Season's Greetings for Pals Paper Arts and Video Tutorial

This week's Pals Paper Arts challenge is to use buttons. Keep it Clean and Simple and use a button or buttons in your design! Of course, I always find it difficult to stay Clean and Simple, but at least I have no problem using buttons! I hope that you will join us this week...I love seeing what you create! You are all inspirations to me!

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:

• It's hip to be square! Since all of the patterns in the Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper collection are beautiful, I could not decide on just one! So...I selected four, cut into 1-3/4" squares!
• Lovely layers! Brushed Gold card stock adds understated "bling". Here it is paired with Always Artichoke, while Cherry Cobbler gives a "pop" of color!
• Elegant embossing! The sentiment from Welcome Christmas was stamped in Early Espresso onto Crumb Cake and then embossed with Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder. The sentiment was then stamped a second time in VersaMark onto River Rock card stock and embossed with Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder. I then snipped "Season's Greetings" from the River Rock card stock and popped it onto the Crumb Cake base with Stampin' Dimensionals. (Tip: Since I did not have any Early Espresso Craft Ink for embossing, I inked the stamp with VersaMark, followed by Early Espresso Classic Ink...going from the VersaMark pad straight to the Early Espresso pad. It worked great!)
• Who's got the button? Stampin' Up! does! Three styles of Designer Buttons in Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso and Crumb Cake were dressed up with a snippet of Linen Thread.

The result is a card which is both elegant and country!

A few day's ago, I promised a video to show how I make the bows that I use for cards like these:

I am using a cardboard template that my mother shared with me many years ago. I am sure that this video will help you make quick and easy bows!

Thanks for joining me today! If you have questions about the cards that I make, or the techniques that I use, don't hesitate to email me. And please, won't you leave me a comment to let me know what you think of today's card? Until next time...



Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7

Stamp Set: Welcome Christmas (W 118736; C 120597); Inks: VersaMark (102283), Early Espresso (119670); Designer Series Paper: Deck the Halls (120810---Holiday Mini); Card Stock: Crumb Cake (120953), Brushed Gold (102935), Always Artichoke (105119), Cherry Cobbler (119685); Tools: Heat Tool (100005), Embossing Buddy (103083); Glitz and Glam: Early Espresso 5/8" Satin Ribbon (119753), Chantilly 1/2" Crocheted Lace Trim (118480), Linen Thread (104199), Regals Designer Buttons (119744), Neutrals Designer Buttons (119743), Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder (109130), Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder (109129)

Pals Paper Arts Peek of the Week

Wednesday is always the day that the Pals Paper Arts Design Team members do our sneak peaks of our inspiration cards. I really like the card that I created for this week's challenge, and I hope that you will, too! I would love to have you join me for the reveal tomorrow! And in the meantime, how about checking out the Pals Paper Arts Artist Picks for last week's challenge!

Blog Candy Giveaway

Just in case you missed yesterday's post, I am giving away blog candy this week! It is delicious...and calorie-free! I have assembled a collection of this and that, and with the exception of the lace, it is all Stampin' Up! Here is what you will be receiving:

• Over 50 6" x 6" pieces of Designer Series Paper (all from Patterns Pack III)
• 24 pieces of 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" printed paper from the Country Living Cards A La Carte kit
• One On Board Book...Bird (unopened)
• Approximately 10 yards of Sleigh Bells Ribbon
• 18 assorted Khaki Corduroy Brads and Buttons
• Floral Fusion Felt Flowers (Over 130 pieces)
• Crochet Lace Ribbon (Spare Parts, approximately 3 yards)
• One of my cards

Participation couldn't be easier! All you need to do is leave a comment on any of this week's posts, Tuesday through Friday, until 9:00 PM CST Friday, October 1st. You may comment each day, if you wish and increase your chances of winning. At that time, I will use a random number generator from Random. org to select a winner. The winner's name will be posted on my blog Saturday, October 2. Note: The winner will have 24 hours to email me their name and mailing address! So be certain to check in on Saturday!

Need to order Stampin' Up! supplies? Order on-line from me! I can help you purchase the perfect product for the perfect card or scrapbook page! Just email me if you have any questions! Until next time...

Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7

Yippee! Skippee! Blog Candy Giveaway

Are you in the mood for a little blog candy today? It is delicious...and calorie-free! I have assembled a collection of this and that, and with the exception of the lace, it is all Stampin' Up! Here is what you will be receiving:

• Over 50 6" x 6" pieces of Designer Series Paper (all from Patterns Pack III)
• 24 pieces of 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" printed paper from the Country Living Cards A La Carte kit
• One On Board Book...Bird (unopened)
• Approximately 10 yards of Sleigh Bells Ribbon
• 18 assorted Khaki Corduroy Brads and Buttons
• Floral Fusion Felt Flowers (Over 130 pieces)
• Crochet Lace Ribbon (Spare Parts, approximately 3 yards)
• One of my cards

Participation couldn't be easier! All you need to do is leave a comment on any of this week's posts, starting today, until 9:00 PM CST Friday, October 1st. You may comment each day, if you wish and increase your chances of winning. At that time, I will use a random number generator from Random. org to select a winner. The winner's name will be posted on my blog Saturday, October 2. Note: The winner will have 24 hours to email me their name and mailing address! So be certain to check in on Saturday!

Since there is not a card to comment on today, and if you are at a loss for words, here are some simple "comment starters":

• What is your favorite technique?
• Do you have a favorite tool that you like to use?
• Is there a favorite style of card that you like to make?
• Do you prefer wood mount or clear mount stamps?
• Are there any tutorials that you would like to see?

As for me, my answers would be: I like distressing...the color spritzer tool...vintage cards...clear mount stamps...and too many too list!

Would you be interested in learning more about becoming a Stampin' Up! demonstrator? If the idea of earning extra money and being your own boss appeals to you, then email me today. I would love to discuss this business opportunity with you and answer any questions that you may have! Until next time...

Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7

May Happiness Touch Your Life and a Muffy Video

I have had such a hectic weekend! Adding to my stress is the fact that my husband is having oral surgery this morning. Arghhh! Plus, I didn't get any stamping done, so now I am behind. Luckily, I still have a card that I can share from my Dirty Dozen "How Does Your Garden Grow?" Gallery and a new "Muffy the Boxer" video. Enjoy "May Happiness Touch Your Life"!


The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:

• A stitch in time! For a unique twist, try a blanket stitch to set off your sentiment! I simply paper pierced around this sentiment, from Herb Expressions, using the Template in the Mat Pack. I then used Linen Thread for the stitching.
• Butterflies and blooms! What sets off a few roses and lilies better than blue butterflies for an unexpected "pop" of color! And making those butterflies is so easy with the Beautiful Wings Embosslits and Big Shot. Hint: Want to update this look? Add a few Basic Pearls...you will be surprised at how they compliment the "country style" of this card.
• Spritz and smooch! Log Cabin Smooch Spritz adds a realistic touch to the lilies made from the 5-Petal Flower Punch. A few speckles were added to the sentiment with the Color Spritzer Tool and a Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write Marker.

I had plans to create a card with one of my new Holiday Mini sets this weekend to post today. But, I know that we have all been in the same position before where life gets in the way of stampin'! So please...forgive me!

Muffy the Boxer at Seven Weeks

This is the last video that I will receive before we bring Muffy the Boxer home. This was not a good day for little Muffy, as she was giving her breeder fits. She did not want to stay in the chair...nor did she want to show off her pretty face. She is Boxer through and through! And those of you out there that are Boxer lovers will recognize those Boxer traits that are emerging already...including boxing with her front paws. In the words of her breeder, "she is a little wild puppy girl!" But she assured me that Muffy is "very loving" and that I will "have lots of fun with her."



Coming Up This Week:

• Tuesday...Blog Candy
• Wednesday...PPA Sneak Peek
• Thursday...PPA Card with Bow Tutorial

Looking for a perfect way to organize your stamping supplies when heading off to crops or stamp clubs? How about the Greenhouse Gala Tote? It's FREE for a limited time with the Stampin' Up! Starter Kit. Remember, whether you are a hobby stamper or whether you aspire to be a career demonstrator, you can enjoy Stampin' Up! discounts and benefits. Click Here to learn more, or Email Me. I would love to discuss the perks with you!

Need a free Holiday Mini Catalog? Just let me know and I will drop one in the mail right away!

I hope that you enjoyed today's card! Please leave me a comment to let me know what you think. And remember, if you ever have any questions about the cards that I make or the techniques that I use, I am only an email away! Until next time...


Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7

Stamp Set: Herb Expressions (113224); Inks: Chocolate Chip (100908), Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write Marker (100071); Card Stock: Chocolate Chip (102128), Very Vanilla (101650); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Square Lattice Embossing Folder (119976), Top Note Die (113463), Beautiful Wings Embosslit (118138), Extra Large Flower Punch (118073), 5-Petal Flower Punch (119880), Color Spritzer Tool (107066); Glitz and Glam: Very Vanilla 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon (109026), Log Cabin Smooch Spritz (119921), Linen Thread (104199)

Pretty in Pink Polka Dots for The Paper Players

The Paper Players challenge this week is an inspiration challenge featuring this adorable inspiration photo selected by the ever-so-talented LeAnne Pugliese. Isn't this just too cute? LeAnne's daughter recently gave birth to an adorable baby girl, so it is no wonder she has been

looking at girly-girl things! Of course, when I first saw this picture I saw spots before my eyes...Pretty in Pink ones that is! Enjoy today's quick and easy "Pretty in Pink Polka Dots" baby card!

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:

• Punch a bunch! The 1" Circle Punch was used to create polka dots from textured Pretty in Pink card stock. These were then randomly adhered to textured Early Espresso card stock. Remember to extend several circles over the edges and trim!
• Accentuate! To keep the sentiment from disappearing into the background, I used Pink Pirouette card stock for slight contrast. An Early Espresso "Giraffe" from Fox and Friends also draws the eye to "baby" from A Word for You. I love this set because of its versatility. It's so easy to ink up just part of the phrase with a Stampin' Write Marker!
• Glitz and Glam! One of the elements of the inspiration picture which jumped right out at me was the beautiful bow! I created my double bow from Pretty in Pink 5/8" Satin Ribbon. And of course, what Giraffe doesn't deserve a few Basic Pearls!

Fun and quick, with a modern edge to it? What do you think? Please let me know by leaving me a comment before you go!

Questions and Answers:

• Need a tutorial on how to make the beautiful roses on this card from yesterday's post? Julie Williams at Simi Stamper has a wonderful tutorial. Just click here.
• How do I make my bows, and will I make a tutorial on how to make them? I think I could manage that. But give me a few days...I have to wait until my husband is at work and all is quiet in the house! Plus, I need to get a new tripod so that I can film at a different angle. I am still new at making video tutorials, and I know that my first efforts have been horrendous. However, I am trying to learn from my mistakes!
• When will Muffy the Boxer arrive at the Schach house? She will turn 8 weeks old on October 4th, so it should be around that time. We are indeed getting anxious!

And remember, if you have questions about the cards that I make or the techniques that I use, don't hesitate to ask. I am only an email away! Until next time...

Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7

Stamp Sets: A Word for You (W 117032, C 120528), Fox and Friends (W 117020, C 118565); Ink: Early Espresso (119670), Early Espresso Stampin' Write Marker (119680); Card Stock: Pretty in Pink textured (119937), Early Espresso textured (119691), Pink Pirouette (111351); Tools: 1-3/8" x 5/8" Oval Punch (119863), Scalloped Oval Punch (119856), 1/3/4" x 7/8" Oval (119855); Glitz and Glam: Pretty in Pink 5/8" Satin Ribbon (117289), Basic Pearls (119247)

A Rose, a RAK and a Rodent

Today I am sharing another card from my Dirty Dozen "How Does Your Garden Grow" gallery. Each month we were asked to select a favorite from the cards that we uploaded, and this was mine. I hope that you like it also! Oh! And for fun, how about a RAK and a rodent, too!

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:

• Faux Toile! The "Floral" image from Elements of Style was randomly stamped in Bravo Burgundy onto Very Vanilla to create the illusion of toile. It was "faux" easy!
• Texture! Try stamping your own Designer Paper and then zipping it through the Big Shot with your favorite embossing folder. For this card I used the Square Lattice Textured Impressions Embossing Folder.
• A rose by any other name! These Bravo Burgundy paper roses look fabulous, and are relatively easy to make using the Fancy Flower punch! The edges were frosted with Very Vanilla ink to add depth. Another option..Smooch Spritz for a little shimmer and glimmer!

Interested in seeing more cards made with these stamp sets? I do have a search option available on my right sidebar!

I do want to share another card with you today, from one of little Miss Muffy the Boxer's "Puppy Godmothers", the talented Carla Bazhenow! Carla not only sent a card, but is already spoiling Muffy with new toys! Those of you who are familiar with Boxers know they LOVE their toys...so Godmother Carla is going to be a big hit with her "godpuppy"!

Isn't this card just too cute? And the inside is typical Carla...just as pretty as the outside. You can see more of Carla's amazing work at Carla's Scraps.

And finally, the rodent part of today's post! I happened to walk past the kitchen window Wednesday morning and did a double take. There, sitting on the head of one of my concrete lawn ornaments, was a ground squirrel. He looked so adorable, that I just had to snap a few pictures. I will apologize for the clarity. It was rainy and overcast, and the pictures were taken through both glass and screen wire. But I think that they will still bring a smile to your face!




I hope that today's post has brought a smile to your face and has also provided you with a tip or two. As always, I love reading your comments. They are important to me. And of course, if you have any questions about the cards that I create or the techniques that I use, don't hesitate to email me! Until next time...


Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7

Stamp Set: Elements of Style (W 118611; C 120045), Sincere Salutations (115068); Inks: Bravo Burgundy (105214), Night of Navy (102977), Very Vanilla (104308); Card Stock: Very Vanilla (101650), Night of Navy (100867), Bravo Burgundy (105123); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Square Lattice Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (119976), Corner Rounder (119871), Scallop Trim Border Punch (118402), Fancy Flower Punch (118073); Glitz and Glam: 1/4" Grosgrain Night of Navy Ribbon (109036), Pretties Kit (retired)

Happiness Shared

A few days ago I posted one of my favorite layouts for showcasing a sentiment and Designer Series Paper. Today I am back with that same layout and a different look! What I love about this layout is that it is so quick and easy, yet the result is classy! Let me share some happiness with you!

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:

• Spotlight! Framing the sentiment from Happiness Shared and popping it up onto dimensionals brings it right to the forefront. A strategically placed Basic Pearl and butterfly, punched with the Beautiful Wings Embosslits, also direct the eye straight to the focal point of this card.
• Balance! A large Marina Mist Striped Grosgrain Bow grounds the card, as well as balances the design.
• Bling! Basic Pearls adorn all three butterflies, while Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz kisses the wings of the largest.
• Fun! Fringe your ribbon for a fun look! Don't know how? Let my friend, Mary, show you!

Here is the same layout...different look! Notice that with both cards, the sentiment is the main player in a cast of embellishments!

Looking for a perfect way to organize your stamping supplies when heading off to crops or stamp clubs? How about the Greenhouse Gala Tote? It's FREE for a limited time with the Stampin' Up! Starter Kit. Remember, whether you are a hobby stamper or whether you aspire to be a career demonstrator, you can enjoy Stampin' Up! discounts and benefits. Click Here to learn more, or Email Me. I would love to discuss the perks with you!

Need a free Holiday Mini Catalog? Just let me know and I will drop one in the mail right away!

I hope that you enjoyed today's card! Please leave me a comment to let me know what you think. And remember, if you ever have any questions about the cards that I make or the techniques that I use, I am only an email away! Until next time...

Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7

Stamp Set: Happiness Shared (W 117038; C 120534); Inks: Early Espresso (119670), Soft Suede (115657), Soft Suede Stampin' Write Marker (120973); Designer Series Paper: Elegant Soiree (117163); Card Stock: Very Vanilla (101650), Soft Suede (115318), Marina Mist (119682); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Beautiful Wings Embosslits (118138), Color Spritzer Tool (107066); Glitz and Glam: Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz (118772), Basic Pearls (119247), Marina Mist 5/8" Satin Ribbon (119751), Marina Mist 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (119772)

Buffalo for PPA61 with Video Tutorial

When I saw the sketch for this week's Pals Paper Arts challenge, I immediately wanted to use the Buffalo stamp from Stampin' Up!'s In Wilderness stamp set. This stamp is one of my son, Brady's, favorites. He left for college on August 20th, and I am missing him. I find myself thinking about his baby days and the cute things he would do. He was quite the little "Nature Boy" and would collect all sorts of wonderful things, including feathers. He would proudly bring his "finds" to me and I would place them in a baggie for him to keep. The feather which adorns this card is close to 18 years old, and is one of Brady's "pretties" which I had tucked away. I thought it fitting to use it on this card, which will be for Brady's birthday. It is a quick and easy masculine card, and I hope that you enjoy it! Now if I could just quit humming "Buffalo gal won't you come out tonight, come out tonight...", I would be a much happier woman!

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:

• Friend or Faux! Faux Wood is so easy! To create the Faux Wood background used in this card, a piece of Soft Suede card stock was zipped through the Big Shot with the Distressed Texturz Plate. A little Early Espresso ink was then lightly brayered onto its surface. Tip: Lightly spritz the paper with water to form a deeper impression!
• Distress! It's easy with the Seven-Sided Tool, a Sponge Dauber, and a little ink!
• Spritz! It's a breeze with the Color Spritzer Tool and a Soft Suede Stampin' Write Marker!
• Stitch! The Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch is a natural for cross-stitching! A little Linen Thread is all it takes!

I used the Stamp-a-ma-jig to line up my image when I made this card. Are you Stamp-a-ma-jig dysfunctional? If so, enjoy this quick tutorial with only one tiny little blooper at the end. Heck...I am not even going to sweat this one...at least the camera didn't flip and the batteries were fresh!



I hope that you enjoyed this masculine card. And I hope that you will join us in this week's Pals Paper Arts challenge. I always enjoy seeing what you create! And remember, if you have any questions about the cards that I create, or the techniques that I use, please don't hesitate to email me. Until next time...


Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7

Stamp Set: In Wilderness (W 117040; C 120537); Card Stock: Crumb Cake (120953), Soft Suede (115318), Cajun Craze (119684), Very Vanilla (101650); Inks: Early Espresso (119670), Soft Suede (115657), Soft Suede Stampin' Write Marker (120973); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Texturz Plate Kit #4 (114531), Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch (119275), Sponge Dauber (102892), Color Spritzer Tool (107066), Cutter Kit (106958); Glitz and Glam: Linen Thread (104199), Always Artichoke Deck the Halls Big Designer Button (121002---Holiday Mini);

Pals Paper Arts Peek of the Week

I hope that you enjoy this tiny peek at my upcoming Pals Paper Arts card. It will be revealed in its entirety on Thursday. As you can probably tell, it is a masculine card. Since I do not create a lot of masculine cards, I will be anxious to read what you think of it! So please drop in tomorrow for the big reveal! And if you are in the market to view some fabulous Halloween cards, the PPA has named its Pals Artists Picks for last week's "Wicked" Halloween challenge! Stop by to see the winners!

Until next time...


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

Bells and Boughs

I have always been in love with all things "vintage". My home is decorated with vintage items that I have picked up here and there. Even my wedding dress was vintage-style! So I was thrilled when Stampin' Up! released so many wonderfully designed vintage stamps and embellishments. Today's card represents the first time that I have used the Bells and Boughs stamp set. It is also the first time that I have used the new Silver Tinsel Trim. This card was actually designed as a make-and-take for my last workshop, and the ladies did an excellent job!

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:

• Dauber delight! To reinforce the vintage feel, the edges of all layers were stained using a Sponge Dauber and Soft Suede ink. I use Soft Suede because it is not as harsh as Early Espresso or Chocolate Chip.


• Spritz and smooch! Both the image and the sentiment were spritzed using the Color Spritzer Tool and a Crumb Cake Stampin' Write Marker. The Always Artichoke layer was zipped through the Big Shot with the Petals-a-Plenty Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, and then smooched with Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz.


• Water spots! What could be more vintage looking than a few well-placed water spots? This stamp, from the French Foliage set, was inked in Soft Suede, stamped off once, and then stamped onto the sentiment.


• Chantilly lace! A snippet of Silver Tinsel is sandwiched between two rows of Chantilly Crochet Trim, while another snippet frames the Scallop Circle.


• Blender Pens and Inks! More Mustard, Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler, and Soft Suede inks are used to tint the Bell image from Bells and Boughs.

I hope that you enjoyed today's card, and the River Rock, Cherry Cobbler and Always Artichoke color combination. I also hope that you find a useful tidbit of information or see a design element that spurs your creativity. And if you should have questions about the cards that I create or the techniques that I use, never forget that I am only an email away! Until next time...


Please Click Here to Order Stampin' Up!

Stamp Set: Bells and Boughs (W 120831, C 121142---Holiday Mini), French Foliage (W 120845, C 121166---Holiday Mini); Inks: Early Espresso (119670), Soft Suede (115657), Always Artichoke (105219), More Mustard (103162), Cherry Cobbler (119669), Crumb Cake Stampin' Write Marker (120967); Card Stock: River Rock (108640), Always Artichoke (105119), Cherry Cobbler (119685), Very Vanilla (101650); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Petals-a-Plenty Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (116824), Decorative Label Punch (120907---Holiday Mini), 2-3/8 Scallop Circle Punch (118874), 2-1/2" Circle Punch (120906---Holiday Mini), Paper Piercing Tool (116631), Mat Pack (105826), Color Spritzer Tool (107066), Sponge Daubers (102892); Glitz and Glam: Silver Tinsel Trim (120994---Holiday Mini), Chantilly Crochet Trim (118480), Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz (118772)

Music Expresses...

I am in awe of those among us who are musicians, especially my son. He plays the trumpet with such passion and feeling. Through his music, he expresses that which cannot be said. This card is the prototype for his spring recital invitation. It uses the lovely sentiment from the now retired set, Music Expressions. However, this classic layout is perfect to showcase any of your favorite sentiments. And by switching out the designer paper, it can be used for a variety of occasions. In fact, in the upcoming days, I will be showing you the same layout, with different sentiments/papers. Since the design process is what takes me the most time, it is always fun to take a classic layout, and switch it up to create new cards in less than half the time.

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:

• Paper work! Let the Designer Paper do the work for you! This gorgeous Music Note pattern is from the Newsprint collection. What could be more perfect for a recital invitation! Of course, I spritzed it using the Color Spritzer Tool and a Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker in order to age it.
• Classy and Elegant! Nothing says elegance better than Very Vanilla and Basic Black. The sentiment from Music Expressions (retired) was inked in Basic Black and stamped onto Very Vanilla card stock. The multiple matting lends a formal air to the card.
• Glitz and Glam: Faux Cabochons (made from 5/8" Very Vanilla Brads and large half-back pearls) are adhered to pleated Basic Black 1 -1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon. A Basic Black Beautiful Wings Embosslits butterfly has been smooched with Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz. A pearl defines the abdomen.

I plan on making these over the winter. Only the ones which will be hand-delivered will have the cabochons. Those that will be mailed will be more postal-friendly! So what do you think? Just leave me a comment and let me know! And remember, I will gladly answer any questions that you may have about how my cards are constructed, or what techniques I use. I am only an email away! Until next time...

Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7
Stamp Set: Music Expressions (retored); Ink: Basic Black (101179), Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker (100082); Designer Series Paper: Newsprint (117166); Card Stock: Very Vanilla (101650), Basic Black (121045); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Beautiful Wings Embosslits (118138), Color Spritzer Tool (107066); Glitz and Glam: Basic Black 1 -1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (115615), 5/8" Neutral Brads (112533), Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz (118772), Pretties Kit (retired)

A Snowman for The Paper Players

The Paper Players are hosting a sketch challenge this week. Since I have been making some "not cute" cards, according to my husband, I decided to try my best to create something that possessed a "cuteness" factor. So I turned to my collection of stamps and pulled out A Cute Christmas. After all, if it has cute in the title, it has to produce cute cards, right? Have fun with this week's sketch!

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:

• One-two-three! Using a Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker, I selectively stamped the "Snowman" image from A Cute Christmas. For a touch of whimsy, I matted the top two images at an angle! Sometimes "wonky" is good!
• Retro-mania! Real Red and Baja Breeze Stampin' Write Markers were used to color this little guy's scarf. See how it coordinates with the delightful retro-style paper from the Candy Cane Christmas collection? Don't you just love those red glitter polka dots!
• Add a flake for goodness sake! What could be prettier than a punched snowflake? That's easy. A punched snowflake with a Real Red Glimmer Brad for its center! Notice how the shimmer coordinates with the paper?
• Don't let your sentiment fall flat! Add dimension with dimensionals! The focus is on the sentiment when it is popped up on a Stampin' Dimensional.
• Just because it's there, doesn't mean you have to ink it! By using a Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker, I inked up only the "Greetings" section of the Season's Greetings stamp from Four the Holidays. The result is a card that can be used any time during the winter season!

I was such a good girl with this card. No scary spiders. No dirtying up the edges with brown ink...I used Baja Breeze! And, what's this? No Color Spritzer Tool? Well...what's the verdict? "Cute" or "Not Cute". I am anxious to hear what you think! And remember, if you ever have any questions about the cards that I make or the techniques that I use, please email me. I am always willing to help! And coming up next week...another video tutorial! Until next time...

Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7

Stamp Set: A Cute Christmas (W 120825; C 121133), Four the Holidays (116921); Ink: Baja Breeze (111833); Stampin' Write Markers: Basic Black (100082), Real Red (100052), Baja Breeze (120965); Designer Series Paper: Candy Cane Christmas Specialty Designer Series Paper (120809---Holiday Mini); Card Stock: Whisper White (100730), Baja Breeze (111352), Real Red (102482); Tools: 1-1/4" Square Punch (119865), 1-3/8" Square Punch (119877), Snowflake Punch (119852), 1-3/4" x 7/8" Oval Punch (119855), Scallop Oval Punch (119856); Glitz and Glam: Glimmer Brights Brads (121006---Holiday Mini), Whisper White Satin Ribbon (119958), Real Red 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon (119251)

Paper Players Sneak Peek

I had fun creating my card for the upcoming Paper Player's challenge, which will be revealed Sunday. After the spider card on Thursday, my husband asked me why I never make "cute" cards. Well, this will be my attempt at...cute! Join me this Sunday and you can be the judge! And there is still time to play in this week's color challenge of More Mustard, Old Olive, Early Espresso and Cajun Craze! The link closes at 6:00 PST Saturday.

Have you played along with the latest Pals Paper Arts challenge? You can't beat this week's theme...Halloween! You have until Noon (CST) Tuesday, September 21st, to link your creation. We'll announce our Pals Paper Artist Picks Wednesday, September 22nd. I know that I have said it many times before, but challenges are excellent ways to improve our papercrafting skills, while having fun!

Would you love to have this lovely tote? It can be yours simply by signing up to become a Stampin' Up! demonstrator before October 18th. By signing up to become a member of The Schach Pack, you will receive the Greenhouse Gala Tote for free (a $39.95 value). If you are like me, you love receiving a good value! The Standard Starter Kit is valued at more than $310, yet costs only $175. Adding on the tote increases that to more than $350 for half price! And who doesn't like receiving a discount on their Stampin' Up! products, which is just one of the many perks of being a demonstrator! I would love to talk with you about becoming a member of the Stampin' Up! family. Please email me, and we can discuss how you can get this tote headed your way!

Ready to host your own workshop? Email me to set a date. If you are located in the central/southeastern Iowa or west/central Illinois area, I am available to travel for in-home workshops or classes. Not close by? Email me about my virtual workshops! I hope to hear from you soon! Until next time...


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