Stampin' Fabulousity

PPA73: A Little Lace

2010-12-16T05:49:00.004-05:00

I am not a huge lace fan, but decided I would meet the challenge. This week's Pals Paper Arts Challenge is Get Your Lace In The Place and inspired by the picture below.

I initially had grand plans of using some dollies and getting to the look that way, but unfortunately I couldn't find the stash I had. So, this card really just started very simply and I added just a touch of lace at a border to really pull this off. Stampin Up's new lace ribbon is perfect for that. It's almost like a retro vintage look all combined into one since I used the retired DSP from a few catalog's back. The sentiment which is stamped in Chocolate Chip on So Saffron is from a Level One hostess set from the current catalog, Afterthoughts. I added some more interest to the bottom with embossing with the dots folder. I ended up with a really simple yet interesting thank you card, which you can always use.

Have some lace ribbon or better yet, some dollies. This is the perfect challenge to really start using those great embellishments. It's time to Get Your Lace in the Place. Make a card/layout/3-d object and submit to the Pals Paper Arts Challenge, you could be the pick of the week.

PPA71: Celebrity Color Challenge

2010-12-02T05:42:00.001-05:00

It's that time again for Pals Paper Arts. This week's challenge is one my favorites. It's the Celebrity Color Challenge and I just fell in love with the colors of this week.

I thought they would go perfectly with a baby shower card I needed to do for a co-worker. Here's what I did:

A2 card base in Regal Rose
Used the Dots folder and Big Shot to add embossing texture
3" inch strip of Early Espresso which is punched with the Scallop Trim punch
Pear Pizazz DSP was cut in a strip to nestle right in the middle
The image from Baby Bundle is stamped three separate times on Whisper White in Regal Rose and cut with the Scallop Square punch
The sentiment from a old SAB set is stamped in Early Espresso on Whisper White and cut with the small oval punch
A large oval in Early Espresso make a nice surround for the sentiment
A paper clip with a touch of ribbon make for a final accent to the card

In looking at the final card, it does look a bit too girly to be gender neutral, but maybe I am making a prediction for the baby. Who knows?? Either way, I can surely use it for another baby which is surely on the way for someone I know.

Color challenges are always great to get those creative juices flowing. You can finally get to use some of those supplies you haven't touched. I can't wait to see what you come up with.

Best Deal of the Season!!!

2010-11-19T04:08:00.007-05:00

If you are like me, then you love a great deal. I can't see anything getting any better than this. The 50% savings on the Stampin' Up! Starter Kit is the best I have seen. From now until November 30th, you can get the starter kit for 50% off. That is just $87.50!!!

For those of you still contemplating Stampin' Up!'s Never-Before-Seen Starter Kit Deal, here are a few quick facts:

Choose either Stampin' Up! Starter Kit for $87.50. They are the full kits (not minis). Here are the contents of the Standard Starter Kit and the Digital Starter Kit. One is sure to be right for you!
You can substitute like items of equal or less value. This includes choices from the Holiday Mini Catalog.
When you purchase the Starter Kit, you become a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and member of my Stampin' Pretty Pals. You are NOT required to purchase anything further, hold workshops or sell products.
You receive Stampin' Up! demonstrator discounts and benefits thru March 31, 2011.
IF you want to remain active and continue demonstrator discounts and benefits beyond March 31, 2011, you would need $300 in product sales (which includes your own purchases) by March 31. This extends you for the following quarter (April thru June). $300 in sales per quarter is required to remain continuously active.
There's never a penalty to drop and you keep all the discounted product you purchase.

STILL NOT CONVINCED?? Well, send me an email and I will answer any and all questions. Look forward to you joining my team!!

PPA69: Elements of Style

2010-11-18T05:07:00.000-05:00

This week's challenge was all about Element of Style: using ribbon or fabric in a card design.

I used this opportunity to reach back into the archives for a retired stamp set that I just loved. Bella Blossoms. The card designed was cased from one I saw a very long time ago from Mary Fish at Stampin' Pretty. I used my element very differently for this challenge in that it is more of an accent than the star of my card, but I think it works perfectly with this card design, which is for a co-worker who suddenly lost her father. For these cards that will be signed my whole department, I always go bigger with 5x7 design.

5x7 Card base in Whisper White
Two layers in Chocolate Chip and Nursery Suite DSP with corners punched with Scallop Trim corner punch
Using Big Shot and Scallop Oval die cut to create the base for the image
Image from Bella Blossoms is stamped two times in Baja Breeze, Marina Mist and Early Espresso
Using paper snipers, cut elements of the flower out and add to base image with Stampin' dimensionals
Sentiment from Because I Care, Hostess set is stamped in Baja Breeze on Whisper White
Using the small and big tag punch to create a layered label
Paper clip and Bashful blue taffeta ribbon make the final touches.

GOT RIBBON!!!! If you do, then you can't miss this chance to participate in this week's challenge!! Just got to PALS PAPER ARTS and submit you card. You could be the next Artist Pick.

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PPA67; Celebrity Color Challenge

2010-11-04T05:55:00.012-04:00

This week's Pals Paper Arts challenge is all about color. Color challenges are always fun, because it forces me to use some papers and inks that I may have never touched. This week's is one of my new favorites.

The colors, Poppy Parade, Basic Gray, and Daffodil Delight are great for more masculine cards. This birthday card for my co-worker is a great example. The layout is cased from a card that I saw. I can't remember who, but whoever you are ... thank you. I really do love the layout. Here are the details of the card:

Basic Grey card base, done the long way
I used an image from the set, Circle Circus stamped in Versamark create an interesting yet muted background
The bottom is a section of a Top Note cut in Poppy Parade with my Big Shot
The cupcake cut with the Big Shot and the Big Cupcakes Sizzix from Daffodil Delight and Greenhouse Gala DSP.
The candle is made with Poppy Parade with Dazzling Diamonds for a little flame.
Very Vanilla Taffeta ribbon provide a great border between the Poppy Parade and Basic Grey
The sentiment from the retired hostess set, Sweet Little Sentiments, is stamped in Basic Grey

It was so simple, yet I think the primary colors make it very masculine. I definitely love how it turned out and will be using this again for more birthday cards. Have a masculine card to make, well this is the perfect challenge for you to play. How do you play?? It's easy:

Make a card with the colors: Basic Gray, Poppy Parade, Daffodil Delight
Go to www.palspaperarts.com and add you card to the link at the bottom.
Check back on Tuesday to see if you were the pick of the week. You never know.

Have you noticed something different? I have been trying to work on my photography. I am trying out the bi-color background to see if it helps the cards pop and make my details a bit more crisper. Is it better or worse? What do you think?

PPA65: Baby Bling!!!

2010-10-21T06:00:00.056-04:00

Given that my blog is all about fabulous, it can be no surprise that I love some bling. Though, I will admit I don't use it often, today's Pals Paper Arts challenge allowed me to embrace the bling that have stocked up!! Just love this image. So cute. Who can resist Marilyn!!! The card is for a friend who just had a gorgeous baby boy!!

Scallop Circle card base in Chocolate Chip
2 3/4" Nursery Suite Specialty DSP with a 2 1/2" Whisper White
Image and sentiment from Baby Steps was stamped in Baja Breeze
Espresso taffeta ribbon and a little bling finish out the card.

I am sure you have some sparkly in your stamping stash as well. This is a great challenge to take it out. Keep the card simple and clean and let the bling speak for itself. Can't wait to see what you create. Be sure to post your entry at Pals Paper Arts

Click Here to Purchase What I Used:

Stamp: Baby Steps

Ink: Baja Breeze

Paper: Chocolate Chip Textured, Whisper White, Nursery Suite Specialty

Kool Tools: Big Shot, Scallop Circle die

Fabulous Finish: Rhinestones, 1/8" Espresso taffeta ribbon

Manly Polka Dot Birthday

2010-10-19T05:28:00.001-04:00

Birthdays for the men in my life are always difficult to make cards for. I am a fan of bright colors and seem to struggle when I have to do a birthday card for a male. I find that though no man is against red, I try to stay within the brown, blue and green color families. This retired Urban Garden DSP was perfect for this card. Keeping the design simple and easy made this a quick birthday card for a co-worker.

Crumb cake A2 Card Base
Layer of Basic Black and Urban Garden DSP
Baja Breeze strip with sentiment in Baja Breeze (cool muted effect)
Black button finishes off the card.

I shared one of my tips for masculine cards. Do you have any? Would love to hear what you do. Leave me a comment with your go to tip for doing masculine cards.

Clearance on Steroids!!!

2010-10-08T05:00:00.001-04:00

If you love a good deal like me then I know you probably check the Stampin' Up! Clearance Rack to ensure you get a best deal when shopping. Well, for the next several weeks there is a Stampin' Up Clearance Blitz. Yes, Stampin' Up has added well over 200 products to the Clearance Rack, while supplies last. You don't want to miss this!! So, how do you get your order in, well its really two simple ways:

Order online via my Stampin' Up! shopping site. CLICK HERE and hit the Shop Now button on the top right hand corner
Send me an email by clicking HERE with your order and I can place it for you directly.

Now, that you know what to do. Go check out the Clearance Rack to see if there are great deals you can take advantage of!!! Happy Shopping!!

PPA63: Celebrity Color Challenge

2010-10-07T06:00:00.028-04:00

This week's challenge was all about in my opinion bright colors: Melon Mambo, Peach Parfait and Pear Pizzazz. There is a friend who is going through a rough time right now with having someone very dear to them in the hospital and I just felt that these colors would speak to her. I got the Thoughts and Prayers set on a whim and I am so glad that I did. It is perfect when you just want to let someone know that you care and praying for them.

Crumb cake cardstock made the perfect 5 1/2" square card base
A strip of 2 1/4" Greenhouse Gala DSP and 3" Melon Mambo to form a grid look, sometimes those geometric looks work well when combining colors like these
New In Color ribbon in Peach Parfait make a great way to transition with a little bow at the bottom as a finishing touch
I stamped the elegant tree from Thoughts and Prayers on Peach Parfait in Peach Parfait from a more subtle feel
The sentiment from the same set is stamped in Early Espresso. I used a Stamp-a-ma-jig to get that perfect placement.
Three glimmer brads in Pear Pizazz make the final accent on the card

I hope she likes the card and it brings little bit of encouragement to her during this very difficult time. What do you think? Did these colors work well, feel like trying it out for yourself. Well, don't just sit there, get to doing and play along with us at Pal Paper Arts!! I can't wait to see what you come up with.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER WHAT I USED:

Stamp: Thoughts & Prayers

Ink: Peach Parfait and Early Espresso

Paper: Greenhouse Gala DSP, Crumb Cake, Melon Mambo and Peach Parfait

Kool Tools: Stamp-a-ma-jig

Fabulous Finishes: In Color glimmer brads, Peach Parfait 1/2" stitched poly-ribbon

PPA61: Sketch Challenge

2010-09-23T06:03:00.001-04:00

I think sketch challenges are my favorite. This one for the Pals Paper Arts challenge, may be my favorite. This card which I did for a friend who isn't feeling well. Margaret's sketch's are always so simple and versatile. I think I will definitely use this one again.

Start with base of Pear Pizzazz
Add a layer of Greenhouse Gala DSP
Emboss a 1 inch strip of early espresso with Backgrounds texturz plates. I used the diamond pattern
Strip of Baja Breeze made the perfect place for the sentiment from Curvy Verses stamped in Chocolate Chip
Using the Beautiful Wings Embosslit which I have had and forgot about to give the card some accent points

I hope you like this sketch as much as I do and give it a try. If you do, go over to Pals Paper Arts and link you card. You could be chosen as the Artist Pick for that week.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE WHAT I USED:

Stamp: Curvy Verses

Ink: Chocolate Chip

Paper: Greenhouse Gala DSP, Pear Pizzazz, Early Espresso and Baja Breeze

Kool Tools: Big Shot, Backgrounds Texturz plates, Beautiful Wings Embosslits

PPA59: Color Challenge

2010-09-09T06:05:00.001-04:00

This week's Pals Paper Arts challenge is a color challenge. If I said I jumped up for joy when I saw the colors, I would be lying. The trio had to grow on me which they did.

In the end, I used a color combination that I probably would have not done on my own, which I think is a huge benefit of these challenges. We, myself included, have all these colors which we hardly ever use, so it good to use something new or push your creative comfort zone. I hope you play along with this week's challenge. This card was made for a friend's birthday that was long overdue.

I started with an A2 card base in Very Vanilla
Using strips of cardstock in So Saffron, Tempting Turquoise and Old Olive, I created a grid pattern with layers
Vintage Wallpaper Embossing folder added interest to the So Saffron layer
Old Olive satin ribbon and the button make a perfect accent to the card
The sentiment from the hostess set Long Fellows was stamped in Old Olive
Flower Trio punch with silver brads add that extra bit of color

I now have two design team entries under my belt and feeling good. Hope you enjoyed my design. If you have any questions or comments, please share as I love feedback. It's a great way to learn and grow.

Now, its your turn!!!! Dust off your inks and papers and make a creation with these colors, go over to Pals Paper Arts and add it to link. You never know, you may be chosen as the Design Team's Pick. Three are chosen every week. I can't wait to see what you create.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER WHAT I USED:

Stamp: Longfellows (Hostess Set)

Ink: Old Olive

Paper: So Safrron, Tempting Turquoise, Old Olive and Very Vanilla

Kool Tools: Big Shot, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, Trio Flower Punch (retired)

Fabulous Finishes: Silver Brads, Decorative button, 5/8 inch Old Olive satin ribbon

Mambo Birthday

2010-09-08T01:27:00.000-04:00

I think I may have mentioned before that I am the unofficial chair of my department's "Birthday" committee. The committee made up of three people make sure that you get a card and a little gift on your birthday. I think birthdays are really special and when you spend most of your life at work, its great to have it acknowledged. A former boss and my pastor have said, everyone deserves a card and a piece of cake on their birthday. I believe that wholeheartedly, though we are working up to the cake part. This card was actually for a former boss, who has given me tons of advice and really helped me as I started this new career. I wanted the card to be bright and girly, so I decided to use Melon Mambo and the retired Crushed Curry and the coordinating retired DSP to create this cheery card. The layout ended up being pretty simple and easy. I accented the DSP with the new scallop trim punch. I added a few dew drops to accent the sentiment from Sincere Salutations stamped in Melon Mambo on Whisper White. The 1/2 polka dot Melon Mambo ribbon adds the finishing touch with a simple knot.

Check out my sneak peak of my creation. Tomorrow is the Pals Paper Arts Challenge. It's my second time as part of the design team. I am really enjoying being part of the team and honored to be among so many talented individuals. You don't want to miss this challenge with a celebrity guest artist and blog candy!!!! See you back here tomorrow.

Quilted Happiness Always

2010-09-07T06:00:00.004-04:00

One of things I love most is sharing my cards with others. I have a few co-workers who have put in orders. This card was made as a "Just Because" Mother's Card. With any order, I like to learn a bit about the recipient, who is this case loves to quilt. The card made using the retired DSP, Sending Love. Using different 1"inch square pieces in a grid pattern. Then using the Top Note die for the shape. I mimiced the stitching with the Chocolate Chip Stampin Write marker to make hash marks. The card base is Very Vanilla embossed with the Square Lattice. TIP: Ensure some extra 1/4 on each side or so as embossing does shrink the paper. The card was a great place to use my Very Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware. The sentiment from SAB set, Whimsical Words is stamped in Chocolate Chip on Very Vanilla. I used the matching punch to ensure the perfect placement.

PPA58: Pearly Wedding Card

2010-09-06T19:43:00.004-04:00

I decided to use the photo inspiration from Pals Paper Arts challenge to make an elegant wedding card for wedding this Labor Day weekend. Using a string a pearls from my scrap stash, I created accent across the bottom of the card. The flowers from scallop circle punches become the focal point of the card. See my tutorial on these paper flowers HERE. Flocked designer paper from my stash with the scallop punch make a nice border along with Basic Black.

The sentiment from Occasional Quotes is stamped in Versamark then embossed with Dazzling Diamonds. The minute I saw this hostess set, I knew I had to have it. I am such a sucker for fun and cute phrases and this set is full of them. TIP: Using the embossing buddy is the best way to ensure perfect embossing every time.

The wedding was amazing and the newlyweds couldn't be happier. I was so honored to be a witness to such a beautiful day. It was also great to dress up and be out with my hubby.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER WHAT I USED

Stamp: Occasional Quotes (Hostess set)

Ink: Versamark

Paper: Flocked DSP from stash, Basic Black, Whisper White

Kool Tools: Heating Tool, Scallop Circle Punch

Fabulous Finishes: Pearl strands, Dazzling Diamonds, Silver Brads

Let's all Cheer the Holiday Mini is Here!!!

2010-09-01T10:03:00.000-04:00

Holiday Mini

I am so excited about this new mini, I even did a rhyme. I just couldn't wait any longer to share what is another amazing Holiday Mini. So much to explore and get inspiration as we kick of the fall and the all too busy holiday season. So, here is how you get started...

Click on the image above or HERE to download the pdf version of the 2010 Holiday Mini, so you can look and see for yourself
Click HERE for the complete list of Stampin' Supplies, so you can recreate the cards and crafts you see throughout the mini
Check out my most recent SNEAK PEEK, using the new Autumn Spice DSP
WHY WAIT, order right now online by clicking HERE

PREFER THE REAL DEAL, well just email me and I can send an Holiday Mini to you via USPS. This is best way to tab what you like and make that all to important wish list.

PPA 57: Very Grateful Sketch

2010-08-26T06:32:00.001-04:00

Welcome to my inaugural post as part of the Pals Paper Arts Design Team. Hopefully, you enjoyed the new look of the site unveiled last week and read a little about me. I will be sharing duties, so I won't be posting every week but hope to participate regardless. This week's challenge was all about the sketch.

The layout just screamed using the new Autumn Spice DSP from the upcoming Holiday Mini. The card using three different layers of the DSP on a base of Chocolate Chip. The sentiment also a sneak peek is from the new set - Day of Gratitude. It was stamped using the new Cajun Craze on Very Vanilla. Using my Big Shot and new Scallop Rectangle die, I then punched out the sentiment. To add a bit of glam, I used Gold Glow smooch spritz on the Very Vanilla cardstock. It's the perfect way to add a bit of shimmer. Just a touch, you don't want to overdue it.

Hope you enjoyed the Holiday Mini sneak peak. If you haven't gotten a Holiday Mini, please email me and I can send one out to you. Lastly, don't forget to play along with PPA!!!

CLICK HERE TO ORDER WHAT I USED:

Stamp: Day of Gratitude

Ink: Cajun Craze

Paper: Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip, Cherry Cobbler and Autumn Spice DSP

Kool Tools: Big Shot, Scallop Rectangle Clearits Die, Corner Rounder

Fabulous Finish: 1/8" Very Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon and Gold Glow Smooch Spritz

The Best Way to Spend a Saturday!!!

2010-08-12T16:36:00.002-04:00

With the week pretty much over, you are always thinking about the weekend. I like to use my weekends to really relax, however there is something much better happening this Saturday. If you live in the tri-state area, feel free to play along with me. This Saturday, August 14th, I will be hosting a New Catalog Showcase!! Now, some may say the catalog has been out for a month now, isn't this a bit late. Just the opposite, this is the perfect time. If you are like me, you get something new, you are never sure what you need to know or what you have questions on because quite frankly, you haven't had time to digest it all. Now that you have had the time to really look at the catalog is when you have your questions. These are questions that you can get answered at the showcase. It will be interactive to really allow you to get a look and feel of the products. We will explore the new color renovation as well as the new "In Colors". We can't forget about all the new paper and tools either. I mean what is a showcase without paper and punches. Get a first hand look at the new designer series papers and the "too darn" cute owl punch. If you are interested, there is more than enough of room, send me an email for more details. It's happening from 11 - 2pm this Saturday, August 14th. You don't want to miss this!!!

If you think it couldn't get any better. It does with great giveaways and bonuses for any orders or workshop bookings. CLICK HERE to email me for more details.

Did you know?? Summer Mini Still Available!!!

2010-08-09T14:42:00.000-04:00

I have been engrossed in the New Catalog as well as previewing Holiday Mini, which will be available starting in September. In all the excitement, you tend to forget what you have which is the Summer Mini!!! I totally forgot about the summer mini and the great stamp sets. I just fell in love with " Sweet Scoops" below:

I almost forgot what great things are still available. Check out the link to catalog here!!!

Hello There!!! Nice to See You, too!!!

2010-07-08T06:20:00.001-04:00

View PDF of Catalog Here!!

View Stampin' Supplies List of Catalog

It's officially the new catalog season at Stampin' Up!!! Yes, the new catalog is in full effect. I just received my set that I can mail to my much awaiting customers and have been browsing myself for a few days now. So, far I feel the catalog is by far better put together and of better quality than previous catalogs. Got to love progress!!! Some of the oldies but goodies are there along with some new ones that are just a delight to see. I have my favorites, which I will show you in the next few days!!!

Sorry for the long break. Life was getting in the way, and I really just needed a little bit of the break. I so enjoyed being a demonstrator that I realized doing this is what kept me balanced and I soon realized even if I get on here just a few days a week, it helps to keep the rest of the life running smoothly. You should be seeing me more often. Thank you for those who have patiently waited and didn't give up on seeing some Fabulous work. I have been doing stamping, just not had time to post about it just yet. Hopefully, I can join in a Blog Hop or two very soon and get back into the swing of things.

Hey, do you have a catalog?? If not, shot me an email and I can send one to you in the mail. You can also click on this link to get the pdf version online.

National Scapbooking Month!!!

2010-05-04T05:00:00.001-04:00

Now, there is more reason to celebrate the month of May. Not only is it my birthday month, but it is also National Scrapbooking Month. I know most people tend to think of Stampin' Up as primarily cards, but all the supplies are perfect for your scrapbooking needs. This video shows you how Stampin' Up is perfect for scrapbooking. This video helps you learn all about it.

Stampin' Up is offering special savings for you this month as well. Purchase a qualifying scrapbooking stamp set or the My Digital Studio software and receive a FREE package of Designer brads--choose from four designs!

Stamp sets

Page	Description	Wood-Mount Item	Wood-Mount Price	Clear-Mount Item	Clear-Mount Price
81	Extreme Elements	115181	$26.95	---	---
119	Framed with Love**	114389	$27.95	---	---
128	Certified**	113706	$27.95	---	---
129	Circle Circus	115778	$28.95	---	---
12*	Elements of Style	118611	$27.95	120045	$19.95
13*	Mementos	119910	$27.95	120105	$19.95
13*	Elements de style	119900	$27.95	120099	$19.95
14*	Rough Type	118659	$26.95	120072	$18.95
22*	Sentimental Journey	118513	$23.95	120075	$17.95
25*	First Day	118521	$23.95	120051	$17.95
25*	Camino a la Escuela	120152	$23.95	120154	$17.95

*From Summer Mini Catalog
**Last Chance stamp set! My Digital Studio software

Page	Description	Item	Price
32*	My Digital Studio	118108	$79.95

*From Summer Mini Catalog

Designer brads

Page	Description	Item	Retail Price	Price with Qualifying Purchase
179	Flower Designer brads	112579	$5.95	FREE
179	Filigree Designer brads	112577	$5.95	FREE
179	Circle Designer brads	112571	$5.95	FREE
179	Star Designer brads	112572	$5.95	FREE

This is perfect opportunity to add Stampin' Up to your scrapbooking supply list. CLICK HERE TO ORDER!!

Summer Mini Live and in Color!!!

2010-05-02T23:01:00.002-04:00

View PDF of Catalog Here

Click Here for Stampin Supplies List

The new Summer Mini catalog has finally arrived. Beginning yesterday, May 1st you can order from this amazing new catalog. From Fourth of July to Graduation, there are new stamps to make everyone happy. Also, don't miss the new two-step stamping with the Watercolor Trio set.

Don't Have One?? EMAIL ME for your free copy today. You don't want to miss this.

Not sure what you might like? Check out this video which shows all the new fabulous items in the Summer Mini catalog.

PPA 38: Birthday Sketch

2010-04-15T06:00:00.025-04:00

It feels good to play PPA again!!! It has been too long since I last did this Thursday challenge. Luckily I picked a sketch challenge to ease myself back in.

I actually made two cards for this challenge. I am a member of the Birthday Committee for my group at work so every month I make a card for a co-worker. It has been really helpful in keeping me creating and to get my business out there. Both these cards are for male co-workers. I think the colors work well for a masculine card. Both cards start with a Sahara Sand base and Pumpkin Pie layer. Using paper from the Sweet Pea paper stack to add some design chic. I love all those papers in that stack. With the paper as inspiration I chose the other colors: Chocolate Chip and Taken with Teal. The polka dot texture plate added that little bit on pop within each card.

The second card is a different take and uses on the SAB sets I got. You never know when a Spanish or French set would come in handy. I stamped the sentiment in three different colors and then punched it out with a circle punch. The satin ribbon and corduroy button finish of the card.

Now it's your turn. Create your interpretation of the sketch and post to Pals Paper Arts site.

Extra Extra Read All About It: Color Renovation!!

2010-04-14T05:00:00.006-04:00

Stampin' Up has new colors!!! Yes, we all need a refresher and those tried and true color sets have now been given one. See below for the new color sets. We now have four sets: Brights, Neutrals, Regals and Subtles. The renovation includes adding some of those great "In-Colors" that you were sad to see go. I personally can't wait for them to arrive. Only question now is finding more storage.

April Pals Hop - Mom Edition

2010-04-13T06:00:00.007-04:00

If you've hopped over from Cards by Gina, I'm stop number 12 on the PALS HOP and I'm glad you hopped in! I'll help you "hop along" from blog to blog where you'll find lots of creative ideas to inspire you from the Stampin' Pretty Pals. For this blog hop we'll be showcasing all that Stampin' Up! has to offer for Mother's Day! Should you hop off course, simply click on any of the links in the PALS HOP LINE-UP below and you'll be back on track! We're thrilled to have you visit and excited to hear what you think about our hop! Please feel free to leave as many comments as you'd like along the way!

It's rare that I get my mom on camera. She is extremely shy and hates photos, but on my wedding day my photographer captured some great portraits right before I was about to walk down the aisle. These photos are so precious to me because I can see the joy in my mom's smile that day. All your life, you want to just make your mom proud and see her smile with pure happiness. To switch it up a bit for this Hop, I am opting for a 8x8 page album page that made with My Digital Studio instead of my normal 3-D project. I cheated a bit and used a template, but hey that is why they are there, right. The poem I found online which perfectly matched the feeling of the photo. This is page one of a Mommy and Me book that I plan to put together for her. It's a great album that she will definitely cherish.

Of course, I had to make a matching card. This two together would make a wonderful Mother's gift. Just something so sentimental. The card I made using papers from the retired Summer Home Simply Scrapping Kit, one of those buys I found on the Clearance Rack. The sentiment is from the Mini Occasions set, Well Scripted.

More inspiring ideas await you at Oops a Daisy, stop number 13 on the PALS HOP!   Hop over and see Melanie's wonderfully creative ideas! Thanks for "hopping" by!

PALS HOP LINE-UP
Click on any of the sites listed below to begin the Pals Hop.

1. Regina Mangum Stampin' Bean
2. Mike Funke Stampin-style
3. Barbara Furlong The Love of Stamping
4. Debbie Pierce Stampin' Sunshine
5. Carla Bazhenow Carla's Scraps
6. Kylie Nicolosi Kylie's Crafty Corner
7. Sumaiyah Yates Stampin' Dymonz
8. Martha Stewart Seasons of Stamping
9. Jason Casper Jason's Stampin' Pad
10. Mary Fish Stampin' Pretty
11. Gina Shaw Cards by Gina
12. Kalshelia Lloyd Stampin' Fabulousity
13. Melanie Collins Oops a Daisy

CLICK HERE TO GET WHAT I USED:

Stamp: Well Scripted (clear mount)

Ink: Chocolate Chip

Paper: Summer Home Simply Scrapping Kit (retired)

Kool Tools: Wide Oval Punch, Pinking Hearts edge punch

Fabulous Finish: 5/8" Old Olive satin ribbon

Blog Interrupted!!!!

2010-03-22T13:50:00.002-04:00

WOW!! It has been ages since I have blogged. I know some of you must be wondering where I have been. No need to send out a Missing Person's report. I am sending my deepest apologies to all my followers and stopper bys. Life has reared its very ugly head and interrupted my one true love - this blog. I have still been creating for customers and personal projects but had little time to post them and share with you all.

As most of you know, I work full time in a job that I actually enjoy and incurred enough student loan debt that I better love. It also allows me to be creative but with food. Some recent changes has afforded me much more responsiblity and thus less free time. In addition, I have decided to get serious about one of my new years resolutions - Be Healthier. I have undertaken an new workout regime as well as eating plan. It started towards the end of February and so far I have lost 10 lbs with a few more to go. Time just seemed to get away from me and I was only able to create and not post. That is about to change!!!! I am working to get back into a schedule and rhythm with my posting, so be on the look out. Also, I wanted to share a bit more of "My Creative Process", so there will be a post coming about my Craft Room. It is a prime example of that you don't need a lot of space. It's all about being creative in your storage.