GCA #30 Winner is....

.... ELAINE!!!!! You can check out her awesome use of ovals on her blog, A Place for Ink.

Thank you Elaine for playing along again this week and for everyone else who played!!!

Elaine please send me your address at pinkstamper06@yahoo.com so I can send out some stampin' goodies to you!!!

GCA #31 hint: Time to get Sketchy!!!

Happy Stamping!!!

~~~Ann~~~

I Can See Clearly Now!!!

Hello everyone!!! This past weekend on SCS was VSN!!! I love participating in this event! Lately I've not had as much time as I would like to spend with it, but this past weekend I made three cards!

For this challenge we were create an acetate card, using any sort of clear material, but you had to be able to see through it! This is the very first time I have created an acetate card!!! Not as hard to do as I thought, but it sure is hard to take a good pic of it!! (HINT: To all of my challenge followers you may see this challenge soon!!)

I found some retired window sheets from SU! and used this as my base. I wanted to make sure I had enough stability so I put a *roof* on top and ledges on the bottom!! (These are a little more flimsy than if you used overhead transparencies.) And I wanted to cover up the adhesive showing through!!

I do like how this know resembles a window! As my oval coluzzle was still out from my other card, I just went to town cutting my ovals!!

Thanks for the fun challenge Jenny!!!

Happy Stamping!!

~~~Ann~~~

For the Love of Chocolate!!

Hello everyone!!! More goodies to show you!!

My last VSN creation of this past weekend!! For those of you not familiar with VSN, it stands for Virtual Stamp Night and is tons of fun!!! I was a hostess during the February 2007 VSN!

For this challenge Christi gave a choice of three different color combos based on White Chocolate, Milk Chocolate or Dark Chocolate. Since milk chocolate is my fave, I went with this color combo: Close to Cocoa, Almost Amethyst and Real Red!!! WOW! Would have not ever thought to pair these colors together, but I do love the end result!!

I also paired this with Beate's weekend sketch. So glad those are back!!

Thanks for a wonderful, and yummy, challenge Christi!!

Happy Stamping!!!

~~~Ann~~~

Bright and Restful Days - FS107

The FS for this week on SCS is SgtStamper AKA Jami!!! What an awesome gallery she has!

I chose this card to case: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/ga...;ppuser=166165

I was drawn to the layout and the springy colors she used, so I kept the layout pretty much the same and kept to light and airy colors.

My changes are:

* Stamp sets, colors

* Left off the dew drops on scallop layer and used a different scallop punch

* Used buttons instead of dew drops

* Used the flowers from Polka Dot Punches embossed with choc. chip craft and clear ep

* Added a layer under my dspI really like the dsp for SAB this year and thought is looked really good here.

My butterfly is an MS punch, as are the leaves. I double layered the butterfly to give it more umph!!

And as you can see, I did my inside up too!! This time I tried something a little different in using the dsp as the background piece and placing the solid color cardstock on top. Since I used So Saffron for that, it's light enough that I can still stamp and write on it.

The flowers here were stamped onto the dsp in Choc. Chip ink and punched out with the 5 petal punch. I used my three flower punch and attempted to punch out the actual flower from the dsp, but they were a little bigger than I thought!

Happy Stamping!!!

~~~Ann~~~

GCA #30 - Think Ovals!!

Hello everyone!! For this week's GCA we are focusing on using OVALS!! I just received the new oval scallop frame die for my Big Shot and just had to play around with it! My sample is what I came up with and that was how I came up with this week's challenge!!

For this challenge, you must use ovals as the primary focus of your card. These can be cut out like mine, use a framed oval for the negative space or use oval shaped stamps! Whatever you choose, think ovals!!

On my sample I used the oval scallop frame by Sissix with More Mustard dsp. This was in the fall catalog hostess paper pack. For the inside of the oval frame I used the opposite side of the dsp. My choc. chip layer was cut with my coluzzle, as was the the smaller More Mustard inside oval.

I pierced around the oval frame following the scallops, but the picture doesn't show it too well. To get my ribbon through, I used my craft knife to cut a space and wove my ribbon through. None of my punches would fit due to to oval. I also used my new flower brads I just received and the So Saffron SAB ribbon!!

I double layered my butterfly and used Cameo Coral to bring a touch of another color! Lot of dimension on this card too!!! The main base is on dimensionals as well as the small mustard oval. I used thick foam squares on the butterfly.

This card also qualifies for the FEB09VSND - New Love. This challenge was to use new things within the last 2 months. Since I just received my die and flower brads, I think that counts!! Over on SCS VSN was held on Friday and Saturday. I have more to complete, so I better get crackin!!

To be entered in the challenge drawing, make a card with ovals as your primary focus, 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 February 27, 2009 at 12 midnight. I will choose the winner through a random number generator and post the next Saturday or Sunday.

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 GCA30(NO SPACE IN BETWEEN GCA AND 30) 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 #29 Winner is....

.... Cathy!!! To see her wonderful creation, go here. Thanks again Cathy for playing along!!

Up next - GCA #30 - Think Ovals!!

Happy Stamping!!!

~~~Ann~~~

GCA #29 - You've Been Framed!

Hello all!!! I hope everyone who desired it, had a wonderful Valentine's Day yesterday!! Personally, I stayed home, stamped and cuddled with my fur babies!!

For this week's GCA, we are framing, some or all, of images on your creation!!! As you can see in both of my samples, I framed only the main image. If you want to make a larger frame to fit you whole card, go for it!! As long as somewhere on your card there is a framed image!

My first sample is inspired by IC167 - which is a wonderful collection of artful bras!!! Anyway, I started playing around with my newest goodies: Trendy Trees and Good Morning Sunshine dsp and this is what I came out with! The layout is this week's sketch challenge on PCP. I think I may have stretched my interpretation on the IC this week, but I just love how this came out!! Actually, I took inspiration from two of the bras, Thelma and Louise and Hooters. They both have owls on them, and while my card doesn't use owls, I did use the dsp of blue birds! You can find the pictures here: http://www.quiltersofsc.org/artfullbras/artfullbras.htm

My scallop lace square started out as an attempt to make a larger square as Julie Buhler has shown on her blog. Didn't work so I went to plan B!! I used a 2 3/4" x 2 3/4" square and cut out a frame. I liked how the leftover frame looked so I set it aside for a future project, but in the end I used here!! It is popped up with dimensionals, as is the tree top and the bird. And yes, I cut that little bird from the dsp!!!

And as you can see, I did do the inside of my card as well!!

My second sample is actually on of the cards we made in club this month, minus the frame! As I was attempting to follow Julie's video I was playing with a leftover piece of Ruby Red. Again, I need to practice a lot more before I have this figured out!! But once I finished with my Trendy Trees card, I thought it would be neat to add the frame to my Little Birdie card. I really like how this sets off the bird, especially in the diamond shape!

You DO NOT have to use a edge punch to cut out your frame. Any type of frame will do. Use your square or round punches, coluzzle or other type of cutting system.

To be entered in the challenge drawing, make a card with a framed image, 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 February 20, 2009 at 12 midnight. I will choose the winner through a random number generator and post the next Saturday or Sunday.

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 GCA29(NO SPACE IN BETWEEN GCA AND 29) 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 28 Winner is...

....Olivia!!!!! You can see her wonderful creation at her blog Olivia's Creative Quest. Thanks for playing along Olivia and I hope you come back again!! Please send me your address to pinkstamper06@yahoo.com and I will put some stampin goodies on their way to you!!

Here's a hint for GCA #29 - You've Been Framed!!

Happy Stamping!!!

~~~Ann~~~

GCA 28 - Sale - A - Brate in style!!!

Hello all!! As many of you know, during February and March of this year Stampin' Up! is hosting their annual Sale-A-Bration!!! During this period for every $50 you spend you receive your choice of 6 limited time items.

So for this week's GCA we are going to Sale-A-Brate, or Celebrate, however it works for you!!
For your card/project your them must be a theme of celebration! For example, congrats, new baby, new job or birthday. Any type of event that would require a celebration. If you have any of the SAB sets please use them on your creation, but DO NOT need them to participate!! As long as your card is celebrating some type of event, that is all you need!!

For my sample I combined two new sets; Dream A Little (level 3 hostess) and Congrats from SAB 2009. I also combined this with this week's FS: KDunbrook AKA Karen!! The card I chose to case can be found here. I've been wanting to try the patchwork style with my Top Note, and this gave me the perfect opportunity!!

The flower is from Dream a Little which I stamped the solid in So Saffron and the outline in Versamark/Sahara Sand and then clear embossed. The middle part of the flower is a second piece, cut out and popped up. Again, using the Delicate Dots dsp for my background and the Congrats set from the SAB mini!! Congrats is stamped in white craft and embossed with white ep. The ribbon is part of the Ribbon Bundle from SAB.

My "leaves" are from the Sweetest Stems embosslit. A filigree flower brad with a yellow fire circle rhinestone is the topper!! I then used my white gel pen around the edges of the Bashful Blue panel for the finishing touch! All of my colors I used today were pulled from the Delicate Dots dsp. Love that paper!!

On the inside I used a strip of So Saffron punched with the new Scallop Lace edge punch (LOVE IT!) and strip of the Delicate Dots dsp on top!! I can't believe that I've just recently been paying more attention to the inside of my cards!! They deserve some love too!!

To be entered in the challenge drawing, make a card with the focus of CELEBRATING, 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 February 13, 2009 at 12 midnight. I will choose the winner through a random number generator and post the next Saturday or Sunday.

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 GCA28(NO SPACE IN BETWEEN GCA AND 28) 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 27 Winner is....

....Cathy!!! You can see her wonderful card here. This was a great use of yellow and beautiful card!! Thanks again for playing along Cathy!!! More goodies will be coming your way!!

Up next is GCA 28: Sale-A-Brate in style!!!

Happy Stamping!!

~~~Ann~~~

Angel on Duty FS104

Over on SCS today is Featured Stamper day and what a stamper did Beth choose!!!! Her name is BevR and she has an awesome gallery!!! Check it out! And can she color or what!!

I used the new SAB dsp - Delicate Dots on here!! Love it!!

Here is the card I chose to case: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/ga...p;ppuser=64518

Here is what I changed:

* Stamps, colors

* I made mine a 5 x 5 which I believe is the same size as Bev's

* I used the Top Note die from SU!

* I paper pieced my angel's dress and wings

* I used a strip of ribbon around the card instead of another piece of cardstock

* Instead of the flowers, I put my sentiment on a scallop die and raised up my heart

I used leftover pieces and parts for the inside!! Remember, to do your inside too!! It makes the card even more appealing!!

I'm sending this out tomorrow to a fellow stamper who is having a hard time right now and just needs to know people have her in their prayers!!

Happy Stamping!!!

~~~Ann~~~

GCA #27 - Let the Sun Shine On!!

Hello everyone!!! You're probably asking yourself, what does she mean by that!?!? Well, for this week we are focusing on Yo Yo Yellow, or equivalent, in our creations!!! The other day I was working on some card samples for an upcoming make & take, and wanted to use some colors I seldom use. Yo Yo Yellow definitely fits that bill!! I think because it is SO bright, I have a hard time using it! What about you? Here's your chance!!

I have two samples to show you, both similar in style, but using different stamp sets and one less layer on one card.

The first card uses A Little Birdie Told Me to make a get well card. I just received the Circles scallop #2 for the Big Shot and just HAD to play with it!! So my Yo Yo Yellow scallop is cut with the large scallop circle and the really rust scallop is cut with the smaller circle. When I first made this card I thought it needed something behind the yellow and so I cut the Pumpkin Pie circle out with my coluzzle. I do like how that really made it pop. The leaves for the "flower" were punched with my small oval punch in Old Olive. And to take the glare off the white, I sponged around each white circle. A very quick and easy card to make!

The second card is the same layout, minus the large Pumpkin Pie circle. On this card I used my much neglected Flight of the Butterfly for a springy card! This time I cut the smaller scallop circle out with Pumpkin Pie and didn't sponge around the white circle. I did sponge around the large white circle with Yo Yo Yellow.

Of the two samples, the butterfly one was chosen!! Again, another quick, clean and simple card to make!! Both of these uses Kraft as the base card and each of the smaller scallop circles are up on dimensionals.

To be entered in the challenge drawing, make a card using Yo Yo Yellow, or an equivalent, as focus on 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 February 6, 2009 at 12 midnight. I will choose the winner through a random number generator and post the next Saturday or Sunday.

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 GCA27(NO SPACE IN BETWEEN GCA AND 27) 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 #26 Winner is....

..... BRANDY!!!!! Thank you so much again for playing along every week!!! You can see Brandy's awesome card here.

Some stampin goodies will be on there way to you soon!!!

Up next is GCA #27 - and here's a hint: Get out the yellow!!!!!

Happy Stamping!!!

~~~Ann~~~