Bella Toile for the Hop

If you've hopped over from Debbie Pierce's Stampin' Sunshine, I am stop number 15 on the Pals March Blog Hop. I am so glad you hopped in! I'll help you "hop along" from blog to blog where you'll find inspirational ideas for papercrafted creations from the Stampin' Pretty Pals! We will be showcasing all that Stampin' Up! has to offer! Should you hop off course, simply click on any of the links in the Pals Hop Line-Up below and you'll be back on track! We're thrilled to have you visit and excited to hear what you think about our Spring and Easter themed hop! Please feel free to leave as many comments as you like along the way! The line-up can be found at the end of today's post! But now for today's creation!

Bella Toile Happy Anniversary


When I think of spring, I think of flowers. So in light of my anniversary, which is Thursday, I decided to create this delightfully floral confection. Although this is a very feminine card with its pearls and Dazzling Diamond glitter, I know that my husband, Kim, will appreciate the time and love that went into its creation. As for the sentiment, a sweet member of my Hostess Club ordered the French version of the set, Sincere Salutations. Although I could have sent it back, I decided to keep it for myself. Isn't it amazing how romantic "Happy Anniversary" looks in French?

The Stampin' Schach Tips:

• Coloring 101! I have been asked many times, "How do you watercolor your images?" In two words, "Blender Pens". I simply load my Blender Pen directly from the stamp pad and color away! To highlight specific areas, I outline with the coordinating Stampin' Write Marker. For my Bella Toile flowers, I used Barely Banana, Pale Plum, Regal Rose, and Always Artichoke. For the framing scrollwork, Bordering Blue was my ink of choice.


• Feminine and flirty! Half-back pearls from the Pretties Kit accent the graceful scrollwork while Dazzling Diamond glitter enhances the floral centers. Tombow is the perfect adhesive choice for both of these applications.


• With a snip-snip here and a snip-snip there! People comment that I must have the patience of a saint in order to be able to cut out so many of the images that I stamp. Although patience is a virtue, I just watch a good movie while I cut away! You would be surprised at how quickly the time flies when you are absorbed in a good plot. Before you know it, your cutting is complete!


• The best laid schemes o' mice an' men gang aft agley! Or to paraphrase Robert Burns, the best laid plans of a stampin' woman often go astray! Believe it or not, it was not the coloring or the snippin' that took so long with this card, it was the layout. Originally I was going to overlay the colored section on top of a non-colored stamped Bella Toile image and add Beautiful Wings Embosslit Butterflies. Yikes...It was too busy. So I layered it onto Chocolate Chip card stock, but then it was too plain. Finally I added a few swirlies cut from the Tulipe Bigz Die and the Big Shot, and it was just right. I selected Bordering Blue card stock to match the scroll work.
  
• The sentiment was inked in Chocolate Chip, punched out with the Modern Label Punch, and layered onto a split Bordering Blue Modern Label.

Spring Tulipe

The nice thing about using the swirls from the Tulipe Bigz die was that I was left with the "stencil" that had been created as I ran the die through the Big Shot. Although the first card may have been time intensive, this card was completed in a matter of minutes!

The Stampin' Schach Tips:

• Designer Series Paper, in this case, the polka dot pattern from Shades of Spring, add a touch of class when placed behind the stencil.


• Coordinating Photo Corners, punched from textured Chocolate Chip card stock and designer series paper, add a finished look to the corners.


• Add the sentiment of your choice. Here I inked up "so very sorry" from Three Little Words, one of the stamp sets that I earned through Stampin' Up!'s current Sale-a-bration promotion. Popping up the Chocolate Chip Scallop Oval on Stampin' Dimensionals adds a little something extra.
  

More inspiring ideas await you at Kalshelia Lloyd's Stampin' Fabulousity, stop number 16 on the Pals Hop. Hop over to see what Kalshelia has designed for you. And, I would like to thank you for "hopping" by! Remember, your comments are important to me, so please let me know what you think of today's card. And remember, if you ever have a question about the cards that I create or the techniques that I use, I'm only an email away! And in the meantime, don't forget the news Pals Paper Arts challenge which will be posted Thursday. Until next time...

March Pals Blog Hop Line- Up:
Regina Mangum -- The Stampin' Bean
Mike Funke -- Stampin-Style
Martha Stewart --Seasons of Stamping
Anne Beale Yancey -- Mukibug
Liz Hughes -- DIY Paper Creations
Mary Fish -- Stampin' Pretty
Jason Casper -- Stampin' Dad
Melanie Collins -- Oops a Daisy
Kris Kilcoyne -- Kween Bee Kreations
Tricia Gillam -- Soul Stamper
Barbara Furlong --- The Love of Stamping
Gina Shaw -- Cards by Gina
Kim Lampone -- Stamp, scrap, get kreative
Debbie Pierce -- Stampin' Sunshine
Ann Schach -- The Stampin' Schach
Kalshelia Lloyd -- Stampin' Fabulousity
Lourdes Torres -- Cozy Crafty Corner
Carla Bazhenow -- Carla's Scraps


Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7
Stamp Set: Bella Toile (111598), Sinceres Salutations--French (116239), Three Little Words (113254); Inks: Chocolate Chip (100908), Basic Brown (104315), Bordering Blue (102265), Pale Plum (102732), Regal Rose (105211), Barely Banana (101170), Always Artichoke (105219); Designer Series Papers: Shades of Spring (117160---Occasions Mini); Card Stock: Bordering Blue textured (108696---Rich Regals assorted), Chocolate Chip textured (108697---Earth Elements assorted), Very Vanilla (101650); Tools: Blender Pens (102845), Paper Snips (103579), Big Shot (113439), Tulipe Bigz Die (113457), Modern Label Punch (116630), Photo Corners Punch (109042), Scallop Oval Punch (114889), Large Oval Punch (107305), Sponge Dauber (102892), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Tombow Adhesive (110755); Glitz and Glam: Pretties Kit (109114), Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter (102023)

Guest Stamper plus Future Blog Hop

Guest Stamper Donette Barry, of Castle Rock, Colorado, is at it again with this beautiful spring card using the Fifth Avenue Floral stamp set. The mix of colors just screams "Spring"! Donette, a member of my downline group, The Schach Pack, is more than willing to share her passion for stamping with you and your guests. All you need to do is book a workshop with her. In addition, Donette conducts classes and sponsors a Hostess Club. To access Donette's upcoming workshops or to email her, CLICK HERE.

Would you like to receive the SPA treatment and become a Schach Pack Artist? I am committed to helping each member of my downline meet his or her potential as an artist and Stampin' Up! demonstrator. As a member of the Schach Pack, I can take you through all aspects of cardmaking and stamping through exclusive technique sheets and tutorials which I am developing just for members of my downline. Let me help you reach your potential! And remember, you can use your discount to complete your Wish List! For more details about joining the Schach Pack, click on the link at the top of this post.

Another fun and fantastic Pals Blog Hop is heading your way! The Hop goes live, Tuesday, March 9 at 5:00AM CST! Join us as we focus on spring!

Here is the advanced line-up of talented Pals who will be participating:
Regina Mangum -- The Stampin' Bean
Mike Funke -- Stampin-Style
Martha Stewart --Seasons of Stamping
Anne Beale Yancey -- Mukibug
Liz Hughes -- DIY Paper Creations
Mary Fish -- Stampin' Pretty
Jason Casper -- Stampin' Dad
Melanie Collins -- Oops a Daisy
Kris Kilcoyne -- Kween Bee Kreations
Tricia Gillam -- Soul Stamper
Barbara Furlong --- The Love of Stamping
Gina Shaw -- Cards by Gina
Kim Lampone -- Stamp, scrap, get kreative
Debbie Pierce -- Stampin' Sunshine
Ann Schach -- The Stampin' Schach
Kalshelia Lloyd -- Stampin' Fabulousity
Lourdes Torres -- Cozy Crafty Corner
Carla Bazhenow -- Carla's Scraps

Be sure to mark your calendars and join in the fun on March 9! Until next time...





Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7

Spring for the PPA

I love Thursdays! It's always exciting to see what people create for the Pals Paper Arts challenge. This week we are sponsoring a theme challenge...Spring! With the crazy weather that we have been experiencing across the nation, I think that we could all use a dose of spring. And to me, nothing symbolizes spring more than flowers. So I reached for Stampin' Up!'s, Abundant Hope stamp set, and my trusty Paper Snips.

The Stampin' Schach Tips:

• Top off your card with the Top Note! With its classic styling, the Top Note die is the perfect complement to almost any design. And when zipped through the Big Shot with textured card stock, the look is understated yet elegant.


• Customize and coordinate! And what better way to accomplish this than by using Build-A-Brads and your favorite Designer Series Paper. Don't you just love how the "Dotted" Shades of Spring Paper looks with the matching brads?


• Frames for fun...dimensionals for depth! The Scallop Trim Border and Corner Punches make a yummy Chocolate Chip frame for the jonquils. Snipping out the flowers and placing them over the sides of the frame adds depth, especially when they are popped up on Stampin' Dimensionals.


• Repeat common themes for a card that looks pulled together! Rounded scallops, rounded corners, and rounded edges on the Top Note, plus dots, dots and more dots tie all of the details together.

I can hardly wait to see what you create this week for the PPA! Whether it is an image or a color that evokes a feeling of spring, I look forward to your card or project. As always, I appreciate the fact that you have taken the time out of your day to visit The Stampin' Schach. So please, leave me a comment to let me know that you were here. And remember, if you ever have a question about the cards that I create or the techniques that I use, never hesitate to email me. Until next time...

Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7

Stamp Set: Abundant Hope (W 117054, C 118547---Occasions Mini); Inks: Basic Brown (104315), Sahara Sand (105208), Summer Sun (100537), Always Artichoke (105219), Going Gray (103274); Designer Series Paper: Shades of Spring (117160---Occasions Mini); Card Stock: Chocolate Chip textured (108697---Earth Elements assorted), Summer Sun textured (108697---Earth Elements textured), Always artichoke textured (108696---Rich Regals assorted), Very Vanilla (101650), Chocolate Chip (102128); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Top Note Die (113463), Scallop Trim Corner Punch (118870), Scallop Trim Border Punch (118402), Paper Snips (103579), Build-A-Brad (109108---Antique Brass; 109128---Pewter), Blender Pens (102845), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

Sneak Peek and My Homemade Light Tent

Here is a peek at this week's Pals Paper Arts card, which will be revealed in it's entirety Thursday at 5:00 AM CST. It shouldn't be too difficult to determine what went into the making of this card! So join me Thursday and find out if the card is as you envisioned it!

Need a photo/light tent, but don't want to spend lots of money? Since several people have asked about how I take my photos, I will reveal the secret of my light tent. I made it! It was so easy...and inexpensive, too!

The Stampin' Schach Tips:

• Begin with 1/2" PVC pipe.
• Cut eight 16" pieces, using a hacksaw. (I acted helpless, so me husband actually cut it for me. But the rest I did all by myself!)
• Select four pieces to serve as legs and top each with a threaded connector.
• Screw the legs into three-way elbows, and slide the remaining pieces into the elbows to form the top square of the frame.
• Add a section of white poster paper.
• Cover with white fabric. I simply used a twin sized sheet. Of course, this can be cut to size, but I just left it whole. You never know when you might need a twin sized sheet! Note the chip clip holding the sheet in place. Neccessity is the mother of invention, you know!
• Two clip-on lamps are placed at the side.
• One swing arm clip-on lamp is used for the top lighting source.
• The light bulbs are GE Energy Smart Daylight 6500K (85394).

As you can probably tell, my light tent has a place of honor on my kitchen island. It was the only place that I could find to clamp the lamps on. Oh, well! My husband is a very patient man! I can also tell you that the man at the hardware store was very patient and helpful, too, when I explained what I wanted to build. He actually knew what the "do-hickies" were that I needed to connect all the pieces together!

Want to Shorten Your Wish List in a Hurry? Join the Schach Pack today! Just click on the link at the top of this post to see how being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator can benefit you! Enjoy the SPA treatment as you reach your potential as a Schach Pack Artist. I will be there every step of your journey! If you have been "on the fence", Sale-a-bration is the perfect time to join and take advantage of the $169 Starter Kit price!

Remember, if you have any questions about the light tent, or joining The Schach Pack, don't hesitate to email me. You know that I always enjoy chatting with you. Until next time...





Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7

Guest Stamper Donette Barry

Isn't this just too cute? Today's card is the creation of Donette Barry of Castle Rock, Colorado. As you might guess, Donette is a multiple winner of several challenges, including the Pals Paper Arts challenge. I feel like a proud mother, as Donette is a member of my downline group, The Schach Pack.

Donette's card features the adorable Stampin' Up! Sweet Pea Designer Series Paper, Beary Best Friends stamp set, and the Beautiful Wings Embosslits Die. The little dress and shoes are paper pieced, while rhinestones accent the flowers. And the inside is just as adorable as the outside! Donette is more than willing to share her passion for stamping with you and your guests. All you need to do is book a workshop with her. In addition, Donette conducts classes and sponsors a Hostess Club. To access Donette's upcoming workhops or to email her, CLICK HERE.

Would you like to receive the SPA treatment and become a Schach Pack Artist? I am committed to helping each member of my downline meet his or her potential as an artist and Stampin' Up! demonstrator. As a member of the Schach Pack, I can take you through all aspects of cardmaking and stamping through exclusive technique sheets and tutorials which I am developing just for members of my downline. Let me help you reach your potential! And remember, you can use your discount to complete your Wish List! For more details about joining the Schach Pack, click on the link at the top of this post.

Don't forget to leave a comment before you go! I know that Donette will be excited to read what you think about her card. And remember, if you ever have any questions about the cards that I make, techniques that I use, or Stampin' Up! products, don't hesitate to email me. Until next time...

Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7

Mommy and Me Tips at the Pony Party

I will be the first to admit that I know very little about girls...I am the mother of a boy! So it was with trepidation that I agreed to design a card for "Schach Pack" member Amy Ryan's "Mommy and Me" workshop this afternoon. First of all, I wasn't quite certain what little girls in first through fourth grades would like or what they would be able to do. After all, I teach the "big kids". However, I was delighted with what a big hit my Pony Party card was! At first, I was not going to post this card to my blog, but then I decided that maybe we could all benefit from what I learned from helping Amy at her workshop this afternoon. Let's par-teh with the ponies!

The Stampin' Schach Tips:

• Take a tip from the Boy Scouts and be prepared! Before the workshop I stamped the Pony onto Whisper White card stock using Basic Black ink and matted it onto Melon Mambo. Since I didn't want to lose any little fingers, I also pre-cut the Bermuda Bay and Whisper White panels.


• Kids of all ages love the Big Shot! Although I presented the option of not embossing the Whisper White horizontal layer, and instead stamping the little flowers and hearts and stars and rainbows that came with the Pony Party set, little girls know what's classy at an early age! Every single one of them opted for Stampin' Up!'s Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder! Is this not cool?


• Blender Pen protocol! Stampin' Up!'s Watercolor Pencils are a big hit when coupled with Blender Pens! And it is never too early to train little stampers in the basics of Blender Pen use and care. We learned how to clean them and how to remember to keep them capped when not in use!


• Adhesives 101! We learned how to hold the SNAIL Adhesive at the proper angle and how to use Mini Glue Dots to adhere butterflies so you can raise their wings.


• Sandwiches are not just for eating! Every single stamper today embossed their own Perfect Polka Dots and Beautiful Wings Embosslits. Not a single one forgot the proper "sandwich"!


• Embrace originality and creativity! In shades of pink, purple, brown, and blue...there were ponies colored in every hue! Butterflies swarmed in various areas of the card, and not every pony was positioned like the sample. After all, isn't a large part of the fun of card making, being able to put your own "stamp" on the card!

In addition, hostess Amy Ryan designed a birthday card for the young ladies to make using Stampin' Up!'s Big Bold Cupcake Sizzlits. Yep...there's no doubt about it...stampers of all ages love the Big Shot! By the end of the afternoon, ponies and cupcakes decorated the room and Butter Brickle Bars were quickly snarfed up. After all, stamping does work up one's appetite! And what did the mommies end up doing, you ask? They were in charge of the Scallop Trim Border Punch...and more than one colored their own Pretty Pony!

Amy is just one of my downline members who is doing what they love and sharing it with others. For more information on how you can become a member of my downline group, The Schach Pack, just click on "Join the Schach Pack", located at the top of today's post. I would love to mentor you as you begin your Stampin' Up! journey. As newest member Leslie Stone has stated, "From the moment that I decided to sign up as a demonstrator, Ann took the time to walk me through the process and helped me make decisions about what items to purchase that would help me hold my very first workshop. She is always more than willing to help me when I have questions about products and techniques. To me, this is what mentoring is about."

Join me next time, when I will welcome talented Schach Pack Artist, Donette Barry as my Guest Stamper. Donette's cards are simply stunning! I guarantee that you will be in for a treat. In the meantime, if you have any questions about today's "Mommy and Me" card or the techniques that I use, don't hesitate to email me. Until next time...

Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7
Stamp Set: Pony Party (115217); Inks: Basic Black (101179); Card Stock: Whisper White (100730), Melon Mambo (115320), Bermuda Bay (115317); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder (117335---Occasions Mini), Stampin' Up! Beautiful Wings Embosslits (118138---Occasions Mini), Stampin' Up! Watercolor Pencils (101879), Blender Pens (102845), Scallop Trim Border Punch (118402), SNAIL Adhesive (104332), Mini Glue Dots (103683)

Distressed Bird for the PPA

For today's Pals Paper Arts Challenge, based on an inspiration photo, I decided to just stay with the general idea of "Birds". Sure...I thought about doing something fancy, like gold embossed birds. I thought about using one of my two stamps that have birds in cages (Chic Boutique and the Sale-a-bration set, Happy Moments). I even thought about using my Extra Large Two Step Bird Punch. However, in the end I selected a Hostess Level 2 Set which I have used very little, Wings of Friendship. After a Clean and Simple trend for the past few cards, I decided that I wanted to get a little "distressed" with today's inspiration. So I pulled out my Sponge Daubers and Color Spritzer Tool, and set to work on my inspiration card, entitled "Distressed Bird for the PPA". Have fun with today's challenge!



The Stampin' Schach Tips:

• Larger stamped images require larger card bases! Since the central image on this card is rather large, I elected to use a 5-1/4" square card base. At this size, it slips easily into Stampin' Up!'s square envelopes!


• Little details add up for big impact! The paper piercing around the Night of Navy Scalloped Oval; the Jumbo Grommet through which the ribbon is laced; the textured Photo Corners created with the Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder all contribute to the design elements of this card. Yet, they are created in the wink of an eye!


• Think outside of the box! The Scalloped Trim Corner Punched pattern paper, peeking from underneath the Large Photo Corner adds a touch of whimsey. While the tiny Regal Rose flowers stamped with the Eastern Blooms set and then snipped out with Paper Snips, add a pop of color to the Always Artichoke branch.


• Get dirty! Sponge Daubers, Close to Cocoa and Chocolate Chip inks are all it takes to add a vintage and distressed feel to any card. And never overlook the impact of the easy to use Color Spritzer Tool. For this card I used a Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write Marker, and spritzed the Bella Bleu Designer Series Paper as well as the Very Vanilla card stock.


• Bitty Bows! Linen Thread bows are used to hold the ends of the Always Artichoke 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon together.

I once had someone tell me that they could never create a card like this. Well, guess what...it's not hard! Time consuming, yes. Difficult, no! And as far as the time is concerned, the bulk of my time is spent coming up with the initial design. Once that's in place, the rest is easy! And if you have never tried a more distressed look, go for it! Just grab your Sponge Daubers and Color Spritzer!

So, let me know what you think about today's card by leaving a comment. And remember, if you ever have any questions about the cards that I create or the techniques that I use, I am only an email away! Now head on over to the Pals Paper Arts site and check out the other wonderful cards. Until next time...

Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7
Stamp Sets: Wings of Friendship (114308---Hostess Level 2), Eastern Blooms (111626); Inks: Close to Cocoa (103139), Chocolate Chip (100908); Stampin' Write Markers: Close to Cocoa (100072), Regal Rose (105108), Always Artichoke (105116), Night of Navy (100069); Designer Series Paper: Bella Bleu (113974); Card Stock: Kraft (102125), Night of Navy (100867), Very Vanilla (101650); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Stampin' Up! Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder (117335), Large Oval Punch (107305), Scallop Oval Punch (114889), Scallop Trim Border Punch (118402), Scallop Trim Corner Punch (118870), Photo Corners Punch (109042), Corner Rounder (109047), Paper Snips (103579), Color Spritzer Tool (107066), Sponge Daubers (102892), Paper Piercer (); Glitz and Glam: Rich Regals Brads (106953), Antique Brass Jumbo Grommets (108431), Linen Thread (104199), Always Artichoke 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon (109035)

PPA Sneak Peek and Schach Pack Welcome

Here is your sneak peek at this week's Pals Paper Arts challenge card. Do you recognize any of the design elements? Stay tuned for the complete reveal on Thursday at 5:00 AM CST and see if any of your guesses are correct!

As many of you know, Sale-a-bration is the perfect time to become a Stampin' Up! demonstrator! What better time is there to complete your wish list? That is exactly why Leslie Stone of Washington, IL decided to become the newest member of my downline group, The Schach Pack! Leslie customized her Starter Kit to fit her tastes and needs through a phone consultation with me. Plus she purchased the Stampin' Memories Add-on, too. She has already scheduled her first workshop, and plans to take full advantage of receiving 30% off her first qualifying order of $150. What's on her wish list? The Tabletop Paper Cutter, Stampin' Write Markers, and tons of Designer Series Papers! Although I hate to lose Leslie as a customer, I look forward to being her mentor.

And making her mark on the challenge scene is Schach Pack member, Donette Barry! Donette, of Castle Rock, Colorado is a multiple challenge winner, including selections as a Pals Artist Pick and Splitcoast Clean and Simple Favorite, to name a few. Her SCS name is dbarry, in case you would like to check out her wonderful gallery. I will be featuring Donette's work on The Stampin' Schach in the near future. If you are in the Castle Rock area, Donette is available for workshops and stamp camps.

As a member of the Schach Pack, you can experience the SPA treatment! I will help you become a Schach Pack Artist! Let me use my award-winning teaching expertise to help you improve your stamping skills and improve your craft. I will personally help every member of The Schach Pack become the stamper and cardmaker he or she wants to be. Exclusive technique sheets, tip sheets and tutorials are being prepared just for this purpose. Plus, you will have access to an exclusive blog where we will share ideas, personal successes and friendship. Please CLICK HERE to read more about the Starter Kit special. And if you have any questions about joining the Schach Pack and the services that I offer my downline, please EMAIL ME. I will gladly help you customize your own Starter Kit.

It's midterm time, so my days this week are filled with tests and my evenings with parent-teacher conferences and paper-grading. Where is my stamping time? Arghhhh!

As I leave you today, won't you please help me earn the Number One or Number Two Badge? How you ask? Simply Click here to order Stampin' Up! 24/7! I am always willing to help you select the right product or guide you in its usage. Until next time...

We Have a Winner

Since today is the day in which I will reveal the "lucky" winner of the Stampin' Schach blog candy, it is only fitting that I share with you this card, which features my favorite Textured Impressions Folder, "Perfect Polka Dots", a Stampin' Up! exclusive available from the Occasions Mini. The Go Green stamp set provides the perfect sentiment, while the Small Heart Punch creates a four-leaf-clover in the wink of an Irish eye! In a matter of minutes, you can create this clean and simple, KISSable card!

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:

• White space doesn't have to be boring! Jazz it up with Mr. Big Shot and a Textured Impressions Folder. My folder du jour is Stampin' Up!s Perfect Polka Dots. Clean, classy and sassy!
• Who says hearts are only for Valentine's Day? Not St. Patrick! Four Handsome Hunter hearts can be assembled to make a lucky clover in seconds. More of a shamrock person? Use three hearts instead. A 1/2" Circle makes the perfect base on which to adhere the points of the hearts.
• Need a stem in a hurry? Put those Paper Snips to work, and snip a scrap of Handsome Hunter. How easy is that!
• Do the "Bling Thing"! A Clear Rhinestone Brad adds sparkle, while a snippet of Basic Black 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon adds whimsy and balance to the layout!

And the nice thing about this card...it truly can be made in a matter of minutes! And now, drum roll please...the winner of the Stampin' Schach blog candy is:

jimlynn

I would like to thank all of you for the wonderful comments that you have left on my recent posts. Your support and advice were taken to heart. I also appreciate the emails that several of you have sent, asking how I am doing. Each day gets better, as we all knew it would. Time heals. I know that one day we will add a new member to our family, as none of us can imagine our life without a four-legged friend in it. And when we begin the search for another Boxer baby, I will share that journey with you. Missy would want that...

Did you know that you can earn Stampin' Up! Sale-a-bration gifts on-line? Choose from over 80 free items with every $50 you spend. It's so easy! Just CLICK HERE to visit my on-line Stampin' Up! store! Or are you ready to take the plunge and become a Stampin' Up! demonstrator? You can become a member of the Schach Pack by taking advantage of Stampin' Up!s current Starter Kit special. Not only will you receive all of the perks of being a demonstrator (including being able to purchase sneak peek items), you will also have access to a private blog. For more details CLICK HERE. Hobby or career? You are welcome!

Time to get stampin'! This afternoon I will be working on my next Pals Paper Arts challenge card. Stay tuned early next week for a sneak peek! In the meantime, there is still time to participate in this week's KISS challenge. Check out the Pals Paper Arts Gallery for inspiration. So, before you go, let me know what you think about today's St. Paddy's card by leaving me a comment. And remember, if you ever have a question about the cards that I make, or the products that I use, please email me. Until next time...

Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7

Stamp Set: Go Green (117074); Ink: Handsome Hunter (105215); Paper: Handsome Hunter (105122), Whisper White (100730), Basic Black (102851); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Stampin' Up! Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder (117335), Small Heart Punch (117193---Occasions Mini), 1/2" Circle Punch (104390); Glitz and Glam: Clear Rhinestone Brad (113144), Basic Black 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon (109027)

KISSable Kat for the PPA

Happy Thursday! It's time to play at PPA! This week's challenge is to make a "KISS" card. KISS is an acronym for Keep It Simple Sweetie. These types of cards feature white space, minimal layers, and fewer embellishments. I typically am not a clean and simple person, so this really was a challenge for me. It features the "C is for Cat" stamp set, which I earned through Sale-a-bration, and the delicious Basic Black 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon. In case you are wondering about the significance of the Heart Epoxy Brad, this upcoming Saturday just happens to be National Love Your Pet Day. Now while there are those KISS purists who might argue that this is not KISSable because it has layers and embellishments, it is KISSable to me. My argument is that it does have a lot of white space, or in this case, Very Vanilla space! If it is KISSable to you, it is KISSable to the Pals Paper Arts Design Team! So please, do not hesitate to play along with us!

The Stampin' Schach Tips:

• When designing a KISS card, texture creates an obvious "Wow" factor. I just love the Stampin' Up! exclusive Textured Impressions Folder, Perfect Polka Dots. It's subdued dots do not overpower your design, but instead deliver an understated elegance.


• Good things come in small packages! The Swirls Scribbles Sizzlits Die packs a visual punch that is hard to overlook.


• Never underestimate the power of three! With this card, three colors (Real Red, Basic Black, Very Vanilla) are the perfect number. I have had several people email and ask how I know which color to use as an accent color. There are formulas that you can follow, but my best advice is to use what you think looks best. I happen to be an advocate of a coordinated look. Often my accent color will be the same as my card base, or in some situations I will look at a specific embellishment for guidance. (I knew that I wanted to use the Heart Epoxy Brad since this card was designed for National Love Your Pet Day. Therefore, I let the Real Red of the heart be my inspiration color for this card.)


• Can you bling a KISS card? Of course! The red rhinestone, retrieved from a Red Circle Fire Brad, provides just the right accent for my KISSable Kat's collar.

I hope that today's tips and card have provided you with the inspiration to participate in this week's PPA challenge. There is no one correct way to create a KISS card, so go for it! I love checking out your creations! And remember, leave your comment by 10:00 PM CST tonight to be eligible for my delicious Blog Candy. CLICK HERE to view the wonderful items I am giving away. I am so excited to be selecting the random winner and announcing the name on The Stampin' Schach Saturday! Until next time...

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Stamp Set: C is for Cat (120210---Sale-a-bration or 115764---IBC); Ink: Basic Black (101179); Card Stock: Very Vanilla (100730), Real Red (102482), Basic Black (102851); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Stampin' Up! Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder (117335---Ocassions Mini), Swirls Scribbles Sizzlits Die (113441), Scalloped Trim Corner Punch (118870---Occasions Mini), Scalloped Trim Border Punch (118402---Sale-a-bration); Glitz and Glam: Basic Black 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (115615), Circle Fire Brads (109110), Real Red Epoxy Brads (117270---Occasions Mini)