Sunday, December 28, 2008

GCA #22 - It's not always about the layers!



Hello everyone!!! Sorry for the late posting, but had some Internet issues today! We had some strong winds come through last night and actually lost power during the night! But, I'm back up and running now, so here is the GCA for this week!!

My first sample uses Pretty in Pink cardstock which I used my new CB embossing borders on. On the scalloped edge I cut away the "extra" to leave the final look. I also used Opal liquid pearls in the flower centers, but they don't show up to well. The sentiment was stamped in brown staz on and the tulips were colored with Rose Red and Always Artichoke markers. Both of these stamps are now available at Treehouse Stamps.
The second sample is a sneak peek of a January release from Treehouse Stamps!! Isn't this angel just gorgeous?? And she was so fun to paper piece with Bella Rose dsp. The base card is shimmery white and I used black staz on ink for the angel and Riding Hood Red for the sentiment. This card is going out to a very dear friend who did an awesome thing for me this Christmas. I used red liquid pearls on the dots next to the heart.

This week's challenge is to make a ONE layer card! I can hear the moaning and groaning already, but isn't the idea of my challenges to take you outside the box? Some crafters make awesome one layer cards, and I struggle with them!! Frankly I struggle at making simple cards! I think I have to pile on the layers and embellies until the card looks "just right!!" But over on SCS, they are having an Holiday Extravaganza Challenge and one of the challenges is to make a one layer card. As I was working on mine I thought this would be an awesome challenge for the GCA! I still need to take a picture of my card, but I wanted to get this posted!

The "rules" are:

* One layer only!! This means the card base is your one layer!!
* You can use any kind of embellies or decorations you want, but just do not add any cardstock layers!!
* Your card can be any theme, EXCEPT Christmas related!! Think Spring/Valentines Day!!
* If your have the CB or Big Shot, or any embossing type of machine, these help to add depth and dimension to your one layered card.

To be entered in the challenge drawing, make a ONE LAYER card, upload it either to your blog, or to an online gallery and post a link to your card to this blog entry as a comment by January 2, 2009 at 12 midnight. I will choose the winner through a random number generator and post the next day.


Even if you can't make the drawing deadline, PLEASE feel free to participate in the challenge and upload your creations at any time. I would love to see it!If you upload your card on SCS, or Paper Craft Planet, please put GCA22(NO SPACE IN BETWEEN GCA AND 22) in the keyword section. That way everyone can look at all of the creations at once! If you've been waiting to join in the fun, jump on in and have some fun!!

Happy Stamping!!


~~~Ann~~~

And to my ladies who are patiently waiting for stampin' goodies, they are on the way!!! Enjoy!!!

GCA #21 Winner is....

....KARA!!! Thanks so much for playing along this week everyone, and here is the link to Kara's winning creation!! Isn't it just so creative with the use of the matches on here??? Kara please sent me an email at pinkstamper06@yahoo.com with your address so I can send some stampin' goodies your way!!

Thank you to everyone who played along!! Up next, GCA #22, now that my Internet is cooperating!!

Happy Stamping!!

~~~Ann~~~

Friday, December 26, 2008

Oliver and Olivia are ready for Valentine's Day!


Hello all!!! I hope everyone had a fabulous Christmas Day yesterday!!! Mine was spent very quietly and peacefully. I got some more unpacking done and actually got things hung on the walls!! And yes, I even got some stamping done! (What gave that away?)

The color challenge on SCS this week was to use Orchid Opulence, So Saffron and Cameo Coral. These are definitely colors I would not have put together on my own!! I don't use Orchid Opulence a lot anyway!

My card also uses the Dirty Dozen's sketch challenge for December! Jesse chose this sketch and I really like it! My card here is a 5 1/4" x 5 1/4" square, but I want to try this out on a regular sized card.

I used the new Owlentine set from Treehouse Stamps (I know, again!), but this time as an actual Valentine card!! I thought the colors from the CC were perfect for making a Valentine card.

I used two CB folders on here, but they got covered up quite a bit! The leafy branch is on the large shimmery white panel and floral fantasy is used on the cameo coral piece.

I received the tiny heart stick on rhinestones from my secret Goofy Gobbler last month. She (Carol) sent me a package with all sorts of different rhinestones. Not sure how well you can see, but I also put one on the heart inside the "O" of the sentiment!!

I used my watercolor wonder crayons to color the owls and for shading. I love to use my WWC on Shimmery white, as they color so smoothly.

If you get a chance check out the SCS Dirty Dozen this month! It's open to everyone for the month of December.

Happy Stamping!!!
~~~Ann~~~

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Merry Christmas everyone!!


Hello all!! I hope today finds you enjoying fun family time and receiving all the gifts the season is made for!! Remember, this is the day that Jesus was born and brought to earth to wash away all of our sins!

My card for you today is my Christmas card for everyone! I used a new set from Treehouse Stamps, now available, called Owletine. This set showcases Oliver and Olivia together, along with 2 Valentine sentiments and 3 misc. Valentine sayings.

To see all of the newest sets from Treehouse Stamps, check out the new & improved website here. Ashley has also added a ton of new products, new stamps from different companies and many wonderful embellies for your creations!!!

And ***PLACE AN ORDER BETWEEN NOW AND JANUARY 1ST TO BE ENTERED TO WIN A $30.00 TREEHOUSE GIFT CERTIFICATE!*** How cool is that??? I know many of you will be having some Christmas $$$ just dying to be spent on wonderful stamping goodies!!

Even though this new set is for Valentine's Day, I altered it some to make a Christmas card! I thought Oliver and Olivia were the perfect pair to wish all my friends and stamping buddies a Very Merry Christmas!!!

Happy Stamping!!!!
~~~Ann~~~

Sunday, December 21, 2008

GCA# 21 - Think Valentine's!!



Hello all!! Sorry for skipping out on the GCA last week, but with moving and going out of town last week, it just wasn't happening!!! But this week we are back into the swing of things!

How is your Christmas shopping, decorating and baking coming along? On my end, very slooow!! And I know that Christmas is just a few days away, so let's focus on Valentine's Day!!

The challenge for this week is to create a card, scrapbook page or project that has a Valentine's Day theme AND incorporates the colors of pink and/or red! You may use other colors as well, but pink and/or red should be the dominate colors. There is no limit on neutrals.

On two of my samples I used the Happy Heart Day set from SU!. I just love to use this mouse and do paper piecing with him!! He is so much fun!! On my third sample I used the Merci SAB set from this year and the sentiment is from Holidays and Wishes by SU!.


To be entered in the challenge drawing, make a card using the Valentine's Day theme and colors, for your card/project , upload it either to your blog, or to an online gallery and post a link to your card to this blog entry as a comment by December 26, 2008 at 12 midnight. I will choose the winner through a random number generator and post the next day.

Even if you can't make the drawing deadline, PLEASE feel free to participate in the challenge and upload your creations at any time. I would love to see it!If you upload your card on SCS, or Paper Craft Planet, please put GCA21(NO SPACE IN BETWEEN GCA AND 21) in the keyword section. That way everyone can look at all of the creations at once! If you've been waiting to join in the fun, jump on in and have some fun!!
Happy Stamping!!!!
~~~Ann~~~

Monday, December 15, 2008

GCA #20 Winner is....

....Cathy!!! Congrats to you Cathy and thank you for playing along again this week!

I spent all weekend moving into my new apartment and I am beat! Every muscle in my body hurts and I had to wait until Sunday for the cable/Internet guy to hook me up to the outside world!

I am skipping the Getting Creative with Ann challenge this week, but I will be back next Sunday with another great challenge!! Put your thinking caps on for Valentine's Day!!!

Happy Stamping!!!

Ann

Sunday, December 7, 2008

GCA #20 - It's a Wonderful Gift!!


In keeping with the gift giving theme from last week, and knowing that many of us out there are making every effort to find cost effective ways to provide Christmas gifts, this week's GCA focuses on an cute card portfolio, perfect for any occasion!! And my third tutorial!!

I first saw this card portfolio by someone on SCS at least 3 years ago. I made some then and gave away as gifts and even had my Stampers Club make them one month. They were a hit, but then I found other new creations to try and forgot about this set. At my upline's most recent meeting, I volunteered to demo something and thought this would be perfect for the time of year it is!

These card portfolio's are quick and easy to make, and the perfect gift for someone on your list!!

Supplies you will need:
* One sheet of 8 1/2 x 11 cardstock. This is the portfolio itself.
* One piece of ribbon approx. 25" long.
* Scoring tool
* Hortizonal slot punch
* Sticky strip
* Scissors
* Stamp set of your choice
* Cardstock colors for cards of your choice

Step 1:

Score the 8 1/2 x 11 piece at 5 1/2" (along the 11" side). Turn your cardstock 90* and score at 2 1/4". Now you need to make an upside down "V". This will make folding of the portfolio easier. Starting at the 2 1/4" score mark, go down to the outside edge on each side in a "V" shape. The easiest way I have found to do this is make a template of the entire portfolio, and then I can just put that over where I need my "V" to be.

Step 2:

Using your bone folder, fold over the score lines and create nice crisp, clean folds. On the inside pocket edges, place on strip of Sticky Strip on each pocket. Regular adhesive is not strong enough for this project.

Step 3:

Using the hortizonal slot punch, or whatever you have, punch 2 holes on the outside "short" edges, keeping them in the middle of the portfolio and straight. These are your slots for the ribbon which will hold the portfolio shut.

Step 4:
This is the really fun part of creating your portfolio design and the cards to go with it!! Depending on the the type of embellishments you put on your cards, you easily put 5 cards on one side and the envelopes on the other.


Step 5:

Close it up and tie it shut with your ribbon! You're done!

To be entered in the challenge drawing, make a card using the different dimensions, and limitations, for your card , upload it either to your blog, or to an online gallery and post a link to your card to this blog entry as a comment by December 12, 2008 at 12 midnight. I will choose the winner through a random number generator and post the next day.

Even if you can't make the drawing deadline, PLEASE feel free to participate in the challenge and upload your creations at any time. I would love to see it!If you upload your card on SCS, or Paper Craft Planet, please put GCA20(NO SPACE IN BETWEEN GCA AND 20) in the keyword section. That way everyone can look at all of the creations at once! If you've been waiting to join in the fun, jump on in and have some fun!!

Now remember, your card portfolio DOES not have to be Christmas theme related. Mine is a set of 2 Thank you cards. And don't forget to decorate the envelopes too!!

Happy Stamping!!!


~~~Ann~~~

GCA #19 Winner is....

....Brandy!!! You can see her fabulous gift card holder on her blog, Brandy's Stamp and Share. Isn't that snowman just too cute???

You can see the other entries for GCA#19 here. Thank you to all who played along again this week with me!!

Up next is GCA#20 - another great gift idea for Christmas!!

Happy Stamping!!

~~~Ann~~~

Sunday, November 30, 2008

GCA #19 - Gift giving made easy!!


Hello everyone!!! Since Christmas will be here before we know it, I thought the challenge for this week would be something with gift giving in mind. Once you make one of these nifty gift card holders you will see how quick, fun and adaptable they are to whatever the occasion might be!
I made these for convention in 2007 as my 3 D swap and even got a sample of one back from a fellow demo!I have picture of hers at the bottom. I also have a picture of one I made for a friend who will use these for her nieces & nephews this year.

Now on to the tutorial!!

Items you will need:



* Cardstock cut to 4 1/4" x 11" - scored at 4 1/2" and 1 3/4"

* One business/legal size envelope

* Cardstock cut to 3 1/4" x 4" for base of your greeting/sentiment panel

* Velcro sticky dot or other appropriate closure

* Glue dots or sticky strip

* Any type of embellishments, punches or ribbon of your choice

Step 1:

Score your cut cardstock piece at the above measurements. Crease with bone folder. If you wish to scallop the front flap tab, now would be the time, as well as, if you wish to stamp on the gift holder itself. On my sample I used the Lots of Dots jumbo wheel stamped in Summer Sun on the inside and outside of the holder.

Step 2:



Using either the double slot punch from SU! or a handheld punch, make holes/openings for your ribbon, as I did in my sample. In the other two samples, a Felt Fusion flower was used and a chipboard tag. Feel free to decorate as you wish. If you decide to punch holes for ribbon, MAKE SURE you go up far enough so you still have space to place you velcro sticky dot. I used a whole one on these, but you can even cut them in half. The small magnets would work here as well.



Step 3:

Seal your envelope and fold in half. On the outside ends, use an edge punch, deco scissors or just trim off with your paper trimmer to have the openings for the sentiment panel and the gift card. Another option is to just trim off the edges and use circle punches to create openings in the middle of the envelope edges.

Step 4:


Using glue dots or sticky strip, place a piece on the front and back of the envelope in about the middle of the envelope. You don't want the glue dot too high or it makes it harder for the holder to open easily. Center your envelope in the middle inside panel, JUST ABOVE the fold up flap score line. If you put your envelope right on the score line, it will be bulky and difficult to fold. I do not recommend using SNAIL or mono on here as there is too much movement with this and it will not hold. Now add a glue dot to the middle of the folded envelope to keep them together.

That is the basic work of the gift card holder. Read on for embellishing it!

Step 5:

Using the piece of cardstock of 3 1/4" x 4" as your base, layer and decorate as you like. Remember if you add a tab to the top, do not put it up too high or the top flap will not close! On my sample here I used the Sweet Shapes set and just added a round tab punch at the top. This would be perfect for a birthday gift card holder. This piece goes in one of the envelope pouches and your gift card goes in the other.

Step 6:

Embellish the front/outside as you like. On my sample here I used the stamps from Sweet Shapes and did a collage effect. For some added bling I put rhinestone/pearl stickers on the flower centers.



That's it! How easy is that to make?




To be entered in the challenge drawing, make a card using the different dimensions, and limitations, for your card , upload it either to your blog, or to an online gallery and post a link to your card to this blog entry as a comment by December 5, 2008 at 12 midnight. I will choose the winner through a random number generator and post the next day.

Even if you can't make the drawing deadline, PLEASE feel free to participate in the challenge and upload your creations at any time. I would love to see it!If you upload your card on SCS, or Paper Craft Planet, please put GCA19(NO SPACE IN BETWEEN GCA AND 19) in the keyword section. That way everyone can look at all of the creations at once! If you've been waiting to join in the fun, jump on in and have some fun!!


Happy Stamping!!!

~~~Ann~~~

Saturday, November 29, 2008

GCA #18 Winner is....

....actually there are two!!! Since Thanksgiving was just this past Thursday, I am yet counting my blessings in this world. And I am very thankful for Brandy and Cathy, who have played along with my Getting Creative with Ann challenge since the beginning!

And not only do I have two wonderful stampers playing along, but I also have two friends!! Stampin' goodies on the way to both of you wonderful ladies!!

You can see Cathy's card here, and Brandy's here. Make sure to check them out! Simple cards are always a challenge for, as I love to lay on the layers and embellies!! Both of these ladies did a fabulous job!!

Happy Stamping!!

~~~Ann~~~

Sunday, November 23, 2008

GCA #18 - A Simple Sketch!


Hello everyone!! This week we are focusing on an easy and simple sketch to create fantastic cards!! The sketch, and idea with the stamp set, came from a swap I received at convention this year, but I don't know who it came from!! : (

Not only is this a sketch challenge this week, but you can only use the number of layers and embellishments I have here in my sample!! So that is 2 layers, in addition to your base card and you can use one additional piece for your sentiment.

I used the ticket corner punch on each of the inner panels, but you can use another corner punch or none, if you wish. I am working on another sample I hope to have up shortly to show you a different variation you can try!!

The inner panel pieces are cut smaller to leave more of a "frame" around them with the base card. The Whisper White panel is 4 3/4" x 3 3/4". The Basic Black panel is 4 1/2" x 3 1/2". My base card, Baja Breeze, is the standard A2 size. If you wish to make a square card, just alter your dimensions enough so you have a frame of your base card.

My sentiment on here was punched out using the Key Tab punch, but again you can cut your sentiment or punch it out, whatever works for the sentiment you choose. On here my sentiment is up on dimensionals to go over the ribbon.

The only embellishment allowed is ribbon!! Any kind, size or amount you want, but only ribbon may be added as your embellie!!! If you want to emboss, as I did, go right ahead or even doodle around the edges. Our goal this week is to keep it simple!!

To be entered in the challenge drawing, make a card using the different dimensions, and limitations, for your card , upload it either to your blog, or to an online gallery and post a link to your card to this blog entry as a comment by November 28, 2008 at 12 midnight. I will choose the winner through a random number generator and post the next day.

Even if you can't make the drawing deadline, PLEASE feel free to participate in the challenge and upload your creations at any time. I would love to see it!If you upload your card on SCS, or Paper Craft Planet, please put GCA18 (NO SPACE IN BETWEEN GCA AND 18) in the keyword section. That way everyone can look at all of the creations at once! If you've been waiting to join in the fun, jump on in and have some fun!!

Happy Stamping!!


~~~Ann~~~

Saturday, November 22, 2008

GCA #17 Winner is....

.....KIM!!! Check out her fabulous card at her blog, Endless Inkabilities! I love the punch she used on here to create her Christmas tree and I am going to try that out this weekend!! Thanks so much for playing along Kim!! Please send me your address to: pinkstamper06@yahoo.com so I can send you some stamping goodies!!

Thank you Brandy and Cathy for playing along again this week!!!

Just a hint about GCA#18 - we're getting sketchy!!

Happy Stamping!!!

Ann

Sunday, November 16, 2008

GCA #17 - Let's get Punchy!!!


Hello everyone!!! Do you ever look at your punches and think, "What can I make with this other than a circle, square or rectangle?" Honestly, I can say I don't! When I look at my punches I see what they are!!! I know what a dweeb I am, but thank heavens for those out there who can see past the circle, square or rectangle!!!

The challenge for this week is to use your ANY of your punches to create something with them other than just a circle, square or rectangle. Again, use any punch you have!! This is not limited to only those I have mentioned!!

My first sample is actually an idea I cam up with last year, after seeing all the wonderful ideas being posted by memory_lane on SCS. You can check out the Punched Art gallery here for ideas.

On my sample I used both the small & large oval and word window punches to make my Christmas tree. As I was punching the ovals out this tree kind of took on a life of it's own and turned out bigger than I anticipated, but I really like how it turned out! All I did was add some brads for my ornaments and a small chipboard star for the top!


My second sample is using SU!'s scalloped circle punch to make turkey feathers!!!! How cute is that!!!! This card came from my secret "Goofy Gobbler" on SCS with the Michigan group I belong to. I just love this turkey!!

To be entered in the challenge drawing, make a card using the different dimensions for your cards , upload it either to your blog, or to an online gallery and post a link to your card to this blog entry as a comment by November 21, 2008 at 12 midnight. I will choose the winner through a random number generator and post the next day.

Even if you can't make the drawing deadline, PLEASE feel free to participate in the challenge and upload your creations at any time. I would love to see it!If you upload your card on SCS, or Paper Craft Planet, please put GCA17 (NO SPACE IN BETWEEN GCA AND 17) in the keyword section. That way everyone can look at all of the creations at once! If you've been waiting to join in the fun, jump on in and have some fun!!


Happy Stamping and Punching!!


~~~Ann~~~

GCA #16 Winner is......

.......Brandy!!!! You can see her entry for this challenge on her blog, Brandy's Stamp & Share. Thank you again Brandy for playing along again this week!!!

And thank you to everyone who has stopped by blog to check out my challenge and leave comments!! I've noticed a huge jump in my counter over the past week!!! I hope many of you can join in and play along!!

Coming up next is GCA#17!! Grab your punches, because you'll need them!!

Happy Stamping!!

~~~Ann~~~

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Christmas Cards everywhere!!!

Hello everyone!! I have two cards to share with you today! I find it much easier, and less frustrating, to make my Christmas cards at various times so I can make them each individual. Sometimes this plan works and other times it doesn't!!! : )

My first sample is for SC202 on SCS this week. Fantastic layout and so many possibilities! I used the Scandinavian Season set and matching wheel which is currently available in the Holiday mini. I also included CC192 with this card which is to use Pacific Point, Basic Grey and Certainly Celery. I love to use non-traditional colors on my Christmas cards and this color combo certainly qualifies!! I also use Shimmery White on here, white is just fabulous to use with Christmas/elegant cards.

I stamped the tree in Certainly Celery and then used my Choc. Chip marker to go over the tree trunk. I then stamped the tree again in Pacific Point and just cut out the flower, which popped up on a dimensional

To add some bling, I added a crystal rhinestone to the flower center and mini green rhinestones to the corner of the sentiment panel. I had a hard time trying to figure out where to place that panel as I didn't want to cover up my tree!!

To make the snowflakes two toned, I did the Rock n Roll technique on them. I like this effect.
My second sample is one I made for FS85 on SCS!! I know I am posting this late, better late than never right? This is also for CC185 on SCS and for CCNov1008 on Paper Craft Planet!!

What is Paper Craft Planet (PCP) you ask?? Well, just follow this link here and you can discover this wonderfullt amazing new stamping community too!!!! Check it out and let me know what you think!!


My second sample uses the set Wise Men Seek Him by Treehouse Stamps. I love this set as it conveys the meaning of Christmas so well for me!

I colored in the 3 wise men with my SU! markers and highlighted the star and candle with the Bashful Blue marker. One the Very Vanilla panel I used the snowflakes folder from last year in my CB and shaded with Baja Breeze.


Happy Stamping!!


~~~Ann~~~

Sunday, November 9, 2008

GCA#16 - Playing with Chipboard!!

Hello everyone! Lately I have been pulling out my sorely unused and neglected chipboard and playing with it! There are so many ways to use chipboard and give your cards and projects a definitely different look.

For example, you can:

* Emboss on chipboard, either with dye ink and Versamark or craft ink

* Cover it with patterned paper

* Use it as your focal point on your card or as an enhancement

* Trim it to fit with your card. Don't be afraid to snip off a few pieces.

* Layer your chipboard pieces, especially those that come together

* Mix and match different types/styles/fonts for an eclectic look

* Leave it plain and distress with your ink pad!

Don't have any chipboard? (I can't believe that, but here's your chance to go out and get some!!) If you don't have any chipboard at all, you use any lightweight cardboard and trace an image onto it and cut it out. Lightweight cardboard can be from an empty cereal box, or box of that type, the cardboard layer that comes in the SU! designer series packs, or even the backing of any notepad holder!

Want to spell out a word, but you've used up all of that letter? Trace the negative space onto a piece of chipboard, or substitute, and go from there!

All of my samples have chipboard that is embossed or covered in dsp. My first sample uses the barn from Happy Fall Y'all, and the other stamps are from the Jolly Snowman set all by Treehouse Stamps. I used the large snowflake from SU!'s Christmas chipboard from 2007, but I needed to trim the edges because the snowflake was too big. I stamped it in Sage Shadow craft ink and clear embossed and then covered it with a crackle finish. The crackle doesn't show up too well in the photo. I also outlined the barn and fence with my glitter pen. This card also uses SC199.

My second sample shows the original size of the snowflake from the first sample, plus I paired it with the negative image from punching out the snowflake. I stamped Not Quite Navy craft ink on the negative image piece and clear embossed over. The snowflake was stamped in white craft ink and embossed with white ep.


The third sample is a flower from SU! of last year. (See, I told you I've been neglecting this stuff!!) My idea for this came from the cuttlebugged BG panel and from FS91 - Beccastamps. She has a lot of beautiful cards in her gallery showing off the CB images. The folder I used here is the leaves and I wanted the look of the leaves coming up and out from the flower. I then tied the chocolate satin ribbon around the flower for a tag effect.

The flower was first stamped in Baja Breeze dye ink, swiped lightly with white craft ink and then covered with Versamark and clear ep. The center of the flower was covered with a piece of Ski Slope dsp, but you can't see much of that now! Lots of dimensionals were used on this card!!

I hope my samples give you a good starting point to pull out your chipboard, or create your own, and give a new look to your cards!

To be entered in the challenge drawing, make a card using the different dimensions for your cards , upload it either to your blog, or to an online gallery and post a link to your card to this blog entry as a comment by November 14, 2008 at 12 midnight. I will choose the winner through a random number generator and post the next day.

Even if you can't make the drawing deadline, PLEASE feel free to participate in the challenge and upload your creations at any time. I would love to see it!If you upload your card on SCS, please put GCA16 (NO SPACE IN BETWEEN GCA AND 16) in the keyword section. That way everyone can look at all of the creations at once! If you've been waiting to join in the fun, jump on in and have some fun!!


Happy Stamping!!!


~~~Ann~~~

Saturday, November 8, 2008

GCA#15 Winner is....


....Cathy! Cathy thank you so much for playing along again this week!! You can see her fabulous card here.

I apologize to everyone for not getting my sample up earlier, but we have had some crazy weather here in Michigan and it has left me with a horrible migraine all week!! I'm hoping now that the weather has turned cooler it will take the migraine with it! Sometimes I can work through these, and my stuff I did work on this week was in stages, other times I just have to be in bed with the lights and noise off and the covers over my head!

Here is my finished sample for this past weeks GCA. I used one of the Top Note pieces I did when I spent the day at my friends house playing with her Big Shot. I LOVE this die! And you can use the Top Note die in the Cuttlebug, but only with cardstock. Nothing thicker or it will crack your plates!! Trust me!

The piece here was run through the Big Shot using 1/8" chipboard pieces. At first I was going to leave the chipboard plain, but after laying out my pieces I decided to shade the edges with my Choc. Chip ink pad. I like how this mimics the headboard in the inspiration piece.

My base card is Sage Shadow which I lightly stamped in Sage Shadow with the Twill BG stamp. I used the same stamp on the main image panel, only in Sahara Sand using my fingers to lightly apply the ink. To me this mimics the bedskirt on the bed.

My stamp set I used was Eastern Blooms. I love the simplicity of this flowering branch and how you can make it the different colors to match your image or one solid color for monochromatic look. On here I used my Choc. Chip, Ruby Red, and Sage Shadow markers.

And don't you just love how the Curly Label punch goes with the Top Note die? Those people at Stampin' Up! sure do know how to reel us in!!!! : - )

I have a short tutorial I am working on for a cute card portfolio that is perfect for making and giving as Christmas, or whatever, type of gifts.

Happy Stamping!!


~~~Ann~~~

Sunday, November 2, 2008

GCA #15 - Ottoman Empire Inspiration!


Hello everyone! This week for the GCA, we are focusing on this sumptuous bedding collection called, Ottoman Empire, from Soft Surroundings. The muted colors in this bedding just pulled me in and made me want to crawl right into that bed!! But before you start your creation, look at the entire picture and not just the bedding itself. See the chocolate headboard, the white orchids and sunlight coming into the room?

Take your inspiration from the colors, scroll work on the headboard or the patterns in the bedding, but use this picture to create your own masterpiece!

I'm finishing up my sample, but I have my grandson right now and he does not make stamping easy!!! : ) I'll upload it this afternoon.

To be entered in the challenge drawing, make a card using the different dimensions for your cards , upload it either to your blog, or to an online gallery and post a link to your card to this blog entry as a comment by November 7, 2008 at 12 midnight. I will choose the winner through a random number generator and post the next day.

Even if you can't make the drawing deadline, PLEASE feel free to participate in the challenge and upload your creations at any time. I would love to see it!If you upload your card on SCS, please put GCA15 (NO SPACE IN BETWEEN GCA AND 15) in the keyword section. That way everyone can look at all of the creations at once! If you've been waiting to join in the fun, jump on in and have some fun!!

I'm excited to see what you come with!!

Happy Stamping!!!

~~~Ann~~~

Saturday, November 1, 2008

GCA14 - Winner is...

....Jill!!! Her altered items were 2 tumbled tile coasters from when she first started stamping!!! How cool is that? This is a great way to showcase the versatility of stamps and show how the images hold up under wear & tear. You can see here coasters on her blog, Jill's Stamping Corner, and see how awesome they look!! Thanks for playing Jill! Please send me your address to: pinkstamper06@yahoo.com.

And you can see the other entries here. Thank you to everyone who played along this week!!!

Get ready for some awesome inspiration for GCA#15!!

Happy Stamping!!

~~~Ann~~~

Sunday, October 26, 2008

GCA#14 - Altered Objects!




Hello everyone!!! For the GCA this week we are focusing on altered objects!


All you need is an object you alter, such as:

* Mini or regular size composition book

* Picture frame

* Room/Welcome sign

* Large/jumbo size wooden paperclips

* Paper mache boxes/objects


The sky is the limit here, and all you need to do is look around your craft room and I'm sure you'll find something to alter.


The samples I have here for you are 3 of the swaps I received at the SCS MI Mini Mingle on October 11th. The first two pics are of altered mini comp books, one with a pen and the third pic is of a post-it note holder by Emma F. You can find directions for those on SCS in the resources forum. I can't remember who the other two are from, but if I figure it out I'll post here!

To be entered in the challenge drawing, make a card using the different dimensions for your cards , upload it either to your blog, or to an online gallery and post a link to your card to this blog entry as a comment by October 31, 2008 at 12 midnight. I will choose the winner through a random number generator and post the next day.

Even if you can't make the drawing deadline, PLEASE feel free to participate in the challenge and upload your creations at any time. I would love to see it!If you upload your card on SCS, please put GCA14 (NO SPACE IN BETWEEN GCA AND 14) in the keyword section. That way everyone can look at all of the creations at once! If you've been waiting to join in the fun, jump on in and have some fun!!

I'm excited to see what you come with!!


Happy Stamping!!!

~~~Ann~~~

GCA#13 Winner is.....

.....Cathy!!! Congratulations to you Cathy on your winning entry! You can see the card she made here.

Thank you to everyone who played along this week!

And thank you to everyone who sent me birthday cards and well wishes!!! I had fun playing at my friends house with her Big Shot, but haven't had a chance yet to create anything with my goodies!!

Up next, GCA 14!

Happy Stamping!!

~~~Ann~~~

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Happy Birthday to Me!!

Hello everyone!!! Yes today is my birthday! I am now officially 42 years old and still wonder where the years have gone! (I bet my mother does too!) Most times I don't feel, or act, my age, but when I have Cameron, boy oh boy do I feel every year!!!! And now grand baby #2 is on the way! My son's girlfriend is due on May 28, 2009! That's five days from Cameron's birthday!!

I have received many wonderful birthday cards and I will take pics and post them later. Thank you to everyone who sent me a card.

I'm off now to visit with a fellow demo and play with her Big Shot and dies. Also her new CB folders! I'll show you my goodies later!!

Happy Stamping!~!

~~~Ann~~~

Sunday, October 19, 2008

GCA#13 - Halloween Colors!!!



Hello everyone!!! For this week's GCA we are focusing on colors, specifically colors that look good on Halloween cards! Halloween is 11 days from today, and if you still need to get any Halloween cards finished, here's your chance!! (Please note: Your card DOES NOT have to be a Halloween card!!)

The colors to use are:

Basic Black

Basic Gray (optional)

Only Orange

Green Galore

Aren't these the perfect colors to use for Halloween?? Actually the color combo is my interpretation on the World Card Making Day color challenge hosted on SCS on October 4th. You were to make your card with a "Lemon/Lime Twist" and these were the colors I had which matched the best.

On my sample I used the newest Halloween set from Treehouse Stamps, Creepy Crawly. I just love the different images in this set! I also used Beate's WSC60 for my layout. And since I used Basic Black as my base card, I attached a piece of Whisper White to the inside and stamped on that also! How many times do you make your cards and neglect the inside? Don't neglect the inside of your card!!!

To be entered in the challenge drawing, make a card using the different dimensions for your cards , upload it either to your blog, or to an online gallery and post a link to your card to this blog entry as a comment by October 24, 2008 at 12 midnight. I will choose the winner through a random number generator and post the next day.

Even if you can't make the drawing deadline, PLEASE feel free to participate in the challenge and upload your creations at any time. I would love to see it!If you upload your card on SCS, please put GCA13 (NO SPACE IN BETWEEN GCA AND 13) in the keyword section. That way everyone can look at all of the creations at once! If you've been waiting to join in the fun, jump on in and have some fun!!



Happy Stamping!!!!


~~~Ann~~~

GCA#12 Winner is......

BRANDY!!!! Congrats to you Brandy and thanks so much for playing again!!! You can see Brandy's wonderful card at, Brandy's Stamp & Share, her fabulous blog.

To see all of the entries go to the GCA12 gallery. Thank you ladies for playing along again, and I hope you join in again for this week!!

Sunday, October 12, 2008

GCA#12 - Shadow Stamping!!




Hello everyone!! This week for the GCA we are focusing on a fairly easy, yet striking technique, I call Shadow Stamping! I'm sure there a lot of different names for this technique, and if you know the proper one, please let me know!

Both of my samples use the same stamp set, yet have different layouts and embellishments on them. On the first sample I used Mellow Moss ink for my horses. The layout is the sketch for last week's World Card Making Day event on SCS. The second sample uses Certainly Celery for my horses. This layout was cased from the "Wanted" gallery on SCS.

Here's what you need/do to create a shadow stamped image:

* Use a solid stamp image for best results

* Once you have your image picked out, colors and layout you are ready to stamp!

* You start your shadow from either the left or the right, depending on your image/style of card and if you are right or left handed.

* On my samples I started from the left to give the effect of horses running

* With your first image, ink up the stamp and then STAMP OFF TWICE on scrap paper, then stamp the image on your cardstock in the desired place.

* With your second image, ink up the stamp and then STAMP OFF ONCE on scrap paper, then stamp the image on your cardstock, overlapping the first image. You want to create the illusion of movement or a shadow of the image.

* With your third image, ink up the stamp and STAMP FULLY INKED, again overlapping the second image.

You need to use at least 3 stamped images, but you could do more. Placement does not have to be perfect, unless it is in your nature to do so!! LOL!! On my samples, I just eyeballed where the first image was and went from there! I DID NOT use a Stamp-A-Ma-Jig or a ruler.

Most importantly have fun with this technique!! It will certainly give your cards a WOW factor not expected by the recipient.

To be entered in the challenge drawing, make a card using the different dimensions for your cards , upload it either to your blog, or to an online gallery and post a link to your card to this blog entry as a comment by October 17, 2008 at 12 midnight. I will choose the winner through a random number generator and post the next day.

Even if you can't make the drawing deadline, PLEASE feel free to participate in the challenge and upload your creations at any time. I would love to see it!If you upload your card on SCS, please put GCA12 (NO SPACE IN BETWEEN GCA AND 12) in the keyword section. That way everyone can look at all of the creations at once! If you've been waiting to join in the fun, jump on in and have some fun!!


Happy Stamping and I'm looking forward to seeing all of your wonderful creations!!!


~~~Ann~~~

GCA #11 Winner is....

.....Elizabeth!!!! She made the most fabulous scalloped circle card as her different size! You can see her card on her blog, Love 2 Stamp. Check it out and give her a big congrats! Elizabeth please email me your address at pinkstamper06@yahoo.com and I'll get your stamping goodies out to you!

To see all of the entries for this week, you can see the GCA11 gallery on SCS. A big thank you to all of this weeks ladies who played along! I so enjoy seeing what each of comes with every week.

Sorry this is a day late, but I was at an all day stamping event yesterday, catching up with some of my fellow Michigan SCSers!!! We had the MI Mini Mingle in Dewitt and it was a blast! The next one is in March in Bay City for 2 whole days!!!!! Right now we have 70 people signed up with 30 spaces left, so if you are from Michigan and would like to join us, check out this forum on SCS. Right now the forums thread is not working on SCS, so I'll add the link when it's back up.

I'm posting GCA#12 next!

Happy Stamping!!

~~~Ann~~~

Sunday, October 5, 2008

GCA#11 - In honor of World Card Making Day!!!


Hello Everyone!!! As you know, October 4th is designated as World Card Making day. Yesterday I hosted an event where the guests made 11 cards, with many of them featuring different sizes!!
So, in keeping the feeling of World Card Making Day going, the challenge for this week is to create a card in ANY size, BUT the standard 5 1/2 x 4 1/4!
Here are some ideas:

* 3 x 3
* 3 x 6
* 4 x 4
* 5 x 5

You get the idea!! So have fun experimenting with different sized cards and I can't wait to see what you come with!!

To be entered in the challenge drawing, make a card using the different dimensions for your cards , upload it either to your blog, or to an online gallery and post a link to your card to this blog entry as a comment by October 10, 2008 at 12 midnight. I will choose the winner through a random number generator and post the next day.

Even if you can't make the drawing deadline, PLEASE feel free to participate in the challenge and upload your creations at any time. I would love to see it!If you upload your card on SCS, please put GCA11 (NO SPACE IN BETWEEN GCA AND 11) in the keyword section. That way everyone can look at all of the creations at once! If you've been waiting to join in the fun, jump on in and have some fun!!


Happy Stamping!!!

~~~Ann~~~

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

I'm Back!!

Hello everyone!!!

I am so sorry for being silent for the past few days, but my Internet decided to take a rest from me!! LOL!!! Really, it's not a laughing matter as I feel so cut off from the world if my Internet goes wonky like that!

And, I've had my precious grandson Cameron since last Wednesday!! He's a busy 3 year old that doesn't leave me much time for anything else! To all of you out there who are moms with young kids, or single moms, my hats off to you!!!!

With all of that being said, I have not forgotten about last week's GCA winners or this week's GCA!

For GCA10 there are two winners!! As I've said before I'm a sap and hate to chose if there is only 2! Brandy and Cathy claim the winning spot once again with there wonderful creations! You can see both of their cards here. I have cards/stamping goodies to send out to both of you!! I also discovered, buried under papers on my stamping table, items I thought had gone out last week!! So I have many "thick" envelopes to send out!!

Since it is already Tuesday, I am skipping GCA11 for this week and will post it on Sunday, October 5th! Maybe sooner if my grandson lets me!!

Happy Stamping!!!

~~~Ann~~~

Sunday, September 21, 2008

GCA#10 - Spotlighted Stamper challenge!!!

Hello everyone! This week for the GCA we are focusing in on a spotlighted stamper and her wonderful creations.

Since I am running somewhat late today, I am piggybacking onto the Featured Stamper challenge posted every Sunday on SCS. But...there is an added challenge for my GCA!! Now you didn't really think I would let you off that easy did you??

The FS on SCS this week is E3stamper AKA Shannon!! Shannon is a fantastic stamper and has an outstanding amount of creations to choose from. She is also a guest designer with Treehouse Stamps and so this is doubly appropriate for this week's GCA. I have not found my card I wish to CASE yet, but as soon as I do I will get my sample done and posted.

Here are the guidelines you need to follow for this challenge:

* Follow the Featured Stamper guidelines found here.
* Go to Shannon's gallery, or blog, and choose a card to CASE.

Now for the twist!!

*Once you have chosen your card to CASE, and following the FS guidelines, changed at least 2 things on your card, I want you to leave one element on your card EXACTLY as Shannon did on hers.
* This can be the same brads, eyelets or ribbon.
* It could be the same color cardstock or type of designer paper.

Please make sure you point out what changes you made and what the one item is you left exactly the same.

To be entered in the challenge drawing, make a card/project using Shannon's creations for your motivation , upload it either to your blog, or to an online gallery and post a link to your card to this blog entry as a comment by September 26, 2008 at 12 midnight. I will choose the winner through a random number generator and post the next day.

Even if you can't make the drawing deadline, PLEASE feel free to participate in the challenge and upload your creations at any time. I would love to see it!If you upload your card on SCS, please put GCA10 (NO SPACE IN BETWEEN GCA AND 10) in the keyword section. That way everyone can look at all of the creations at once! If you've been waiting to join in the fun, jump on in and have some fun!!

Happy Stamping!!! I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with!


~~~Ann~~~

GCA#9 - Winner!!

Hello everyone!!! Yes, I know I am late in posting the winner for GCA#9, but I've had a very busy weekend!!!

I co-hosted a large stamping event with 7 other demos yesterday, and at the end of the day I was dog tired! Every muscle in my body ached.

Today I had a workshop, so I am just know settling down to post the winner and post the GCA for next week!

And the winner is........ Cathy!

You can see her wonderful card on SCS! She did an awesome job with her paper piecing. Thank you Cathy for playing along again. And I will have quite the thick package out to you in the next few days! (I'm a little behind!)

Next post is for GCA#10 and it's a fun one!!

Happy Stamping!!

~~~Ann~~~

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Blog Candy Winner!!!

Hello everyone!!! I am pleased to announce the winner of my 10,000 hits blog candy is:

Sue - and this is her comment:

Holy Toledo! What a nice blog candy you have...(oh that sounded like the big bad wolf didn't it LOL) Congrats on 10K...seriously that is too cool.
September 11, 2008 10:07 PM

Congrats Sue!! I hope this helps you to put your stamps and creativity to good use!!

Sue please send me your address to pinkstamper06@yahoo.com and I will get your blog candy winnings out to you!

Thank you to everyone who stopped by and entered my blog candy contest.

Happy Stamping!!

~~~Ann~~~

Monday, September 15, 2008

It's here - GCA#9!!! Paper Pieced lately?



Hello everyone!! Sorry for the delay on getting this week's GCA posted, but I've had some computer issues! All is well for now!

This week the challenge is Paper Piecing! This is a simple, fun, yet still packs that WOW punch to your creation. For a detailed tutorial visit SCS resource forums on Paper Piecing.

While most paper piecing is done with patterned paper, you can also paper piece with solid cardstock. This just adds to the WOW of your creation!

On my sample here I have done both. And remember you need an outline image stamp to get the best results with this technique. I used one of the newest sets from Treehouse Stamps - Olivia's Christmas - which is now available on their site! You must check them out as so many of their sets are perfect for paper piecing! I also used CC#183 - Going Gray, Riding Hood Red and Green Galore. With these colors I couldn't help but make Christmas cards!!

This card is also my card for FS#84 - LazyLizard AKA Liz!! She is a sweet person and leaves the most sweetest comments on everyone's creations! Please keep her and her family in your thoughts and prayers as they are recovering from Hurricane Ike!! You can see the Liz's card I cased here.

I changed:

* Colors and stamp set

* Theme of the card

* Placed my ribbon and swirl clip in a different spot

* Added a background panel

To start with you need to stamp your main image first, and build from there. For Olivia's wings I stamped the image onto retired dsp by SU!, Charbon. I like the effect the small pop of polka dots gives on here. For the scarf, I stamped the image onto Green Galore cardstock and then used my white gel pen to color in the dots. I then stamped the bow onto a piece of Riding Hood Red and cut that out.

I used my snowflake embossing folder and the Cuttlebug Smoosh technique for the background image. I then went around the edges with Going Gray ink to create more contrast.

I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with using this creative and fun technique!

To be entered in the challenge drawing, make a card/project using the posted colors for your motivation , upload it either to your blog, or to an online gallery and post a link to your card to this blog entry as a comment by September 20, 2008 at 12 midnight. I will choose the winner through a random number generator and post the next day.

Even if you can't make the drawing deadline, PLEASE feel free to participate in the challenge and upload your creations at any time. I would love to see it!If you upload your card on SCS, please put GCA9 (NO SPACE IN BETWEEN GCA AND 9) in the keyword section. That way everyone can look at all of the creations at once! If you've been waiting to join in the fun, jump on in and have some fun!!

My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who is dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Ike and the recovery process.


Happy Stamping!!!


~~~Ann~~~

Saturday, September 13, 2008

GCA#8 Winner!!

Hello everyone!!! I am happy to announce the winner for GCA#8 is Cathy!!!!

As she was the only entrant, she was my logical choice! But I know Cathy and she is jumping up and down right now as she reads that she has won! Again!!

C'mon and join in the fun with the rest of us! You know you want to!!

To see Cathy's winning creations go here. Check it out and give her a big congrats!!

Thank you Cathy for playing again this week! GCA#9 will be posted tomorrow.

Happy Stamping!!

~~~Ann~~~

Thursday, September 11, 2008

10,000 hits Blog Candy!!!


Hello everyone!!! I know it's been a few days since my last post, but I've been "under the weather"!

I do have the 10,000 hits blog candy to offer up to you today!! I still am in awe that my counter went over the 10,000 mark! And in commemoration, and deep appreciation, I have the above blog candy winnings for one lucky stamper!


Here's what you'll receive:

* One 12 x 12 unopened pack of Temping Turquoise dsp

* One brand-new package of Fun Fiber adornments
* 2 Versa color cubes in Neptune & Hyacinth

* One 2008 Sale-A-Bration stamp set - Lots of Thoughts.

* One "Sweets for the Sweet" from Treehouse Stamps
* Package of holographic butterflies
* Package of baby embellishments by Jolee's
* One Stampin' Up! ink pen

* One package of yellow/pink silk flowers
* One package of Bradletz Big Flowers
* 5 spools of ribbon



Is this awesome or what?? I can't wait to send this off to the lucky winner! And what do you need to do to enter, you ask? Simply leave a comment to this post telling me your best stamping tip, and that's it! And please, only one post per visitor.


This blog candy offering will be open until September 15, 2008 at 12 midnight. I will choose a winner, by random number generator, on September 16, 2008 and post by 6pm.



Good Luck and Happy Stamping!!!



~~~Ann~~~

Sunday, September 7, 2008

GCA#8 - Creative Color!!

Hello everyone!!! This week we are playing with color! I was looking through some of the old Color Combos from SCS and landed on CC55. I was looking for some colors I haven't used in awhile and that would definitely be Pink Passion and Pixie Pink!

So the colors are:

Pixie Pink

Pink Passion

Chocolate Chip

Close to Cocoa

Now you have your choice here of using either Chocolate Chip and Close to Cocoa or only one of them. If you do not have the pinks, use what you have that is closest to them! I'm flexible! I just want us to have fun and use these colors to get us stamping!! If you upload to SCS, don't forget the CC55 along with your GCA8!

I'll post my sample later, once my son returns my camera!! I swear he has it more than I do!!

To be entered in the challenge drawing, make a card/project using the posted colors for your motivation , upload it either to your blog, or to an online gallery and post a link to your card to this blog entry as a comment by September 12, 2008 at 12 midnight. I will choose the winner through a random number generator and post the next day.

Even if you can't make the drawing deadline, PLEASE feel free to participate in the challenge and upload your creations at any time. I would love to see it!If you upload your card on SCS, please put GCA8 (NO SPACE IN BETWEEN GCA AND 8) in the keyword section. That way everyone can look at all of the creations at once! If you've been waiting to join in the fun, jump on in and have some fun!! I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with!

I'll have the 10,000 hits blog candy details up later today!!!

Happy Stamping!!!


~~~Ann~~~

GCA#7 Winners!!

Hello everyone!! This week's winners are Cathy and Elaine!!! I am such a sap and do not like haivng to choose between people if I don't have too!! Since they were the only entrants, I choose them both!

You can see Cathy's card - here. Check it out and give her a big congrats!!

You can see Elaine's card - here. Check it out and give her a big congrats too!!

Thank you ladies for playing along again!! Much appreciated!

Happy Stamping!!

~~~Ann~~~

Friday, September 5, 2008

Coffee and 10,000 Hits!!!!


Hello everyone!! I just noticed my counter went over the 10,000 hit!!!! Woohoo, that means I'll be offering up some Blog Candy!!! I'll go shopping to see what I find and get the 10,000 hit blog candy up this weekend! Thank you to everyone who has helped me get so many hits! I hope you keep coming back for more!

My card I have for you today is for LSC184: Orange Roasters. I have to admit when I first read the title I thought, "Orange Roosters? I don't have any rooster stamps!" Then I re-read Silvia's post and noticed it said roaster, not rooster! It was kate and I was tired, ok! LOL!

I also combined this with WT182 - Speciality Paper. I've had this stack of DCWV Pocket & Posies sparkle dsp for quite some time! Not that I don't necessarily want to use it, but I forget I have it!! LOL!!I found a color combo using this paper I would have never thought to put together too! I used Tangerine Tango, Apricot Appeal and Sage Shadow. But I have to say the Sage Shadow works on here!

I put CE on the spots on the coffee cup and on the "coffee" part. Not sure how well that shows up in the pic. This wonderful coffee/latte set is NOW available from Treehouse Stamps!! For any coffee lover this set is a must have!I used the coffee bean with this set in all the colors on the white middle strip. Covered up most of it!

Had to cut out the steam again! It's a given with this since steam isn't flat, right?
I also used the sketch I am featuring this week's GCA. One of my first players, and winners, sent me a RAK with this sketch and I just loved it! She found it on Julee Tilman's blog. There is still time to play in my challenge this week and be entered in the raffle. You have until 12 midnight Friday 9/5. Come on and get creative with me!

Happy Stamping!!


~~~Ann~~~

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Butterflies & Lattes - What a perfect combo!


Hello everyone!!! I have 3 cards to show you today!! Yes, I have been busy stamping up a storm, but my camera was MIA for awhile so I had to wait to take pictures.

The other day I was going through my scrap bins, yes I have bins, and was astounded to see how much useful cardstock I had! And to explain, I have my scraps stored in plastic shoe boxes according to SU! color families. Little anal-retentive, but most nurses are!! So I decided to challenge myself to see how many cards I can make using ONLY pieces from my scraps! Here's what I've done so far!

My first card is for this week's color challenge on SCS: CC182 -Monochromatic. Sometimes I have a very hard time using this kind of color scheme, but in the end I like how this turned out! The colors I used are More Mustard, So Saffron reg & dsp and Barely Banana with Whisper White as my neutral. I didn't have a set layout to begin with, but just played around with my scraps and such, and went from there. All three circle pieces were found in my scraps which is how I came up with the panel for the butterfly.

I am just LOVING my new SU! scallop edge punch and use as often as I can! It certainly makes short work of creating scallops, but what an impact it gives! I used my Paisley background stamp on the white panel and then spritzed it with my So Saffron marker. The Word Window pieces are each of the colors and then I used Barely Banana brads. The butterfly panel is up on dimensionals and I them stamped the polka dotted butterfly in More Mustard on Barely Banana, cut it out and adhered with Tombo glue. Iused my new SU! set - Flight of the Butterfly.

The next card is for Ashley's weekly challenge: BWC20. This week she presents a sketch for all us. You can see the sketch on her blog here. A simple and easy sketch to try!



I used the soon-to-be-released set: Friends & Lattes! Love this set, but then anything having to do with coffee makes me happy!! This set will be available on Friday, September 5th!! Again, I used my scallop edge punch on the large square, but only to make a frame and not punch out the entire piece. Then I just layered my other pieces inside.

I seem to have an obsession with cutting this coffee cup and the steam out, as you will see in the next card too! I colored the coffee cup with my SU! markers and then went over it with my white gel pen. The coffee cup and the scalloped edge square are all up on dimensionals. The steam is glued to the corner of the cup and then just rests on the upper left corner of the square.


And my last card for today is for the Sketch Challenge on SCS: SC192. A simple and clean sketch, but with many possibilities to it!! Again, this card is made using only scraps from my scrap bins, which made the overall size of this card 5 1/2" x 4". The Sage Shadow piece was just a tiny bit narrower, but overall I like how the card turned out!




As I went searching through my scraps, I came across this retired dsp from SU!: Wintergreen, and seeing how it matches the Sage Shadow and Kraft, I used it. And who doesn't love a hot cup of coffee on a cold day? (Too bad it's 90* here in Michigan this week!!!)

Again, I colored the coffee cup with my SU! markers and then cut it out, along with the steam! I found these wonderful aged copper large eyelets at Hobby Lobby and just had to have them! I used a strip of chocolate stitched ribbon (non SU!) where the two dsp's meet.

The entire image panel is up on dimensionals, as well as the coffee cup and steam. I did some paper piercing around the Kraft layer, but with the shading I'm not sure how much you can see.


That's it for today!! Must get back to working as I am working from home this week.



Happy Stamping!!


~~~Ann~~~