Christmas Balloon for The Paper Players

It's "Anything Goes" this week at The Paper Players! Since it is the 5th week of the month, we encourage you to share ANY of your favorite paper projects...scrapbook pages, tags, three dimensional items...and yes, even cards. As I said, "Anything Goes"! However, your project does need to be something newly created during this week...and it can even be a project for another challenge. The main rule here is to have fun and to challenge yourself! I opted for a Christmas card which showcases the Deck the Hall Designer Series Paper! I hope that you enjoy my "Christmas Balloon"!The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:

• Punch Power! Balloons are so easy to create with the 2" x 1-3/8" Oval Punch. I simply punched five ovals using various patterns from Deck the Halls. To add depth and dimension, the top three were adhered to ovals punched from the cardboard that comes with the paper! After adhering to the cardboard, the edges were rounded with a Sanding Block and distressed with Soft Suede ink.


• Layer your Top Notes! The Top Note Die and Big Shot were used to create two die cuts, one from Deck the Halls Designer Paper, the second from Soft Suede card stock. Paper Snips were used to trim the patterned Top Note at the perforation lines.


• Snip! Snip! The "Balloon Gondola" from Sweet Centers was stamped in VersaMark and heat embossed using Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder. It was then snipped out with Paper Snips and adhered to the Top Note base.


• It all in the details! Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding is adorned with three Basic Pearls. An Antique Brad accents the Fan-Fold Flower.


• Finish with a kiss! Gold Glow Smooch Spritz adds a beautiful patina to the entire card!

The inspiration for this card was a card that I originally created for the Splitcoaststampers Dirty Dozen. It was my favorite for the "Up in the Air" gallery. I will be sharing this card with you soon. I can hardly wait to see what you create for this week's challenge...and don't forget..."Anything Goes"! Please leave me a comment and let me know what you think about today's card. And as always, if you ever have any questions about the cards that I create or the techniques that I use, I am only an email away! Until next time...

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Stamp Set: Sweet Centers (116521); Inks: Soft Suede (115657), VersaMark (102283); Designer Series Papers: Deck the Halls (120810); Card Stock: Soft Suede (115318); Tools: Top Note Bigz Die (113463), Big Shot (113439), 2" x 1-3/8" Oval Punch (119859), 1-3/4" Scallop Circle Punch (119854), Sanding Block (103301), Heat Tool (100005), Sponge Dauber (102892); Glitz and Glam: Cherry Cobbler 1/2" Seam Binding (120992), Basic Pearls (119247), Gold Glow Smooch Spritz (118770)

Dream Gardens for Pals Paper Arts

It's Thursday...time to play at Pals Paper Arts! This week is a fabulous sketch challenge designed by Margaret Moody. Although 'tis the season for fabulous Fall, Halloween and Christmas cards, I opted to create a non-seasonal card using the Dream Gardens set and the faux silk technique! Enjoy!

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:

• Emboss! Heat embossing is a wonderful technique to help images "pop"! All of the images used on this card were stamped in VersaMark Watermark Ink and then heat embossed with Black Stampin' Emboss Powder! What an impact this makes when compared to just stamping an image in Basic Black!
• Faux Silk! In a matter of seconds, you can transform ordinary tissue paper into an extraordinary background! After preparing the surface (see this pictorial), I brayered Cherry Cobbler ink onto the tissue, and then randomly stamped and heat embossed the "Dream" image!
• Make the sketch your own! A sketch is meant to be a starting point for your creativity. Notice that I did not use a wide border, as illustrated in the sketch. Instead, I opted to use the Scallop Trim Border Punch, which I accented with Basic Pearls.
• Au naturale! Get out of the Very Vanilla rut! Natural Ivory has an organic feel, and is just perfect for adding "warmth" to a card. Try it...you'll like it! A light daubing of Basic Gray connects the image mat to the black embossing, creating a cohesiveness among all of the layers.
• Add depth and dimension! "Pop" up the "Dream" circle with Stampin' Dimensionals!

I hope that you enjoyed this switch from the seasonal cards that I have been creating. What a perfect card for any general occasion! Please leave me a comment to let me know what you think! And remember, I am always available to answer any questions that you have about the cards that I create or the techniques that I use! I am only an email away!

An added note: Those of you who frequent The Stampin' Schach know that I respond to your comments individually, when an email address is available. Plus I comment on your cards, especially those which are submitted for Pals Paper Arts and The Paper Players. Please bear with me for the next few weeks, as time will be a limited resource for me. We had puppy drama Tuesday with Muffy the Boxer, who was injured trying to crawl over the divider in her crate. While her injuries heal, I have to keep the Boxer Twins separated, occupied, and happy...which is a full-time job! So if you notice that I have not thanked you individually or that I have not commented...you know the reason! Until next time...

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Stamp Set: Dream Gardens; Inks: VersaMark; Card Stock: Natural Ivory, Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake; Tools: Heat Tool, Scallop Trim Border Punch, 1-1/4" Circle Punch, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, Black Stampin' Emboss Powder, Sponge Dauber, Brayer; Glitz and Glam: Basic Pearls

Pals Paper Arts Sneak Peek

It's Wednesday, and time for the traditional Pals Paper Arts sneak peek! I know that I have missed the past two Wednesdays, because of those rowdy Boxer Twins. Little Muffy is always into mischief, while brother Brody is a momma's boy! There is never a dull moment in the Schach house with these two! However, we are finally starting to get into a routine, and hopefully I will be able to get back into posting daily again. I have found that Brody is also "Mother's Little Helper". Look how nicely he distressed this card for "Mom":

I have no idea how he got this card into his possession, but we have a nice little rip, and several little indentations from sharp little puppy teeth! I will attempt to salvage what I can.

I will say that I like the rip...mine always look so contrived! This one looks so natural! Now if I can only get him to use the Color Spritzer and the Seven-Sided tool! Just imagine the possibilities!

Take Advantage of Stampin' Up!'s Holiday Bundles

Just in time for your holiday crafting needs, Stampin' Up! is offering 20% off the regular price of these popular holiday items! Hurry! This offer ends December 16th!

I indulged myself with this week's PPA card. It's not Christmas...it's not Fall...it's not Halloween! And even though it is not seasonal, I hope that you will enjoy the reveal on Thursday! Of course, in the meantime you can always check out this week's Pals Paper Arts Picks. And thank you for bearing with me during this transition time with the Boxer Babies. Remember I am just an email away if you have any questions about the cards that I create or the techniques that I use. Until next time...

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A Vintage Snowman for The Paper Players

The Paper Players are hosting a "Recipe" Challenge this week! Your card or project needs to include the following ingredients:

• Something Punched
• A Sentiment
• Designer Series Paper

Your card can include other things, too, but it MUST have these three listed ingredients. How fun is that! I hope that you will join us this week, as the sky is the limit on what your cards can contain! Of course, since my last two cards have been clean and simple, I decided to indulge in a little vintage fun! I hope that you enjoy my "vintage snowman"!

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:

• Distress! The Seven-Sided Tool from Stampin' Up!'s Cutter Kit is perfect for ruffling up the edges of card stock. Follow this up with Soft Suede ink and a Sponge Dauber. A few Soft Suede "Water Spots" further age the image. (The Water Spots, from the French Foliage set, is one of my "go-to" stamps for creating an authentic vintage look!)


• Tasteful Trim! The Tasteful Trim Bigz XL Die creates a variety of trim and border shapes, such as the Large Scallops we see on today's card. This particular border is perfect for adding a little Chantilly Lace and Basic Pearls for a touch of Victoriana!


• Softly Tinted! This "Roly-Poly Snowman" from the Jolly Old Saint Nick set was inked in Early Espresso Craft Ink and heat embossed with Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder. To enhance the vintage feel, I elected to "fade" the colors. I used a Blender Pen and the following inks: Early Espresso (hat), Cherry Cobbler (scarf), Always Artichoke (mittens), More Mustard (hat band).


• The Finishing Touches! Dazzling Diamonds enhance the snow. A Cherry Cobbler Button, Vintage Trinket Safety Pin, Hemp Twine, and a Tiny Tag add interest and a "pop" of color!

As always, please let me know what you think of today's card by leaving me a comment! And remember, if you have any questions about the techniques that I use or any of the cards that I make, don't hesitate to email me! Until next time...

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Stamps: Jolly Old Saint Nick (W 121711; C 121321---Holiday Mini), Bright Christmas (W 121678; C 121318---Holiday Mini); French Foliage (W 120845, C 121166); Fundamental Phrases (114968); Inks: Early Espresso (119670), Soft Suede (115657), More Mustard (103162), Cherry Cobbler (119669), Always Artichoke (105219), Basic Gray (109120); Designer Series Paper: Deck the Halls (120810---Holiday Mini); Card Stock: Crumb Cake (120953), Very Vanilla (101650), Early Espresso (119686); Tools: Heat Tool (100005), Big Shot (113439), Jewelry Tag Punch (117190), Tasteful Trim Bigz XL Die (120893---Holiday Mini), Blender Pens (102845), Sponge Dauber (102892), Color Spritzer Tool (107066), Cutter Kit (106958); Glitz and Glam: Chantilly Lace Trim (118480), Dazzling Diamonds Glitter (102023), Hemp Twine (100982), Basic Pearls (119247), Deck the Halls Big Designer Buttons (121002), Vintage Trinkets (118764), Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder (109130)

Pearls and Swirls for the PPA

It's time for this week's Pals Paper Arts challenge...Clean and Simple "Bring on the Bling"! Let it sparkle - let it shine! Accessorize with rhinestones, beads, pearls or anything sparkly! Although diamonds are a girl's best friend, I myself preferred Stampin' Up!'s Basic Pearls for this quick and easy card featuring the"Tree" image from Snow Swirled. Gold embossing and Brushed Gold card stock add even more shine. So, won't you join the Pals this week, and "Bling it On"?

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:

• Use the "Buddy System"! When embossing, avoid those "messy flecks" by using the Embossing Buddy! Simply rub the Embossing Buddy across the paper to reduce static. Not only do I use it before heat embossing, I use it before applying glitter, too!
• Layer the Labels! I actually punched three Decorative Labels...two from Brushed Gold card stock and one from Early Espresso. I cut one Brushed Gold label in half vertically and the other in half horizontally. These were then adhered to the top and bottom borders and to the left and right borders of the Early Espresso label.
• Tasteful Trim! This border shape was created by zipping the Tasteful Trim Bigz XL Die through the Big Shot with Early Espresso card stock.
• Pile on the Pearls! The gold embossed tree has been decorated with Basic Pearls, as is the sentiment. And doesn't the border look fabulous with a heaping helping of pearls, too! The result...elegant and classy!

I hope that you enjoyed today's card! It was refreshing to create something clean and simple. I hope that you are up for this week's challenge. I know that I will be looking forward to what you create. So...Bring on the Bling!

And in case you have wondered where I have been this week...keeping up with the kids is taking it's toll on this Mom of Boxer Twins! And as you can see, the babies are all tuckered out after a wild afternoon of puppy play...Boxer style! And yes, that is Brody's little pink tongue sticking out!

Remember, your comments are important to me, so let me know what you think about today's attempt at clean and simple. Plus, if you have any questions about the cards that I create or the techniques that I use, I am only an EMAIL away! Until next time...


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Stamp Set: Snow Swirled (111690); Ink: VersaMark (102283), Early Espresso (119670); Card Stock: Very Vanilla (101650), Brushed Gold (102935), Early Espresso (119686); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Tasteful Trim Bigz XL Die (120893---Holiday Mini), Decorative Label Punch (120907---Holiday Mini), Heat Tool (100005), Embossing Buddy (103083), Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder (109129); Glitz and Glam: Basic Pearls (119247)

What Were You Thinking and a Card, Too

I am an adult, rational woman. I consider myself to be reasonably intelligent and level headed. I never, ever buy anything on impulse. So why...why... did I say "Yes" when Muffy the Boxer's breeder asked me if I would like to have a second puppy? I now have a much better understanding of the phrase "temporarily insane". Ladies and gentleman (Mike, I know you are out there), let me introduce you to "Cimarron's What Were You Thinking", which is exactly what my husband, Kim, said when I told him that I bought a second puppy.

I had an arsenal of answers ready for that question. After all, I waited a few days before I worked up the courage to tell him. Here are some of what I thought were my better responses:

• "Oh, Kim...Muffy would always have a little friend to play with. We don't want our little princess to get lonely, do we?"
• "Like they always say...two dogs are as easy to raise as one!" (Whoever said that never met twin Boxers!)
• "Oh, Kim...I bought him for you. I know how you love surprises!"
• "He's for my Stampin' Up! business. When people ask me what I love about being a demonstrator, I can say...'Because of Stampin' Up!'s excellent career plan, not only am I doing what I love, and sharing my passion with others, but I have also been able to purchase not just one BUT two adorable Boxer puppies!"
• "It must have been that bump on my head that I received when I slipped on the overspray from my Smooch Spritz. Wait...who are you again? Where am I? Puppy? What puppy? You bought me another puppy? I remember you...you are my wonderful husband!"
• "Um...um...Muffy made me do it?"
• "We can conserve natural resources this winter because we will each have a dog for snuggling. You know me, Kim...I will sacrifice whatever I have to sacrifice if it's for the good of the environment."

What reason did I use, you ask? I simply said..."It seemed like such a good idea at the time..."

Our little boy is just as smart as his sister. We call him Brody the Boxer, not to be confused with Brady the Boy. And what does Brady the Boy think? We picked Brady up from college Friday evening after his Symphonic Wind Ensemble concert (He had two major solos. We hired a puppysitter for the evening.) He only knew about Muffy. Imagine his surprise when he walked through the door and saw double the fun! "Mom...he looks just like Missy!" Well, the resemblance is there with that distinctive gargoyle face.

In case you are wondering about Brody's strange head wear, that is not his Halloween costume. His little ears have been cropped. When we put our deposit down on Muffy, we specifically stated "No cropping". This breeder does crop all of her puppies unless it is specified otherwise. And since we did not know that Brody the Boxer was going to be living with us, she had him cropped. I took Brody to visit his new vet Friday, and she gave him some antibiotics and pain medicine.

So, in case you wonder why I have been missing in action for a few days, just blame it on the Boxer babies. Before we turn our attention to today's card...after all that is the real focus of this blog...let me share three more baby pictures. These are cute because I caught the progression of Muffy's looks as she is falling asleep.

Graveyard Gala

Need an invite for your Halloween Party? If so, this is the stamp set for you. A little fussy cutting and a little pape tearing, and this card is ready before you can say "Trick or Treat!" It first appeared in the Splitcoaststampers Dirty Dozen June Gallery: Simply Inviting! Please note that since this card was created before the Color Renovation took place, there are two retired colors...Going Gray and Pale Plum.

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:

• Sponge it! A little Going Gray sponged onto the Pale Plum sky casts an eerie glow over the graveyard. A 1-3/4" Circle Punch is used to punch a So Saffron moon. Once again, a little Going Gray is sponged over its surface.
• Stamp-a-ma-jig! Perfectly place the trees from the Lovely As a Tree set over the moon by using your Stamp-a-ma-jig.
• Tear it up! The Always Artichoke hills were free-formed with torn edges, which were then distressed with Going Gray ink.
• Rest in Peace! The smaller tombstones were simpy created using the Word Window Punch. How cute is that! RIP was printed on with a Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker.
• Fussy Cut! The Gravestone was paper snipped in seconds and popped up on Stampin' Dimensionals. In addition, the Ravens, Jack-o-Lantern, and Scrollwork were also stamped and snipped!

I hope that you find this card "inviting", and a treat, not a trick! Please, won't you leave me a comment to let me know what you think about today's card? I will be anxious to hear what you think! And remember, if you have any questions about the cards that I create or the techniques that I use, I am only an email away! Until next time..>

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Stamp Sets: Graveyard Gala, Lovely As a Tree, Texture Wheel
Paper: Perfect Plum Designer Series Paper. Basic Gray, Going Gray, Always Artichoke, Pumpkin Pie, So Saffron
Ink: Basic Black, Going Gray
Accessories: 1-3/4" Circle Punch, Word Window Punch, Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz, Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker, Sponge Dauber, Stamping Sponges

Christmas Greetings for The Paper Players

It's hard to believe that The Paper Players are celebrating challenge number twenty! Lesley, our hostess this week, has created a lovely sketch for you to follow:

Notice that I flipped my sketch for today's card. It is perfectly fine to do so. The vertical rendition fits the design I was envisioning. I hope that you enjoy this quick and easy card!

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:

• Layer the labels for contrast! The Crumb Cake Decorative Label would blend too much with the Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper if left by itself. However, a second label, punched from Cherry Cobbler adds the perfect "punch" of color!


• Elegant bling! Basic Pearls are perfect for accentuating the bands of the bells!


• Quick and easy bow! A quick and easy Cherry Cobbler bow fashioned from 1/2" Seam Binding completes the look. To view my video tutorial on how to create this bow, simply CLICK HERE!

I will be anxious to see what you create this week using Lesley's lovely sketch! For more inspirational cards from our Design Team, be sure to visit The Paper Players. And remember, if you ever have any questions about the cards that I create or the techniques that I use, please don't hesitate to email me.


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Stamp Set: Grateful Greetings; Ink: Early Espresso; Designer Series Paper: Deck the Halls; Card Stock: Soft Suede, Brushed Gold, Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake; Tools: Decorative Label Punch; Glitz and Glam: Basic Pearls, Cherry Cobbler 1/2" Seam Binding

French Foliage for Pals Paper Arts

I love Fall! Without a doubt it is my favorite season! So I was thrilled that this week's Pals Paper Arts challenge was an Inspiration Challenge based on this photo:

Spying leaves in the picture, I immediately jumped at the chance to create a card using the French Foliage set and the Faux Silk technique. I had plans to share a Faux Silk video tutorial with you today, but Muffy the Boxer had her own agenda, and it did not include having "mom" film a tutorial. So in the meantime, will you settle for a link to a pictorial that I prepared earlier? I will discuss with Muffy how we just can't play, eat, sleep in mom's arms and potty all the time!

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:

• Faux silk...so easy! All it takes is tissue paper, liquid adhesive (like Tombow Multipurpose Liquid Glue), and card stock. A) Crumple the tissue paper, unfold, and smooth it. B) Coat your card stock with the liquid adhesive. C) Adhere the tissue paper to the card stock and allow it to dry! Wrinkles are permissible, and add to the charm. Here is the link to the Faux Silk Pictorial.
• Brayering! Don't you just love the look of the Cajun Craze vertical mat? I simply brayered Cajun Craze ink onto Very Vanilla, and then stamped the "Script" from French Foliage in Early Espresso. A few "Waterspots" and "Post Marks" complete this card element.
• Random stamping! More Mustard, Cajun Craze and Always Artichoke leaves are randomly stamped on the Faux Silk. Soft Suede "Waterspots" help to fill in the bare places.
• Distress! A Sponge Dauber and Soft Suede ink is used to burnish the edges of all of the layers, while a Soft Suede Stampin' Write Marker and Color Spritzer Tool add "age spots". Hint: Soft Suede provides a softer, more authentic look than Early Espresso or Chocolate Chip.
• A stitch in time! The Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch is tailor-made for cross-stitching! Try Stampin' Up's Linen Thread for a touch of texture!
• Layer the labels! The "Merci Beaucoup" sentiment from Sinceres Salutations, the French counterpart of Sincere Salutations, was inked in Early Espresso and stamped onto More Mustard card stock. It was then punched with the Decorative Label Punch, and stamped with the Waterspot and Post Mark stamps. A second Decorative Label Punch was punched from Always Artichoke. It was cut in half horizontally and adhered to the bottom of the More Mustard punch.

I hope that you will join us in this week's challenge! I am so looking forward to your projects! But before you head off to create, won't you please leave me a comment and let me know what you think of today's card? And remember, if you any questions about the cards that I create or the techniques that I use, I am only an email away! Until next time...

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Stamp Sets: French Foliage (W 120845, C 121166), Sinceres Salutations (116239); Inks: Soft Suede (115657), Early Espresso (119670), Cajun Craze (119671), Always Artichoke (105219), Soft Suede Stampin' Write Marker (120973); Card Stock: Very Vanilla (101650), Always Artichoke (105119), More Mustard (100946), Cajun Craze (119684); Tools: Brayer (102395), Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch (119275), Decorative Label Punch (120907), Color Spritzer Tool (107066); Glitz and Glam: Linen Thread (104199)

Muffy the Boxer and PPA Peek

You are looking at the reason I have no card to post today! "Muffy the Boxer" arrived at her forever home late Tuesday afternoon. It was a bittersweet day of sorts, as this marks the end of the "Missy the Boxer" era. But, Missy will live forever in my heart.

Muffy really has beautiful brown eyes...but I don't have a "Doggie Blue-Eye" Fixer!

It is amazing how we canonize our pets after they are gone. Monday evening, as we reminisced about Missy, I remembered her as a natural at leash training. My husband reminded me that she used to drag me down the street when we first started out. I remembered Missy as a "snuggle-bunny" in bed, and once again my husband reminded me of how more than once we woke up freezing because a certain "somedog" had managed to weasel all of the covers during our bitterly cold Iowa winter nights! I remember the wonderful car rides, and seemed to forget the trips that we made where I ended up with 55-pounds of Boxer butt on my lap. I remember a well-mannered lady, who never tore up a thing...except for Brady's Homecoming King crown! But I attributed that to sibling rivalry!


Muffy with Dad

As I write this short post, I have another sweet lady on my lap, and am typing this post with one hand. Obviously this will have to change, but for this evening I wouldn't change a thing. Muffy is everything for which I could have asked. She's an adorable, "puppy-kisses-in-the-face" type of baby. She's "swassy"...both sweet and sassy. In the eight hours that we have had her, she has pottied outside five times with NO mistakes! She is training me well! She has learned to sit already, and stands quietly to have her "necklace" put on...we don't call them collars at the Schach house! And she has done an amazing job at walking on the leash.

I can already tell that she is going to be another Velcro dog, and I am just fine with that! She will be my muse, just as another Boxer was for so many years. I had always promised Missy that we would have so much fun when I retired...now I will have to keep that promise with Muffy!

Although I don't have a full card to share with you, I can share with you a snippet of my Pals Paper Arts card. I really enjoyed making it, and I hope that you will join me in it's full reveal tomorrow!


Until next time...


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October Pals Blog Hop

Welcome to the October PALS BLOG HOP! This month, we are featuring Thank-You and Thanksgiving themed projects for your inspiration! If you've hopped over from Dawn Gross, Dawn's This & That, I am stop number 2. I am so glad you hopped in! I'll help you "hop along" from blog to blog, where you'll find great ideas for papercrafted creations made from Stampin' Up! products! Should you hop off course, simply click on any of the links in the line-up below and you'll be back on track!

The Hopping Pals

Dawn Gross
Ann Schach...You are Here
Barb Furlong
Joanna Munster
Mike Funke
Mary Fish
Diana Caho
Stephanie Uzee
Lourdes Torres
Angela Richwine
Martha Stewart
Kris Kilcoyne
Barbara Chatzkel
Gina Shaw

I have prepared two cards for you today...one using Stampin' Up!'s new Cork Sheets, and a second Five-Minute Card for stampers in a hurry!

Grateful Day of Gratitude

For those of you who think this card does not look like a standard size, you are correct! It is 4-3/4" wide and 5-1/4" long, and fits nicely into one of Stampin' Up!'s Square Envelopes! The Cork, which forms one of the matting layers, adds to the organic feel!

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:

• Cutting Cork! To cut Cork Sheets to the proper size, simply score with a Hobby Blade, and then snap backwards, away from the score line.
• Texture! Fibers are an easy way to add texture! Hemp Twine is perfect for the Big Designer Button, while Linen Thread is just right for cross-stitching on the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch.
• Distress! A Sponge Dauber and Soft Suede ink softens edges, while the Color Spritzer Tool and Soft Suede Stampin' Write Marker adds speckles!

French Foliage Fast and Easy Thank You


For a perfect fall "Thank You", created in a minimum amount of time, try this one-layer French Foliage card!

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:

• Confetti! With their unique flecks of color and slightly heavier weight, the Confetti papers are perfect for one-layer cards! Confetti Cream coordinates beautifully with fall colors!
• Random stamping! Remember to stamp off the edge of the paper, and vary the direction of your images. The "Leaf" images from the French Foliage set were inked in Cajun Craze, More Mustard, and Always Artichoke, while the "Waterspots" from the same set were inked in Soft Suede.
• Stamp-a-ma-jig to the rescue! For perfect placement, the Stamp-a-ma-jig was used to place the sentiment exactly where needed! This is a fabulous tool for those of use who can't see straight...like me! If you are new to stamping, or need a Stamp-a-ma-jig refresher, CLICK HERE for my Stamp-a-ma-jig Video Tutorial.

I hope that you enjoyed today's Thanks/Thanksgiving cards! For more inspiring ideas, please visit Barb Furlong, The Love of Stamping, stop number 3 on the PALS HOP! And remember, if you have any questions about the cards that I create or the techniques that I use, I am only an email away! Next time: The Arrival of "Muffy the Boxer". Until then...


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Stamp Sets: Day of Gratitude (W 120835; C 121148---Holiday Mini), Grateful Greetings (116511); Ink: Soft Suede (115657), Early Espresso (119670), Cajun Craze (119671), Old Olive (102277); Stampin' Write Markers: Cajun Craze (119678), Old Olive (100079), More Mustard (100076), Early Espresso (119680); Designer Series Paper: Autumn Spice (120808---Holiday Mini); Card Stock: Old Olive (100702), Early Espresso (119686), Cajun Craze (119684); Tools: 1-1/4" Square Punch (119865), 1 -3/8" Square Punch (119877), Modern Label Punch (119849), 3/16" Corner Rounder (119871), Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch (119275), Cork Sheets (119819); Glitz and Glam: Linen Thread (104199), Hemp Twine (100982), Metallic Brads (119741), Deck the Halls Big Designer Buttons (121002---Holiday Mini)
Stamp Sets: French Foliage (W 1200845; C 121166), Thank You Kindly (111700); Ink: More Mustard (103162), Cajun Craze (119671), Always Artichoke (105219), Soft Suede (115657); Paper: Confetti Cream (102835); Tools: Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049)

A Cardinal for The Paper Players

The Paper Players are featuring a color challenge this week. The challenge hostess, Jaydee, selected the classic color combination of Real Red, Basic Black and Whisper White. Plus she provided us with this beautiful inspiration photo.

I substituted Cherry Cobbler for Real Red, and decided to use the "Cardinal", from the Stampin' Up set, A Cardinal Christmas, as my focal image. I had successfully resisted purchasing this set until recently, and this is the first card that I have designed with it. I was feeling nostalgic, remembering how the cardinal had been my mother's favorite bird. Isn't it funny how certain stamps can awaken long forgotten memories?


The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:

• Emboss it! Don't be afraid to heat emboss images that you are going to watercolor! The embossing keeps the colors from "bleeding"! The Cardinal was stamped in Jet Black StazOn, and then embossed with Black Stampin' Emboss Powder.
• Water color it! Using Blender Pens and inks is my favorite method of watercoloring. Real Red, Always Artichoke and More Mustard inks are all it takes to finish this image in a flash!
• Brayer it! Basic Gray ink was lightly brayered across the surface of the Vintage Wallpaper embossing, accenting this lovely pattern even more.
• Bling it! Basic Pearls bling up the berries, while an Always Artichoke bow, made from Stampin' Up!s new 1/2" Seam Binding, adds the finishing touch! If you need a refresher on how to make quick and easy bows, please Click Here to review my video tutorial.

I hope that you will join The Paper Players this week! I look forward to seeing your beautiful creations, and of course, leaving you comments! Speaking of comments, your comments are very important to me, so please, won't you leave one before you go? And remember, if you ever have questions about the cards that I create or the techniques that I use, I am only an email away. Until next time...


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Stamp Set: A Cardinal Christmas (111760); Ink: Jet Black StazOn (101406), Basic Gray (109120), Always Artichoke (105219), Real Red (103133), More Mustard (103162); Paper: Whisper White (100730), Basic Black (121045), Cherry Cobbler (119685); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Vintage Wallpaper Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (120175), Brayer (102395), Blender Pens (102845); Glitz and Glam: Always Artichoke 1/2" Seam Binding (121000---Holiday Mini), Basic Pearls (119247); Other: Nestabilities

Fast Friday and Scrunchy Ribbon Video Tutorial

I needed a quick and easy Halloween card to affix to a plate of Macadamia nut and white chocolate cookies that I was going to bake today for my son, Brady. We will be driving to his college to attend his concert this evening, and I thought that his favorite cookies would be a nice surprise, as well as a welcomed treat! And what can be quicker and easier than making a card that showcases the "Flocked Bats" from the Wicked Fun Specialty Designer Series Paper!

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:

• Let the paper do the talking! Since I was not going to be using this paper for scrapbooking, I thought that I might as well put the bats to good use! How fun to have "Fuzzy Bats" on your card!
• Layer the labels! The "wow" factor on this simple card is the sentiment! After stamping the "Spooky" sentiment from the Wicked Cool set onto Naturals Ivory card stock, it was punched out using the Designer Label Punch, and layered onto a second Basic Black Designer Label. Basic Black and Rich Razzleberry Decorative Labels were also layered.
• Glitz and Glam! Basic Rhinestones further accentuate the sentiment and add a touch of "bling" to this spooky card!

I did have several people ask for details about creating "scrunchy ribbon" like on this card. This video tutorial will explain the process I used.

I hope that you enjoyed today's quick and easy card, as well as the video tutorial. If you have any questions about the cards that I create, or the techniques that I use, I am only an email away. And remember, your comments are important to me! Until next time...

Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7

Stamp Set: Wicked Cool (W 118738; C 120600); Ink: Basic Black (101179); Designer Series Paper: Wicked Fun (117400); Card Stock: Naturals Ivory (101849), Basic Black (121045), Rich Razzleberry (115316); Tools: Designer Label Punch (119862), Decorative Label Punch (120907); Glitz and Glam: Basic Rhinestones (119246)