Baby Blossoms

Baby Blossoms and Springtime Vintage Designer Series Paper...what an adorable combination! And what better embellishment on a card to a friend than a key? After all, good friends are one of the keys to happiness! Enjoy the first card I have made with this delightful set and paper!

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:

• "Pop" it up! The "Label" from Sweet Blossoms was inked in Regal Rose and stamped onto Naturals Ivory card stock. It was inked again and stamped a second time onto Crumb Cake card stock. The "friend" section of the Sweet Friend sentiment from the Hello,You stamp set was inked using a Soft Suede Stampin' Write Marker, and centered in the oval of the Crumb Cake label. The Crumb Cake oval was then snipped out and popped up onto the Naturals Ivory label using a dimensional. Hint: Use a Stamp-a-ma-jig to perfectly align your sentiment!


• Two step stamping! The adorable Mini-Roses were inked in Regal Rose, and highlighted in Rose Red. For contrast, I stamped one in Crumb Cake with Soft Suede highlights.


• Leaves! Tiny Leaves from Baby Blossoms were inked with Pear Pizzazz. An Always Artichoke Stampin' Write Marker was used to add veins and mid-ribs.

• Buttons and Bows! A double bow was crafted from Rose Red and Always Artichoke Seam Binding. Layered buttons form a base from which to suspend a Trinket Key. Need to review my bow-making video tutorial? Just click Here.

• Vintage charm! Basic Pearls accent the center of the roses and the Scallop Trim Border Punch.

So what do you think of the Baby Blossoms set? I wasn't sold when I first saw it, but now that I have inked it up, I love the Label and the Mini-Roses. Of course, the Springtime Vintage Designer Series Paper is right up my alley!

The World's Cutest Dog Treat House

Imagine my surprise when I received a box in the mail right before Christmas. It was from the talented Lisa Eisner, who had featured an adorable Dog Treat Box on her blog, Crafting with Princess Lisa. Of course, it was filled with a selection of gourmet dog treats for the Twins. I had mentioned to Lisa that I just loved it when I first saw it on her blog, but I would never have dreamed in a hundred years that Lisa would custom make one for the Twins. And that was not all that was in the box...Lisa, a Princess House consultant, thoughtfully included a beautiful Princess House Christmas ornament for me! Thank you so much, Lisa, for a wonderful day brightener! And the Twins send you Boxer kisses!

As always, your comments are so important to me. 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 create or the techniques that I use, I am only an email away. Until next time...

Coming soon: Changes

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Stamp Sets: Baby Blossoms (W 121927; C 122000), Hello, You (117118); Inks: Regal Rose (105211), Rose Red (101778), Crumb Cake (121030), Soft Suede (115657), Pear Pizzazz (119784), Always Artichoke Stampin' Write Marker (105113); Designer Series Paper: Springtime Vintage (121782---Occasions Mini); Card Stock: Naturals Ivory (101849), Rose Red (102544), Crumb Cake (120953), Soft Suede (115318); Tools: Scallop Trim Border Punch (118402); Glitz and Glam: Basic Pearls (119247), Trinket Keys (121892---Occasions Mini), Rose Red Seam Binding (121884---Occasions Mini), Always Artichoke Seam Binding (121000---Occasions Mini), Pear Pizzazz Seam Binding (122330---Occasions Mini), Neutrals Designer Buttons (119743), Subtles Designer Buttons (119745), Linen Thread (104199)

Pals Paper Arts Best Dressed List 2010

As 2010 draws to a close, it's time to announce the Pals Paper Arts Best Dressed List. This is a collection of our 12 favorite paper creations from the Pals Picks throughout the year. One was selected for each month from our original weekly picks.

For the month of March, I am proud to announce that I selected this delightful card created by Karin Menghini. Karin's card was a breathe of spring! I loved the assortment of buttons and the gorgeous Pretty in Pink bow. Of course, the paper-snipped grass landed this card on top of my favorites for the month!

WHO ELSE WAS A TOP PICK? See the rest of 2010's standouts on the PPA Best Dressed List by CLICKING HERE.

See you tomorrow when I will be back with another Occasions Mini peek and the cutest little doggie treat box ever! Until next time...

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A Peek at Nature Walk

I knew the moment I saw Nature's Walk in the Occasions Mini catalog that I had to have it. Has this ever happened to you? You see a set and you know that it is the set for you? I think that there was just a certain vintage appeal for me, reminiscent of the artwork that you would find in turn-of-the-century science texts. Usually the more I use a set, the more creative I become with it. However, I hope that you enjoy the first card I have made with Nature's Walk...I am already creating more in my head!

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:

• Color Spritzer Tool dysfunctional? Try the Wonderfully Worn background stamp for a similar effect! I simply applied Soft Suede ink with a Brayer, and the result is instant "aging"! Hint: This technique is especially effective if you have difficulty squeezing the Color Spritzer Tool.
• Framed! The new Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Framed Tulips, makes a delightful...well, frame...for your central image. Make the tulips "pop" even more by lightly brayering Soft Suede ink over the surface.
• Tied up in knots! Crumb Cake Seam Binding takes on a different look when knotted with Linen Thread. And for a regal touch, add a new Trinket Crown!
• The finishing touches! Distressed edges are easily achieved with a Sponge Dauber and Soft Suede ink. A Basic Pearl accents the eye!

How about you...is there a set from the Occasions Mini that is just calling out your name? I will be anxious to read your comments to find out! And remember, 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...

Don't miss out on the event of the season when Pals Paper Arts unveils it's Best Dressed List for 2010 on December 30th. See which of the previous Artist Picks makes the cut as the Best of the Best!



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Stamp Sets: Nature Walk (W 121925; C 121997---Occasions Mini), Wonderfully Worn (118533); Inks: Soft Suede (115657); Stampin' Write Markers: Marina Mist (119679), Always Artichoke (105113); Card Stock: Soft Suede (119948), Baja Breeze (111352), Very Vanilla (101650); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Framed Tulips Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (121809---Occasions Mini), Sponge Daubers (102892), Brayer (102395); Glitz and Glam: Crumb Cake 1/2" Seam Binding (122332---Occasions Mini), Trinkets Crowns (121891---Occasions Mini), Linen Thread (104199), Basic Pearls (119247)

My Favorites for 2010: September through December

Like many of you, my post-holiday time has been very hectic. However, amidst all of the hustle and bustle, I want to make certain that I finish up my favorite cards of 2010 prior to continuing with my Occasions Mini peeks. With that said, here are my faves for the remaining months of September through December. Once again, clicking on the name of the card will take you to the original posts and details.

September

Wreath of Leaves

My Blender Pens and Paper Snips certainly got a work out with this card! Since wreaths are timeless, next year it will be fun to switch out the Designer Series Paper with Stampin' Up!'s newest fall collection.

Haunted Tree-Zindorf Style

This fall I was able to take a class from Michelle Zindorf. Although I will never be the master of brayering that Michelle is, I did like the way this card turned out. However, I would love to switch out my ribbon for something scrunchy!

October

Christmas Greetings

Quick and easy...it just doesn't get any better! The only stamping on this card was the sentiment. With this card I began my love affair with Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper!

Christmas Balloon

And speaking of Deck the Halls, a wonderful sampling of the various patterns can be found in this balloon card! I can hardly wait to recreate this card with the beautiful Springtime Vintage Designer Series Paper from the Occasions Mini catalog.

November

Peace on Earth

Texture, Deck the Halls, glass glitter, pearls, scrunchy ribbon...need I say more as to why this card was one of my favorites!

Merry Christmas

With Pearls, Glass Glitter and an Antique Brad, the medallion in the middle of this card is vintage elegance. Once again, I can't wait to see what new Christmas paper Stampin' Up! has in store for us next holiday season. Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper will be a tough act to follow!

December

Skaters

This card was created for a Pals Paper Arts color challenge, and surprisingly enough it worked! However, just to see what it would look like, I would love to re-create this in a different color combination!

A Wish for Peace in Winter White

And I leave you with my Number One Favorite Card of 2010! The ethereal glow of this monochromatic beauty tops everything!

I hope that you have enjoyed this retrospective as much as I have! And I hope that you are ready for my creations from the Occasions Mini! Until next time...

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My Favorites for 2010: July and August, The Twins' Doggie Day Spa and Blog Candy Winner

Summer time and the living is easy! Enjoy my favorites from July and August. To read the original post in which the card appeared, please click on the name of the card. The remainder of today's post includes a few pictures of The Twins after their Doggie Day Spa excursion. The winner of the Butterfly Prints Blog Candy will be announced at the very end of the post.

July
Notably Ornate


Yikes...I was in a hurry to get this card completed prior to leaving for Convention. I totally forgot to distress the edges! If I were to re-do this card, I would definitely get out the Sponge Daubers, Soft Suede ink, and the Color Spritzer Tool! And this what an awesome Valentine this would make simply by switching to Cherry Cobbler!

Pals Swap Card


For this Convention swap card I used Pear Pizzazz, Peach Parfait, and Blushing Bride, among other colors. I would love to re-do this card with traditional Halloween colors! Ah...there's always next year!

August
Greeting Card Kid

Texture, pearls, lace, antique brad, vintage trinkets, Deck the Halls! This is one card that I would not change! That's unusual for me!

Doggie Day Spa

Thursday was "Spa Day" for the Boxer Twins! Mom woke them up early for their trip to the Allgood Animal Clinic and their appointment with Valerie! After an Aloe and Oatmeal bath and a warming blow dry, they had a mani-pedi and their little puppy whiskers trimmed! Look how pretty Muffy's feet look!

After such a relaxing day, Muffy could hardly keep her eyes open when she arrived back home to her favorite napping spot on the back of the couch. On her little "Groom-O-Gram", Valerie noted "I enjoyed all the kisses Muffy gave me!"

And look at the face on this handsome young man! At 19-1/2 weeks, Mr. Brody weighed in at 37.7 pounds. I think that Brody aspires to play professional football! He's one big boy! On Brody's "Groom-O-Gram", Valerie noted that Brody was "very well behaved". That's Brody for you!

He is definitely a momma's boy!

"And Brody...what a big tongue you have!"
"The better to kiss you with, Mom!"

Blog Candy Winner

I would like to thank everyone who took time out of their busy holiday schedule to stop by and comment on my card. I really do appreciate your input and support. As randomly drawn, the winner of this week's Butterfly Prints Blog Candy is:

#52

Vicki said...
Adding pearls, glitter...really any of those extra touches makes the cards special. I'm always looking to add stuff and the blog candy looks amazing. :)

Vicki, would you please email your address to me within 48 hours, and I will send out your blog candy pronto! Once again, thanks to all of you for your kind remarks! Until next time...

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Winter Roses and a Greeting Card Kid for Pals Paper Arts

Our final Pals Paper Arts challenge for the year features a sketch by the talented Margaret Moody. Since I was in need of more Christmas cards, I pulled out the Greeting Card Kids set and this wonderful paper from the Jolly Holiday collection. And believe it or not, it is relatively quick to make! In some respects I am saddened that this is the last holiday card I will be making this season...but I look forward to playing with my new Occasions Mini sets!

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:

• Watercolor! Blender Pens with Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler and Soft Suede inks make quick work of this adorable image from Greeting Card Kids. As my final step, I added Crumb Cake shadows. If you need a refresher on this technique, my video tutorial can be accessed here.
• Bling! Basic Pearls for buttons and ornaments, a Basic Rhinestone for the star, and Dazzling Diamonds for fur trim add a festive look to any holiday card. Hint: I use an old paint brush to paint a thin layer of Tombow Adhesive over the area I want to glitter. It's oh, so easy!
• Simply Scrappin' isn't just for scrappin'! The cute Always Artichoke ricrac is from the Christmas Cheer Simply Scrappin' kit! Just peel and stick!
• Winter Roses! The Rosettes from the Occasions Mini are easily applied with Mini Glue Dots! Don't they remind you of winter roses? How pretty these would be if "smooched" with a little Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz! The leaves are simply punched from Always Artichoke card stock using the Two Step Bird Punch.

Thanks for stopping by on this eve of Christmas Eve. If you are like me, you have several last minute errands to run and things to do! I really appreciate that you have taken the time to stop in for the reveal of my PPA inspiration card and I hope that you enjoyed it. Please leave me a comment to let me know what you think. And as always, if you have any questions about the cards that I make or the techniques that I use, I am only an email away! Remember to stop by tomorrow, Christmas Eve, when I will name the winner of my last Blog Candy of 2010. I am excited to find out who it will be! Don't forget that you can comment today until Midnight CST. Until next time...


Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7

Stamp Set: Greeting Card Kids (W 119887, C 120633); Ink: Basic Black (101179), Always Artichoke (105219), Cherry Cobbler (119669), Soft Suede (115657), Crumb Cake (121030); Stampin' Write Markers: Always Artichoke (105113), Cherry Cobbler (119681); Designer Series Paper: Jolly Holiday (117159); Card Stock: Cherry Cobbler (119685), Always Artichoke (105119), Christmas Cheer Simply Scrappin' kit (117401), Watercolor paper (105019); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Tasteful Trim Bigz XL Die (120893), Blender Pens (102845), Sponge Dauber (102892), Two Step Bird Punch (117191); Glitz and Glam: Basic Pearls (119247), Basic Rhinestones (119246), Dazzling Diamonds (102023), Rosettes (118774...Occasions Mini)

Stampin' Up! Filled with Love Bundle

Starting December 17, 2010-January 24, 2011, get a FREE package of Bitty Buttons--a $4.95 value--when you purchase the Filled with Love Bundle. Also included is the Filled with Love Stamp Set (your choice of clear or wood) and the exclusive Love Patterns Designer Series Paper!

PPA Peek and a Wee Bit of Blog Candy

Can you believe that this is my final PPA Sneak Peek of the year? Next week, the Pals Paper Arts Design Team will be unveiling their favorites for each month in a fun feature which we are entitling our "Best Dressed List". Of course, there is no disguising which stamp set I used for this card! And obviously I used the new Rosettes from the Occasions Mini! But please, tune in Thursday for the full reveal!

Just a Taste of Blog Candy

At the start of this month, I vowed that I would offer just a small bite of blog candy with each sneak peek...like a little present from me to you...and this week is no exception! So your comments today and tomorrow will earn you a chance to win the following:

• Butterfly Prints---new, clear mount
• Basic Pearls
• Basic Rhinestones (after all, you need to bling those butterflies)

You will have until Midnight, CST on Thursday to make your comments. The winner will be selected by using a random number generator and named in Friday's post. You will then have 48 hours to email me with your address.

For a little inspiration, here is a card I made using my Butterfly Prints set:

A Special Thank You to Yvonne, who is so graciously providing me with a tooth fairy image for The Twins' scrapbook, and a thank you to all of those who volunteered to come to my rescue! I could have had an army of fairies! My husband was so funny this morning. He wanted to know what in the world I had posted about today, because I had a ton of emails! I know that I have said it before, and I will say it again, our community of stampers is so special and is always so ready to came to the aid of those who need something.

As always, your comments are important to me. And don't forget that your comments today and tomorrow earn you the chance for Blog Candy. Since we don't really have a card to comment on today, maybe we need a comment starter. How about, what style(s) of card is your favorite to make? Mine is vintage and distressed, but I would love to be able to make clean and simple cards. Until next time...

Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7

Starting December 17, 2010-January 24, 2011, get a FREE package of Bitty Buttons--a $4.95 value--when you purchase the Filled with Love Bundle. Also included is the Filled with Love Stamp Set (your choice of clear or wood) and the exclusive Love Patterns Designer Series Paper!

My Favorites for 2010: May and June AND a Special Favor

As we continue our Stampin' Schach retrospective, we are ready for May and June. Once again, clicking on the name of the card will take you to the original post. Enjoy another look at my favorite cards of 2010!

May
Life Is a Matter of Moments

Pale Plum and Sage Shadow are now history, but this card is a reminder of the beauty of these colors. As for updating, I know that there are other lovely colors which could be substituted. Baja Breeze is one which I would select. Of course, with the addition of Basic Pearls to the Stampin' Up! arsenal, I would definitely add a few!

June
Our Journey


In a Word was one of my favorite little sets from the Summer Mini. Of course, there are a number of sentiments which could be substituted. And can you imagine how beautiful this would be for Valentine's Day with a Cherry Cobbler flower? The tutorial for making the Eyelet Flower is located in the original post for this card. These types of cards are not meant to be mailed, but rather hand-delivered to that special someone!

Thinking of You, Bella Toile

Created for my first Dirty Dozen gallery in March, but actually featured on my blog in June, this card could be easily updated with Early Espresso. Once again I reached for Bella Toile, which seemed to be one of my "go-to" sets earlier this year.

Strange Request for the Boxer Twins

The Twins had a fabulous "first day of Obedience School". What was supposed to be an hour long lesson ended up being 1-1/2 hours. We worked on sit, stay and down. Brody was the star pupil and teacher's pet, while Muffy was...as you might have guessed...the class clown! Oh, my! However, their "teacher", Barb DeAngelis, said they were both very smart puppies! And lest I forget...big for their age! They were able to watch Barb's dog, Gracie, go through the exercises...plus they got to have "recess"! They were two tired puppies when they returned home, and promptly settled down for a nap.

And I do have a strange request that I am hoping that one of you can help me with. I am, as you might guess, working on a scrapbook for The Twins. I was lucky enough to find two of Brody's baby teeth. I would like to create a "Tooth Fairy" page...but I do not own a tooth fairy stamp of any kind. I know that Stampin' Up! currently has a tooth fairy stamp, but I hate to buy a stamp to use just once. So here is my plea...is there anyone out in blog land who could create a little card with a tooth fairy on it? It could either be the current stamp or a retired one. I would forever be indebted to you, and I would gladly reimburse you. Just something very simple stamped in black on white. No ribbons or embellishments would be necessary. If you can help me, please email me.

So there you have it...three of my favorite cards, and a strange request! Your comments are important to me, so let me know if you like my choices. And if you have a question about the cards that I make or the techniques that I use, I am just an email away! Until next time...

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

Starting December 17, 2010-January 24, 2011, get a FREE package of Bitty Buttons--a $4.95 value--when you purchase the Filled with Love Bundle. Also included is the Filled with Love Stamp Set (your choice of clear or wood) and the exclusive Love Patterns Designer Series Paper!

My Favorites from 2010: March and April

March was a lean month at The Stampin' Schach! I was busy preparing for my first Dirty Dozen Gallery. However, here is my choice for March's favorite. Once again, clicking on the name of the card will take you to the original post where you can read about the details.

Bella Toile Happy Anniversary

Bella Toile turned out to be one of my go-to stamps during the early months of this year. I especially loved it when paired with the sentiments from Sinceres Salutations, the French version of Sincere Salutations. These pearls were from the now retired Pretties Kit. Wow...could I ever have fun making this card today with Early Espresso (in place of the Chocolate Chip) and Basic Pearls!

During April, I was in a floral mood as the dreary month of March marched into Spring!

Monochromatic Blues

It's Bella Toile popping up again in the month of April! Its "smooched" rose and texture are my favorite elements of this card. To update, I would substitute Very Vanilla for the Whisper White cardstock, add a wider satin ribbon, lace, and maybe a few pearls or an Antique Brad.

Elements of Style

Black and white, with a pop of pink! Texture, pearls and a yummy bow! These pearls, from the now retired Pretties Kit, would today be replaced with...you guessed it...Basic Pearls!

So there you have it...my favorites for March and April! I hope that these may have given you some ideas for the year 2011. As always, your comments are very much appreciated, so please let me know what you think of my choices. And don't forget, if you have any questions about the cards that I make or the techniques that I use, never hesitate to email me.

Do you need an Occasions Mini? Just let me know, and one will be headed your way within 24 hours. And please, let me help you select the perfect Stampin' Up! products for the perfect card or scrapbook page! Until next time...

Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7

Starting December 17, 2010-January 24, 2011, get a FREE package of Bitty Buttons--a $4.95 value--when you purchase the Filled with Love Bundle. Also included is the Filled with Love Stamp Set (your choice of clear or wood) and the exclusive Love Patterns Designer Series Paper!