Pardon me, but is that a pony? and PPA Peek

Meet Tinkerbell, a young Mastiff, who is my houseguest this week. I work with Tink's "dad", who asked if I would mind watching her while he and his family take a short vacation. The last time I had actually seen Tinkerbell was in May, when she was a mere puppy. Well, needless to say, the puppy has matured a wee bit. Just to give you some idea of her size, she is standing next to a sofa table!


I have never thought of my home as being exceptionally small...until now!

This has been an incredibly busy week, with today being the end of third quarter. And those of you who follow my blog know what that means...tests and calculating grades! However, I do have time to share with you my Pals Paper Arts Sneak Peek. Have you noticed, however, that cards are like people? Some are more photogenic than others. This is card is definitely one which is much prettier in person. Tune in Thursday to see more, and learn about the technique that I used.

Hurry, Hurry, Hurry

There is still time to take advantage of Sale-a-bration! But, you have to act fast as this promotion ends Wednesday, March 31st. Spend $50 before shipping, handling and tax and earn one FREE Sale-a-bration product of your choice! OR join me as a demonstrator! The Starter Kit is discounted 15%, plus you can choose a FREE stamp set from the Idea Book and Catalog valued up to $47.95. CLICK HERE for more information. I would love to have you as a member of my downline group, The Schach Pack! Until next time...

Flowers for Sissy

Ever since I could first talk, I have always referred to my older sister as "Sissy". Fifty-six years later the moniker still sticks. Sissy celebrates her birthday on Easter Sunday this year, and I wanted to design a special card for her. Wishing it to be different from the usual cards that I make, I elected to punch a bunch of blossoms in bright and cheerful colors, reminiscent of the spring flowers that grow in her beautifully landscaped gardens. And unlike real flowers, these blooms will not fade with time. Enjoy this punched bouquet!

The Stampin' Schach Tips:

• Keep it simple, sweetie! Bright colors often work better with simple designs. Notice how these colors just "pop" off the Whisper White background!


• Distress for depth! Darker contrasting inks, applied with a Sponge Dauber, add depth and dimension to the blossoms and leaves.


• Punch-a-licious! Can you name the punches used in the creation of this floral fantasy? Did you guess Trio Flower, Boho Blossoms, and the Scallop Circle? And did you notice the small leaves from the Extra Large Two-Step Bird Punch?


• Sizzling Sizzlits! Stampin' Up!'s Little Leaves packs a punch for a small price!


• The Bold and the Beautiful! Summer Sun, Orchid Opulence, Lovely Lilac and Pumpkin Pie card stock were used to punch the flowers, while Old Olive was zipped through the Big Shot to form the leaves.


• It's mambo time! Melon Mambo brings just the right contrast into the mix as a layer behind the textured Whisper White mat. The unexpected pop of color works perfectly.


• Glitz and Glam! Melon Mambo Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, non-polka dot side out, and Pumpkin colored Circle Fire Brads complete the look!

I would like to thank Mary Fish at Stampin' Pretty for featuring my card on her blog today. I am fortunate to be a member of Mary's Stampin' Pretty Pals. I have learned so much from Mary, not only in terms of artistic expression, but also in terms of mentoring my own downline. It is with pride that I am able to display the #1 Pretty Pals Recruiting Badge. There is still time for you to take advantage of Stampin' Up!'s Starter Kit Special and become a member of The Schach Pack, my downline group. Through March 31st, you will receive 15% off your choice of Stampin' Up! Starter Kits AND you will receive a bonus stamp set up to $47.95 in value. For more details, CLICK HERE. Receive the SPA treatment...become a Schach Pack Artist!

As always, I do truly appreciate your comments, so please let me know what you think of today's card. And remember, if you ever have any questions about the cards that I make or the techniques that I use, that you can always EMAIL ME. Until next time...

Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7

Inks: Really Rust (102549), Perfect Plum (101437); Card Stock: Old Olive (100702), Whisper White textured (108693---Neutrals assorted), Melon Mambo (115320), Summer Sun (103124), Orchid Opulence (100969), Lovely Lilac (100427); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Stampin' Up! Little Leaves Sizzlits (114511), Extra Large Two Step Bird Punch (117191), Trio Flowers Punch (109183), Boho Blossoms Punch (110711), Scallop Circle Punch (109043), Corner Rounder (109047); Glitz and Glam: Circle Fire Brads (109110), Melon Mambo 1/2" Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon (115611)

Dream for the PPA

This week's Pals Paper Arts challenge is "Anything But a Card". I put a lot of thought into my design for this inspiration project. Since it is a tea bag holder, I decided that Dream Garden, with its oriental flair, would be the perfect set to ink up! I worked with a technique that I rarely use, brayering, and selected a color which I never use...Cameo Coral. Sit back with a nice cup of hot tea, and enjoy today's "Dream for the PPA"! Mmmm...make mine Peach, please!

The Stampin' Schach Tips:

• Summer Sun was lightly brayered onto a piece of Very Vanilla cardstock. A 1" circle was then punched out of a sticky note using the 1" Circle Punch and positioned onto the previously brayered area. The area was then brayered again with Summer Sun, and the sticky note circle removed.
• Cameo Coral was brayered onto the top of the cardstock and extended toward the Summer Sun section. For a smooth transition, I sponged additional Cameo Coral into the Summer Sun area.
• The images from Dream Garden were inked with Jet Black StazOn and embossed with Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder.

A wonderful tutorial by Beate Johns for making the tea bag holder can be viewed by Clicking Here. To learn more about brayering, Michelle Zindorf's tutorial is a wealth of information. I plan on making several of these to give as little "thank-you" gifts for the tea drinkers in my life. They also work great for flat squares of chocolate!

Have fun with this week's challenge! Please leave me a comment to let me know what you think about today's project. And remember, please do not hesitate to email me if you have questions about the techniques that I use or the cards that I make. Until next time...

Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7
Stamp Set: Dream Garden (114395); Inks: Cameo Coral (103035), Summer Sun (100537), Jet Black StazOn (101406); Designer Series Paper: Kaleidoscope---inside of holder (115680); Card Stock: Very Vanilla (101650), Textured Cameo Coral (108697---Earth Elements assorted), Basic Black(102851); Tools: Brayer (102395), Stamping Sponges (101610), Heat Tool (100005), Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder (109130), 1" Circle Punch (109046); Glitz and Glam: Basic Black 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon (115605)

Sneak Peek for the PPA

The weekly Pals Paper Arts challenge is right around the corner, so here is your sneak peek at my inspiration project. It involves a technique that I typically do not use, and colors that are not in my usual arsenal of colors. I did enjoy creating it, however. Stayed tuned for the complete reveal on Thursday!

Would you like to earn extra money? Do you want to purchase your stamping supplies at a discount? Are you looking to develop friendships with creative people such as yourself? Then you may want to consider becoming an independent Stampin’ Up! demonstrator.

I would love to have you as a member of my group, The Schach Pack. As a Senior Supervisor, I welcome both hobby demos and those who are looking to expand into a new career. And it does not make any difference whether you live in Southeast Iowa or Western Illinois, or even another state! I will keep the lines of communication open through emails and Skype calls. As a demonstrator, you are entitled to pre-order products from mini catalogs, and of course the new Idea Book and Catalog before it is released to the public. As a demonstrator you are privy to tips and techniques showcased on the Stampin' Connection website and in Stampin' Success magazine, both of which are exclusive to demonstrators. When you sign up with me, you also have access to a private, password protected blog where we share friendships, ask questions, and receive the latest Stampin' Up! updates.

Plus, by joining The Schach Pack, I will personally mentor you and help you become the artist or business person that you want to be! I love to teach, and I would like nothing better than to guide you through the Stampin' Up! experience by providing you with the support you need to succeed. There is still time to enjoy the benefits of joining during Sale-a-bration. Through the end of March, Stampin' Up! is offering 15% off the Starter Kit price and a FREE stamp set of your choice.

If you have questions or concerns, please email me. Or, if you are ready to join right now, just visit this link. Click on "Start Your Own Business", the "Join Now". My recruiting password is "stampinteacher".

Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7

Spring on Fifth Avenue

Fifth Avenue Floral is such a classy stamp set, and perfect for designing spring cards. So when two of my favorite challenges, Our Creative Corner and Crazy 4 Challenges, were sponsoring a Spring themed challenge, I reached for this set without hesitation. Plus, I had been wanting to try the Faux Cloisonne technique, which requires line stamps. What fun! So grab your stamps and a magazine, and try it! I'll show you how!

The Stampin' Schach Tips:

The Faux Cloisonne technique requires a few simple materials. I selected a simple magazine ad in "springy" colors of lavendar, VersaMark ink, White Stampin' Emboss Powder and an Embossing Buddy.

Rub the ad with the Embossing Buddy to remove static.

Ink the desired image using VersaMark and stamp onto the magazine page. I strategically placed my stamps in order to achieve the colors that I wanted.

Sprinkle with White Stampin' Emboss Powder and heat using a Heat Tool.

When cool, simply snip out with Paper Snips!

Sizzling Sizzlits! Little Leaves and Swirls Scribbles Sizzlits are zipped through the Big Shot with textured Mellow Moss card stock. I love both of these little cuties! And what a quick and easy way to add texture and dimension!

Details! Details! Details! What could be more perfect than Stampin' Up!'s Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impression Folder and the Scallop Trim Border Punch to add just the right touch.

"I'll get you, my Pretties!" Halfback Pearls from the Pretties Kit and Whisper White 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon add elegance and finish this card off in style!

It has been such a long time since I have had the opportunity to play along with these two challenges, and I have missed it! As I always say, challenges are a great way to stretch our creativity and develop our stamping skills. Plus, it's always fun to try new techniques. Splitcoaststampers can provide you with a wealth of resources. In fact, I learned about the Faux Cloisonne technique from this wonderful tutorial by Beate Johns.

Speaking of Splitcoaststampers, have you joined the Fan Club yet? For the past month, I have been preparing projects for Splitcoaststampers Fan Club's March Gallery, "All Creatures Great and Small". You do have to be a Fan Club member to view this gallery. To read more about the Fan Club, please click HERE. I would love to have you view and comment on my Dirty Dozen cards!

As always, if you ever have any questions about the cards that I create or the techniques that I use, don't hesitate to contact me. And please leave me a comment! Whether it's to let me know what you think about my first attempt at Faux Cloisonne, or whether it is just to say "Hi!", your comments are very important to me! Until next time...


Join the Schach Pack! CLICK HERE for details. I would love to be your creative mentor!

Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7

Stamp Set: Fifth Avenue Floral; Ink: VersaMark; Designer Series Paper: Sweet Pea; Card Stock: Whisper White, Mellow Moss, Lavender Lace; Tools: Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder, Stampin' Up! Little Leaves Sizzlits, Swirls Scribbles Sizzlits, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Extra Large Two Step Bird Punch, White Stampin' Emboss Powder; Glitz and Glam: Whisper White 5/8" Satin Ribbon, Pretties Kit

We Have a Winner!

I can't get over how many wonderful comments I received for this round of blog candy. I do read all of your comments, and I truly treasure your support. Thanks so much for playing! And now for the random winner:

Merrilee said...

"I absolutely love your card!!! I love the texture, the stamp sets, just everything works together. Thank you for sharing this work of art."

Merrilee, please email me your address within the next 24 hours so that I can ship your goodies to you right away!


Can you believe that Sale-a-bration is quickly coming to a close? Take advantage of these last few days to receive your free products with a $50 order. Please CLICK HERE to place your order 24/7!

Sale-A-Bration Starter Kit Offer Ends March 31! There is still time to join The Schach Pack at the special price of $169. Stampin' Up! Starter Kits are for anyone! They are a wonderful bargain, and are a way to whittle down your Wish List while saving $$$. For more details about joining my talented downline, please CLICK HERE.







Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7

Thinking of the PPA

Thursday is always a favorite day for me because I get to share my inspiration card for the Pals Paper Arts challenge. This week Pal Margaret Moody has designed a great sketch for us. So grab your stamps, inks and papers and join in the fun!

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:

• Change "Blah" to "Ahhhhh" by adding the perfect details! Paper piercing of a single corner, Vintage Brads on a Modern Label, and Color Spritzing provide a feast for the eye!
• Terrific texture! Chocolate Chip card stock looks incredibly rich when zipped through the Big Shot with Stampin' Up!'s Finial Press Textured Impressions Folder.
• Stampin' right with Stampin' Write! Want green leaves with brown branches? It's simple with Stampin' Write Markers. I simply colored the leaves with Always Artichoke, and used Chocolate Chip for the trunk and branches. A little "huffing" to remoisten, and your two-toned tree is ready for stamping!
• Enable your label! One of my favorite tricks is to layer my labels. A Chocolate Chip Designer Label is the perfect backdrop for the punched sentiment!

I am so looking forward to seeing what you design using today's sketch. Remember, you can take liberties with the sketch to make it work for you! If you have any questions about the cards that I make, or the techniques that I use, don't hesitate to email me. And remember to leave me a comment to let me know that you visited! And don't forget, any comments made before 10:00 PM CST are eligible for my BLOG CANDY. To see the original Blog Candy post, click HERE. Until next time...

Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7
Stamp Set: Thoughts and Prayers (113252); Ink: Chocolate Chip (100908), Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write Marker (100071), Always Artichoke Stampin' Write Marker (105113); Designer Series Paper: Bella Blue (113974); Card Stock: Kraft (102125), Chocolate Chip (102128), Very Vanilla (101650), Always Artichoke (105119); Tools: Paper Piercer (116631), Modern Label Punch (116630), Designer Label Punch (107590), Color Spritzer Tool (107066), Sponge Dauber (102892), Big Shot (113439), Finial Press Textured Impressions Folder (115963); Glitz and Glam: Vintage Brads (109109)

PPA Sneak Peek, Blog Candy, and Brazil Update

As has become tradition, I am posting a peek of my inspiration card for this week's Pals Paper Arts challenge. I know, I know. You are saying "Ann, this is such a teensy-weensy peek." Being the softy that I am, here is a little bit bigger peek from a different section of the card.



What? You want more? All things in moderation. You will just have to wait until Thursday, 5:00 AM CST when the PPA challenge goes live. After all, patience is a virtue! Speaking on behalf of the entire Design Team, we invite you to play along. I personally love visiting your blogs and checking out your creations.

New to Stampin' Up!? Does your Wish List include everything in the catalog? Then you are a great candidate for joining my Stampin' Up! group, The Schach Pack, as an independent Stampin' Up! demonstrator. I will answer all of your questions about designs and techniques, while you increase your buying power by using your demonstrator discount. Just check out the "Join the Schach Pack" page at the top of this post, or email me for more information. Let me give you the SPA treatment...Become a Schach Pack Artist!

Brady's Adventures in Brazil

One of the most difficult things about Brady's trip to Brazil is that I have not been able to communicate with him on a daily basis like I usually do. And sadly, the internet speed is very slow. However, I do have a few more pictures to share. The first depicts the city of Salvador from the sea. It looks beautiful. Yet Brady said that a dichotomy exists within the city between wealth and poverty.



The second photo, taken at Salvador's Porto de Barra, was taken on the group's first night in Brazil at the "End of Summer Festival". The stage is actually out in the water! As you can see, it was wall-to-wall people. Brady said that the music was fantastic, heavy on percussion and brass...tailor-made for a trumpet performance major!



Yesterday was the group's first recording session with the lead drummer from Orkestra Rumpelezz. Lead drummers are the rock stars of Latin musical groups, and this individual is supposedly one of the best. I can hardly wait to hear more about Brady's experience in the recording studio.

Mmmmm....Blog Candy



If you are like me, you can always use stamps, paper, and a few embellishments. So I have prepared a yummy selection of 50 six by six sheets of retired Stampin' Up! Designer Series Paper, an unmounted Gifts of the Earth stamp set, and 4 yards of 1/2" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (one yard each of four colors). This little celebratory gift can be yours by simply leaving me a comment on any of the posts that I make between now and Friday, March 19, 10 PM CST. You could win all of the goodies pictured above! I will simply choose a random comment from all comments made during this time frame and announce the winner on Saturday. The winner will then have 24 hours to email me their mailing address.

Well, it's off to grade a few Chemistry papers! I hope that you enjoyed your sneak peek and the update on Brazil. Of course, don't forget the PPA challenge on Thursday. Until next time...

Mmmmm...How 'bout Some Blog Candy

How could I announce being named to the Splitcoaststampers Dirty Dozen Design Team without sharing a little blog candy? If you are like me, you can always use stamps, paper, and a few embellishments. So I have prepared a yummy selection of 50 six by six sheets of retired Stampin' Up! Designer Series Paper, an unmounted Gifts of the Earth stamp set, and 4 yards of 1/2" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (one yard each of four colors). This little celebratory gift can be yours by simply leaving me a comment on any of the posts that I make between now and Friday, March 19, 10 PM CST. You could win all of the goodies pictured above! I will simply choose a random comment from all comments made during this time frame and announce the winner on Saturday. The winner will then have 24 hours to email me their mailing address.

Brady's Adventures in Brazil

How is this for a view out of your hotel window? This is what Brady viewed from his hotel room in Salvadore, Brazil. He is spending spring break in Brazil as part of Western Illinois University's select Symphonic Wind Ensemble. Western students will be able to perform and record with professional Afro-Brazilian musicians. In addition, they will be performing for and teaching underprivileged children for whom they will be leaving behind a quarter-ton of musical instruments. What a wonderful charitable, cultural and musical experience!

Have you thought about becoming an Independent Stampin' Up! demonstrator?

There is still time to take advantage of Stampin' Up!'s Sale-a-bration Starter Kit Special. For $169 plus tax, you can join my team, "The Schach Pack". As a member of the Schach Pack, you can experience the SPA treatment! I will help you become a Schach Pack Artist! Let me use my award-winning teaching expertise to help you improve your stamping skills and improve your craft. I will personally help every member of The Schach Pack become the stamper and cardmaker he or she wants to be. Exclusive technique sheets, tip sheets and tutorials are being prepared just for this purpose. Plus, you will have access to an exclusive blog where we will share ideas, personal successes and friendship. Please CLICK HERE or visit the page at the top of this post, to read more about the Starter Kit special. And if you have any questions about joining The Schach Pack and the services that I offer my downline, please EMAIL ME. I will gladly help you customize your own Starter Kit. I would love to be your mentor.

Don't forget to leave your comments in order to be eligible for my blog candy! Coming up later this week: Pals Paper Arts Sneak Peek and the Pals Paper Arts Challenge Card. Until next time...

A Dream Come True

Sometimes fate works in mysterious ways. On the day after my beloved Missy the Boxer crossed the Rainbow Bridge, I received an email message from Jenn Balcer at Splitcoaststampers asking me to call her. Since I did not know Jenn personally, I was curious as to why she would want me to call her. As incredible as it may sound, Jenn asked if I would be a member of the Splitcoaststampers Dirty Dozen Design Team. Of course, the first words out of my mouth were, "THE Dirty Dozen?" as if there were another. The next words were "Of course!" Can you believe it? I can't!

So for the past month, I have been preparing projects for Splitcoaststampers Fan Club's March Gallery, "All Creatures Great and Small". You do have to be a Fan Club member to view this gallery. To read more about the Fan Club, please click HERE. However, at the end of three months, I will be able to begin posting my creations on The Stampin' Schach!

In terms of my stamping, all that I have ever wanted is for my work to be an inspiration for others. I know that it is not the most creative nor is it the best, as there are many stampers who are far more talented than me. I know that sometimes the margins are crooked, or that sometimes the images are smeared. But, it comes from my heart and I love sharing it with you. At a time when I so needed a distraction from the pain of losing my best friend, this opportunity arose. I am sure that Angel Missy is wiggling that Boxer butt in happiness for her mom! And so in honor of this occasion, I created a quick and simple thank you card for all of you who take the time out of your busy days to stop by and peruse my work.

The Stampin' Schach Tips:

• When short on time, select "Wow" factors that are quick and easy! In this case I decided on a single focal point. Although I pulled out the Blender Pens and inks for this floral image from Asian Artistry, the image was simple enough that it was tinted in a matter of minutes. I used Regal Rose, Always Artichoke, and Soft Suede for the flower itself, while Sahara Sand provided the shadowing.


• Quick and easy cards deserve bling, too! A Pink Circle Fire Brad and Regal Rose 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon are all that are needed on this tailored card.


• Layer those labels! My favorite combination is the Modern Label Punch layered on top of the Designer Label for a different twist.


• Coordinate texture and paper! Polka Dotted Sweet Pea Designer Series Paper looks great paired with Whisper White paper that has been zipped through the Big Shot with Stampin' Up!'s Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder.

Sometimes you need a card in a hurry. In my case, this is my "go to" layout. Even if you do not possess this stamp set, there are a multitude of others that can be substituted. How easy it is to switch out the sentiments, too!

New to stamping? Or have you stamped before and just need help developing your artistic potential? I am here to give you the SPA (Schach Pack Artist) treatment! Become a member of the Schach Pack, my downline group, and I will personally mentor you. For more information, please visit the "Join the Schach Pack" page under the header at the top of this post. By becoming an independent Stampin' Up! demonstrator and member of my team, you will receive tip sheets and tutorials which are currently being developed by myself and members of my downline. AND you will be able to whittle down that "Wish List" with your demonstrator discount! Email me if you have questions.

Coming Up this Week:

• Blog Candy Information: How could I celebrate being named to the Dirty Dozen without a little candy? I will have photos and information later this week.


• The latest Pals Paper Arts Challenge card on Thursday: But have you played yet this week? It is a fun color challenge! Click here for details.


• An update on Brady's trip to Brazil

So as you can see, it will be a busy week here at The Stampin' Schach! As always, please leave me a comment and let me know what you think of today's card. And if you have any questions about the cards that I create or the techniques that you use, please do not hesitate to email me. Until next time...

Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7

Stamp Sets: Asian Artistry (114399---Hostess Level 2), Three Little Words (113254); Inks: Sahara Sand (105208), Always Artichoke (105219), Regal Rose (105211), Soft Suede (115657), Basic Brown (104315); Designer Series Paper: Sweet Pea (117161---Occasions Mini); Card Stock: Whisper White (100730), Rose Red(102544), Always Artichoke (105119); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder (117335---Occasions Mini), Modern Label Punch (116630), Designer Label Punch (107590); Glitz and Glam: Circle Fire Brads (109110), Regal Rose 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon (109056)

Go Green Challenge for the PPA

Can you believe that it is Thursday already? Of course we all know what this means...It's time to play @ PPA! This week we are hosting a "Go Green" color challenge encouraging you to use Garden Green, Certainly Celery, and Kraft. Of course, if you do not have these colors available, feel free to substitute similar hues. At first I was not thrilled with this color combination, but you know what? After using it on this card, I like it! So, why not join us this week in the Pals Paper Arts challenge? Try it...you'll like it!

The Stampin' Schach Tips:

• It's hip to be square! And when you do decide to make a square card, remember to cut the card base at 5-1/4". This way it will slip nicely into Stampin' Up!'s Medium Square Envelopes.


• Make your own Designer Series Paper! Small stamps, such as the "Shamrock" image from the Holiday Blitz stamp set work perfectly. Just randomly stamp and in minutes you have created a thematic paper.


• Even simple cards deserve their bling! A green Circle Ice Brad fits comfortably into the "O" of GO, without being pretentious.


• For your finishing touch, a simple knotted bow created from Certainly Celery Grosgrain Ribbon, does the trick!

Once I got over my initial grumbling about how I could not possibly ever make a card using these colors, and settled down to face the challenge at hand, the card seemed to make itself. I like it when a card comes together like that!

Bon Voyage, Brady!

My son, Brady, departs tomorrow for Brazil. He will be playing trumpet in a select wind ensemble from Western Illinois University. The ensemble will be giving concerts and presenting refurbished musical instruments to underprivileged children. Although I will miss not having him home during his spring break, he is engaging in a noble cause. Of course, you know how moms are...I am already worried about him. Please keep him in your thoughts over the next ten days

As always, I am looking forward to the cards that you create for the PPA challenge. There is so much talent and creativity! Now, scurry along and start making those "Go Green" cards. But before you go, leave me a comment and let me know what you think about today's endeavor. And remember, you can always email me if you have questions about the cards that I create or the techniques that I use! Until next time...

Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7
Stamp Sets: Go Green (117074), Holiday Blitz (114982); Paper: Whisper White (100730), Garden Green (102584), Certainly Celery (105125), Kraft (102125); Ink: Garden Green (102272); Tools: Scallop Trim Border Punch (118402); Glitz and Glam: Certainly Celery 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon (109050), Circle Ice Brads (109111)

Bella Toile for the Hop

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

Bella Toile Happy Anniversary


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

The Stampin' Schach Tips:

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


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


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


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

Spring Tulipe

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

The Stampin' Schach Tips:

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


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


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

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

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


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