Reading Can Be Hazardous

If you want to know why reading can be hazardous to your health, the answer is at the end of this post. But first...there is still time to participate in the first Pals Paper Arts color challenge. Incorporating two of my favorite In-Colors (Bermuda Bay and Melon Mambo) with a touch of Chocolate Chip for added flavor, this week's challenge is a treat to create. Mr. Linky will not close until Noon (CST) on Tuesday, with the Pals Picks being released on Wednesday. Of course, new challenges will always be announced at 5:oo am (CST) on Thursdays. Rumor has it that our second challenge will be a ...Oops! You will just have to wait a few more days to find out!


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For All You Do stamp set

• All six In-Color Classic Stampin’ Pads (Bahama Bay, Crushed Curry, Dusty Durango, Melon Mambo, Rich Razzleberry, Soft Suede)


• Whisper White Card Stock (8-1/2” x 11”)


• In-Color Assorted Card Stock (8-1/2” x 11”)


• Business Tools including (8) 2009-2010 Idea Book and Catalogs, 8 Holiday Mini catalogs, 50 Customer forms, Getting Started DVD and more!
  

And if this is not enough, the Standard Starter Kit is available for $199…with incentives including all 6 In-Color Stamp Pads plus a package of 8-1/2” x 11” Assorted In-Color Card Stock…a $43.65 value! The Standard Starter Kit contains:

• Four Stamp Sets: Fun & Fast Notes, On a Pedestal, Eastern Blooms, Fundamental Phrases, Teeny Tiny Wishes, plus Elegant Thank You (Note: You can substitute for sets of your choice up to the value of the substituted set)


• Stampin’ Around Wheel: Fast Flowers (or standard wheel of your choice)


• Stampin’ Around Wheel Handle


• Stampin’ Around Ink Cartridge in Pixie Pink (or color of your choice)


• Stampin’ Pastels


• Blender Pens


• VersaMark Ink


• 5 Classic Stampin’ Pads (Basic Black, Real Red, Brilliant Blue, Green Galore, Pixie Pink or five colors of your choice)


• Stampin’ Scrub and Stampin’ Mist


• 2 packages of Bold Brights 8-1/2” x 11” Card Stock, or color family of your choice


• Whisper White Card Stock or color of your choice (up to $7.50)


• SNAIL Adhesive


• Décor Elements Medium Chocolate Eastern Blooms and Décor Elements Applicator


• 8 Catalogs, plus forms and business tools

All of this, plus the incentives, is only $199, plus tax…SHIPPING IS INCLUDED!

You might be thinking, “I would love the products, but I really do not want to do workshops.” There is no obligation to hold workshops and no penalty for dropping your demonstrator status. However, to keep your demonstrator benefits and discounts, you will need to reach a $300 quarterly minimum. This can be achieved either through workshops or personal purchases. If you join my group, I will be there every step of the way to coach you and answer your questions. The first TEN people to contact me for the necessary password to order your Starter Kit will receive a free, retired unmounted SAB stamp set from my “collection” AND if you are among the first FIVE to join my group, I will provide you with a free set of In-Color Markers, too! Email me if you have questions about becoming a Stampin' Up! demonstrator. I would love to talk with you about this opportunity!


And now for the story you have been waiting for! I am sorry that I have no card to post today! I always feel guilty when I don't make a card. But I do have a reasonable excuse...I have some "rib" issues! In a freak accident, I fractured a rib while reading in bed! I never knew that reading could be hazardous to your health. I was spending a few leisurely minutes reading before retiring the other evening. Of course, after a busy day of stamping, I was exhausted...so exhausted that I fell asleep with my book. Everything was fine until my husband was getting ready to leave for work the following morning. As is the routine, I rolled over to bid him goodby and rolled right onto the corner of the book, which jabbed me in the ribs. I suffered through the day before I admitted to myself that there really was something wrong. (You know how we women are!) I had a pretty good idea of what the problem was when it hurt to laugh, move, and breathe. This will be a story I'm sure will be passed down to future generations in our family! What a klutz! Until next time...

Give Me the Farm Life

For this week's Splitcoast Sketch Challenge, I selected the barn image from the Farm Life set. I had been looking for just the right sketch to showcase this stamp, and I think this one fits it perfectly. Since I envisioned a rustic look, I used Stampin' Up!s new Texture Cuts Wood Sheets, and inked the edges for a more distressed look. Enjoy this peek at "Farm Life".

• Prepare a standard card base from Creamy Caramel. Round the lower corners with a Corner Rounder and ink the edges using a Sponge Dauber and Soft Suede ink. Layer with the "Always Artichoke Vine" pattern from Autumn Days Designer Series Paper.
• Cut two 1-1/8" x 3-1/8" strips from the "Wheat" pattern from Autumn Days Designer Series Paper. These will form the vertical mats. Ink the edges using the Sponge Dauber and Soft Suede ink. Mat onto Texture Cuts Wood Sheets, once again inking the edges.
• Add four Antique Brass Vintage Brads in the corners of each matted strip. These vertical mats are now ready to adhere to the card base as pictured.
• Ink the "Barn" image from Farm Life with Basic Brown ink and stamp onto Stampin' Up!s Watercolor Paper. Color with Blender Pens and the following inks: Bordering Blue (sky); Always Artichoke, Old Olive, Mellow Moss (trees, grass, hay bales); Creamy Caramel (silo, hay bales); Close to Cocoa (silo shading); Basic Grey (barn roof, windows, silo roof, barn shading); Real Red (barn)
• Crop to 3-3/8" x 2-1/8", ink the edges with Soft Suede, and mat onto Always Artichoke with Stampin' Dimensionals. Add snippets of Linen Thread to the corners, and adhere to the card base.

I hope that you enjoyed today's card, and my "new look". Michelle Laycock, of Laycock Designs is the creative mastermind responsible for my re-design. Michelle does fabulous work! I can still hardly believe this is my blog! Your emails and comments are important to me. Please leave me a comment, or use my new "Email" button, and let me know what you think! Of course, I am always here to answer any questions that you may have! Until next time...

Order Your Stampin' Up! Supplies Now!

Stamp Set: Farm Life (114411)
Designer Series Paper: Autumn Traditions (115668), Texture Cuts Wood Sheets (116309)
Card Stock: Watercolor Paper (105019), Creamy Caramel (102514), Always Artichoke (105119)
Inks: Soft Suede (115657), Basic Brown (104315), Bordering Blue (102265), Always Artichoke (105219), Old Olive (102277), Mellow Moss (102774), Creamy Caramel (103220), Close to Cocoa (103139), Basic Gray (109120), Real Red (103133)
Tools: Corner Rounder (109047), Sponge Dauber (102892)
Embellishments: Vintage Brads (109109), Linen Thread (104199)
Other: Blender Pens (102845), Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430)

Pals Challenge Presented On a Pedestal

Hooray! It's time to "Play at PPA"! You have been waiting patiently this past week for the unveiling of this exciting, new challenge blog, and here it is: Pals Paper Arts! As a member of the Design Team, I am thrilled to present to you my first inspiration card. Although the Design Team will be using exclusively Stampin’ Up! products, we encourage EVERYONE to play along with us. So get out those stamps, dust off those inks, and select those papers! This week's inaugural challenge is a Color Challenge...Bermuda Bay, Melon Mambo, and Chocolate Chip!

If you do not have these exact colors, just substitute! Our goal is that you have fun. And who knows? You may end up as one of the PPA’s “Picks of the Week”. But before you head out to create your own challenge card, please have a quick piece of cake. It has everything in it except the calories…paper piecing, embossing, beading, Crystal Effects, and bling!

• Prepare a 5-1/2” x 5-1/2” card base from textured Whisper White card stock.
• Use the Eyelet Border Punch on a Bermuda Bay selection from the Thoroughly Modern Designer Series Paper collection. Layer this onto the card base.
• Zip a piece of Whisper White card stock through the Big Shot along with the Stampin’ Up! Finial Press Textured Impressions Embossing Folder. Cut a 1/3/8” x 5-1/4” strip of this embossed paper and mat onto a selection of Melon Mambo Patterns Designer Series Paper, followed by Bermuda Bay and Chocolate Chip card stocks. Adhere to the card base as shown.
• Take a second 2-3/8” x 3-5/8” section of embossed paper and mat onto Bermuda Bay followed by Chocolate Chip. This will serve as the image mat.
• Ink the “Pedestal” image from On a Pedestal with Chocolate Chip ink and stamp onto Whisper White. (All stamps used to make this card are from the On a Pedestal set.)
• Ink the larger “Cake” stamp with Chocolate Chip and stamp it onto the pedestal, using the Stamp-a-ma-jig for perfect placement. Snip out the cake and pedestal using Paper Snips. For pizazz, I paper pieced the top of the pedestal using a selection from Melon Mambo Patterns Designer Series Paper. (Tip: I actually followed the diamond pattern of the paper to add interest.) I also beaded the base of the pedestal using Micro Beads and Tombow Adhesive.
• Ink just the “Icing” section of the smaller Cake with Icing stamp with Melon Mambo. Cut out using Paper Snips and attach to the top of the cake. I actually shaped the icing using Paper Snips to make it fit the top of the cake better. (Tip: Because I wanted my frosting to look like fondant, I coated it with Crystal Effects clear craft lacquer.)
• Ink just the word “Sweet” from the “Amazing-Thoughtful-Sweet” sentiment using the Bermuda Bay Stampin’ Write Marker and stamp onto Whisper White. Punch out using the Large Oval Punch, and mat onto a textured Chocolate Chip scallop, which has been punched with the Scallop Oval Punch. Position and adhere to the card as illustrated.
• As a final touch, punch flowers from Bermuda Bay and Melon Mambo Patterns Designer Series Papers and adhere to the cake and the pedestal. (Tip: For even more bling, add Clear Circle Rhinestone Brads for the centers of random flowers. )

Strangely enough, as I was creating this card, I developed a craving for chocolate cake! Isn’t funny how the mind works? Although it wasn’t cake, I did bake chocolate chip cookies after I was finished…much to the delight of my son.

I am so happy that you stopped by today. As always, I look forward to your comments and emails. And remember, if you ever have any questions about the cards I create, please do not hesitate to Email Me! And after leaving your comment, remember to hop on over to the Pals Paper Arts blog and check out the other talented member of the Design Team and their inspiration cards! Until next time...


Click Here to Order Your Stampin' Up! Supplies Now!
Stamp Set: On a Pedestal (113814)
Designer Series Paper: Thoroughly Modern (115673), Melon Mambo Pattern Papers (115687), Bermuda Bay Pattern Papers (115684)
Card Stock: Whisper White textured (108693---Neutrals Assorted), Chocolate Chip textured (108697---Earth Elements Assorted), Whisper White (100730), Bermuda Bay (115317), Chocolate Chip (102128)
Ink: Chocolate Chip (100908), In-Color Stampin’ Write Markers (116329)
Tools: Trio Flower Punch (109183), Scallop Oval Punch (114889), Large Oval Punch (107305), Eyelet Border Punch (113692), Paper Snips (103579), Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049), Big Shot (113439), Stampin' Up! Finial Press Embossing Folder (115963)
Embellishments: Clear Rhinestone Circle Brads (113144), Micro Beads (104266)
Other: Tombow Adhesive (110755), Crystal Effects (101055), Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430), SNAIL Adhesive (104332)

testing the siggy

The Thirty-Minute Challenge Card

With the launching of the new PPA challenge blog in less than two days, I decided to get in a little challenge practice of my own! My challenge was to use a stamp set I had not used, use the first Designer Series Paper and card stock in my stacks, and complete the card in thirty minutes! The thirty minute time limit was what concerned me the most. Sometimes I obsess over a card... re-stamping, re-coloring, removing embellishments, adding embellishments. Well, that would not happen in this case. Time would not allow it. So I selected the Country Morning Hostess Level I Set and opened up the drawer where I keep my Designer Series Papers. Luckily for me, Thoroughly Modern was on the top of the pile. Thank goodness it wasn't Halloween or Christmas paper...That would have been a stretch! I then went to my card stock supply, and Bordering Blue was on top. After a quick check of the clock, it was off to the races! Here is the recipe for the "Thirty Minute Card":

• Prepare a standard card base from Bordering Blue.


• Layer with a selection from Thoroughly Modern Designer Series Paper.


• Using the Eyelet Border Punch, punch a horizontal strip from a second selection from Thoroughly Modern. Adhere to the card base.


• Add a snippet of Soft Suede Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, placing it solid side out, at the interface of the two pattern papers.


• Ink the "Crocks and Flowers" image from Country Morning with Basic Gray and stamp onto Very Vanilla card stock. Mat with Chocolate Chip followed by Bordering Blue. (Sorry...I cheated by adding Chocolate Chip card stock. But, every challenge is open to a little interpretation!)


• Color the image using Blender Pens and the following inks: Creamy Caramel, Sahara Sand, Perfect Plum. Crushed Curry, Bordering Blue, and Close to Cocoa. Adhere this mat to the card base.


• Ink the "Hope You Feel Better Soon" sentiment from Kind and Caring Thoughts Hostess Level 3 set with Chocolate Chip and stamp onto Very Vanilla. Punch out using the Large Oval Punch and mat onto a Bordering Blue Scallop Oval using Stampin' Dimensionals. Adhere to the card base as illustrated.


• As a finishing touch, add a Styled Vanilla Brad in the upper right hand corner.

This card actually took right at thirty minutes! I did not stop to contemplate the colors on the image. Normally, I would have stamped the image on scrap paper first, and then experimented with the colors. In this situation, I knew I needed to work with browns and blues. From previous experience, I knew that the Creamy Caramel and Close to Cocoa look great with the Thoroughly Modern paper so I selected them first. I also love the blue-grey hue of the Bordering Blue, so it is one of my "go-to" colors for flowers.

I actually had a ton of fun creating this card...and that is exactly what a challenge should be...FUN! That is why I and my fellow design team members are so excited about our new challenge blog. We know that it is going to be fun for all! Join me right here at 5:00 AM Central time for the official unveiling of the PPA challenge blog. Soon you will be saying "I Love to Play @PPA!"

Why not try my little challenge on your own? It may be interesting to see what paper combinations you come up with! As always, your comments and emails are very important to me. Please stop and leave a comment, even if it only to say "Hi!" And remember, you can always email me with your questions. Until next time...

Click Here to Order Your Stampin' Up Now!

Chic Mojo Birdcage

As you can see, I was a little slow in getting my mojo going for this Mojo Monday Week 97 sketch! However, "slow mojo is better than no mojo"! Sometimes when dealing with a circle element, such as in this sketch, you have to be careful when selecting what stamp to use. The "Bird Cage" from Chic Boutique works perfectly in this case. Since I love to color the Chic Boutique stamps with Rich Razzleberry, a logical selection for the designer paper was one of my new favorites, Cottage Wall.

• Prepare a standard card base from Old Olive and score at the top. Use the Paper Rounder to round the two bottom corners.


• Layer with two selections of Designer Series Paper. I used Cottage Wall for the upper layer, and a pattern from Rich Razzleberry Designer Series Paper on the bottom. Once again, round the two bottom corners. (Tip: When using contrasting patterns, it's usually safe to pair a larger, bolder pattern with one which is smaller.)


• Add a snippet of Whisper White Satin Ribbon to hide the interface of the two papers.


• Ink the Bird Cage image from Chic Boutique with Basic Black and stamp onto Whisper White. Color using Blender Pens and the following inks: Creamy Caramel (bird); Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry and Bordering Blue (cage). Set the Circle Scissors Plus to cut a 2-3/4" circle, and cut out the birdcage. Mat this onto a 3" Old Olive circle, also cut with the Circle Scissors Plus. (Tip: If you have never used the Circle Scissors Plus, you are in for a real treat. You can easily cut any size circle from 1" to 6". Plus, I just love the Glass Mat!)


• Ink the Flourish stamp from Chic Boutique with Basic Black and stamp onto Whisper White. Color using Blender Pens and Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive and Sahara Sand inks. Mat onto Old Olive card stock and snip out with Paper Snips.


• Ink the "Merci" stamp from Chic Boutique with Rich Razzleberry, and stamp into the middle of the flourish. (Tip: With the Stamp-a-ma-jig, it's perfect placement every time!)


• Punch a corner from the Rich Razzleberry Designer Series Paper using the Photo Corners Punch. Adhere to the upper left hand corner.


• Position and adhere two buttons from the Button Latte Collection as illustrated in the photograph. (Tip: For a more polished look, thread a snippet of card stock in a coordinating color through the button holes.)


• For a playful touch, add a small button from Button Latte to the top of the birdcage!

I love every stamp in the Chic Boutique set. It was an excellent investment for me, as I have already used it several times. And can you believe it...I am going to have to order more Cottage Wall!

Are you counting down the days until it's "Time to Play at PPA"? The launch date is quickly approaching for this unique new challenge site. What makes it unique, you ask? Although participants can use ANY brand of stamp set, embellishments, and papers, the design team for this challenge blog will be using only Stampin' Up! products! Join me right here at The Stampin' Schach on Thursday, July 30th at 5:00 AM Central time when I will make a link to this new site available to you! Meet the Design Team, view their inspiration cards, and jump into the first challenge!

Once again, I have enjoyed sharing my card with you! And, whether you have a question about a technique that I have used, or whether you just want to say "Hi!" don't hesitate to leave me a comment or send an email. Your comments are very important to me. Until next time...

Click Here to Order Your Stampin' Up! Now
Stamp Set: Chic Boutique (113744)
Designer Series Paper: Cottage Wall (115671), Rich Razzleberry (115685)
Card Stock: Whisper White (100730), Old Olive (100702)
Ink: Rich Razzleberry (115658), Basic Black (101179), Old Olive (102277), Creamy Caramel (103220), Sahara Sand (105208), Bordering Blue (102265)
Tools: Circle Scissors Plus (112530), Glass Mat (112531), Corner Rounder (109047), Blender Pens (102845), Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049)
Embellishments: 5/8” Whisper White Satin Ribbon (114616), Button Latte Designer Buttons (114333)

So Thankful for Falling Leaves

I think that as we create cards, it's important to experiment and extend ourselves beyond our comfort zone. And that is exactly what I did with this particular card. I typically like a "cleaner" card, but I also wanted to create something which looked a little more distressed...a little "earthier". I love the Falling Leaves stamp set, and I know that it was a good investment for me since I will use it often. Of course I have never met a Designer Paper that I didn't love, and Autumn Traditions is no different. So even if I was "distressed" with distressing this card, I know that it is one that I will definitely give away!

• Prepare a standard card base from More Mustard card stock and score at the top. Layer the two lower corners with the Corner Rounder.


• Layer with the "Fall Stripes" selection from Autumn Traditions Designer Series Paper. Round the two lower corners with the Corner Rounder.


• Select three "Leaf" stamps from Falling Leaves and ink with Crushed Curry, Dusty Durango, and Old Olive and stamp onto Very Vanilla. Punch out with the 1-1/4" Square Punch, and punch the lower right-hand corner with the Tag Punch. Distress the edges with Soft Suede ink and mount with Stampin' Dimensionals onto 1-3/8" Squares which have been punched from the new Texture Cuts Wood Sheets. Add an Always Artichoke Brad in the lower right-hand corner.


• Cut a strip of "Soft Suede Dots" from the Autumn Traditions collection. Mat onto More Mustard card stock. Punch a Scallop Edge Border from the Soft Suede Dots and adhere to the bottom of this horizontal strip.


• Add a snippet of Kraft Ribbon, layered with 1/4" Always Artichoke Grosgrain Ribbon.


• Adhere the Leaf mats as illustrated in the photograph, and position and attach the horizontal mat to the card base.


• Ink the "So Thankful" curvy sentiment from Falling Leaves with Soft Suede and stamp onto Very Vanilla. Use the Tag Punch on one end and tear the other end to add texture. Distress the edges with Soft Suede ink.


• As a finishing touch, add a snippet of Linen Thread and pop onto the card base using Stampin' Dimensionals.

This card is rich in texture and details! We have brads, two types of ribbons, linen thread, wood cuts and four different types of punches...as well as inking of the edges and a small sample of paper tearing. Sometimes I just get started and I can't stop! How many times has that happened to you? I really need to try something clean and simple for a change!

If you like to stretch those "creative muscles" of yours like I do, challenges are an excellent source of inspiration. As I have alluded to in earlier posts, there is a new "challenge" coming to town! Soon you will be saying "I love to play @ PPA!" The official unveiling of this new challenge blog will occur at 5:00 AM CST on Thursday, July 30th. Meet the design team, view their inspiration cards, and join in the fun! Just visit the Stampin' Schach blog on July 30th, and the link will be ready and waiting for you! I am excited and thrilled to be a part of this new venture, and I am personally inviting you to play along with me!


I would like to give a special shout out to Jean at Rogue Thoughts. First of all, Jean alerted me to the fact that I had accidentally removed the Snowman Trio post from the Stampin' Schach blog, and for this I am truly thankful! Plus, as an added surprise, Jean mentioned my "Through the Garden Gate" card on her blog. Once again, many thanks! As always, I love to hear from you, whether its your thoughts about a card, questions about a technique or product, or just to say "Hi!" Please feel free to leave me a comment, or an Email. Until next time...


Order Your Stampin' Up! Supplies Now!

Stamp Set: Falling Leaves (115368)
Inks: Soft Suede (115657), Crushed Curry (115659), Dusty Durango (115654), Old Olive (102277)
Designer Series Paper: Autumn Traditions (115668)
Card Stock: More Mustard (100946), Very Vanilla (101650)
Tools: 1 -1/4” Square Punch (104400), 1-3/8” Square Punch (103375), Scallop Border Punch (112091), Tag Punch (107215)
Embellishments: Kraft Taffeta Ribbon (109068), Always Artichoke ¼” Grosgrain Ribbon (109035), Linen Thread (104199), Rich Regal Brads (106953)
Other: Texture Cuts Wood Sheets (116309), Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430)

Gingko

The one reason why I wanted the Kind and Caring Thoughts Hostess Level 3 set was because of this particular stamp. As a child growing up, there was a gingko tree in my backyard. It was an unusual tree for the area, and it remains a mystery to this day as to how it ended up on this particular farm. Upon seeing this set, it evoked memories of my childhood. It was in honor of this little tree that I inked up this set and created this card, using paper from both the Autumn Traditions and Thoroughly Modern Designer Series Papers. It is just a plain and simple card, allowing the gingko leaves to be the focal point.

• Prepare a 4-1/4" x 7-1/2" card base from textured More Mustard card stock. Round the corners with the Corner Rounder.


• Ink the Gingko image from Kind and Caring Thoughts with Chocolate Chip and stamp onto Very Vanilla. Mat onto More Mustard, followed by Dusty Durango.


• Select the More Mustard pattern from Autumn Tradition Designer Series Paper, and round opposite corners. Mat onto Dusty Durango, and once again round the opposite corners, as noted in the photograph.


• Position and adhere these two mats onto a selection from Thoroughly Modern Designer Series Paper, which has had the right side corners rounded.


• Add a snippet of Dusty Durango Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon as illustrated.


• Using the Photo Corners Punch, punch the larger corner from the Autumn Traditions Designer Series Paper, and the smaller corner from Thoroughly Modern Designer Series Paper. Position and adhere to the upper left hand corner of the Gingko image, layering the smaller Thoroughly Modern corner on top of the larger More Mustard corner.


• For bling, add a Pumpkin Circle Fire Brad in the upper left hand corner of the More Mustard pattern from Autumn Tradition Designer Series Paper.


• Position and adhere the mats onto a selection from Thoroughly Modern. As the finishing step, adhere the Thoroughly Modern element to the card base.

The Dusty Durango and More Mustard colors are the perfect duo for fall cards. The nice is thing about this card is that it goes together quickly, which is an advantage when time is of the essence.

I also have a second card to share with you today. Richard had his first card making lesson today. You might remember that Richard is the septuagenarian who requested lessons as his birthday present. The card is totally his own design! What a dynamo! I was exhausted after his card making session, while Richard was ecstatic. This card is actually a birthday card for his son, whose favorite colors happen to be black and white! Congratulations, Richard, on your first card!

Are you counting down the days until it's "Time to Play at PPA"? As a member of the design team, I know that I am anxious for you to meet the other members of the team, and to have you participate in our first challenge. A link to the actual site will be made public right here on the Stampin' Schach blog on July 30, at 5:00 AM central time. I encourage you to play along, since challenges are perfect for honing our card-making skills. So that you will not miss out on the fun, subscribe to The Stampin' Schach by using the link on the right!

Missy the Boxer's Update: Several of you have been emailing me and asking me about Missy's latest status. Missy had her check-up today. She has lost almost two pounds (wish I could say the same). This is because in situations where there are kidney problems, the individual often develops tummy upsets and does not eat properly. This has occurred in Missy's case, so she is now taking the doggie equivalent of Pepcid AC to prevent the formation of gastric ulcers. In addition, she has developed a mild ear infection, neccesitating ear drops twice each day...in addition to her eye drops, Estradiol, Clomicalm, and vitamins! However, her kidney function seems to be improving, as is the pressure in her eye! She will have her blood rechecked next week, so stay tuned for the next Missy check-up results!

As always, your comments and emails are important to me. I read each and every one of them, so please feel free to leave me a comment or send me an email. Until next time...


Order Your Stampin' Up! Supplies Now
Stamp Set: Kind and Caring Thoughts (115324---Hostess Level 3)
Inks: Chocolate Chip (100908)
Designer Series Paper: Thoroughly Modern (115673), Autumn Traditions (115668)
Card Stock: Very Vanilla (101650), Textured More Mustard (108697---Earth Elements Assorted Pack), Dusty Durango (115321)
Tools: Corner Rounder Punch (109042), Photo Corners Punch (109042)
Embellishments: Circle Fire Brad (109110), Dusty Durango Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon (115609)

Through the Garden Gate

No...Your eyes are not deceiving you! The image on this card was not made using a Stampin' Up! stamp. However, there is a sweet story behind why a non-Stampin' Up! card is appearing on my blog. Several weeks ago, I had given my son's elementary band teacher, Sharon, a card for her birthday. She was instrumental in my son's musical success, and is still one of his biggest supporters. When her husband Richard's birthday rolled around last week, Sharon told him that she had not had time to purchase a card for him. His response was that he wanted "Ann" to create a card for him, and for his birthday present, he wanted card making lessons. So here is Richard's birthday card, using the stamp that Sharon provided. As for Richard's lesson, I have the honor of hosting a private lesson for him tomorrow afternoon. He is a delightful man, a retired biology professor, with a love of English gardens and bagpipes! A lover of bagpipe music myself, Richard has promised me tea and scones, and a medly of ballads on his Highland pipes!

Except for the image, the rest of the card is completely Stampin' Up!, including the sentiment. Here is the recipe:

• Prepare a card base from textured Very Vanilla card stock. Because of the size of my stamp, I made my base 5-1/2" x 5-1/4 ". Score at the top, and round the top two corners using the Corner Rounder.


• The stamp was inked in Basic Brown and stamped onto Very Vanilla card stock. I then used Blender Pens and the following inks to color the image: Garden Green, Pretty in Pink, Bashful Blue, Really Rust, Soft Suede, Mellow Moss, Rose Red, Creamy Caramel, More Mustard, Perfect Plum,White StazOn. Round the corners with the Corner Rounder, and mat onto Rose Red, once again rounding the corners.


• Zip a piece of Very Vanilla through the Big Shot with the Stampin' Up! Finial Press Embossing Folder. Round the corners.


• Select the "Small Rose Red Dotted" paper from the Thoroughly Modern Designer Paper collection, and round the two top corners. Use the Eyelet Border Punch on the bottom border.


• Ink the "Peace Within" sentiment from the Peace Within stamp set with Basic Brown and stamp onto Very Vanilla. Round opposite corners with the Corner Rounder and mat onto Rose Red. Once again, round the opposite corners.


• Cut a strip of Rose Red textured card stock 5-1/2" long by 1" wide. Add a snippet of Very Vanilla 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon.


• Position and adhere as illustrated in the photo. As a final touch, add three Rose Red Buttons from the Fresh Favorites II Collection. For a more finished looked, use slivers of Very Vanilla card stock as "thread". (Tip: Mini Glue Dots will hold the buttons firmly in place.)

Richard will receive his card from his wife tomorrow. I hope that it conveys the English Garden look that I was trying to achieve. As for me...I am looking forward to tea, scones, and bagpipes!

A Stampin' Schach Special Announcement: Do you enjoy stamping challenges? Soon you will be saying “I love to Play @ PPA!” Join the design team as we unveil a new official challenge web site at 5:00 AM CST on July 30th! At that time, a link to this new challenge site as well as the first challenge and inspiration cards will be provided right here on the Stampin' Schach!

As always, I appreciate your comments and questions. Please feel free to leave a comment or Email Me. (And Krista, since you loved the Dragonfly card from Sunday's post so much, it's yours. Just email me your address!) Until next time...

Order Your Stampin' Up! Supplies Now!
Stamp Sets: Sentiment---Peace Within (114312), Image is non-Stampin’ Up! (Stampendous circa 1994)
Inks: Garden Green (102272), Pretty in Pink (101301), Bashful Blue (105209), Sage Shadow (102532), Mellow Moss (102774), Creamy Caramel (103220), Rose Red (101778), Perfect Plum (101437), Really Rust (102549), Soft Suede (115657), More Mustard (103162), Basic Brown (104315), White StazOn (106960)
Designer Series Paper: Thoroughly Modern (115673)
Card Stock: Very Vanilla Textured (108693---Neutrals Assorted), Very Vanilla (101650), Rose Red Textured (108696---Rich Regals Assorted), Rose Red (102544)
Tools: Corner Rounder (109047), Eyelet Border Punch (113692), Big Shot (113439), Stampin’ Up! Finial Press Embossing Folder (115963)
Embellishments: Fresh Favorites II (107422), Very Vanilla 5/8” Grosgrain Ribbon (109055)
Other: Blender Pens (102845), Mini Glue Dots (103683)

Snowmen Trio from Christmas Punch

This little trio of snowmen is from the 'Tis the Season tag from the Hostess Level 2 Set, Christmas Punch. This little guy just wanted to parade around in his winter finery, despite the fact it is July! Since I am a pushover for snowmen, who was I to tell him, "No!" So I paired him up with the new Holiday Lounge Designer Paper, which is a sampler of non-traditional holiday colors, such as Taken with Teal and Sahara Sand. I happen to be a fan of teal for winter, so it is no wonder that I pulled out this particular pattern. The only regret that I have is that you cannot clearly see the Iridescent Ice embossed snowflakes that I added. But you know how difficult it is to photograph bling! At least you can see an imprint of them! What a better way to enjoy July than with a recipe for snowmen, using this week's Splitcoast Sketch 238.

• Prepare a standard card base from Whisper White, and score at the top. Layer with a teal selection from Holiday Lounge Designer Series Paper.


• Cut a 5-1/4" by 1-5/8" strip from a contrasting pattern from Holiday Lounge and mat onto Whisper White followed by Taken with Teal.


• Ink the "Tis the Season" image from Christmas Punch with Basic Black and stamp onto Whisper White. Repeat two more times. Cut out just the Snowmen with Paper Snips. (Tip: Paper Snips are perfect for snipping into hard to reach places, since they are sharp to the very tip!) Color the carrot noses with a Dusty Durango Stampin' Write Marker! Use a Blender Pen and the following inks to color the hats: Rose Red, Basic Gray, and Old Olive.


• Punch three 1-1/4" squares from Taken with Teal using the 1-1/4" Square Punch. Add snippets of the following 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbons to serve as the snowmen's scarves: Rose Red, White, and Old Olive. (Tip: These scarves are actually made from two pieces of ribbon---one piece is vertical to serve as the ends of the scarves, which is layered underneath the horizontal piece. A Mini-Glue Dot is perfect for holding the vertical piece in place. Trust me, it was too difficult to try and tie them!)


• Adhere the snowmen to the Taken with Teal squares and pop onto Kraft squares which have been punched with the 1-3/8" Square Punch. Stampin' Dimensionals are perfect for adding dimension for this task. Adhere your double matted snowmen squares to the card base as illustrated.


• My snowmen cried out for a little bling, so two small and one large Turquoise Square Ice Brads did just the trick. (Tip: For perfect brad placement, use the template from the Mat Pack!) And, of course, a few Iridescent Ice snowflakes were added by simply inking the Mini-Snowflake image from the Holiday Blitz stamp set with VersaMark ink and heat embossing.

I never know from one day to the next what set I will ink up. I really was going to try for Halloween, but then I got sidetracked by the Splitcoast sketch, which did not fit my Halloween sets. To quote Scarlett O'Hara, "Tomorrow is another day."

As always, I love reading your comments and emails. Please feel free to leave me a comment, or if you have questions about any card, please feel free to email me. Until next time...

Order Your Stampin' Up! Supplies Now
Stamp Sets: Christmas Punch (Hostess Level 2---115366), Holiday Blitz (114982)
Inks: Basic Black (101179), Rose Red (101778), Basic Gray (109120), Old Olive (102277), Dusty Durango Stampin’ Write Marker (116329---In-Color Set)
Designer Series Paper: Holiday Lounge (115676)
Card Stock: Taken with Teal (101584), Kraft (102125), Whisper White (100730)
Tools: 1-1/4” Square Punch (104400), 1-3/8” Square Punch (103375), Paper Snips (103579), Heat Tool (100005), Mat Pack (105826), Blender Pens (102845)
Embellishments: Rose Red ¼” Grosgrain Ribbon (111366), Whisper White ¼” Grosgrain Ribbon (109025), Old Olive ¼” Grosgrain Ribbon (111368), Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder (101930), Square Ice Brads (109113)

Time for Thyme

The Herb Expressions stamp set and Cottage Wall Designer Series Paper go together like a hand in a glove. Since I do not have an herb garden, I did a little research about the color of thyme, and found that a viable color (among several) was a lovely lilac-purple, just perfect for pairing up with Cottage Wall. Have you got time for a little thyme?

• Prepare a 5-1/2" by 5-1/2" card base from Old Olive. Layer with a selection from Cottage Wall Designer Series Paper.


• Select a darker contrasting paper from Cottage Wall, cut a wide strip. Use the Eyelet Border Punch. Layer onto the card base. Punch a second eyelet border from the same pattern as the base layer and adhere. The end result will be two eyelet borders layered on each other, with a narrow strip of the darker paper peaking through at the top.


• Select a third pattern from Cottage Wall and mat onto Old Olive. Adhere to the card base.


• Ink the "Thyme" image from Herb Expressions with Basic Gray and stamp onto Very Vanilla. Color the image using Blender Pens and the following inks: Lovely Lilac and Old Olive. Mat onto Orchid Opulence, followed by Old Olive. Add a snippet of Old Olive Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, and adhere to the card base as illustrated.


• For a little bling, add two Clear Rhinestone Brads!

I knew from the moment I laid eyes on Cottage Wall that I was going to use it again and again. Purple is my favorite color, so how could I resist it! This Designer Paper coordinates with Old Olive, Orchid Opulence, and Rich Razzleberry, and is the perfect compliment to the Herb Expressions set!

So what will next time hold? I still have a few new sets that I have not inked up, including some cute Halloween sets. How about Halloween in July? The Cast-a-Spell Designer Series Paper is spookily adorable. I also have the beautiful Medallion stamp, too, which I can hardly wait to use! That's my problem...Too many stamps and too little time before school starts again and I head back to the classroom!

As always, I love reading your comments and emails. Please feel free to leave me a comment, or if you have questions about any card, please feel free to email me. Until next time...

Order Your Stampin' Up! Supplies Now
Stamp Set: Herb Expressions (113224)
Ink: Basic Gray (109120), Lovely Lilac (102874), Old Olive (102277)
Designer Series Paper: Cottage Wall (115671)
Card Stock: Old Olive (100702), Very Vanilla (101650), Orchid Opulence (100969)
Tools: Eyelet Border Punch (113692), Blender Pens (102845)
Embellishments: Clear Rhinestone Brads (113114), Old Olive ½” Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (113883)

Mustard Cat Mojo

It's' Mojo Monday again! This Mustard Cat from Peace Within has me singing the Blues...Brocade and Bashful, that is! I am not a "blue" person, but I liked how the background and the ribbon popped out the Bashful Blue pillow. A Blender Pen lover's delight, Peace Within is one of my favorite new sets. Here's the Mojo-licious Mustard Cat recipe:

• Prepare a 5-1/2" x 5-1/2" card base from textured Very Vanilla. Round the two lower corners using the Corner Rounder Punch.


• Using the Circle Scissors Plus and Glass Mat, cut a 3-3/4" circle from Chocolate Chip.


• Ink the "Cat Nap" image from Peace Within with Basic Brown and stamp onto Very Vanilla. Set the Circle Scissors Plus at 3-1/2" and cut out the image. Color using Blender Pens and inks as follow: Chair-Creamy Caramel; Pillow-Bashful Blue; Cat-More Mustard; Pot-Really Rust; Leaves-Garden Green; Flower-Cameo Coral; Butterfly-Bashful Blue; Gravel-Sahara Sand. Mat onto the Chocolate Chip circle.


• Cut three 1-1/4" strips from Thoroughly Modern Designer Series Paper and mat onto Chocolate Chip. Position and adhere these strips onto Bashful Blue. Add a snippet of Brocade Blue Grosgrain Ribbon as shown in the photograph. Position and adhere the image circle, popping it up on Stampin' Dimensionals.

Ah, what a life! Stretched out and basking in the sun! Peace Within is a fun, little set which should delight cat and basket lovers alike! As always, I love reading your comments and emails. Please feel free to leave me a comment, or if you have questions about any card, please feel free to email me. Until next time...

Order Your Stampin' Up! Supplies Now!

Nouveau Beaded Dragonfly

I love Art Nouveau, with its swirly, sensuous curves. In fact, in my home I have several Art Nouveau objects. But alas, some cards are not photogenic, such as this beaded beauty, which was created using the "Dragonfly" image from Nature's Nest and Nouveau Chic Designer Paper. In person, it is gorgeous, with the soft colors of the dragonfly peeking through the beading. And therein lies the problem...the Micro Beads, which give this card its "Wow" factor, are so reflective! But rest assured, if you would like to create a card reminiscent of the Art Nouveau Period, this is the image and the paper for you!

• Prepare a standard card base from Perfect Plum textured card stock, scored at the top. Using the Corner Rounder Punch, round the two bottom corners.


• Layer with a selection from Nouveau Chic Designer Series Paper. Once again, round the two lower corners.


• Punch a short strip of Perfect Plum with the Eyelet Border Punch. Add a snippet of Sage Shadow 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, and adhere to the card base as shown.


• Ink the "Dragonfly" image from Nature's Nest with Basic Gray and stamp onto Very Vanilla. Using Blender Pens, Sage Shadow and Perfect Plum inks, shade in the dragonfly. Outline using the Sahara Sand Stampin' Write Marker. Mat onto Sage Shadow and Perfect Plum.


• Coat the dragonfly with Tombow Adhesive, and cover with Micro Beads. Remove the excess.


• Add a Filigree Brad with a Pink Circle Fire Brad center to the lower right corner. Adhere the completed Dragonfly image mat to the card base.


• Using the Photo Corner Punch, punch a photo corner from a coordinating selection of Nouveau Chic Designer Series Paper. Round with the Corner Rounder Punch and adhere to the lower right hand corner. (Tip: This was to balance the design on the left hand side.)


• To add further dimension to the card, cut out blossoms from the Nouveau Chic paper and pop onto the card base with Stampin' Dimensionals. (I added a little extra bling by adding a Clear Rhinestone Brad to one of the blossoms.)

The card was created for this week's Our Creative Corner Triple Play Challenge. The objective was to use three different types of embellishments. (I selected brads, ribbon, and beads.) Since I love embellishments, meeting the criteria was not problem for me! As always, I love reading your comments and emails. Please feel free to leave me a comment, or if you have questions about any card, please feel free to email me. Until next time...

Order Your Stampin' Up! Supplies Now!

Stamp Set: Nature’s Nest (113826)
Inks: Basic Grey (109120), Sage Shadow (102532), Perfect Plum (101437)
Designer Series Paper: Nouveau Chic (115670)
Card Stock: Very Vanilla (101650), Sage Shadow (101563), Perfect Plum Textured (108695---Soft Subtles Assorted)
Tools: Eyelet Border Punch (113692), Corner Rounder Punch (109047), Photo Corners Punch (109042)
Embellishments: Clear Rhinestone Brads (113144), Circle Fire Brads (109110), Filigree Brads (112577), Sage Shadow ¼” Grosgrain Ribbon (111369)

A Piece of Peace Within

Texture, texture and more texture! That is what you get with the new Stampin' Up! Finial Press embossing folder. In this situation, I decided to pair it up with Thoroughly Modern Designer Series Paper, Chocolate Chip Masterpiece ribbon and the basket image from Peace Within. But you know what? In a card emergency, the embossing is absolutely gorgeous standing on its own, making the Finial Press embossing folder a "must-have" from the new catalog. Enjoy a little piece of Peace Within!

• Prepare a 5-1/2" x 5-1/2" card base from Chocolate Chip.


• Layer with a selection from the Thoroughly Modern Designer Series Paper collection which has been punched with the Eyelet Border Punch.


• Zip a piece of Very Vanilla card stock through the Big Shot, using the Finial Press embossing folder. Add a snippet of Chocolate Chip Masterpiece Ribbon Originals, and adhere to the card base.


• Ink the "Basket" image from A Peace Within with Basic Brown ink and stamp onto Very Vanilla card stock. Color the image using Blender Pens and the following inks: Creamy Caramel (basket); Always Artichoke, Elegant Eggplant, and Regal Rose (flowers and foliage); Not Quite Navy and Dusty Durango (bird). Sahara Sand was used to shade below the basket. (Tip: To keep the colors from being too vivid, mark on scratch paper first.) Mat onto Chocolate Chip and adhere to the card base.

The Finial Press embossing reminds me of the old time general stores, with their tin ceilings and penny candy. It coordinates perfectly with the Eyelet Border Punch, adding a Country Victorian charm to the card, which was perfect with the basket image. Now, what do I have in store for next time? There are still a couple of new sets that I haven't inked up yet, as well as new rub-ons.

Stampin' Schach News: Congratulations to Donette Barry of Colorado, who has joined my group as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator. Donette has plans to enter the blog world very soon. Donette joins Susan Ferrell of Iowa, who also signed on this week. There is still plenty of time to take advantage of the Special Mini Starter Kit. For more information on how you can become a member of my group, Click Here. And as always, I appreciate your comments and emails. If you have questions about any of the techniques or products that are used in my designs, don't hesitate to ask. I am a teacher...I am used to questions! And in response to the questions that were asked about the wood sheets on "Falling for Falling Leaves", they are just like using cardstock. They are cuttable and punchable, inkable and distressible, and a whole lot of fun! Until next time...

Order Your Stampin' Up! Supplies Now!

Stamp Set: Peace Within (114312)
Inks: Basic Brown (104315), Sahara Sand (105208), Not Quite Navy (103008), Dusty Durango (115654), Always Artichoke (105219), Elegant Eggplant (105210), Regal Rose (105211), Creamy Caramel (103220)
Designer Series Paper: Thoroughly Modern (115673)
Card Stock: Very Vanilla (101650), Chocolate Chip (102128)
Tools: Eyelet Border Punch (113692), Big Shot (113439), Stampin’ Up! Finial Press Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (115963)
Embellishments: Masterpiece Ribbon Originals (116230)

Falling for Falling Leaves

I love autumn! It is my favorite time of the year. The leaves changing their colors from green to the vivid hues of fall, foretelling what is yet to come! It is a season of bright, sunny days and crisp, cool nights. It's Halloween and Thanksgiving! A time of "Trick or Treating" and turkeys! Today's card evokes these memories for me, especially the beautiful colors of Autumn Traditions Designer Series Paper. And if the paper alone does not provide enough of a "Wow" factor, did you notice Stampin' Up!s new Texture Cuts Wood Sheets? Enjoy some Falling Leaves which you will never need to rake!

• Prepare a 4-3/4" x 5-1/2" card base from Always Artichoke, scored at the top. (Notice that this is not a standard card size.) Round the two bottom corners with the Corner Rounder.


• Layer with the "Multicolor Leaves" selection from Autumn Traditions. Once again, round the two lower corners.


• Ink assorted leaf stamps from the Falling Leaves stamp set with Perfect Plum, Always Artichoke, and Dusty Durango onto Very Vanilla card stock. Punch out with the 1-1/4" Square Punch, and pop onto 1-3/8" Squares punched from Always Artichoke, Perfect Plum, Crushed Curry, and Dusty Durango, using Stampin' Dimensionals. These are then layered onto 1-1/2" squares cut from the same four colors. (I matted as follows: Always Artichoke on Perfect Plum, Crushed Curry onto Always Artichoke, Perfect Plum onto Dusty Durango. The image color matches the bottom mat.)


• Ink the "Happy Thanksgiving" circle with Soft Suede and stamp onto Very Vanilla. Punch using the 1-1/4" Square Punch, and punch each corner with the Ticket Corner Punch. Mat onto Dusty Durango and Crushed Curry squares.


• Arrange the images as shown in the photograph, and adhere to the Wood Sheet. Mat with Always Artichoke, and distress the edges with Soft Suede ink.


• Add snippets of Dusty Durango and Crushed Curry Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon to the card base. (Tip: Because the paper is already "busy", I adhered the ribbon polka-dot side down.)


• Position and adhere the image mat to the card base.


• Ink the {Grateful} sentiment with Soft Suede and stamp onto Very Vanilla. Punch with the Window Punch and adhere to a Wood Sheet Modern Label. For a zip of color, punch a second Modern Label from Dusty Durango and snip off the ends. Adhere these ends to the Wooden Modern Label.


• Two Vintage Brads and distressing with Soft Suede finish the sentiment, which is popped onto the card base with Stampin' Dimensionals.

The use of punches makes this card less labor intensive than one might think. I was anxious to try out the Wood Sheets, and found them to add just the right touch! They are thin enough that you can easily trim them with a paper cutter, scissors or a hobby knife. Plus, they are punchable, too! I also found myself "falling" for Falling Leaves. How about you?

As always, I love reading your comments and emails. Please feel free to leave me a comment, or if you have questions about any card, please feel free to email me. Until next time...

Order Your Stampin' Up! Supplies Now!

Stamp Set: Falling Leaves (115368)
Ink: Perfect Plum (101437), Always Artichoke (105219), Dusty Durango (115654), Soft Suede (115657)
Designer Series Paper: Autumn Traditions (115668), Texture Cuts Wood Sheets (116309)
Card Stock: Perfect Plum (101889), Dusty Durango (115321), Always Artichoke (105122), Crushed Curry (115319), Very Vanilla (101650)
Tools: Ticket Corner Punch (107214), 1-1/4” Square Punch (104400), 1-3/8” Square Punch (103375), Modern Label Punch (116630)
Embellishments: Dusty Durango ½” Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon (115609), Crushed Curry ½” Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon (115614), Vintage Brads (109109)

From My Greenhouse Garden

Today's card began as my creation for this week's Splitcoast Color Challenge (Lavender Lace, Barely Banana, Basic Gray, Basic Black, and White). But as it progressed, I added Pretty in Pink, Crushed Curry, Rich Razzleberry, More Mustard, Dusty Durango, and Melon Mambo. So much for the color challenge! However, what I ended up with was a beautiful array of flowers cascading out from the card. Two-step stamping is a technique in which I rarely indulge, but this new set, Greenhouse Garden, may change my mind! Here is a bouquet of flowers for you:

• Prepare a standard card base from Melon Mambo. Round the corners with a Corner Rounder.


• Ink various floral background stamps from Greenhouse Garden with the following base colors and stamp onto Whisper White: Lavender Lace, Pretty in Pink, Barely Banana, and More Mustard. Ink the detail stamps in Rich Razzleberry, Melon Mambo, Crushed Curry, and Dusty Durango. Stamp on the complimentary floral image, placing perfectly with the Stamp-a-ma-jig! Mat onto Lovely Lilac, followed by Basic Black. (Tip: Do add depth and dimension, some flowers were stamped directly on the Whisper White background, while other were stamped and cut out using paper snips. Stampin' Dimensionals make selected flowers "pop" off the page, while overlapping images onto the outer mat gives the feeling that the flowers are cascading out of the image!)


• Position and adhere to the card base.


• Ink the "hello" sentiment from Chic Boutique with Basic Black and stamp onto Whisper White. Punch with the Large Oval Punch, and layer onto a Melon Mambo Oval Scallop. (Tip: I had a scrap flower image left over from my bouquet, so I just stamped "hello" on top of it. I love the coordinated look.) Pop onto the card with Stampin' Dimensionals.


• Add a snippet of Basic Black 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon which has been run through a Ribbon Slide from Hodgepodge Hardware.


• As a finishing touch, add Micro Beads to the center of selected flowers!

Once again, I started with a challenge for inspiration and made it my own! The flowers are absolutely fun to make. This was a stamp set that I almost did not purchase because I am really not a floral person. However, I thought that I really should have at least one nice floral set. I am so glad that I bought it. I can see me inking it up quite often during the upcoming year.

Remember, your comments and emails are important to me. Stop in and say "Hello" or let me know what you think of today's card! Until next time...

Order Your Stampin' Up! Supplies Now!

Stamp Set: Greenhouse Garden (113824), Chic Boutique (113744)
Paper: Melon Mambo (115320), Basic Black (102851), Whisper White (100730), Lovely Lilac (100427)
Inks: Lavender Lace (101305), Rich Razzleberry (115658), Pretty in Pink (101301), Melon Mambo (115656), Barely Banana (101170), Crushed Curry (115659), More Mustard (103162), Dusty Durango (115654), Basic Black (101179)
Tools: Large Oval Punch (107305), Scallop Oval Punch (114889), Corner Rounder (109047), Paper Snips (103579)
Embellishments: Basic Black 1/4” Grosgrain Ribbon (109027), Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware (111325), Micro Beads (104266)
Other: Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430), Tombow Multi Purpose Adhesive (110755)

Eiffel Mojo

I am an Art Nouveau fanatic! Therefore, it is no surprise that I fell in love with the Nouveau Chic Designer Series Paper. Although I had just created a card using the Chic Boutique stamp set, I inked it up again for this Mojo Monday sketch. Enjoy a trip to the Eiffel Tower!

• Prepare a standard card base from Sage Shadow card stock.


• Layer with the "Gray Small Dot" selection from the Chic Nouveau Designer Series Paper collection.


• Mat the "Sage Shadow Flowers and Flourishes" selection from Chic Nouveau onto Sage Shadow.


• Ink the "Eiffel Tower" with Jet Black StazOn and stamp onto Whisper White. Mat onto Sage Shadow. Outline the tower with Sahara Sand Stampin' Write Marker. Color as illustrated with Bordering Blue and Crushed Curry Stampin' Write Markers.


• Prepare the horizontal strip from Textured Basic Gray card stock and mat onto Sage Shadow. Adhere all of the elements as illustrated in the photograph. Finish with a snippet of Sage Shadow 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon.


• Ink the "Merci" sentiment with Sage Shadow and stamp onto Whisper White. Frame with a Raised Dots Oval Label Holder from the Silver Hodgepodge Hardware Collection. Attach to the card base.


• Voila!

The Stampin' Schach Tip of the Day: Sketch challenges are meant to serve as an inspiration. Do not be afraid to make them your own. The Eiffel Tower image that I wanted to use on this card was actually too long for the inspiration guidelines, where the image was to be tucked behind the horizontal strip. So, I just popped it on top!

Congratulations to Susan Ferrell. Susan is taking advantage of the Starter Kit Special, and will be joining me as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator. Remember that I am presenting my new recruits with a set of In-Color Stampin' Write Markers. For more information about becoming a demo, please click here.

For those of you who have been asking, Missy the Boxer had her first follow-up appointment today since her initial diagnosis. We have been placing drops in her right eye to help relieve the pressure which is building up because of the tumor. We had a good report from her doctor, and will continue all of her medications. Our next appointment is in ten days! Thanks for the support that you are giving Missy and her family. A special thank-you goes to Patti MacLeith for her card! Patti's beautiful work can be found on her blog Papercrafts by Patti.

Order Your Stampin' Up! Supplies Now!

Stamp Set: Chic Boutique (113744)
Designer Series Paper: Nouveau Chic (115670)
Card Stock: Sage Shadow (101563), Basic Gray Textured (108693), Whisper White (100730)
Ink: Jet Black StazOn (101406), Sage Shadow (102532)
Embellishments: Sage Shadow ¼” Grosgrain Ribbon (111369), Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware (111325)
Other: Sahara Sand Stampin’ Write Marker (105105), Bordering Blue Stampin’ Write Marker (100070), In-Color Stampin’ Write Markers (116329)

My Chic Boutique Beaded Dress

Chic Boutique is a sweet, feminine stamp set, just perfect for the new Cottage Walls Designer Series Paper. From the moment I laid eyes on this set, I knew that I was going to purchase it...despite the fact that I wasn't certain if this was a dress on a dress form, or just a dress form with jeweled fringe. At any rate, I decided that I was going to "bead" whatever it was anyway! So armed again with this week's Mojo Monday sketch, I set out to ink up another one of my new sets. Here is the "pattern" for My Chic Boutique Beaded Dress...or dress form, as the case may be:

• Prepare a standard card base from Old Olive, scored at the top.


• Layer with a "Rich Razzleberry Floral" selection from Cottage Walls Designer Series Paper to which a snippet of Old Olive 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon has been added.


• Prepare the horizontal strip from Orchid Opulence matted with Old Olive, and adhere to the card base.


• Prepare the vertical block from the "Orchid Opulence Geometric Floral" pattern, and mat with Old Olive. Adhere to the card base.


• Ink the "Dress Form" image from Chic Boutique with Jet Black StazOn and stamp onto Whisper White. Color the stand and fringe using Brocade Blue, Rich Razzleberry, and Crushed Curry Stampin' Write Markers. Use the Sahara Sand marker to shade one side of the stand. Since I did not have an Old Olive Stampin' Write Marker, I used my Stampin' Pastels and Blender Pens to shade the dress. I then covered it with Tombow Adhesive, and added Micro Beads. Mat with Orchid Opulence and adhere to the card base as illustrated in the photograph.


• Ink the "Flourish" stamp with Jet Black StazOn and stamp onto Whisper White. Color with the Sahara Sand and Rich Razzleberry Stampin' Write Markers. Once again, I used my Stampin' Pastels and Blender Pen in place of the Old Olive Stampin' Write Marker. (I am definitely going to have to order one of these!)


• Ink the "Merci" stamp with Rich Razzleberry and stamp into the middle of the flourish. For perfect placement, use your Stamp-a-ma-jig. Cut out using Paper Snips, and mat onto Old Olive. Once again, trim using Paper Snips. Position and pop onto the card base with Stampin' Dimensionals.


• For a final "chic" touch, add two Filigree Brads with Pink Circle Fire Brads in their centers.

The colors and sketch used for this card were perfect compliments to this set. Plus, with the beading technique, it was a fun card to create. Isn't it great when a plan comes together? Remember, your comments and emails are important to me. Stop in and say "Hello" or let me know what you think of today's card! Until next time...

Order Your Stampin' Up! Supplies Now!

Stamp Set: Chic Boutique (113744)
Designer Series Paper: Cottage Wall (115671)
Card Stock: Orchid Opulence (100969), Old Olive (100702), Whisper White (100730)
Ink: Jet Black StazOn (101406), Rich Razzleberry (115658)
Embellishments: Old Olive ¼” Grosgrain Ribbon (111368), Filigree Brads (112577), Circle Fire Brads (109110), Micro Beads (104266)
Other: Sahara Sand Stampin’ Write Marker (105105), Brocade Blue Stampin’ Write Marker (100064), In-Color Stampin’ Write Markers (116329), Stampin’ Pastels (105542), Blender Pens (102845), Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430), Tombow Multi-Purpose Adhesive (110755)