of this in my weekly Waterlilyz table recently as we read Genesis 1. The verse that spoke to me most and a few other ladies was Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." I'm so amazed that God, the Creator of heaven and earth, loves us so much that He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ to die on the cross and be resurrected to redeem us from sin and death. Because of God's great love, He wants to be invited into every aspect of our lives and wants us to know that we are never alone as He is always with us!

This card was made using the sketch from ODBDSLC83 Sketch Challenge and the colors are from Color Throwdown 166. I don't have Baja Breeze ink or paper at the moment so I substituted with my stash of Soft Sky. I distressed the edges of the DP and sponged it with Crumb Cake ink. The flower is made using SU's Triple Treat Flower, Vanilla Hodge Podge Hardware, and punches. The bow came out quite puffy so when it comes time to mail this card off to someone I'm going to have to use a larger padded envelope and extra postage.

Recipe:
Stamps: Psalm 124:8 from Scripture Collection 3 - ODBD, Triple Treat Flower - SU
Paper: Crumb Cake, VV, Soft Sky, Old Olive, DP
Ink: Old Olive, Soft Sky, Crumb Cake
Accessories: Distressing Tool, Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Flower Punches, Hodge Podge Hardware, Brads, Ribbon

Cuttlebug-Crazy Cupcake

2011-11-08T23:24:00.000-05:00

I'm still building up my stash of birthday cards for the next couple of months. This year I decided that I would make Christmas card to send out to all of my friends (to those that I have current addresses for) and that won't leave me much time for other cards.

This card is inspired by Michelle Pearson's card. She is SCS Featured Stamper 247. The colors are from TCPTUES183 color challenge. The card also fits the OCCC Masculine Card Challenge I used 4 different Cuttlebug embossing folders on this card which may be a bit extreme.

Recipe:

Stamps: Punch Bunch - SU

Paper: VV, Real Red, Chocolate Chip, Daffodil Delight

Ink: Chocolate Chip Craft

Accesories: Cuttlebug, Embossing Folders, Cupcake Die - SU, Corner Rounder Punch, Paper Piercing, Clear EP, Heat Tool