Color Challenge Trio of Ornaments

As hard as it may be to believe, I have never participated in a Splitcoast color challenge. However, I could not pass up today's challenge to use Pretty in Pink, Going Gray, and Sage Shadow. As is the case with many of you, time is a precious commodity. And because I brought home a briefcase full of papers to grade, it was even more precious this evening. So I "CASED" one of my own cards, Trio of Ornaments. Of course, I switched out a few things in addition to the colors! Of note is the embossed background and the lack of ribbon. When it was all said and done, this color palette reminded me of the late 1950's with gray skirts and pink poodles! It is certainly a non-traditional choice of colors for Christmas, but you know what...it is refreshing for a change!

The Stampin' Schach Tips:

• "Oh it don't mean a thing, if it ain't got that bling!" Holiday cards are the perfect choice for glittering, embossing and rhinestones. If time is of the essence, it does not get any quicker than adding rhinestone brads, such as the Circle Ice Brads and Clear Rhinestone Brads on this card.
• Texture, texture, texture! The Petals-a-Plenty background was actually added after I had already matted Very Vanilla onto Going Gray and Sage Shadow. After laying the ornaments onto the "plain" Very Vanilla, it was just...too plain! So in a matter of minutes, I had zipped a second piece of Very Vanilla through the Big Shot with the Petals-a-Plenty Textured Impressions Folder. In this case, it was a much better choice. Think of it like ice cream...why settle for plain vanilla?
• "Three is not a crowd" when it comes to designing. Odd numbers are often a good choice to balance a design. Here we have three ornaments, three brads, three layers to the matting, and three focal colors. Think "odd", not even!
  

Today I felt like being challenged. It was a starting point for my card. If you feel like being challenged, the newest Pals Paper Arts challenge will be unveiled Thursday. Check out my Inspiration Card in Thursday's post!

Remember, it's Blog Candy time here at The Stampin' Schach. Leave me a comment and become eligible for my delicious blog candy! I will randomly select a winner from all comments left on my blog between September 27th and 6:00 PM CST on Friday, October 2nd. On Saturday, I will announce the winner. If you are selected, all you will need to do is email me your address. How easy is that? You just need to leave a comment on one of my posts, and you could win the following:

• Over 50 6" x 6" sheets of retired Stampin' Up designer series paper
• 10 yards of Certainly Celery ribbon from the 2009 Sale-a-bration Ribbon Bundle
• An unmounted "Yummy" stamp set
• Four brads from the retired Soho collection
• Sixteen corduroy brads in "Grasshopper" and "Tink Pink" (non-SU!)
  

Stampin' Schach Deal of the Week: Do you love the Petals-A-Plenty folder as much as I do? Then do I have a limited time offer for you!

• Place your $75 on-line order with me by 11:59 CST September 30th, and receive the Petals-A-Plenty Textured Impressions Folder absolutely free! The product total must be $75 or more excluding shipping and sales tax. (Available US only.)
• Next Email Me your shipping address.
• Your free Petals-a-Plenty folder will arrive separately from your order in mid-October, in plenty of time to create your holiday cards!
• Place an order of $150 or more, and receive a second Textured Impressions Embossing Folder for free. Choose from the following: Elegant Bouquet, Finial Press, and Manhattan Flower. (The same restrictions apply.)

Need a Holiday Mini catalog? Just send me your name and address and I will get yours in the mail the next business day!

If you have any questions about the techniques I used to make this card, don't hesitate to email me. Until next time...


Please Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7!

Stamp Set: Delightful Decorations (116517---Holiday Mini)
Inks: Sage Shadow (102532), Pretty in Pink (101301), Going Gray (103274)
Card Stock: Going Gray textured (108693---Neutrals assorted), Pretty in Pink (100459), Sage Shadow (101563), Very Vanilla (100730)
Tools: Big Shot (113439), Ornament Punch (116794), Petals-a-Plenty Textured Impressions Folder (116824---Holiday Mini), Standard Texturz Silicone Rubber (114615), Standard Texturz Impressions Pad (114614), Eyelet Border Punch (113692)
Embellishments: Clear Rhinestone Brads (113144), Circle Ice Brads (109111)

Simply Schach---You Rock

After a series of rather time intensive cards, I decided that it was time for another Simply Schach creation...this time with a masculine theme suitable for a teen boy! Masculine cards are always tough to create, at least for me, but the Night and Day Designer Series Paper from the Holiday Mini can make it a little easier! However, I still could not resist a touch of bling and a snippet of ribbon. This particular card will be rockin' its way to Western Illinois University and into the mailbox of Brady Schach. In keeping with my blog candy theme of "Celebrate with Me", we are celebrating Brady's featured trumpet solo with WIU's Symphonic Wind Ensemble this past weekend!

The Stampin' Schach Tips:

• Details are always a critical aspect of any card's design. A card can be simple to create but still have those special little somethings. In this case, rounded corners and three strategically placed black brads do the trick!
• Want an even more masculine card? Instead of ribbon, substitute a paper strip to hide the interface between the two patterns.
• Afraid to bling? Replace the Red Circle Fire Brad with a black brad.
• The actual design process itself often takes the most time in creating your cards. When in a pinch for time, select coordinating patterns from the same Designer Series Paper collection, and read the fine print to find out what colors coordinate with it. The end result will look professional and put together!
• When I design a card, I consider my purpose for making the card and who will be the recipient. Black and white cards almost always convey a more formal look. That was not the "personality" that I wanted for this card, so by selecting a stamp set with a playful font, it suddenly became less stuffy, and suitable for a young man!

I hope you enjoyed a break from Fall and Winter cards! (And by the way, this one really does meet the criteria for the Our Creative Corners Monochromatic challenge...or did I mess it up with the Red Circle Fire Brad? Melissa???) And speaking of challenges, there is still time to enter the Pals Paper Arts inspiration challenge. But hurry, Mr. Linky closes at 12:00 Noon CST!

Remember, it's Blog Candy time here at The Stampin' Schach. Leave me a comment and become eligible for my delicious blog candy! I will randomly select a winner from all comments left on my blog between September 27th and 6:00 PM CST on Friday, October 2nd. On Saturday, I will announce the winner. If you are selected, all you will need to do is email me your address. How easy is that? You just need to leave a comment on one of my posts, and you could win the following:

• Over 50 6" x 6" sheets of retired Stampin' Up designer series paper
• 10 yards of Certainly Celery ribbon from the 2009 Sale-a-bration Ribbon Bundle
• An unmounted "Yummy" stamp set
• Four brads from the retired Soho collection
• Sixteen corduroy brads in "Grasshopper" and "Tink Pink" (non-SU!)
  

Stampin' Schach Deal of the Week: Do you love the Petals-A-Plenty folder as much as I do? (Click Here to see my latest creation using this dramatic folder.) Then do I have a limited time offer for you!

• Place your $75 on-line order with me by 11:59 CST September 30th, and receive the Petals-A-Plenty Textured Impressions Folder absolutely free! The product total must be $75 or more excluding shipping and sales tax. (Available US only.)
• Next Email Me your shipping address.
• Your free Petals-a-Plenty folder will arrive separately from your order in mid-October, in plenty of time to create your holiday cards!
• Place an order of $150 or more, and receive a second Textured Impressions Embossing Folder for free. Choose from the following: Elegant Bouquet, Finial Press, and Manhattan Flower. (The same restrictions apply.)

Need a Holiday Mini catalog? Just send me your name and address and I will get yours in the mail the next business day!

Until next time...

Please Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7!

Stamp Sets: FYI (114365), Friends Rock (113816)
Inks: Basic Black (101179)
Designer Series Paper: Night and Day (116768---Holiday Mini)
Card Stock: Basic Gray textured (108693---Holiday Mini), Whisper White (100730), Basic Black (102851)
Tools: Corner Rounder Punch (109047)
Embellishments: Vintage Brads (109109), Circle Fire Brads (109110), Basic Black ¼” Grosgrain Ribbon (115605)

Blog-a-licious Candy

Hooray! It's Blog Candy time here at The Stampin' Schach, and I am inviting you to play a little game entitled....Celebrate with Me! I will randomly select a winner from all comments left on my blog between now and 6:00 PM CST on Friday, October 2nd. On Saturday, I will announce the winner. If you are selected, all you will need to do is email me your address. How easy is that? You just need to leave a comment on one of my posts, and you could win the following:

• Over 50 6" x 6" sheets of retired Stampin' Up designer series paper
• 10 yards of Certainly Celery ribbon from the 2009 Sale-a-bration Ribbon Bundle
• An unmounted "Yummy" stamp set
• Four brads from the retired Soho collection
• Sixteen corduroy brads in "Grasshopper" and "Tink Pink" (non-SU!)

What am I celebrating, you ask? I have so many things to celebrate, but today I am celebrating YOU, my readers, who faithfully visit The Stampin' Schach and leave their words of encouragement. So...leave me a comment and let me know what you think of this candy, and what you have to celebrate!

Stampin' Schach Deal of the Week: Do you love the Petals-A-Plenty folder as much as I do? (Click Here to see my latest creation using this dramatic folder.) Then do I have a limited time offer for you!

• Place your $75 on-line order with me by 11:59 CST September 30th, and receive the Petals-A-Plenty Textured Impressions Folder absolutely free! The product total must be $75 or more excluding shipping and sales tax. (Available US only.)
• Next Email Me your shipping address.
• Your free Petals-a-Plenty folder will arrive separately from your order in mid-October, in plenty of time to create your holiday cards!
• Place an order of $150 or more, and receive a second Textured Impressions Embossing Folder for free. Choose from the following: Elegant Bouquet, Finial Press, and Manhattan Flower. (The same restrictions apply.)

Need a Holiday Mini catalog? Just send me your name and address and I will get yours in the mail the next business day!

Until next time...

Mostly Monochromatic at the OCC

Well, I tried, but I just couldn't do it! I tried to "leave the leaves" their monochromatic shades of brown. Up bright and early, and comfortably settled in my chair, with Missy the Boxer at my feet, my objective was to create a monochromatic card in order to satisfy the criteria for this week's Our Creative Corner challenge. However, I just had to "pop" them out a little with my new "neutral", Old Olive! Yep! Old Olive! My mind was saying, "Nooooooo!" but my heart was saying "Just a little Old Olive won't hurt a thing, Ann. Go ahead...grab that Blender Pen and ink pad." Oh, well, I started out with the right intentions. And after spending so much time on this one card, I was bound and determined to finish it! I'm sorry, OCC gals! I am declaring Old Olive to be a shade of brown...at least for today!

And I am also happy to say that I found a new-to-me challenge at My Time to Craft. Their Challenge 78 was "Autumn Fest". And what screams "Autumn" better than leaves...even some with Old Olive!

The Stampin' Schach Tips:

• When preparing a square card, always prepare your card base smaller than 5-1/2" x 5-1/2" in order to allow it to fit into the Stampin' Up! Medium Square Envelopes. I cut mine at 5-1/4" x 5-1/4" and they fit perfectly!
• When using two different designer papers, a ribbon or strip of card stock can be used to cover the interface between the two papers. With this card, we see a snippet of Chocolate Chip 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon hiding the borders between two selections from Autumn Meadows Designer Series Paper.
• For a rustic feel, the Color Spritzer paired with a Stampin' Write Marker can be used to distress a background in a matter of seconds. Chocolate Chip was my color of choice!
• It's all about the details! Why have square corners when you can use the Ticket Corner Punch and add Vintage Brads! Why stamp flat lifeless images when you can pop them up with Stampin' Dimensionals?
• Carry out a theme! I wanted it to appear as if my wreath was mounted on a board. Mission accomplished by zipping a piece of Very Vanilla card stock through the Big Shot with one of my new favorites, the "Distressed" plate from the Textures Plates Kit #4.

Stampin' Schach Deal of the Week:Do you love the Petals-A-Plenty folder as much as I do? (Click Here to see my latest creation using this dramatic folder.) Then do I have a limited time offer for you!

• Place your $75 on-line order with me by 11:59 CST September 30th, and receive the Petals-A-Plenty Textured Impressions Folder absolutely free! The product total must be $75 or more excluding shipping and sales tax. (Available US only.)
• Next Email Me your shipping address.
• Your free Petals-a-Plenty folder will arrive separately from your order in mid-October, in plenty of time to create your holiday cards!

Need a Holiday Mini catalog? Just send me your name and address and I will get yours in the mail the next business day!

I would love to read what you think of today's card! So please leave me a comment or send me an email. Blog candy give-away begins this weekend. Stay tuned to see what goodies I have in store! Thanks for visiting with me. Until next time...




Click Here to Order Your Stampin' Up! 24/7!

Stamp Set: Autumn Splendor (116503---Holiday Mini)
Ink: Close to Cocoa (103139), Creamy Caramel (103220), Really Rust (102549), Chocolate Chip (100908), Old Olive (102277), Chocolate Chip Stampin’ Write Marker (100071)
Designer Series Paper: Autumn Meadows (116769---Holiday Mini)
Card Stock: Very Vanilla (101650), Chocolate Chip (102128), Chocolate Chip textured (108697---Neutrals assorted)
Tools: Color Spritzer (107066), Ticket Corner Punch (107214), Big Shot (113439), Textures Plate Kit #4 (114531), Texturz Silicone Rubber (114615), Texturz Impressions Pad (114614)
Embellishments: Chocolate Chip 5/8” Grosgrain Ribbon (109051), Vintage Brads (109109)

Mojo Snowflake

It's the weekend, and I am finally getting my Mojo on! Inspired by the Mojo Monday sketch, I relied upon my Petals-a-Plenty Textured Impressions folder to create my background for this card which features my favorite trio of non-traditional holiday colors: Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry, and Taken with Teal! Punches-a-plenty also come into play in creating this bling-a-licious card!

The Stampin' Schach Tips:

• Reduce your workload by using punches whenever possible! I used the 1" Circle Punch to punch out the "Snowflake" center from one of the Delightful Decorations ornaments. The 1-1/4" Square Punch and Photo Corners Punch were used to create the dramatic border. And, the Jumbo Snowflake Punch created the large Rich Razzleberry snowflake.
• Texture quickly and easily adds drama to your card! Zip that card stock through the Big Shot with a Textured Impressions Folder.
• Bling it! Rhinestone Circle Brads can always be counted on to add a touch of glamour!
• Go for the unconventional! I love the look of these colors together! I think that they make for a striking card. Don't be afraid to embrace what you like.
• If you have questions about today's card, just leave me a comment or send me an email.

Exclusive Stampin' Schach Deal of the Week: Do you love the Petals-A-Plenty folder as much as I do? Then do I have a limited time offer for you!

• Place your $75 on-line order with me by 11:59 CST September 30th, and receive the Petals-A-Plenty Textured Impressions Folder absolutely free! The product total must be $75 or more excluding shipping and sales tax. (Available US only.)
• Next Email Me your shipping address.
• Your free Petals-a-Plenty folder will arrive separately from your order in mid-October, in plenty of time to create your holiday cards!

Need a Holiday Mini catalog? Just send me your name and address and I will get yours in the mail the next business day!

I would love to read what you think of today's card! So please leave me a comment or send me an email. Blog candy give-away begins this weekend. Stay tuned to see what goodies I have in store! Until next time...

Please Click Here to Order Your Stampin' Up! 24/7!

Stamp Set: Delightful Decorations (116517---Holiday Mini)
Inks: Old Olive (102277), Rich Razzleberry (115658), Taken with Teal (103257)
Card Stock: Whisper White (100730), Taken with Teal (101584), Old Olive (100702), Rich Razzleberry (115316)
Tools: Big Shot (113439), Petals-A-Plenty Textured Impressions Folder (116824---Holiday Mini), Jumbo Snowflake Punch (116628), 1” Circle Punch (109046), Photo Corners Punch (109042)
Embellishments: Old Olive 5/8” Grosgrain Ribbon (109054), Clear Rhinestone Circle Brads (113144)

Inspired by Fall---PPA9

It's time for another Pals Paper Arts challenge! This week the design team was asked to create a Fall card using the following picture as our inspiration:

I absolutely love this picture! The crocks cried out Always Artichoke, while the texture of the gourds were an excuse to use my new "Distressed" Texturz Plate from Texture Plates Kit #4. Of course the bittersweet translated into Really Rust! Oh, I almost forgot...the layout is Splitcoast Sketch #246. I hope that you enjoy today's "Inspired by Fall" card!

• Prepare a standard card base from Always Artichoke.
• Layer with the Always Artichoke patterned paper from the Autumn Traditions Designer Series Paper collection. Mat onto Really Rust. Adhere to the card base.
• Zip a section of Really Rust paper from Patterns Pack Designer Series Paper III through the Big Shot with the Distressed Texturz Plate. Mat onto Always Artichoke and adhere to the card base. (Note: Patterns Pack Designer Series Paper III is a Hostess Level 1 gift!)
• Zip a strip of More Mustard card stock through the Big Shot with the Distressed Texturz Plate. Mat onto Always Artichoke. Add three Vintage Brads to the left side. Using the Paper Piercer and Template from the Mat Pack, pierce two rows of holes on the right hand side. Cross-stitch with Linen Thread as shown in the photograph. Adhere to the card base using Stampin' Dimensionals.
• Ink the "Pumpkin" image from Gifts of the Earth with Chocolate Chip and stamp onto Very Vanilla. Using Blender Pens, color with the following inks: Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa, Always Artichoke, Pumpkin Pie, Really Rust, Summer Sun, Elegant Eggplant, Ruby Red, More Mustard, Bordering Blue, Garden Green. Shadow with Sahara Sand.
• Distress the edges using a Sponge Dauber and Close to Cocoa ink. Mat onto Really Rust card stock and pop onto the card base with Stampin' Dimensionals.

Stampin' Schach Design Tip: When participating in inspiration challenges, such as today's PPA fall challenge, glean your inspiration from several elements! I have reflected the colors of the inspiration photo in the colors of my card: Always Artichoke from the crockery, Creamy Caramel and More Mustard from the leaves, Very Vanilla from the candles, and Really Rust from the bittersweet and pumpkin gourd. The texture of the gourds is reflected in the embossing of the paper, while the bittersweet itself is mirrored in the pattern paper which I selected. The end result will hit home on several levels!

Please let me know what you thought of today's card! Just leave me a comment, or if you have questions, please feel free to email me! Your comments and questions are very important to me! So, quick, pull out those stamps...get the inks ready...and get started on your PPA challenge card! I look forward to seeing what you have created and leaving you a comment! Until next time...

Please Click Here to Order Your Stampin' Up! 24/7!
Stamp Set: Gifts of the Earth (116501---Holiday Mini)
Inks: Creamy Caramel (103220), Close to Cocoa (103139), Always Artichoke (105219), Pumpkin Pie (105216), Really Rust (102549), Summer Sun (100537), Elegant Eggplant (105210), Ruby Red (102259), More Mustard (103162), Bordering Blue (102265), Garden Green (102272), Sahara Sand (105208)
Designer Series Paper: Autumn Traditions (115668), Patterns Pack III (116234---Hostess Level 1)
Card Stock: Very Vanilla (101650), Always Artichoke (105119), More Mustard (100946), Really Rust (100661)
Tools: Big Shot (113439), Texture Plates Kit #4 (114531), Standard Texturz Silicone Rubber (114615), Standard Texturz Impressions Pad (114614), Paper Piercer (116631), Mat Pack (105826), Blender Pens (102845), Sponge Dauber (102892)
Embellishments: Vintage Brads (109109), Linen Thread (104199)

Stampin' Schach Update and Blog Candy Alert

In case you have been wondering where my cards are for this week, it happens to be mid-term time! I have been busy giving and grading tests, and getting grade reports ready. I have also had Science Club activities right after school, as well as my college son's concerts and recitals! This is coming after a weekend that was filled with Homecoming activities...I chaperoned my 33rd Homecoming dance!

To add to the stress, I have lost my Google followers...so I apologize for any problems that this may be causing you. I have alerted Blogger to the problem, as have many other fellow Bloggers!

However, I wanted to take a moment to alert you to these upcoming Stampin' Schach dates:

Thursday: Pals Paper Arts Inspiration Challenge

And this weekend, I will be offering my first "Blog Candy"...so stay tuned!

Until next time...

Folded Flower at the OCC

The Gals over at Our Creative Corner are at it again with another creative challenge! This week's challenge is a color challenge consisting of a delightful confection of white, brown, hot pink and light pink. I selected Chocolate Chip, Pink Passion, Pretty in Pink and Whisper White, and the For All You Do stamp set. This also gave me the opportunity to use the newest arrival to my Bigz Die arsenal, the Bigz XL Flower Folds. I also pulled out an old friend, the Top Note die. Of course, I just had to ink distress and add a touch of bling! May I give you a folded flower today for all you do?

• Prepare a standard card base from Pretty in Pink textured card stock. Round all four corners using the Corner Rounder. Distress using a Sponge Dauber and Chocolate Chip ink.
• Layer with "Chocolate Chip with White Dots" pattern paper from the Chocolate Chip Patterns Designer Series Paper. (I rounded all four corners and lightly distressed the edges.)
• Zip a piece of Chocolate Chip card stock through the Big Shot with the Top Note die.
• Zip a piece of Whisper White card stock through the Big Shot, once again using the Top Note die. Then zip this through the Big Shot using the "Dots" Texturz Plate. Using Paper Snips, snip off the perforated section. Distress using a Sponge Dauber and Chocolate Chip.
• Layer the Whisper White onto the Chocolate Chip, and add a snippet of Chocolate Chip Masterpiece Ribbon Originals, and pop onto the card base with Stampin' Dimensionals.
• Zip a piece of Pink Passion card stock through the Big Shot with the Flower Folds Bigz XL Die. (I used the smallest of the four sizes for this card.) Distress the petals with Chocolate Chip ink. Paper pierce the edges of the petals. Add a Whisper White Jumbo Grommet to the center. Additional bling is achieved by using the larger beads from the Silver Bead Duo. (Beading is so easy with Tombow Adhesive!) Pop onto the Top Note mat with Stampin' Dimensionals.
• Ink the "Petite Dots" mini background stamp from For All You Do with Pretty in Pink and stamp onto Whisper White. Ink the "For All You Do" sentiment with Chocolate Chip and stamp directly onto the dotted background. Punch out with the Curly Label Punch and pop onto the card base with Stampin' Dimensionals.
• Ink the "Butterfly" image from For All You Do with Chocolate Chip and stamp onto Pink Passion card stock. Ink the "Petite Dots" mini background stamp with Whisper White and stamp on top of the Chocolate Chip butterfly. Snip out with Paper Snips. Bling the body using Tombow Adhesive and mini-beads from the Silver Bead Duo. Pop into position with Stampin' Dimensionals.

At first I complained and complained about these colors. "I don't like hot pink! The Whisper White is too white! I don't do pinks! Why am I using the Big Note die...I never use the Big Note die! This makes the fourth butterfly color I've used!" But you know what? When all was said and done, the creative gene took over. I got back into my comfort zone. It's amazing what a little Chocolate Chip ink and a Sponge Dauber can do for my morale! And suddenly, all was right with the world! Thanks to the Our Creative Corner designers, I fluttered outside of my comfort zone, stamping in pink and using butterflies. And I can honestly say that I ended up with a card with which I am pleased.

Are you looking for a challenge? There is still time to upload your creation for the Pals Paper Arts challenge. We have sent you a KISS this week. A KISS you say? Keep It Simple, Sweetie! Have fun! I am looking forward to your creations.

As always, I love your comments and emails. They are important to me. If you have any questions about this card, please do not hesitate to ask! Until next time...


Please Click Here to Order Your Stampin' Up! 24/7!

Serene Mojo Snowflakes

This week's Mojo Monday sketch was just begging for me to pull out the Serene Snowflakes set! Versatility is a key characteristic of any stamp set that I purchase, and I firmly believe that this set can be used throughout the year. I selected the beautiful Night and Day Designer Series Paper to compliment the swirls of the images, and punched it up with a splash of Real Red. After a week of KISS, CAS, and Simply Schach cards, it felt great to bejewel, beribbon, and distress this creation!

• Prepare a standard card base from textured Whisper White.
• Using the Circle Scissors Plus, cut two circles from Whisper White. My circles were 2-3/4" and 1-7/8" . The Real Red matting circles are 1/8" larger. (Stampin' Schach Tip: Do you have trouble with your Circle Scissors Plus slipping? Do what many other demonstrators have done...recycle the rubber left after mounting your stamp sets by adding additional "feet"! I cut and positioned mine where the thin black rubber pads were located. Plus, a little adhesive on the paper to hold it in place on the glass mat while you cut works wonders!)
• Ink the "Snowflake" images from Serene Snowflakes with Jet Black StazOn and stamp onto the Whisper White circles. Color selected sections of the snowflakes using a Real Red Stampin' Write Marker. Ink distress the edges with Going Gray and a Sponge Dauber. Accentuate the centers of the snowflakes with Red Circle Fire Brads. A Filigree Brad adds further charm to the larger Snowflake.
• Select a darker coordinating pattern from Night and Day Designer Series Paper. Cut two strips (1" and 1/2") and mat onto Real Red. Add snippets of Real Red 5/8" and 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbons. Adhere and position onto the "Floral" pattern from Night and Day Designer Series Paper. Layer this onto Real Red card stock and adhere to the card base.
• Position and adhere the circle images.
• For additional bling, add a Red Circle Fire Brad to the lower right hand corner.

Schach Design Tip of the Day: Although it looks as if this card is work intensive, surprisingly enough, it is not! An excellent sketch provided the foundation, and after that the design process was relatively easy. Notice how the Designer Paper mimics the circles, as well as the dots and swirls of the images. This pulls the entire card together!

A Big Thank You to the Mojo Gals! My "Mojo Crock of Apples" was selected as one of the winners in this month's Mojo Madness. This is indeed an honor that I will treasure. There were so many wonderful cards entered this month, with an abundance of talent. This was truly a pleasant surprise. I would also like to congratulate the other winners. Your cards were amazing!

Ready for a challenge? Enter the Pals Paper Arts KISS Challenge. KISS is an acronym for Keep It Simple, Sweetie! Challenges are tons of fun, and great ways to jump start our creativity. I can hardly wait to see what you create this week!

Ready to book your fall or holiday workshops? If you reside in southeast Iowa or west-central Illinois, I would be happy to help you host a workshop. Click Here to see why you should host your workshops with me! Not within driving distance? Don't despair. I will help you host a catalog workshop! If you need a FREE copy of the Holiday Mini Catalog, please email me, and I will drop one in the mail for you!

And finally, as today's post comes to an end, I encourage you to leave me a comment or email me with your questions. I really do appreciate your comments, and I am more than willing to answer any questions that you may have about the cards that I create or the techniques that I use. Until next time...

Please Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7!
Stamp Set: Serene Snowflakes (115438)
Ink: Jet Black StazOn (101406)
Designer Series Paper: Night & Day (116768---Holiday Mini)
Card Stock: Real Red (102482), Whisper White (100730), Whisper White textured (108693---Neutrals assorted)
Tools: Circle Scissors Plus (112530), Glass Mat (112531), Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049)
Embellishments: Circle Fire Brads (109110), Filigree Brads (112577), Real Red 5/8” Grosgrain Ribbon (109052), Real Red ¼” Grosgrain Ribbon (109034)

A "KISS" for PPA

Yippee Skippee! It's time for this week's Pals Paper Arts challenge! This week we are blowing a KISS your way. KISS is an acronym for "Keep It Simple, Sweetie". Lots of white space, minimal layers and minimal embellishments are hallmarks of this type of card! I must say that this truly was a challenge for me, as I am the queen of layering, distressing, and embellishing. However, I gave it my best shot and pulled out one of my favorite fall sets, Falling Leaves.

• Prepare a standard card base from Very Vanilla textured card stock.
• Cut a strip of Dusty Durango and layer onto the card.
• Ink up selected leaves from Falling Leaves and stamp onto Very Vanilla. I used the following inks: Dusty Durango, Elegant Eggplant, Crushed Curry, and Old Olive. Punch using the 1-1/4" Square Punch. Adhere to the horizontal strip.
• Add a snippet of Old Olive 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon for a dash of color!

There! Wasn't that quick and easy? It's like the fast-food of card making! As always, I would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment or email me your questions before you head on over to the PPA. Hurry...I am anxious to see what all of you come up with! Until next time...


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Stamp Set: Falling Leaves (115368)
Inks: Dusty Durango (115654), Elegant Eggplant (105210), Crushed Curry (115659), Old Olive (102277)
Card Stock: Very Vanilla (101650), Dusty Durango (115321)
Tools: 1-1/4” Square Punch (104400)
Embellishments: Old Olive 5/8” Grosgrain Ribbon (109054)

Simply Schach

Welcome to a new feature at The Stampin' Schach...a feature which I call "Simply Schach". Each week I will be posting a card which will be fast and easy to create. You might say that it is my version of Clean and Simple, with a few more layers and a little bling now and then. These are cards that would be great to demonstrate at a workshop or make whenever time is of the essence! I hope that you enjoy the first card in this series, "Patterned Pines...The Simply Schach Way!"

• Create a standard card base from textured Very Vanilla. Use the Corner Rounder on the right hand side for visual interest.
• Ink the Patterned Pines "Trio of Trees" with Garden Green and stamp onto Very Vanilla.
• Add Red Circle Fire Brads to the top of each tree. Layer onto Real Red card stock.
• Select the "Green Galore Damask" pattern from the Merry Moments Designer Series Paper collection and punch the bottom edge with the Scallop Edge Punch. Layer onto the Real Red card stock.
• Add a snippet of Real Red 5/8" Grosgrain Paper at the interface of the two papers.
• Add a Photo Corner punched from the "Green Galore Damask" into the upper left hand corner.
• Use the Corner Rounder on the right hand corners of the Real Red mat and adhere to the card base.
• Done!

Wasn't that simple? What we have is a seasonal card with a country feel! (Stampin' Schach Design Tip of the Day: Like this card, but not the colors? No problem. Just switch out the ink color and select coordinating designer paper and card stock!)

What does this week have in store for you? How about the Pals Paper Arts challenge on Thursday? My design team Pals are serving up some awesome inspiration cards for you! Be sure to join us. Subscribe today at Pals Paper Arts. And speaking of subscriptions, have you subscribed to "The Stampin' Schach" yet? Please visit my right side bar to sign up.

As always, please leave a comment before you go. I will be anxious to read what you think about the new "Simply Schach" feature. And, if you have any questions, or if you need a copy of the Holiday Mini Catalog, please feel free to Email Me! Until next time...

Please Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7!
Stamp Set: Patterned Pines Hostess Level 1 set (116525)
Inks: Garden Green (102272)
Designer Series Pattern: Merry Moments (115672)
Card Stock: Very Vanilla (101650), Real Red (102482)
Tools: Photo Corners Punch (109042), Scallop Edge Punch (112091)
Embellishments: Red Circle Fire Brads (109110), Real Red 5/8” Grosgrain Ribbon (109052)

Patterned Pines in Falling Snow

When my Patterned Pines Hostess Level 1 set from the Holiday Mini Catalog arrived a few days ago, I could hardly wait to ink it up! My first creation featuring this trio of trees utilized a paper tearing technique to simulate Dazzling Diamond topped snow drifts. Iridescent Ice snowflakes tip-toe through a Brocade Blue washed sky to complete the scene. Put on your snow boots, and let's hike through the Patterned Pine forest!

• Prepare a standard card base from textured Whisper White.
• Layer Whisper White card stock onto Basic Black, followed by Real Red.
• Create snow drifts by tearing pieces of Whisper White paper and distressing the edges with Going Gray. Arrange the pieces to simulate drifts and adhere to the Whisper White mat with Stampin' Dimensionals. Coat the edges with Tombow Adhesive and sprinkle liberally with Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter. Tap to remove the excess.
• Lightly color the sky area with a Blender Pen and Brocade Blue ink.
• Ink the "Snowflake Trio" stamp from Serene Snowflakes with VersaMark ink and stamp onto the sky. Heat emboss with Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder and the Stampin' Up! Heat Tool.
• Ink the Trio of Trees image from the Patterned Pines Hostess Level 1 stamp set with Real Red and stamp onto Whisper White. Snip out with Paper Snips and pop onto the snow scene with Stampin' Dimensionals.
• Add a snippet of Real Red 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon.

This card has glamour, glitz, and the just the right pop of red! The Patterned Pines Hostess Level 1 stamp set can be yours! It's easy! Here's how:

• A $150 on-line order qualifies you for this set (or six other Level 1 gifts, including a Patterns Paper Pack).
• If you are in southeast Iowa or west-central Illinois, host a workshop with me! For details as to why you should pick me as your demonstrator, Click Here!
• Or I will help you host a catalog workshop. Just Email Me!
• Need a Holiday Mini Catalog? Email me today and I will drop one in the mail to you.

Your comments are important to me. Please let me know what you think about today's card. And if you have any questions about any of the techniques I used, just drop me an email! I love sharing my tips and techniques with you! Until next time...


Please Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7!

Stamp Set: Patterned Pines Hostess Level 1 Set (116525---Holiday Mini Catalog), Serene Snowflakes (115438---Holiday Mini Catalog)
Inks: Real Red (103133), Brocade Blue (101102), Going Grey (103274),VersaMark (102283)
Card Stock: Real Red (102482), Basic Black (102851), Whisper White (100730), Whisper White textured (108693—Neutrals assorted)
Tools: Heat Tool (100005), Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430), Blender Pens (102845), Paper Snips (103579), Tombow Adhesive (110755)
Embellishments: Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder (101930), Dazzling Diamonds Stampin’ Glitter (102023), Real Red ¼” Grosgrain Ribbon (109034)

Scripted Leaf Color Throwdown

The Color Throwdown crew had an interesting challenge this week: Pumpkin Pie, Close to Cocoa, and Ruby Red! Surprisingly enough, it works. For this challenge I inked up the "Scripted Leaf" image from Lexicon of Leaves. Although Lexicon of Leaves is not currently featured in the 2009-2010 Idea Book and Catalog, it is still available from the Dormant List. Let's check out how I "threw" these colors down!

• Prepare a standard card base from textured Pumpkin Pie. Distress the edges using a Sponge Dauber and Close to Cocoa.
• Select the "Circles and Dots" pattern from the Autumn Meadows Designer Series Paper collection and mat onto Close to Cocoa. Ink distress the edges and layer onto the card base.
• Next form the horizontal block. Select a pattern from Pumpkin Pie Patterns Designer Series Paper and use the Ticket Corner Punch on the right hand corners. (See the photograph.) Ink distress with Close to Cocoa and layer onto Close to Cocoa card stock. Ink distress the edges of the card stock with Chocolate Chip ink. Add a Ruby Red Brad from the Earth Elements Brads collection to the two right hand corners. Add a snippet of Natural Hemp Twine as shown in the photograph. Adhere this block to the card base using Stampin' Dimensionals. (Stampin' Schach Design Tip: I crossed the hemp on the front, and adhered to the back. Then I took a separate piece of hemp and tied a bow at the criss-cross on the front for a slightly different look.)
• Ink the "Scripted Leaf" image from Lexicon of Leaves with Close to Cocoa and stamp onto Very Vanilla. Ink distress the edges with Close to Cocoa. Color the leaf using Blender Pens and the following inks: Close to Cocoa, Pumpkin Pie, and Ruby Red. Mat onto Close to Cocoa card stock followed by Ruby Red. Adhere to the horizontal mat.

The Stampin' Schach Design Tip of the Day: Ink distressing can be used to mute colors. In this situation, the Pumpkin Pie was light and bright. With a few strokes from my magic "dauber", the color became muted and subdued, making a much better mix with both Close to Cocoa and Ruby Red (which I also distressed).

Would I have ever mixed these colors together if not for the challenge? Close to Cocoa and Pumpkin Spice maybe, but throwing Ruby Red into the mix...No way! That's the fun with challenges. They often take us out of our comfort zone, and in the end, help us become better artisans.

The Stampin' Schach Bulletin Board:

• Need a Holiday Mini Catalog. Email me your address for your free copy.
• Ready to schedule a holiday workshop? I still have November and December dates available.
• Don't forget the Pals Paper Arts challenge on Thursday. I love seeing your creations and commenting on your projects!

Thanks for stopping by The Stampin' Schach today. Your comments and questions are important to me. Please leave me a comment or drop me an email. I do respond to all of the questions that you ask. Until next time...

Please Click Here to Order Your Stampin' Up! 24/7!
Stamp Set: Lexicon of Leaves (113710---Dormant List)
Inks: Close to Cocoa (103139), Pumpkin Pie (105216), Ruby Red (102259), Chocolate Chip (100908)
Designer Series Paper: Autumn Meadows (116769---Holiday Mini), Pumpkin Pie Patterns (112159)
Card Stock: Close to Cocoa (101341), Ruby Red (103030), Very Vanilla (101650), Pumpkin Pie textured (108697---Earth Elements assorted)
Tools: Ticket Corner Punch (107214), Sponge Daubers (102892), Blender Pens (102845)
Embellishments: Natural Hemp Twine (100982), Earth Elements Brads (106955)

Oak Leaf at OCC

Fall is in the air at Our Creative Corner! The challenge was to create a fall card, and this Obsessive Compulsive Card Creator felt up to the task. Once again, one of my "go-to" stamp sets from the Holiday Mini Catalog, Autumn Splendor, takes center stage. It seems as if I can always create a card that I love with this set. It allows me to touch upon a more primitive style, with ink distressing and natural fibers. Splitcoast sketch SC245 provided the inspiration for the layout, and allowed me to showcase the cross-stitching on the smaller vertical panel.

• Prepare a standard card base from Really Rust.
• Layer with "Taken with Teal Herringbone" from Autumn Meadows Designer Series Paper, which has had its edges distressed using Soft Suede and a Sponge Dauber. (Stampin' Schach Design Tip: Although I usually use Chocolate Chip for ink distressing, Soft Suede works better with the softer, muted shades in this designer paper.)
• Cut a panel from "Very Vanilla Woodgrain". Punch the two right-hand corners with the Ticket Corner Punch. Ink distress the edges with Soft Suede. Mat onto Really Rust.
• Cut a panel from textured Really Rust card stock. Use the Ticket Corner Punch on the right-hand corners, and then ink distress with Soft Suede. Using the Paper Piercing Tool and the Paper Piercing Template, punch six pairs of holes. Lace with Linen Thread.
• Ink the Oak Leaf from Autumn Splendor with Basic Brown. Stamp onto Very Vanilla. Using the Color Spritzer Tool and Taken with Teal and Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write Markers, spritz the image panel. Using Blender Pens and the following inks, color the leaf: More Mustard, Creamy Caramel, Really Rust.
• Use the Ticket Corner Punch on all four corners, and distress the edges with Soft Suede. Mat onto More Mustard, and ink distress the edges. Add Vintage Brads to each corner. A snippet of Natural Hemp Twine completes the panel. (Stampin' Schach Design Tip: Notice how the three panels are unified by the brads and the Ticket Corners? Unity and balance compliment this sketch.)
• Position and adhere all elements to the card base.

Isn't it funny how it's hard to break old habits? As much as I have tried to edit and summarize the recipes for my cards, I just can't! When I write up lab instructions for my students, I have to be specific. Old habits die hard, and I just can't simplify my writing style. Arghhh!

Need a Holiday Mini? The Holiday Mini Catalog is filled with wonderful seasonal stamp sets. I truly think that Stampin' Up! outdid themselves this time. If you don't have a copy of this "catty", please email me with your address. I would love to put one in the mail for you!

There is still time to Play at PPA! I love to see what you create each week! This week's challenge is a sketch challenge by the Pals' very own Margaret Moody. Margaret has designed a very versatile sketch which I know I will use again and again. If you have not visited yet this week, I and my Design Team Pals invite you to join in the fun! Are you one of the next "Pals Paper Arts Artist Picks"?

As always, I invite you to leave me a comment or drop me an email. I do appreciate them, and I do read them all. And remember that if you have any questions about techniques or specific cards, I love helping and inspiring you! Until next time...

Please Click Here to Order Your Stampin' Up! 24/7!
Stamp Set: Autumn Splendor
Inks: Basic Brown, More Mustard, Really Rust, Creamy Caramel, Soft Suede
Designer Series Paper: Autumn Meadows
Card Stock: Really Rust, Really Rust textured, Taken with Teal, More Mustard, Very Vanilla
Tools: Ticket Corner Punch, Paper Piercer, Mat Pack, Sponge Dauber, Color Spritzer, Taken with Teal Stampin’ Write Marker, Chocolate Chip Stampin’ Write Marker, Blender Pens, Stampin’ Dimensionals
Embellishments: Vintage Brads, Linen Thread, Natural Hemp Twine

Pick Me! Pick Me!

Like many of you who own pets, I enjoy having deep, philosophical conversations with my dog, Missy. Actually, she is more like a daughter to me. (Never once did she complain when I did her scrapbook pages in "pinks" and "girly swirls". I can't say the same for Brady, my son.) Just the other night we were discussing why people should select me to be their demonstrator. Missy is such a wise dog, and her comments made excellent sense to me. Since some of you may not be fluent in "Boxer", I will translate her answers for you. What follows is our conversation:

Me: Missy, what do you think I could do to entice people to book a workshop with me?
Missy: Well, Mom, I think that you should tell them what makes you and your workshops special. (It always slays me when she calls me "Mom". After all, she is so much older than me in doggie years. But anyway, I digress.)
Me: What would that be?
Missy: You could tell them that you give treats after they go potty outside.
Me: Hmmmm! How about if I change that to "I provide treats at the workshop!" That's not such a bad idea, Missy. Good dog!
Missy: Can I have a treat now for that answer?
Me: Not yet. How about some other ideas that I could share.
Missy: You are really good at teaching me tricks.
Me: You are so right, Miss. I love to teach, especially when it comes to techniques and design tips. I absolutely love sharing all that I know about card making and stamping.
Missy: And you know how you surprise me with little toys when you come home from getting the groceries? Maybe you could give them toys, too. Like my "baby" and my "kong" and my "quackie duck". Hey, do you have to get groceries later?
Me: Whoa, hold on a minute! No groceries, and no surprises today. But, you know, I do give incentive stamps to everyone who attends my workshops.
Missy: And remember how you talk about giving away kitties? How come you never gave me a kitty?
Me: Kitties? I don't give away kitties.
Missy: Yes you do, Mom. (At this point she was getting a little "growly".) You are always talking about the Holiday Mini catty and the big catty. I want a BIG catty.
Me: Oh, Missy! Catties aren't kitties. They are catalogs! And you are right, I should mention that everyone who attends one of my workshops does receive a FREE Holiday Mini Catalog. And if they place an order with me, they also receive a 2009-2010 Idea Book and Catalog. Missy, you have been such a big help to mom tonight. What a goooood dog you are! Such a pretty gurl! You are Mommy's smart and pretty gurl! (Sloppy Boxer kisses followed!)
Missy: Mom, can I have that treat now?

So, if you are located in southeast Iowa or western Illinois, email me today to book your fall or holiday workshop. I offer:

• Design Tips
• Technique Training
• Demonstrations
• Make and Takes
• Free Mini Catalogs
• Incentive Gifts for your Guests
• Hostess Gifts
• Support after the Workshop
• My Home or Yours
• And yes...Treats!

And even if you do not live within driving distance, I will help you host a catalog workshop. It's the same great benefits, but without the treats and demonstration! Email me for details!

Need a Holiday Mini Catalog? Email me with your address, and I will drop one in the mail for you! Goodies galore are in this fantastic little catalog!

The weekend is coming up and that means card-making time for me! I plan on inking it up all weekend. Stayed tuned as I share more of my creations! And please, leave me a comment or send me an email. I really do appreciate them. If you have a question about a technique or a question about how I created a specific card, do not hesitate to ask. Until later...

Missy


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Jumbo Snowflakes for PPA

It's Thursday! Can you say, "It's fun to play at PPA!"? I can! And I had a blast creating this textured card for the Pals Paper Arts sketch challenge this week. Sketch designer Margaret Moody was at her best with this versatile sketch:

Notice how I changed it up slightly? The circles became snowflakes, and I layered the horizontal strip while adding a bow. You can certainly alter the sketch if you need to! As you look at the inspiration cards that the design team created for you, you can see all of the unique touches that each designer added in making the sketch her own. I hope that you have tons of fun with this challenge! I know that I did. But before you bid me adieu to check out the challenge, I would like to share my recipe for "Jumbo Snowflakes" with you:

• Prepare a card base from Taken with Teal card stock.
• Zip a piece of Whisper White through the Big Shot with the Petals-a-Plenty Textured Impressions Folder.
• Using the Jumbo Snowflake Punch, punch snowflakes from Rich Razzleberry, Taken with Teal and Old Olive card stocks.
• Ink the Delightful Decorations image with Old Olive and stamp onto Whisper White. Punch out the center using the 1" Circle Punch. Repeat with Rich Razzleberry and Take with Teal inks.
• Adhere the "Circles" to the "Snowflakes", and add a Clear Rhinestone Brad to the center of each. Adhere this element to the textured Whisper White as shown in the photograph. (I layered Old Olive onto Rich Razzleberry, Rich Razzleberry onto Taken with Teal, and Taken with Teal onto Old Olive.)
• Whisper White forms the horizontal strip. Mat this onto Old Olive, followed by Taken with Teal. Adhere to the textured Whisper White. Add a snippet of Rich Razzleberry Ribbon, polka-dot side down. Position and adhere this element to the textured Whisper White as illustrated.
• You are now ready to adhere the entire textured mat to the card base.

I have a new love in my life. I absolutely love the Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry, and Taken with Teal combination for holiday cards! And, are you ready for another little secret...I also love the Petals-a-Plenty Textured Impressions Folder. How did I ever get along without it? I love the rich texture that it imparts to any holiday card.

Thanks for stopping by today and allowing me to share my new favorite color combination with you. Please leave me a comment and let me know what you think about today's card. I do appreciate your comments, and your questions, too! Until next time...



Please Click Here to Order Your Stampin' Up! 24/7!
Stamp Set: Delightful Decorations (116517---Holiday Mini Catalog)
Inks: Rich Razzleberry (115658), Old Olive (102277), Taken with Teal (103257)
Paper: Whisper White (100730), Rich Razzleberry (115316), Old Olive (100702), Taken with Teal (101584)
Tools: Big Shot (113439), Petals-a-Plenty Textured Impressions Folder (116824---Holiday Mini catalog), Jumbo Snowflake Punch (116628), 1” Circle Punch (109046)
Embellishments: Clear Rhinestone Brads (113144), Rich Razzleberry ½” Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon (115613)

Mojo Crock and Apples

Do you know what I like best about Mondays? I just love the Mojo Monday challenges! And today was definitely a challenge for me in finding just the right size stamp for this layout. I opted to use "The Crock and Apples" image from Gifts of the Earth. Thoroughly Modern Designer Series Paper provided the rich colors which I felt were perfect for the look I was trying to achieve. The eyelet border and smaller Chocolate Chip "Masterpiece" Ribbon add a feminine touch. As for the crock itself, this is the reason I wanted this stamp in the first place...I collect crocks!

• Prepare a card base from Chocolate Chip card stock.
• Select the "Sahara Sand Floral" and "Small Rose Red Dots" patterns from the Thoroughly Modern Designer Series Paper collection. Punch the edge of the dotted paper with the Eyelet Border Punch. Add a snippet of Chocolate Chip Masterpiece Ribbon at the interface of the two pattern papers. Adhere to the card base.
• Ink the "Crock and Apples" image with Basic Brown and stamp onto Very Vanilla. Color using Blender Pens and the following inks: Rose Red (apples), Sahara Sand and Bordering Blue (crock), More Mustard, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive (leaves), Sahara Sand (shading). Mat onto Chocolate Chip.
• Zip a piece of Very Vanilla through the Big Shot with the Finial Press Embossing Folder. Cut into strips as illustrated and mat onto Chocolate Chip. Adhere to the card base and pop the image mat on top with Stampin' Dimensionals.
• Ink the "Grateful" sentiment from Falling Leaves with Chocolate Chip and stamp onto Very Vanilla. Punch out with the Modern Label Punch and mat onto Chocolate Chip. Adhere on top of the ribbon.

I enjoy participating in challenges. Sometimes they really stretch my creativity, and that is a good thing. And speaking of challenges, there is still time to participate in the Pals Paper Arts color challenge. But hurry...Mr. Linky closes at Noon (CST) Tuesday.

And speaking of hurrying, don't hurry off before leaving me a comment or dropping me an email! I do appreciate them. And, if you have questions about any of the cards that I make or techniques that I use, don't hesitate to ask. I love sharing what I do! Until later...

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"Star" and Stripes at the OCC

The Our Creative Corner challenge is always one of my favorites, so it was with anticipation that I checked out their new challenge today. It sounded simple..."Stars and Stripes"...until to my dismay I realized that my stash of "star stamps" and "star punches" was non-existent. However, stars are relatively easy to draw, so I surged ahead. I selected this wonderful paper from the Thoroughly Modern Designer Series Paper for my stripes, and decided to ink up my Wings of Friendship Hostess Level 2 stamp set for the first time. A liberal application of "bling" and a smidge of ink distressing complete the look. And, lest I forget, a lone star graces the upper corner! Enjoy this bling-laden card!

• Prepare a standard card base from Rose Red card stock.
  
• Using Stampin' Write Markers, ink up the "Bird and Flowers" image from Wings of Friendship. (I used Always Artichoke, Rose Red, Bermuda Bay, and Sahara Sand.) Stamp onto Whisper White. Round the right hand corners with the Corner Rounder, and punch the left side with the Spiral Punch. Distress the edges with a Sponge Dauber and Sahara Sand. "Spritz" using the Color Spritzer and the Sahara Sand Stampin' Write Marker. Mat onto Bermuda Bay, and round the two right hand corners. (Stampin' Schach Tip: Outlining the swirls with Sahara Sand gives the appearance of "instant watercoloring"!)
  
• Ink the "Swirls" stamp from Wings of Friendship with Always Artichoke and position into the upper right-hand corner. (Stampin' Schach Tip: Use the Stamp-a-ma-jig for perfect placement!)
  
• Mat a strip of textured Sahara Sand card stock onto Rose Red. Add an Eyelet Border which has been distressed with Soft Suede. Add a snippet of Bermuda Bay Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon. Adhere to the "Stripes" pattern from Thoroughly Modern Designer Series Paper and layer onto the card base.
  
• Stamp the "Flower" and "Bird" images onto Whisper White a second time and snip out with Paper Snips.
  
• Distress the edges of the Bird with Sahara Sand and a Sponge Dauber. Add a Clear Rhinestone Brad for the eye. Coat the wing with Tombow Adhesive and "bling it up" with the Silver Bead Duo. (Stampin' Schach Tip: Add the large beads first, and then fill-in the remaining spaces with the smaller microbeads!) Pop on top of the first bird with Stampin' Dimensionals.
  
• Add a Clear Rhinestone Brad to the center of the Flower. Run a bead of Tombow Adhesive around the edges of the flower, and add Silver Microbeads. Pop on top of the first flower with Stampin' Dimensionals.
  
• Snip out a Star from Rose Red. Add Tombow Adhesive to the edges and adhere Silver Microbeads. Pop on top of the corner swirl with a Stampin' Dimensional.
  
• Using the Photo Corner Punch and Sahara Sand textured card stock, punch two Photo Corners. Distress with Soft Suede. Add Clear Rhinestone Brads for "bling". Adhere to the right-hand corners of the card as illustrated in the photograph.

I had been wanting to use this stamp for some time, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity since I could easily ink it up in colors that were complimentary to the paper. One thing I do know, however, is that I will be adding both of the Stampin' Up! star punches to my next order! One would have certainly been handy today!

Feeling challenged? There is still time to Play at PPA! This week's color challenge includes Ruby Red, Brocade Blue, and Crushed Curry. Have fun with this one! Upload your projects through Mr. Linky until Noon (CST) Tuesday. Will you be one of this week's Pals Paper Arts Artist Picks?

As always, please leave a comment on today's card! Your comments and questions are welcomed. Plus, never hesitate to ask me about any card that I have created! As I tell my students, asking questions helps us to learn! Until next time...

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Stamp Set: Wings of Friendship (114308---Hostess Level 2)
Ink: Always Artichoke (105219), Sahara Sand (105208), Soft Suede (115657), Stampin’ Write Markers: Bermuda Bay (116329---In-Colors Set of 6), Rose Red (100063), Always Artichoke (105113), Sahara Sand (105105)
Designer Series Paper: Thoroughly Modern (115673)
Card Stock: Very Vanilla (100730), Rose Red (102544), Bermuda Bay (115317), Sahara Sand textured (108693---Neutral assorted)
Tools: Photo Corners Punch (109042), Eyelet Border Punch (113692), Spiral Punch (108341), Sponge Dauber (102892), Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430), Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049)
Embellishments: Clear Rhinestone Brads (113144), Silver Bead Duo (110733), Bermuda Bay 5/8” Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon (115610)

FYI...You are Awesome

One of the stunning selections from the Night & Day Designer Series Paper isn't paper at all! In addition to the beautiful patterns in this collection, there are two Polka Dot printed window sheets. Paired with the Baroque Motifs set, the result is an elegant card that is delightfully quick to create!

• Create a 5-1/2" x 5-1/2" card base from textured Basic Black card stock. Layer with Whisper White.


• Ink the "Flourish" image from Baroque Motifs with Jet Black StazOn and stamp onto the Whisper White layer. Attach the Polka Dot Window Sheet with two Red Circle Fire Brads.

• Ink the "Baroque Square" image from Baroque Motifs with Jet Black StazOn and stamp onto another piece of Whisper White. Snip out using Paper Snips. Add a Red Circle Fire Brad to the middle, and pop on top of the Flourish image with a Stampin' Dimensional. (You will be placing this on top of the Window Sheet.)

• Add a snippet of Real Red 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon.


• Ink the "FYI" image from FYI with Jet Black StazOn and stamp onto a second piece of Whisper White card stock and mat onto Basic Black. Adhere on top of the ribbon.


• Ink the "You are Awesome" image from FYI with Real Red and stamp onto Whisper White. Mat onto Basic Black followed by Whisper White and adhere to the ribbon as illustrated in the photograph.

Wasn't that quick and easy! And in case you are wondering who is awesome, it is my son. Brady, a sophomore trumpet performance major at Western Illinois University's School of Music, was named First Chair in the Symphonic Wind Ensemble and lead trumpet in the Jazz Band. Brady is also a member of the WIU Orchestra, which will be accompanying the classic rock band "Kansas" when the group performs at Western in December. "Carry on, my wayward son!"

And do you know who else is awesome? My fellow design team members at Pals Paper Arts, that's who! In case you haven't joined in the fun, this week we are challenging you to a color challenge: Ruby Red, Crushed Curry, and Brocade Blue. You have until Noon (CST) Tuesday to upload your project, and then Mr. Linky closes! Who knows...you could be one of the next three "Pals Paper Arts Artist Picks" !

If you are in the Southeast Iowa-West Central Illinois region, be sure to contact me about booking your next workshop. By hosting a $250 workshop, you qualify to select any item from the Holiday Mini Catalog for $10. (Offer does not include My Digital Studio or the Hostess Sets.) But hurry...my calendar is filling fast!

As always, please leave me a comment and let me know what you think about today's card. Plus, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask! I thoroughly enjoy answering them. Until next time...

Please Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7
Stamp Sets: Baroque Motifs (113490), FYI (114365)
Designer Series Paper: Night & Night (116768---Holiday Mini)
Card Stock: Basic Black textured (108693---Neutrals assorted), Whisper White (100730)
Ink: Jet Black StazOn (101406), Real Red (103133)
Tools: Paper Snips (103579), Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430)
Embellishments: Circle Fire Brads (109110), Real Red 5/8” Grosgrain Ribbon (109052)

A PPA Peace Within

It's Thursday, and we all know what that means! The Pals Paper Arts gang are back again, this time with a color challenge:

I'll get right to the details of today's inspiration card so that you can hurry and create your own "Ruby Red Crushed Brocade" card.

• Prepare a 5-1/2" x 5-1/2" card base from textured Ruby Red card stock.
• Layer with "Crushed Curry" pattern paper from Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Series Paper and textured Crushed Curry card stock, as shown in the illustration.
• Add a snippet of Brocade Blue 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon at the interface of the two papers.
• Select the "Squares" pattern from Crushed Curry Patterns Designer Series Paper. Cut a strip 1" x 5" and cut a "V" out of one end. Mat onto textured Ruby Red card stock and adhere on top of the Brocade Blue Ribbon.
• Cut a 2-3/8" x 3-3/8" rectangle from the same "Squares" patter paper, and once again mat onto textured Ruby Red card stock. Add three Blue Circle Ice Brads as shown. Position and adhere to the card base.
• Using the Photo Corners Punch, punch two corners from textured Brocade Blue and adhere in opposite corners of the card.
• Using the Circle Scissors Plus, cut a 2" circle from Very Vanilla. Ink the "Basket" image from Peace Within with Basic Brown and stamp onto the Very Vanilla circle. (The Stampin' Schach Tip: Use a Stamp-a-ma-jig for perfect placement.) Using Blender Pens and the following inks, color the basket and flowers: Ruby Red, Brocade Blue, Crushed Curry, Creamy Caramel, and Always Artichoke. Shade with Sahara Sand.
• Ink only the "Bird" section of the Basket image with Basic Brown and stamp onto Very Vanilla. Once again using Blender Pens, color with Brocade Blue and Really Rust. Snip out with Paper Snips.
• Using the Circle Scissors Plus, cut a 2-1/4" textured Ruby Red mat for the Basket image. Pop the snipped out Bird onto the circle with a Mini Glue Dot. Using Stampin' Dimensionals, pop the image mat onto the rectangle as shown in the photograph.

You might recognize this sketch as Mojo 101! I would never have thought to pair these colors together. Yet, by participating in this challenge, I stretched my creative limits! That is one of the things that a challenge will do. So, you know the drill...Leave me a comment or drop me an email, and then head on over to the PPA! It's fun to play at Pals Paper Arts!

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Stamp Set: Peace Within (114312)
Designer Series Paper: Razzleberry Lemonade (115675), Crushed Curry (115686)
Card Stock: Crushed Curry textured (115538---In Color assorted), Ruby Red textured (108697---Earth Elements assorted), Brocade Blue textured (108696---Rich Regals assorted), Very Vanilla (101650)
Inks: Basic Brown (104315), Crushed Curry (115659), Ruby Red (102259), Brocade Blue (101102), Always Artichoke (105219), Creamy Caramel (103220), Really Rust (102549), Sahara Sand (105208)
Tools: Circle Scissors Plus (112530), Glass Mat (112531), Photo Corners Punch (109042), Blender Pens (102845)
Embellishments: Brocade Blue 5/8” Grosgrain Ribbon (109057), Circle Ice Brads (109111)
Adhesives: SNAIL (104332), Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430), Mini Glue Dots (103683)