Playdate Goes Western!!

Hello all!!!  Here we are at the end of 2010!  Kind of hard to believe that in 24 hours, or less, we will be starting a New Year!  Do you have your resolutions ready?  And can you keep them for more than a day??? LOL!!

Today I have 2 cards for you that I created using my newest set, Out West.  This set is perfect for any and all male cards.  And, if you are like me, those are not the easiest to create!!  Both of these cards actually started, and were completed, with scraps/leftovers on my craft table.

Each card uses pretty much the same supplies, just in different ways.  The background piece is what started it.  This was left from the strips I used on my reindeer scrapbook page.  It's rolled with the Rough Texture wheel in Crumb Cake and stamped with the Sanded bg in Choc. Chip.

What I really want to point out are the techniques on the two cards.  On the first card, I used the out-of-the-box technique with the horse and cowboy.  Normally I would leave a little more of the base card, but every time I placed it on the square layers it looked liked just a little more needed to come off!!!  I do like how the cowboy and horse seem to really be coming off the card!  They were colored using my aquapainter and stamp pad lids.  Once dry, I went over some of the highlighted areas with my markers.

On the second card I used the "Depth of Field" technique I learned from Technique Junkies.  You have to look very carefully, but the horseshoe is there, stamped in So Saffron.  Then the cowboy hat in Old Olive and the steer in Choc. Chip.  Not sure how many cowboys wear green boots, but it certainly does make the boot pop off the card!!  The felt ribbon is from last year's holiday mini and the baby safety pin came from a recent clothing purchase.  It was just sitting on my craft table and tried it on here.  I like how it looks on here.  This will be my card for my supervisor who is retiring in April.  Since he likes "cowboy coffee" I thought this set was appropriate!!

I'm also entering both of these in Shelli's monthly So Shelli contest.  This month is focused on techniques!

Happy Stamping!!!

~~~Ann~~~

A Nature Thank You - DIC128

Hello all!!  This week the UDI inspiration piece is 3 very yummy looking cocktails.  Each in their own fabulous color.

I mainly went with the colors from the piece to build my card, but still not quite sure how the cocktails translate to birds!!!  Anyway, I love how this came out and I just love this new set coming out in the Occasions mini, January 4th!!!

While the overall look of the card is clean, it not necessarily simple!!!  I combined alot of techniques on this card, once again!

The first is using the dry embossed method with the new Framed Tulips embossing folder and Perfect Polka Dots folder.  However, the fun part is that I double embossed them!  To do this you run your secondary folder through first and then place your card stock into your primary folder and run it through the Big Shot again.  You will still notice the secondary embossing, but just not as pronounced.

The second technique I did was Out-of-the Box.  This is a fun and fairly easy technique to do.  The tough part is making sure you don't cut into your image when trying to trim part of the card stock away.  To do this you stamp your image onto the card stock and then trim away parts of it.  You should cut your card stock as close to the size you want to end up with.  The idea is to leave part of the image "cut out" of the card stock.

The third technique is watercoloring.  Pulled out my watercolor wonder crayons and blender pen, and colored away.  Not sure if there is a bird this color in real life, but I think it's pretty!  The eggs were colored with markers direct to the stamp and then cut out. 

I couldn't resist the fly on here, since the cocktails are fruity and flies also come around with the sweet things!!

If you have a chance to play this week, check out the UDI Blog and see what you come up with.

Happy Stamping!!!

~~~Ann~~~

GCA #117 - New Year Bling!!!

Hello all!!!  I hope everyone had a fabulous, special and magical day with loved ones yesterday.  I spent the afternoon with my grandsons and son.  It was so much fun watching those two open their gifts.  Cameron, the 5 1/2 year old, kept saying "this is the best Christmas ever Grandma!"  How sweet is that??

Now that Christmas is over for another year, now we prepare for the New Year.  And what do you think of when you picture New Year's Eve?  Bright colors, lots of sparkle, bling, bubbly and so much more!!

So, this week your creation has to incorporate some type of sparkly/brightness to represent the coming of the new year.   Still trying to put my house back together after yesterday!!!  As I was in the process of cleaning up, I also tackled my stamp room!!  In putting away this and that, I found that I had cut pieces of cardstock everywhere!!!  So this is where my sample came from; all those cut pieces and scraps.

These were leftover pieces from some wedding invitations I designed.  I used the Medallion bg stamp and the Charming set.  The colors the bride-to-be chose were Taken with Teal, Tempting Turquoise and Very Vanilla.  The idea with this design was an overall stamped collage using both stamps and then cut as needed.  The script stamp in Charming was overstamped in black and then I smooched it with the Silver smooch spray.  It's hard to see in the photo, but IRL it does sparkle!  I added some rhinestones to increase the bling value.  I left the sentiment off, because I'm not sure what I'll do with this card.  Maybe the wedding card for the happy couple???

Upload your creation to either your blog or to an online gallery and post a link to your creation to this blog entry by January 1, 2011 at 12 midnight. I will choose the winner the next day. If you upload your card to SCS, PaperCraft Planet, Stampin' Addicts, Stampin' Connection (for SU! demos) or Stamp TV, please put GCA117 in your keywords. That way everyone can see all of the wonderful creations at once!


Even if you can't make the drawing deadline, PLEASE feel free to participate in the challenges and upload your creations at any time. I would love to see it! And yes, my challenge is open to everyone who visits, even if you live outside the US!



Happy Stamping!!!!


~~~Ann~~~~

Three Silly Reindeer - DIC127

Hello all!!!  I'm still plucking away at Christmas gifts and such this week, how about you???  This week's UDI Inspiration piece is a traditional Christmas picture of Santa with a darling little girl.

No Santa on my creation, but I do have 3 of his silly reindeer, chomping at the bit to get going!!!  At my December stamp club this is the scrapbook page the girls made.  The colors and feeling of the piece are what I used.  This is 12 x 12.

Do you have the owl punch yet?  If not, what are you waiting for???  You can do so much more than just owls with it!  The reindeer were made with the owl punch, minus the little feet!  I'm not sure who came up with idea, but it is one darling, and clever, use of the punch!!  I used a card I found on SCS for the basic idea of the reindeer "looking" over a stall.  We had a lot of fun making this page.

Be sure to check out the UDI Blog and play along if you get a minute!!

Happy Stamping!!!

~~~Ann~~~

Christmas Slacker I am!!!!

Hello all!!!  I do so apologize for not getting this week's GCA up and posted.  I have been so busy finishing up Christmas projects, putting things in the mail and so on, that time is literally getting away with me!!!  And, I know that I am not the only one this week!!!

So, this week the GCA is on hold until this Sunday 12/26.  If you want to start thinking ahead, or maybe you have a creation ready, GCA #117 will be all about the New Year!  Think bright colors, bling, parties and more!!!

Again, thank you to all who stop by and visit.  You are so very much appreciated!!

Happy Stamping!!!

~~~Ann~~~

GCA #116 Winner is....

.....tampatha from Creatively Me.  She made the most fabulous non-traditional colored Christmas card I've seen in a long time.  Please send me your address to amf1066@comcast.net and I will get a stampin goodie package out to you.

Thank you to all who stopped by, played along and/or left comments!  I just love seeing everyone come back for more each week.

Up Next: GCA #117 - Anything Goes - Christmas Style!!!

Happy Stamping!!!

~~~Ann~~~

GCA #116 - Non-Traditional Colors of Christmas!!!

Hello all!!!  How is your day coming along?  Today was supposed to be stamp club, but I canceled it due to the snow we are getting.  It is that heavy, wet snow that makes driving very difficult!  Wouldn't want anyone to get hurt on their way to stamping!!!

If you've followed my blog, or visited a different times, you know that I love to use non-traditional colors at holidays!!!  So, this week was a no-brainer!

This was one of the cards we made at my Christmas Club this year.  Very quick, simple and easy.  Soooo hard for me to do!!!  But, the girls loved it and so do I!  The idea came from a card I saw on Stampin' Connection.  I made a few changes, of course, to make it my own, but overall the original idea is still there.

The stamp set used is Winter Post.  I actually bought this from a fellow stamper who was cleaning out her collection.  She already had it mounted on cling and only wanted $5!!!  How could I not buy it?  I have really enjoyed using it and like the cards I've made with it.

The non-traditional colors I used are Blushing Bride, Shimmery White and Early Espresso.  It's hard to see on here, but the Shimmery White panel is off-stamped in Blushing Bride with the Linen background stamp and the snowflakes were over stamped in full color.

The scallop envelope die was used, but I only cut the out portion out.  Since we were using the back and not the front, the flaps weren't needed.  This is also up on dimensionals.  The felt ribbon is from last years holiday mini.  I have alot left over!!!

 Upload your creation to either your blog or to an online gallery and post a link to your creation to this blog entry by December 18, 2010 at 12 midnight. I will choose the winner the next day. If you upload your card to SCS, PaperCraft Planet, Stampin' Addicts, Stampin' Connection (for SU! demos) or Stamp TV, please put GCA116 in your keywords. That way everyone can see all of the wonderful creations at once!

Even if you can't make the drawing deadline, PLEASE feel free to participate in the challenges and upload your creations at any time. I would love to see it! And yes, my challenge is open to everyone who visits, even if you live outside the US!


Happy Stamping!!!!

~~~Ann~~~~

GCA #115 Winner is....

.... Stacy from Stacy's Scraptastic World!!!!  You can see her beautiful Chirstmas card on her blog.  Stacy please send me your address to amf1066@comcast.net and I will get you a stampin' goodie package to you.

Thanks to all who stopped by, played along and/or left comments!!  You are appreciated.

Up Next:  GCA #116 - Non - Traditional Colors of Christmas!

And here's what we woke up to in my part of Michigan today!  It is so beautiful and was so quiet out when I took these.

Happy Stamping!!!!

~~~Ann~~~

Girl in Christmas Red - DIC125

Hello all!!!  With Christmas right around the corner, the inspiration pieces on the UDI Blog are all about Christmas.  I had ideas for my card this week, but in getting ready for my own Christmas projects, I ran out of time!!!  So this one is quick and simple.

At my Christmas card club this year we made this card and the ladies loved how easy it was.

I used Old Olive for the card base, a strip of the Holly Jolly dsp, Cherry Cobbler square and layered with a Very Vanilla scalloped square.

The scalloped square was cut using the Big Shot and the duo scallop die in the Holiday mini.  It fits so well with the large clear scallop square.  The image is embossed with black craft and black embossing powder and then watercolored.  We used ink from the stamp pads to watercolor and an aquapainter.  While watercoloring is not my forte, I do enjoy it and keep trying to improve my skills.

I still needed to add something, so I put a scallop edge in Old Olive on here.

So, check out the UDI Blog if you get a moment and play along.

Happy Stamping!!!!

~~~Ann~~~

GCA #115 - The Colors of Christmas!!!

Hello all!!!  Did you think I forgot??  I really didn't didn't, but I got pulled away by two very adorable and lovable little boys yesterday!!!  However, on to the stamping today!!

This week the focus is on the colors of Christmas.  Traditional colors, like:

RED
GREEN
GOLD

You may use any combination of these colors, or or just one, but your creations for this week must include one of the colors above.  Of course, neutrals may be added as needed.

The card I have to show you today covers 4 different challenges!!!!  The first is CC299 on SCS.  The colors are Real Red, River Rock and Old Olive.  The second is SC309 on SCS.  The sketch calls for a square card and I went with it!!  The finished size is 5.5 x 5.5.  This is one large card!!  The third is for Shelli's monthly challenge on her blog, So Shelli.  She is the co-founder of SU!  The challenge this month is techniques.  And of course, the fourth is for the GCA!

Most of the details are pretty obvious, but I want to talk about the techniques I did on here.  The most obvious is the Torn Frame technique I learned from the Technique Junkies.  It really is easy to do and makes a wow for your images.  Another one, and one of my favorite, is watercoloring with my Watercolor Wonder Crayons!!  I used my blender pen to pull off the color from the crayon and onto the image.

It's a little difficult to see, but I used the Champagne Mist shimmer paint for the tree ornaments and around the scallops on the sentiment.  I used my stylus, dipped it into the paint and then dotted the shimmer paint where I wanted it.  The background dsp is from Presto Patterns, which I highlighted with Real Red and River Rock.

And the last technique on here is the hot new trend with ribbon: scrunching/ruffling!  This is so much fun to do and very easy once you get the hang of it!  When you give it a try, be prepared though, because you do use more ribbon than you think you will!!!  The bow was tied using my bow-maker.

Upload your creation to either your blog or to an online gallery and post a link to your creation to this blog entry by December 11, 2010 at 12 midnight. I will choose the winner the next day. If you upload your card to SCS, PaperCraft Planet, Stampin' Addicts, Stampin' Connection (for SU! demos) or Stamp TV, please put GCA115 in your keywords. That way everyone can see all of the wonderful creations at once!

Even if you can't make the drawing deadline, PLEASE feel free to participate in the challenges and upload your creations at any time. I would love to see it! And yes, my challenge is open to everyone who visits, even if you live outside the US!



Happy Stamping!!!!

~~~Ann~~~~

GCA #114 Winner is....

....Sandi from Another Chance to Stamp!!!!  Check out her awesome paper Christmas trees!!!  Every year I say I am going to make one, and I never get to it!!!  Thanks Sandi for the inspiration once again.  Please send me your address to amf1066@comcast.net so I can get you a stampin goodie package out!!!

Thanks to all who stopped by, left comments and played along.

Up Next:  GCA #115 - The Colors of Christmas!

Happy Stamping!!!

~~~Ann~~~

A Candy Cane Christmas - DIC124!!

Hello all!!!  This week Maria, over at the UDI Blog, has presented us with a yummy inspiration picture of candy canes!!!  Since I have been working on Christmas cards I had this one all ready!!

The card base is Blushing Bride along with Real Red, Whisper White and the Candy Cane dsp.  Love that dsp!!  The stamp set I used is Season of Joy.

The eyelet punched border is attached on the inside of the front and I cut 1" off the bottom to make it even.

My first intent was to stamp the collage sentiment in the Blushing Bride and then over stamp the tree in Real Red.  Well.... I decided that wasn't going to work, so I stamped the tree on Whisper White and cut it out.  I used the new stick on rhinestones for my "bling"!  The big Candy Cane buttons was used with the Blushing Bride poly twill. 

So check out the UDI Blog and play along if you get the chance!!

Happy Stamping!!!

~~~Ann~~~

More Christmas Cards!!

I have these coming out of my ears!!!  LOL!!  Two more cards to show you, well actually one and a set of cards.

The first one was inspired by a card, made by Barb Mann, I saw on Stampin' Connection (SU! demos site) that used the lattice die as more of the focal image.  Hers was for Thanksgiving and I changed it to Christmas.  The lattice die is cut from the wood sheets and is where I got all those little pieces that I used to make the Thanksgiving card on this post.  So, don't throw away all those little pieces!!!

The rest is really quite quick and simple.  All of the layers/parts are from punches: Ornament, 1 3/4" circle, Word Window, Boho Blossoms and 2 step bird.  Plenty of dimension going on here too!!  All of this is put onto a Whisper White card base.  The inside is decorated too, but I don't have a pic of that.

The set of cards is actually a completion from the one I featured on GCA#111 - Recycle, Recycle!  I had four of the lattice pieces cut, so I made a set of cards.  They all have a Soft Suede card base, the lattice die cut from the brown packing paper from my SU! orders, Paper Daisies, Deck the Halls big buttons and the Deck the Halls fabric.  I cut the fabric with the Trimtastic die.  LOVE it!!  And I love my Big Shot!!

Hope you enjoy!!

Happy Stamping!!

~~~Ann~~~

Non-Traditional Christmas Colors!!

I love to use non-traditional colors on my Christmas cards.  With any holiday for that fact.  Why conform when I can express myself through color????  LOL!!

The two cards I'm showing now are also for the LateNightStampers Yahoo group I belong and the current challenge.  And, of course the challenge is to use non traditional colors on a Christmas card.

The first one uses Soft Suede and Blushing Bride.  I love these two colors together!!!!  I paired the colors with the Season of Joy set and the wonderfully fun big buttons in the Holiday mini!!  The ribbon is the Blushing Bride poly twill and I frayed some of it.

The second card uses Pacific Point, Silver and Whisper White.  I'm not much of a "blue" person, but I do love Pacific Point!!  I used the Baroque Motifs swirl for the "branches" and silver cord to hang my ornaments from.  The ornaments were punched from Silver which I embossed with the Petals A Plenty and Perfect Polka Dots eb folders.  Each of the ornaments is up with a dimensional.  The saying is from Heard from the Heart.  A quick and easy card to make, that should also be regular price to mail!!!

Happy Stamping!!!

~~~Ann~~~

GCA #114 - Not Your Usual Christmas Items!

Hello all!!!  Today has been one of those lazy, don't move too fast, kind of days!  Hence the late posting for today.  Starting with this GCA, through the month of December, we will be focusing on the upcoming Christmas holiday.  If there is anyone out there like me, I still have plenty of projects to finish and need the push and ideas to get them done!!!

Luckily, for me, the majority of my Christmas cards are completed.  Now to get them addressed and off in the mail!!  With that being said, that is how I came up with this week's challenge.  I think my all time favorite stamp set will always be Lovely as a Tree.  There is so much that you can do with it, for so many different occasions.  I have seen many cards completed using the row of trees and the reverse masking technique.  Most times I, and others, use the single pine tree as the focal image.  The background is in Crumb Cake with the trees in Early Espresso.

Well, I just received the new "Have a Seat" set and was playing around with it, when the light bulb went off!!  Why not use the bench as my focal image?  So, I went from there.  I have two cards here, alike but different.  I started with stamping the bench in Poppy Parade, but when I put it on the card front with the Espresso trees, I didn't like it.  So, I stamped it again, in Soft Suede.  The bench seat is also stamped in Garden Green and popped up, as is the pot of poinsettias.  I used the Champagne glass glitter in the center of the flowers.

And yes, I cut out each of the benches and then used my craft knife to cut out the legs!  Wouldn't want to make to many of these like that!!

The second card uses Pear Pizazz as the background and Always Artichoke for the trees.  As I was sponging the background, I noticed I was getting the edges of the card, so I fixed that!!  I sponged all around the edges too!  I really like the framed effect it gives here.  I used the bench I already had stamped in Poppy, and added the flowers and owl.  The flowers are from the Punch Potpourri set and are supposed to be poinsettias!!  The owl comes from the Inch by Inch set.

So, what unusual items/images can you think of to create Christmas cards, projects, scrapbook pages or whatever!!!  I'm sure we all have plenty of them around.

Upload your creation to either your blog or to an online gallery and post a link to your creation to this blog entry by December 4, 2010 at 12 midnight. I will choose the winner the next day. If you upload your card to SCS, PaperCraft Planet, Stampin' Addicts, Stampin' Connection (for SU! demos) or Stamp TV, please put GCA114 in your keywords. That way everyone can see all of the wonderful creations at once!


Even if you can't make the drawing deadline, PLEASE feel free to participate in the challenges and upload your creations at any time. I would love to see it! And yes, my challenge is open to everyone who visits, even if you live outside the US!


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

GCA #113 Winner is....

.....Hazel!!!  You can check out her fabulous fall creation on her blog My Crafty Outlook.  Hazel I will get a stampin goodie package out to you!!

I hope all of my American stampin' friends had a wonderful Thanksgiving!!  Now we are all into the Christmas mode!

With that being said, the GCA's from now until the end of December, are all about Christmas.  I hope it helps you create some special Christmas cards, projects or keepsakes.

Up Next:  GCA #114 - Not Your Usual Christmas Items!!!

Happy Stamping!!!

~~~Ann~~~

Happy Retirement - DIC123

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!  Even if you are not celebrating Thanksgiving today, take a moment and look around you to see what you have to be thankful for.

The Inspiration challenge on the UDI Blog is a picture of a lush fall scene, ripe with pumpkins, squash and fall leaves.  Check it out and play along if you have a moment.

I needed to make a retirement card, actually a couple more too!, for one of the ladies in my office.  With the early retirement that the state of MI is offering, we have several taking advantage of it.  So, this is card #1.

I just received the new "Have a Seat" set and decided to put it to good use!  Isn't that what retirement is all about?  Relaxing and enjoying life?

I took a variety of the colors from the inspiration piece to complete my card.  The base is Naturals Ivory, layered with More Mustard and pieces from the Autumn Spice dsp in the Holiday mini.  I just love this dsp!  It is heavyweight and textured. 

I stamped the bench in Early Espresso and sponged the edges with the ink pad.  This is layered on Cajun Craze and Pear Pizazz, which has been embossed with the lattice square folder.  The entire panel is popped up with dimensionals.  A mini library clip helps keep the sentiment panel attached to the main image.  Two, non SU!, chocolate stick on pearls finishes it off!  (Sorry Maria, but they were just what I needed!!)

Don't forget to check out the UDI Blog for the rest of the design team creations and play along when you get a chance.

Happy Stamping!!!

~~~Ann~~~

GCA #113 - The Colors of Fall!!

Hello all!!!  Another wonderful Sunday afternoon spent with my stampin friends.  This was the second in a two class series to complete Christmas cards.  I'll post pics of them soon.

Since this is the last full week of November, and Thanksgiving is Thursday, I thought we would focus on the beautiful colors of fall.  Most of the color is gone from Michigan now, but I still like these colors.

For your creation this week you need to include at least one of the following colors:

BROWN
GREEN
ORANGE/RED
YELLOW

You can use any color variation of these colors, I'm just listing the "general" colors.

My card I created for a "wonderful friend" of mine who is very dear to me!!  She is also having a bit of a difficult time and I just want her to know that she's in my thoughts.  This also uses the colors from the CC295 over on SCS of: Cajun Craze, Peach Parfait and Early Espresso.

My card base is Espresso layered with Peach Parfait dsp.  The Cajun Craze was punched with the double ribbon punch.  The sentiment panel is Very Vanilla and stamped in Cajun Craze.  I also sponged the edges with Cajun Craze.

I was playing around with the new cork sheets and my big shot, so that is how the leaves ended up on here.  The other leaves are punched from Wild Wasabi using the 2 step bird punch.  The Wild Wasabi piece was ran through with the Lattice Square die.  A piece Chantilly lace and some tiny pearls, finishes it off!!

The sketch is from Stampin' Connection, SCCSC38.

Upload your creation to either your blog or to an online gallery and post a link to your creation to this blog entry by November 27, 2010 at 12 midnight. I will choose the winner the next day. If you upload your card to SCS, PaperCraft Planet, Stampin' Addicts, Stampin' Connection (for SU! demos) or Stamp TV, please put GCA113 in your keywords. That way everyone can see all of the wonderful creations at once!


Even if you can't make the drawing deadline, PLEASE feel free to participate in the challenges and upload your creations at any time. I would love to see it! And yes, my challenge is open to everyone who visits, even if you live outside the US!


Happy Stamping!!!!


~~~Ann~~~~

GCA #112 Winner is....

...... Yogi!!!!  You can see her fabulous creation on her blog Art with Yogi.  Love how she created the background on her card.  Yogi please email me at amf1066@comcast.net with your address and I will get a stampin goodie package to you.

Thanks to all who stopped by, left comments or just had a look!!

Up Next:  GCA #113 - The Colors of Fall

Happy Stamping!!!

~~~Ann~~~

A Thanksgiving Greeting - DIC122

Hello all!!! I cannot believe the weather we are having here in Michigan!!!  You would think it's early spring instead of the middle of November.  But, I am truly enjoying it.

Over on the UDI Blog this week, the inspiration challenge is a gorgeous picture of a fall tree in all it's glory!  The color of the leaves is stunning.  Check out the UDI Blog to see it.  And play along!

I had one thought for my card when I looked at the picture, but then, like always, the card went on it's way by itself!!!  But, I do like how this turned out!!

It all started with the "wreath".  I cut out several lattice dies from the wood sheets the other day, and just couldn't throw away all the little bits and pieces left.  If was cardstock, that's one thing, but this was using the wood sheets.  As I had them on my table the "light bulb" went off and I thought those pointed ovals would make a great wreath. 

Originally I intended for this to be a Christmas wreath, but when I looked at the pic for this week, I thought a fall wreath would work too.  I have no idea how many pieces I used, but it does have two rows.  I punch a circle first with the 1 3/4" circle and then punched that out with the 2 1/2" circle.  That is the base.  I added sticky strip and stuck 'em down!!  I then spritzed it with the Log Cabin Smooch Spritz.

I used the Greeting Cards Kids set and actually this image is more for Halloween.  But, we have pumpkins at Thanksgiving!!  I omitted the broom she is holding and made her hat look more like a pilgrim hat.  I watercolored her with my aquapainter and stamp lids.  It's supposed to look like she's "holding" the sentiment!

The sketch is from this month's Fan Club/Dirty Dozen group on SCS.  The card base is Naturals Ivory, layered with Old Olive stamped in the same ink with the Sanded BG.  The second layer is Chocolate Chip with a piece of the Autumn Spice dsp.  I distressed the edges with my distressor tool.  A piece of Victoria lace and linen thread, and it's done!

Happy Stamping!!!!

~~~Ann~~~

GCA #112 - Thankful Thoughts!

Hello all!!!  Late posting today since I spent the afternoon stamping with my club girls.  They are so much fun.

As I was thinking about this week's challenge, I kept coming back to Thanksgiving being only 1 1/2 weeks away!  And last Thursday was Veterans Day.  Of course both of these holidays are US ones, but I know other countries have days similar to these. 

I am very thankful for my family, my job, my friends, my ability to stamp and so much more.  Most of all I am thankful that I have a loving God to watch over me.

So, the challenge for this week is create something with a theme of Thanks, Thankfulness or Gratitude.  Those are just a few I can think of.  However you want to express your thankfulness works!

This is the scrapbook page we created at club today.   It is 12 x 12 and the base is More Mustard textured.  We also used the Autumn Spice dsp from the Holiday mini.  To make the leaves I used the cork sheets and wood sheets and Leaves #2 die.  The stamp set used is Define Your Life.

I will add pictures, once I find the ones I want!  Most likely of my grandbabies as I am very thankful for them.

Upload your creation to either your blog or to an online gallery and post a link to your creation to this blog entry by November 20, 2010 at 12 midnight. I will choose the winner the next day. If you upload your card to SCS, PaperCraft Planet, Stampin' Addicts, Stampin' Connection (for SU! demos) or Stamp TV, please put GCA112 in your keywords. That way everyone can see all of the wonderful creations at once!

Even if you can't make the drawing deadline, PLEASE feel free to participate in the challenges and upload your creations at any time. I would love to see it! And yes, my challenge is open to everyone who visits, even if you live outside the US!

Happy Stamping!!!!


~~~Ann~~~~

GCA #111 Winner is.....

....Jeanette from H2O Creations!!!  Check out her blog to see the beautiful card she made and the recycled products she used!!  Jeanette please email me at fittona@yahoo.com with your address so I can get a stampin goodie package out to you.

I loved looking at all of your creations this week!  Many clever uses of recycled items.  We sure can use just about everything to make a card or scrapbook page!!!

Up Next:  GCA #112 - Thankful Thoughts

Happy Stamping!!!

~~~Ann~~~

Caffeine is a Vitamin - DIC121!!

Hello all and Happy Thursday!!!  And Happy Vetrans Day to all of our vetrans, past and present!  Without you this country would not be the safe haven we all love.  Thank you.

This week on the UDI blog Inspiration challenge, Maria provided us a picture of a yummy cup of coffee/lattee.  Either one I'm good with!!  So, I decided to pull out my Morning Cup set, which I HAD to have, and decided to ink it up!

The card base is Very Vanilla, layered with Soft Suede and then dsp from the Blueberry Crisp set.  On here it kind of reminded me of vintage wallpaper.

The large scallop circle is cut from the scallops #2 die in Marina Mist.  The smaller one, is punched from the 2 3/8" scallop punch.  The Very Vanilla image layer is punched with the 1 3/4" circle punch.

Lots of dimension going on here too.  The Soft Suede center strip, and each of the scallop circles are popped up.

I stamped the cups in brown staz on and watercolored them with my aquapainter and ink from the stamp lids.  It's hard to see, but on two of the cups I used my white gel pen for some highlights.  I used the Soft Suede ink pad directly on the circle layer for shading.

A piece of Chantilly lace and Vanilla Seam Binding and some stick on pearls, and we're done!

The sketch is this week's SCS306 over on Splitcoast.

Don't forget to check out the UDI Blog for rest of the design team cards!!

Happy Stamping!!

~~~Ann~~~

GCA #111- Recycle, Recycle!!!

Hello all!!!  Sorry for the late posting.  I am currently out of town and have very limited internet access.  Anyway, if I had planned better, I would have had this ready!!!  LOL!!

This week we are focusing on recycling.  And by that, I mean re-using something you have in your craft room, or house, that wouldn't normally be used in crafting!

For example, on my card for this week, the lattice square was cut from the brown wrapping paper that comes in my SU! orders.  I crumpled it up before I ran it through the Big Shot and then tried to "lightly" glue it onto the card front.  I like how it doesn't overtake the card, but lets the rest of the items show off.

I used the new SU! fabric, Deck the Halls, cut with the Tasteful Trim die.  I cut several pieces and I am going to put together a set of Christmas cards using the rest of it.  When I get back home I will add the Christmas sentiment.  The card base is Soft Suede textured.

The flowers are with the new Paper Dasies, love them!!!  The smaller one was colored with the Cherry Cobbler pad using a sponge dauber.  You have to be very careful when doing that, as the name implies, they are paper!!!  The button comes from the Deck the Halls buttons in the holiday mini.  I used the Itty Bitty flower punch to put in the center and topped it with a stick on pearl.  For my "leaf"  I used a piece of the Always Artichoke seam binding.  It is sooo smooth!!!  The entire flower is popped up with dimensionals.

Upload your creation to either your blog or to an online gallery and post a link to your creation to this blog entry by November 13, 2010 at 12 midnight. I will choose the winner the next day. If you upload your card to SCS, PaperCraft Planet, Stampin' Addicts, Stampin' Connection (for SU! demos) or Stamp TV, please put GCA111 in your keywords. That way everyone can see all of the wonderful creations at once!

Even if you can't make the drawing deadline, PLEASE feel free to participate in the challenges and upload your creations at any time. I would love to see it! And yes, my challenge is open to everyone who visits, even if you live outside the US!

Happy Stamping!!!!

~~~Ann~~~~

GCA #110 Winner is....

.... Joyce from Peach Crate!!!    You can check out her fabulous Asian inspired pink wedding card by clicking on her blog link.  Joyce please email me your snail mail address and I will get a stampin' goodie package out to you.

Ali and Susan, your packages are going in the mail this week.

Thanks to all who stopped by!!

Up Next:  GCA 112 - Recycle, Recycle!!!

Happy Stamping!!!

~~~Ann~~~

An Old Fashioned Christmas! - DIC119

Hello all!!!  I hope everyone is doing good and, of course, finding time to stamp!!!  Halloween is now behind us, and Thanksgiving and Christmas soon approaching.  Where does the time go???

The UDI Inspiration pic this week is a basket of different breads and wheat.  I'm not quite sure how I got from that to a Christmas card, but it's where I felt lead.

The "wreath" is made using the new, and gorgeous, Deck the Halls fabric.  If you haven't seen or felt this fabric, you are missing out!  I cut four of the large scallop circles from the Scallop Circles #2 die and my Big Shot.  My idea for this card came from a Christmas card on the front of our monthly demo magazine, Stampin' Success, but I made a few changes.  They used the scallop circle from the Pennant die.  Since my circles are just a bit bigger, I added additional layers to the center.

The button is from the new Deck the Halls buttons currently available in the Holiday mini.  I LOVE those buttons!!!  I used the new stick on Pearls for the center.  Another fave of mine!

The ribbon tags are using the Always Artichoke seam binding ribbon, also available in the Holiday mini.  My card base is 4.25 square from Soft Suede textured and layered with a piece of Very Vanilla.  I ran this through the Perfect Polka dots eb folder and then aged with my Distressing Kit inks.  The saying is from Teeny Tiny Wishes and held on with linen thread tied around the button.

Don't forget to check out the UDI blog to see the inspiration piece and what the other team members did!!

Happy Stamping!!!

~~~Ann~~~

GCA #110 - Think Pink for October

Hello all!!!  WOW!!  What a crazy week for me this has been!!!  One thing after another, but it's calming down now.  Sorry for such a late posting of this week's challenge.

As we all know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and pink is the universal symbol for that.  So, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness, the challenge this week is create something with the majority being the color PINK!  And, since I was a slacker this week with posting, I am going to extend this week's challenge through next week also!  So, you have until November 6th to create something in Pink!

I'll put up all the details about me card when I get home tonight.

Upload your creation to either your blog or to an online gallery and post a link to your creation to this blog entry by November 6, 2010 at 12 midnight. I will choose the winner the next day. If you upload your card to SCS, PaperCraft Planet, Stampin' Addicts, Stampin' Connection (for SU! demos) or Stamp TV, please put GCA110 in your keywords. That way everyone can see all of the wonderful creations at once!

Even if you can't make the drawing deadline, PLEASE feel free to participate in the challenges and upload your creations at any time. I would love to see it! And yes, my challenge is open to everyone who visits, even if you live outside the US!

Happy Stamping!!!


~~~Ann~~~

DIC #119 - Happy Halloween!!

WOW!  What a week this has been for me!!!  Craziness, craziness, but it all works out in the end!  Here we are at another Thursday and a UDI Inspiration piece.  This week Maria gave us a pic of a Norman Rockwell Saturday Even Post cover, featuring Halloween.

For my card I used the new Wicked Cool set and Wicked Fun dsp.  I actually started this card by playing around with scraps, put them together and then cut them out with the Top Note die.  I used the new waffle paper in black around the edges.

The witches shoes were colored with my markers and then stamped.  The hat was stamped in black stazon, Versamark and then clear embossed, but it doesn't show up that well.  I colored the blocks in her hat with the Rich Razzleberry marker and popped it up with a dimensional.  I spritzed the panel with the RR marker and the same with sentiment circle, but I used the Cajun Craze one.

The bat was cut from the Wicked Fun dsp, added some rhinestones for a little bling and the Rich Razzleberry grosgrain, all scrunched up!  Love the way that it pops off the card with the polka dots.

Check out the UDI Blog when you get a minute to see the inspiration piece and see what the other team members did!

Happy Stamping!!!

~~~Ann~~~

GCA #109 Winner is....

..... Susan from Susan's Crafty Chaos.  You must check out her fabulously wicked 16th birthday card!!!  Susan please email me at fittona@yahoo.com with your address and I will get a stampin' goodie package out you!!

Thanks to all who stopped by and played along.  Sorry I forgot to post yesterday!

Up Next:  GCA #110 - Think Pink for October!!!

Happy Stamping!!!

~~~Ann~~~

Happy thanksgiving - DIC118

Hello all!!!  Here we are at Thursday again.  We are still experiencing some gorgeous weather here in Michigan.  I'm lovin it!!  The colors have pretty much reached their peak, but we still have some late bloomers!!!

The UDI inspiration piece this week is a pirate ship.  Reminds me of the one from Pirates of the Caribbean, how adorable is Johnny Depp???????  So I looked at and thought of Thanksgiving.

My layout comes from the Clean and Simple site and the FTL112.  I really love the look of CAS, but I always have such a hard time with it!  I just want to keep adding and adding!!!  I really tried to limit myself on this and I think I did ok.  For me, this card is clean and simple and took me around 30 minutes to do!

My card base is 4 1/2" square of Very Vanilla top folded.  I used the awesome Autumn Spice dsp, from the Holiday Mini, and ran it through the Big Shot with the Square Lattice folder.  After, I rubbed the Mahogany and Tea Stain spots from the Distressing Essentials Kit.  I layered in on Early Espresso and distressed the edges.  Three of the new glimmer brads in the corner finishes it off.

The flower is the largest one in the new Paper Daises layered with a Pumpkin die and and leaf cut from the new cork sheets.  Some twine around the ends, and it's good.  I stamped the "Paris" stamp from French Foliage in Early Espresso.  This all has lots of dimensionals on it!

Happy Stamping!!!!

~~~Ann~~~

GCA #109 - Milestone Birthdays!

Hello all!!!I've spent a wonderful day in the beautiful Michigan fall weather we are experiencing right now.  Very soon, Old Man Winter will be here and I will not be happy!

The GCA for this week focuses on those milestone birthdays, 5, 10, 16, 21, 30, 50 and so on.  Know anyone with an upcoming milestone birthday?  While my birthday is this Friday, it is not a milestone.  But we all have birthday cards in our stash, but how many do you have ready for that special birthday?

So, for this week you need to create a birthday card that is aimed at a milestone birthday.  Can be for man, woman or child doesn't matter.  And make sure the milestone year pops out at us!

My card I'm working on is for my niece who will be 13 next month.  That's a big milestone for girls!  I used the new Greeting Cards Kids set.  Isn't it adorable??  Normally she holds a Valentine, but I blocked that off and added the "13".  The 13 was cut from the number sheet from the Celebrations dsp.

Upload your creation to either your blog or to an online gallery and post a link to your creation to this blog entry by October 23, 2010 at 12 midnight. I will choose the winner the next day. If you upload your card to SCS, PaperCraft Planet, Stampin' Addicts, Stampin' Connection (for SU! demos) or Stamp TV, please put GCA109 in your keywords. That way everyone can see all of the wonderful creations at once!

Even if you can't make the drawing deadline, PLEASE feel free to participate in the challenges and upload your creations at any time. I would love to see it! And yes, my challenge is open to everyone who visits, even if you live outside the US!

Happy Stamping!!!

~~~Ann~~~

GCA #108 Winner is...

.... Carly from Carly's Crafts.  Click on her blog title and you can see the amazingly beautiful card she created.  And the other amazing feature is that she's only 11 years old!!!!!  What a fabulous job she did!  Carly please email me your address to fittona@yahoo.com and I will get you a stampin' goodie package out to you.

Thanks to all for stopping by and playing along.

Up Next:  GCA #109 - Milestone Birthdays

Happy Stamping!!!

~~~Ann~~~

Vintage Birthday Parfaits - DIC117

Hello all!!  What a week this week!  Seems like all I have been doing is running and getting no where!  Ever have any of those days?

Well it's Thursday again and time for another UDI Inspiration challenge.  Check out the UDI Blog for the birthday inspired picture.  I may have strayed slightly from the inspiration piece, but this is where I felt moved to go.

All of the pieces I used on here were scraps, either laying on my craft table or in my stash!  I just started putting pieces together and this is where it ended!  I am really pleased with how it came out.

I started with a Very Vanilla card base, folded for a top opening.  I layered a piece of Peach Parfait, cut at 3 3/4" x 5" to give it a "frame" around the card base.  Next I layered that with a piece of Newsprint dsp, which I ran through the Perfect Polka Dots eb folder and then ran the Peach Parfait ink pad over.  It shows up better than I thought it would.

I used one of my favorite new sets, Artistic Etchings on here.  This set is so fabulous for making vintage, eclectic or collage type of cards.  It took a couple of variations before I wound up with final look mostly because I didn't want to cover up too much of anything!  Especially the yummy new black lace trim from the Holiday mini!  I sooo hope we get more of that!!!

The medallion was stamped onto the new cork sheets and then cut out.  I stamped it in Black staz on.  I really like how it shows up on the cork.  If you don't have any of those yet, you need some!!  I backed a Paper Daisy on it and used one of the new Antique Brads in the center.

The rest of the images are pretty self explanatory.  I used the new black jewels on the crown.  Lots of dimension going on here too!!!

Don't forget to check out the UDI Blog to check out he rest of the team member's creations!


Happy Stamping!!!!

~~~Ann~~~

GCA #108 continues!!!

Hello all!!!  I've been very busy today with various projects and was too tired to pre-post today's GCA.  So, in that case, I am continuing the GCA from last week, Trees, Trees Everywhere!  Even if you already played along and want to enter another card, go ahead!

I apologize for the poor picture from last week, but I am working on a new one for this week.  So for all the details for GCA #108 check this post.  The deadline will be extended until October 16, 2010 at 12 midnight.

Can't wait to see what you create!!

Happy Stamping!!!

~~~Ann~~~

GCA #108 - Trees, Trees Everywhere!!

Hello all!!!  Yesterday I spent a wonderful day at a stamping event with my up - upline, Jan Wakeland.  She is from Pennsylvania and she some to my little town of Jackson, MI!!!  Jan is an awesome person, so full of love, warmth and such a passion for guiding you in your SU! business.  I have learned a lot from her.  She asked me to do a presentation at the meeting, showing how to use our new Distressing Essentials Kit.  It was a lot of fun, and I forgot completely to take pictures of my projects!!  I know a couple of my friends did so I will see if they can forward them to me.

As I contemplated the challenge for this week, I sat on my balcony looking out and thought "I will sure miss the leaves on the trees surrounding the back of my apartment building."  Since I live in an older complex, we have many, many grown and mature trees that shade us and create privacy.  During the spring, summer and fall seasons I feel like I"m living in my own secluded world as much of the surrounding neighbors are hidden by the trees.  So that is where the idea for this week's GCA came from!

The card I have for you is one I made last year, while still a current set (Trendy Trees), some of the papers and embellies are not.  I used Sage Shadow, dsp from 2009 Holiday mini, Sage Shadow gg, Creamy Caramel textured card stock and Whisper White as my card base.  But still, it's a cute card, if I do say so myself!  This card was created for a VSN challenge on SCS last May.  Here's the details of that challenge:

For this challenge there was a list of items you needed to include on your card!! Those are:

5 layers of dp and/or cardstock
3 colors of ink
1 image
1 sentiment
3 dew drops (brads, bling or liquid pearls will qualify for this - no faux brads/etc)
Stickles or Shimmerz or glitter or glittery gel pen to glam it up!!
some sponging....
and to get the suitcase closed, you'll need some ribbon!! (thread will work too)

* Well, I have 6 layers of card stock, not counting the base layer!
* 1 image and 1 sentiment
* 3 brads
* ribbon and thread!!
* sponging on the frame and image panel
* gold and clear glittery pens used on the tree

My frame around the main image was made using the torn frame technique from the Nov/Dec 2008 TJ newsletter. I love how this turned out, but it took over half my time to create!! Good thing the rest of the card came together very quickly!!!!

My glittery pens on the tree don't show too well, but they are there!

So, the challenge for this week is to have your creation incorporate a tree, or trees, on it.  Even branches count.  And if you don't have any tree stamps, feel free to make your own!

Upload your creation to either your blog or to an online gallery and post a link to your creation to this blog entry by October 9, 2010 at 12 midnight. I will choose the winner the next day. If you upload your card to SCS, PaperCraft Planet, Stampin' Addicts, Stampin' Connection (for SU! demos) or Stamp TV, please put GCA108 in your keywords. That way everyone can see all of the wonderful creations at once!

Even if you can't make the drawing deadline, PLEASE feel free to participate in the challenges and upload your creations at any time. I would love to see it! And yes, my challenge is open to everyone who visits, even if you live outside the US!


Happy Stamping!!!


~~~Ann~~~

GCA #107 Winner is....

..... Jellybaby21!!!!  She is new to my blog, and challenges, and she made a wonderful seaside card you can see on her blog, jellybaby cards.  Please send me your address to pinkstamper06@yahoo.com and I will get a stampin' goodie package out to you!!

Thanks to all who stopped by, played along or left comments!  I see I have 2 new followers and I welcome and thank you!

Up Next:  GCA #108 - Trees, Trees Everywhere!!

Happy Stamping!!!

~~~Ann~~~

A Fruitful Thanks - DIC115

Hello all!!!  This week for the UDI inspiration challenge I stretched the design slightly.  (Actually, as I am out-of-town this week, and worked so much on stuff for this upcoming weekend, I am using a card I made a little while ago!!!)  Please Maria, don't shoot me!  Check out the UDI Blog to see the inspiration piece, a gumball machine, and play along if you can!

This card is a "tent topper" card.  You can create these several ways, but I usually like to make mine with a rounded topper.  But, I have made them with a square topper.  On here I used the scallops #2 die, large size, and the Circle Scissors plus to make the inside circle with Shimmery White.  The scallop is made using Daffodil Delight and finished with piercing in each of the scallops.

Now, to make your base, you make it 4 1/4 x 4 1/4 square and when you put the topper on, line it up to make it no longer than 5 1/2.  That way you can still put it into a regular A2 envelope.  I layered my base, made with Riding Hood Red, with Whisper White and Greenhouse Gala dsp.  I used the Daffodil Delight ornate flower pattern.  My sentiment is  stamped in Black Craft and clear embossed.

The white organdy ribbon was tied on my bowmaker and then fastened on the back of the Whisper White layer.  The topper portion was attached using dimensionals.  I get very picky about making sure the image is straight and I don't go past the 5 1/2 length.  Using my grid paper from SU! is perfect for this!!

My stamp set I used is Studio Sketches, and I almost didn't buy this!  This is one of the pre-order sets we could purchase before the new catalog came out.  I am not the greatest with watercoloring, but this set really makes it easier than it looks!  I colored the pears with the Pear Pizazz marker, along the edges, and then used my aquapainter to pull the color up in the rest of the image.  The  Shimmery White cardstock is awesome to watercolor on!!  The apples were stamped, colored the same as the pears using the Soft Suede and Riding Hood Red markers, cut out and popped up with dimensionals.

Actually I don't think I strayed to far from the inspiration piece, as it is a gumball machine and I did use a rounded tent topper and similar colors!

Don't forget to  check out the UDI Blog if you have a minute and play along with us!

Happy Stamping!!

~~~Ann~~~

GCA #107 - Seaside Wishes!

Hello all!!!  I've been very busy today preparing for a presentation at my upline's Michigan meeting this Saturday.  I am so excited she is coming to MY town!!!!  My upline I am talking about is Janet Wakeland.  I've met her several times and she is the nicest, and funniest, person to know!  Anywho, that doesn't mean I forgot about the GCA for this week. 

Sorry for losing the post earlier today!  I tried to upload the pic and the new post at work, and it was blocked!!

This weekend I have also been working on wedding invitation samples for my best friend's daughters wedding.  This is what brought the GCA for this week up.  On some of the samples I used a stamp of the South Haven lighthouse, which has special meaning for all of them.  So, I thought what better idea than thinking about the seaside and what goes with it. 

So, think about what encompasses the "seaside":  Lighthouses, water, boats, seagulls, fish and so many others!  There is really no limit to what you can do with this week's challenge.  Use the colors of the water, images of water/boats/lighthouses or whatever makes you think of the seaside.
I used the new set, Uncharted Territory, for my seaside inspired card.  This is a great set, and I can see the uses for it for many cards.  I started with a Whisper White card base and then layered it with a piece of the white satin striped dsp from last year. 

I tried to keep this simple and the focus on the main image.  Matted the main image with Night of Navy and Marina Mist.  The image was stamped in Black staz on onto Whisper White.  I then watercolored the image my aquapainter and ink from the stamp pads.  Whisper White is not the best card stock for watercoloring, but if you aren't too heavy with the aquapainter, it works out ok.  The sailboat was colored the same way, cut out and then popped up with dimensionals.  The entire main image panel is also popped up with dimensionals.  To keep the embellishments light, I used a silver clip and a piece of Marina Mist 1/8" taffeta.
Upload your creation to either your blog or to an online gallery and post a link to your creation to this blog entry by October 2, 2010 at 12 midnight. I will choose the winner the next day. If you upload your card to SCS, PaperCraft Planet, Stampin' Addicts, Stampin' Connection (for SU! demos) or Stamp TV, please put GCA107 in your keywords. That way everyone can see all of the wonderful creations at once!


Even if you can't make the drawing deadline, PLEASE feel free to participate in the challenges and upload your creations at any time. I would love to see it! And yes, my challenge is open to everyone who visits, even if you live outside the US!

Happy Stamping!!!

~~~Ann~~~

GCA #106 Winner is.....

.... Jan from She's Gone Stampin'.  She made the most adorable Halloween card with Pumpkin Marci!  Jan please email you address to pinkstamper06@yahoo.com and I will send out a stampin' goodie package to you.

Thanks to all who stopped by, took a look, left a comment or played along.  I have so much fun looking at your creations and reading the comments.

Up Next:  GCA #107 - Seaside Wishes

Happy Stamping!!!

~~~Ann~~~

Sock Monkey Thanks - DIC114

Hello all!!  Thursday again and time for another UDI inspiration project.  Check out the UDI Blog to see the inspiration piece, a collection of cereal box covers, and play along if you have time.  To be honest, when I saw the inspiration piece for this week, I was a little scared!!  I thought, "What am I going to do with this?"  Well, after I took a deep breath and calmed myself, I focused on the one thing that jumped right out at me:  COLOR!  Bright and bold colors.  And bold and bright colors mean fun, at least in my book!!

So, I looked through my stamp collection and took out Sock Monkey.  He's fun and playful and makes for fun image to create with.  He's a lot of fun to paper piece  with and watercolor.  And, of course, I had to buy the new More Monkey Accessories in the new catalog.  The hat he's wearing comes from that set. 

My sketch is from the weekly sketch on Stampin' Connection, which a site just for SU! demos.  My card is 5 x 5 square and the base is from Pacific Point.  I pulled colors from most of the cereal boxes and put on here!  I couldn't seem to stop, yet they all go together wonderfully on here.  At least I think so.  The colors I used are: Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive, Real Red and Very Vanilla.  The dsp is Newsprint and my goal was to mimic the words on the boxes. 

A lot of dimension going on here too!  The balloons are popped up and I used linen thread to "tie" them all together.  The Daffodil Delight strip is from the Tasteful Trim die, available in the Holiday mini. 

Don't forget to check out the UDI Blog and play along!

Happy Stamping!!

~~~Ann~~~

GCA #106 - Time for Halloween!!

Hello all!!!  Another week gone by and we are now into the middle of September!!  Can you believe it?  Before you know it, the man in the Red Suit will be here!!  But, before he comes, the Great Pumpkin will arrive!  You know, that holiday where we loved to be scared and get all kinds of treats!  Halloween!!!

I'm not big into Halloween, but I do put some small decorations up and send Halloween cards to my friends that "do" Halloween.  I prefer the cute and fun images/things for Halloween as opposed to the gory and scary.  This year at convention, one of the bundles they offered us was one for Halloween.  This bundle was from Brent Steele's presentation, as he loves Halloween.  The bundle included: Spooky Things decor elements, 1/2" Raven lace trim and Black Flourish designer jewels.  I haven't bought the sheet of decor elements in the past, but as I work with this set I can see so many possibilities for projects.

On my project for this week I used 3 of the d.e. images:  "Happy Halloween", the full bat and the smallest spider.  I started with the saying applied directly to the glass and then backed with a piece of Rockabilly dsp (retired) in the Kiwi stripe.  Now, the cracks in the glass were not, at first, planned, but as I was working on this one happened and then I went with them.  I used Black staz-on along the cracks to give it a "eerie" look.  Does it work?  I ran a piece of the black lace along the bottom.

The bat was put onto a piece of Pumpkin Pie and cut around.  The same for the spider.  Now, Putting the d.e. onto card stock is tricky when removing the transfer paper.  It likes to pull up the card stock when you remove it.  The bat was put on with double thick dimensionals and I "squished" him in the middle to make it look like he was flying.  With the spider, I ran a piece of Very Vanilla through my Big Shot with the Spider web eb folder.  I covered the folder with black ink first and then cut around it to get the size I wanted.  After that, I spritzed it with water and crumpled it up.  Once it was dry I stuck it onto the corner of the frame with Sticky Strip.  The spider is up with dimensionals.

The "hanger" is made using Pumpkin Pie 1 1/4" gg and tied with the black lace and Concord Crush poly twill.

Now, its difficult to see in the picture, but I did a lot of distressing to the frame before I put all of this onto it!  My frame came from the $ store, $4, and I removed the stand from the back so it would lay flat on the wall.  My up-up-line is coming to Michigan on October 2nd, and she asked me to do a presentation for the event!  (I'm so excited, but scared silly at the same time!!!)  The item I am going to demonstrate is the new Distressing Kit (118762) on page 195.  This is an awesome kit and I'm sure I have only begun to tap into all the fun things I can do with it.  First off, I sanded down the frame, to help remove some of the glossy finish.  Once I had it where I wanted, then I swiped it with the Charcoal and then Mahogany ink spot.  Not satisfied with that, I then spritzed it with the Log Cabin smooch spritz.  I like the look, but it took forever for the smooch spritz to dry.  I hope you can see how all of this "aged" the frame.

So, for this week's challenge create anything that has to do with a Halloween theme.  Now, I understand that some people do not do Halloween at all, but I still want you to be able to play along.  So your creations DO NOT have to specifically have "Halloween" items on it.  By that, I mean you can use pumpkins, scarecrows, hay wagons or just the colors of Halloween.  Just have fun and create what you love!

Upload your creation to either your blog or to an online gallery and post a link to your creation to this blog entry by September 25, 2010 at 12 midnight. I will choose the winner the next day. If you upload your card to SCS, PaperCraft Planet, Stampin' Addicts, Stampin' Connection (for SU! demos) or Stamp TV, please put GCA106 in your keywords. That way everyone can see all of the wonderful creations at once!
Even if you can't make the drawing deadline, PLEASE feel free to participate in the challenges and upload your creations at any time. I would love to see it! And yes, my challenge is open to everyone who visits, even if you live outside the US!



Happy Stamping!!!!


~~~Ann~~~