The Paper Players Blog Hop

What a Sunday The Paper Players have planned for you! First of all, this week's challenge is the ever-popular Anything Goes! In addition, we have our first Paper Players Blog Hop in order to showcase the new products from the Occasion Mini. And if that isn't enough...several members of the Design Team are offering yummy Blog Candy. If you hopped here from Anne Marie's blog, I am Stop #2 on the Hop. Stop #3 will be Jaydee. And if you happen to get lost along the way, just return to The Paper Players' blog, where the entire line-up is posted. Since you have several stops to make today, let's get straight to my card.

Nature Walk


When I first saw this set in the Occasions Mini, I knew I had to have it! This is the third card I have created with this set. (See the other two Here and Here.) This time I selected a different color scheme and opted to use the blue "Birdcage" pattern from the Botanical Gazette Designer Series Paper collection. Enjoy today's Nature "Blog" Walk card!

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:

• Frame it! The Framed Tulips Textured Impressions Embossing Folder is perfect for adding just a touch of texture. Don't be afraid to emboss Designer Series Paper, such as I did for today's card. It works just fine! And don't forget those to make those tulips "pop" by lightly brayering with Soft Suede ink.


• Emboss it! The "Bird" stamp was inked with Chocolate Chip Craft Ink and then heat embossed with Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder to enhance the image.


• Color it! Rosettes from the Occasions Mini can be easily transformed into any hue you wish. Simply use a Stampin' Write Marker and color away!

• Scrunch it! Seam Binding is so easy to scrunch. Simply pull a thread and schirr along its length. The result...instant scrunchy! I then used Mini Glue Dots to adhere it to the card.

• Oh, bee-have! The adorable Bees are "bee-decked" in their finest glittery Dazzling Diamond Glitter. A Basic Pearl accents the head. Aren't they just "bee-utiful?

• End with a smooch! Everything was liberally kissed with Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz for a fabulous sheen!

Blog Candy

For my Blog Candy, I am offering the Punch Potpourri Hostess Level 1 stamp set and Basic Pearls. All you need to do is simply leave a comment on today's post. A winner will be randomly selected from comments left on this post and announced on next Sunday's post.

So...leave me a comment and 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...

Next stop on the Hop, the always fabulous Jaydee!

Stamp Set: Nature Walk; Inks: Soft Suede Classic, Early Espresso Classic, Soft Suede Classic, Chocolate Chip Craft; Stampin' Write Markers: Soft Suede, Always Artichoke, Marina Mist; Designer Series Paper: Botanical Gazette; Card Stock: Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip, Marina Mist; Tools: Big Shot, Framed Tulips Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Paper Snips, Heat Tool, Color Spritzer Tool, Sponge Dauber, Two-Step Bird Punch, Brayer; Glitz and Glam: Chantilly Crochet Trim, Hemp Twine, Antique Brass Jumbo Eyelet, Iridiscent Ice Stampin' Emboss Powder, Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Basic Pearls, Rosettes, Crumb Cake Seam Binding

Cinco de Mayo from Celebrando Creatividad

Yesterday I mentioned that I would showcase another set from Celebrando Creatividad. Cinco de Mayo includes this fabulous dancer, as well as an exceptional trio of troubadors that I love! This particular card was part of a Splitcoaststampers Dirty Dozen gallery featuring invitations. The Cinco de Mayo stamp set can certainly be used to invite your friends to any fiesta!

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:

• Unlikely Duo! Pumpkin Pie and Real Red? What a fabulous festive combination that just screams..."Come party with me!"
• Paper Pizzazz! Make the most of this pattern from the Greenhouse Gala Designer Series Paper collection. Simply snip along the zigs and zags for a look that says "Pass the salsa, please!" And don't forget to lightly distress the edges (I used Soft Suede and a Sponge Dauber) for a more polished look.
• Wow factor! A scalloped circle flower perched atop a larger scalloped circle packs a punch...and it is so easy to make. I simply punched ten Scallop Circles from Greenhouse Gala DSP. I sponged the edges with Soft Suede and punched a small hole in the center of each. Next I sprayed each one with spray starch and wadded it into a small ball. After they were nearly dry, I carefully opened them up, stacked them, and added a Pumpkin Circle Fire Brad to the center. Then I scrunched and shaped it.
• Ribbon! Snippets of Real Red and Pumpkin Pie 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon were layered on top of an Old Olive stay-put bow! Fun and easy!

If you have not taken the time to check out Celebrando Creatividad...why are you waiting? There are several sets, like the ones featured today and yesterday that have applications in everyone's stamping. Just CLICK HERE to access my Stampin' Up! catalog page.

Parties and Classes

Are you and your friends ready to have fun while learning a new technique or creating a special card? Sale-A-Bration is the perfect time to host a party or a private class. If you live in eastern Iowa, western Illinois or northern Missouri, please email me today to reserve your date. I am so looking forward to meeting you!

Don't forget...your comments are important to me. So please, leave me a comment and let me know that you visited me today! And remember, if you ever have a question about the cards that I create or the techniques that I use, I am only an email away! Until next time...

Coming Sunday...The First Paper Players Occasions Mini Blog Hop!!!

Stamp Set: Cinco de Mayo (Celebrando Creatividad)
Paper: Pear Pizzazz, Pumpkin Pie, Cherry Cobbler, Greenhouse Gala Designer Series Paper
Ink: Pumpkin Pie, Cajun Craze, Tempting Turquoise, Soft Suede, Early Espresso; Soft Suede, Sahara Sand and Tempting Turquoise Stampin' Write Markers
Accessories: Color Spritzer Tool, Old Olive 5/8" Grograin Ribbon, Real Red and Pumpkin Pie 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbons, Circle Fire Brads, Scallop Circle Punch, Extra Large Scallop Circle Punch, Sponge Daubers

Flores Suaves for the Pals

It's a Clean and Simple Elements of Style---Bows challenge at Pals Paper Arts this week! How easy is that! Just make your card, keep it simple, and add a bow! For my inspiration card I used the Flores Suaves stamp set from the 2010 - 2011 Celebrando Creatividad catalog, accented with a shimmery Night of Navy satin bow. I hope you enjoy the first card I have made with this set. Hopefully there will be many more!

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:

• Unexpected! I love the look of Cajun Craze with Baja Breeze...and if not for the Color Coach I would not have even thought about pairing the two together. According to "The Coach", Baja Breeze and Not Quite Navy are a Dynamic Duo, too. So I thought, "Why not use it as my card base!" Well, duh! I don't know what I was thinking. Happy as a clam, I pulled out Night of Navy and completed the card. Sorry, Coach...my intentions were in the right place!
• Texture! One way to add interest to a clean layout is through texture. And what could be quicker or easier than zipping an embossing folder through the Big Shot. Framed Tulips and Perfect Polka Dots do the trick here!
• Glitz and Glam! Night of Navy Satin Ribbon makes into a yummy bow, especially when smooched with a spritz of Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz! Basic Pearls are the perfect accent for a butterfly! (If you need a refresher on how to make a quick and easy bow, please check out my video tutorial HERE.)

What a wonderful set! I would encourage you to check out Celebrando Creatividad if you have not already done so. Tomorrow I will showcase another card from this catalog.

Ribbon Winner

We have a winner of the Real Red Ribbon! The random number generator came up with #9...AMY FINK! Amy, will you please send me an email with your address, and I will send your ribbon out right away! Next Wednesday, I will have another little give-away!

As always, I appreciate your comments, so please let me know what you think about today's card. And remember...if you have any questions about the cards that I make or the techniques that I use, I am only an email away! Until next time...


Stamp Set: Flores Suaves (112913); Ink: Early Espresso (119670), Soft Suede (115657), Cajun Craze (119671), Soft Suede Stampin' Write Marker (120973); Card Stock: Night of Navy (100867), Baja Breeze (111352), Cajun Craze (119684), Very Vanilla (101650); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Color Spritzer Tool (107066), Sponge Dauber (102982), Paper Snips (103579), Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (117335), Framed Tulips Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (121809); Glitz and Glam: Basic Pearls (119247), Night of Navy Satin Ribbon (120932), Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz (118772)

A Peek and Free Ribbon

Here's a little close-up of my Pals Paper Arts inspiration card, which will be revealed Thursday when the challenge goes live! As you can tell, I have smooched the ribbon. Hopefully, there will be a few surprises when you see it in its entirety!

I am starting my spring cleaning a little early! I have found several retired and unused Stampin' Up! items which I be using as mini-Blog Candy over the next few Wednesdays. This week I am offering a spool of Real Red 1" Wide Double Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon, just perfect for embellishing Valentines. I will randomly select a winner from all comments left today through 10:00 PM CST, and announce the winner at the end of tomorrow's post. As a comment starter, how about sharing your favorite color combination for Valentines. I will start out...I like Red and Gray, or Red and Black.

Twin's Update

The Boxer Twins are official "Obedience School" graduates! Brody could not attend the graduation ceremonies because his "Dad" had to work. Kim usually has Mondays off, and since I could only handle one puppy, I picked the one who weighs the least! However, Muffy represented the duo quite well. In fact, their instructor said that I could report that Muffy was first in her class! Woo hoo! She did an excellent job...so well that I wondered if I really had my own dog. She is quite the little performer, and seems to know just when to "show-off" and do her best! We still have to keep the two separated so she does not get re-injured. So once again, the house looks like a war zone with barriers set up through the middle. Maybe one of these days, I can get my home decor back to normal!

Sale-A-Bration

Need help placing your order? Don't hesitate to email me! I will help. Remember, you will receive one free SAB item for each $50 of product you order.

If your Wish List is big, I would love to talk with you about becoming a demonstrator. Email me, and we will set up a time to talk. I will gladly answer any of your questions.

Coming Up:


Thursday...PPA Reveal and Ribbon Winner Named
Sunday...FIRST Paper Players Blog Hop




Until next time...

Distressed Bird

Do you have a favorite card from the past that is in need of an update? I did. It's amazing how much products change in one year's time! Basic Pearls, Seam Binding, Antique Brads! A year ago these were not part of the Stampin' Up! product line. And vintage wasn't vogue, either! So what I wanted to do was to make a vintage version of this clean and classy card:

Clean and classy! Vintage and distressed! Two looks with the same basic layout!

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:

• Texture! The Finial Press Textured Impressions Embossing Folder was zipped through the Big Shot with Very Vanilla card stock.
• Distress! The Seven-Sided Tool from the Cutter Kit is the perfect way to roughen up an edge. Follow this up with Soft Suede ink and a Sponge Dauber!
• Age it! The Color Spritzer Tool and a Soft Suede Stampin' Write Marker adds instant speckles! Faux burn and roll down a corner for even more character!
• Glitz and Glam! What could coordinate better with Cherry Cobbler card stock than Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding, accented with Basic Pearls? And for a whimsical touch, add a pearl eye to the bird!
• Eye candy! A Scallop Punch Flower with an Antique Brad center balances the look!

It just so happened that I gave the original clean and classy card to my husband for Valentine's Day last year, so I am able to provide you with a side-by-side comparison of the two cards. How cool to see them next to each other!

As always, your comments mean so much to me. So please, won't you leave me a comment and let me know what you think about today's card? And remember, if you have a question about the cards that I create or the techniques that I use, I am only an email away!

And don't forget...Sale-A-Bration starts today! For every $50 in product that you purchase, you will receive a free Sale-A-Bration product! Place your order with me today and earn your "Shop with Schach" Rewards! Until next time...

Stamp Set: Be My Valentine (122045---Occasions Mini); Ink: Jet Black StazOn (101406), Soft Suede (115657), Soft Suede Stampin' Write Marker (120973); Designer Series Paper: Love Letters (117162); Card Stock: Very Vanilla (101650), Cherry Cobbler (119685), Basic Black (121045); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Finial Press Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (115963), Sponge Dauber (102892), Two Step Bird Punch (117191), 1-3/4" Scallop Circle Punch (119854), Cutter Kit (106958), Color Spritzer Tool (107066); Glitz and Glam: Basic Pearls (119247), Antique Brads (117273), Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding (120992)

One More Day Until Sale-A-Bration

Can you believe that it is only ONE more day until Sale-A-Bration, the biggest Stampin' Up! promotion of the year! For every $50 in product that you purchase, you will receive a free gift. And if your Wish List is large, you may want to take advantage of the Sale-A-Bration Starter Kit Promotion.

Save 15% on your choice of Starter Kit (Standard or Digital) AND get the following bonus bundle FREE (a $50 value):

119883 Heart to Heart (or any punch)
120806 Something Special Simply Sent (or any Simply Sent)
117114 Live, Laugh Love stamp (or any Simply Sent Stamp)
121620 Color Coach

Don't forget that the Starter Kit can be tailored to your needs! If you have thought about becoming a demonstrator and have questions...please email me. I will be more than happy to answer any questions you might have.

SO...get your order ready! And if you have questions about any of our Stampin' Up! products, or if you have questions about any of the supplies needed for the techniques that I use, just email me! Until next time...

Masculine Valentine for The Paper Players

It's Sunday and time to play with The Paper Players! It's a sketch challenge this week, and we all know that sketches are the foundations of our cards. For my inspiration card, I decided to design a masculine Valentine. Many of you have indicated that masculine cards are always a challenge...and doubly so when designing Valentines. I hope that you like this one. It features images from Valentine Defined, a sentiment from You're a Gem, and just a smidge of Stampin' Up!'s new fabulous Glimmer Paper. Enjoy!

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:

• Where do I begin? One of the keys to a masculine card is the color scheme. I selected Basic Black stripes and Cherry Cobbler dots. Both patterns are from their respective Designer Series Paper Stacks. To get an idea of how everything coordinates, I often punch out shapes, which may or may not change as the design comes together.

• Markers! Stampin' Write Markers are excellent for selectively inking stamps. I used Always Artichoke for the leaves, Cherry Cobbler for selected hearts, and Basic Gray for the trunk of the "Heart Tree" image. Basic Gray and Cherry Cobbler were used for the Love sentiment.


• Glitz and Glam for a man! A little sparkle and shine is fine! A Glimmer Paper heart accents the left side of the image. Glimmer Paper peeks out from under the 4 Ever sentiment.







• It's all about the details! Sometimes it's the little details that turn a card from drab to fab. Basic Gray "XOXO" rub-ons balance the image. Opposite corners are rounded. A Basic Rhinestone forms the "o" in {Lo♥e}.

Either the Twins were not impressed with Mom's card or else they were just plain bored...You know how kids are! At any rate, this is what they were doing while I was designing and stamping today's card. What an ambitious pair!

So...what do you think of today's masculine valentine? Please, leave me comment and let me know. And remember, I am only an email away if you have a question about the cards that I make or the techniques that I use. Until next time...


Stamp Sets: Valentine Defined (W 121941; C 123057---Occasions Mini), You're a Gem (W 122268, 122270---Occasions Mini); Rub-Ons: Love Impressions (121886); Ink: Jet Black StazOn (101406); Stampin' Write Markers: Always Artichoke (105113), Cherry Cobbler (119681), Basic Gray (120966); Designer Series Paper: Neutrals DSP Stack (117157), Regals DSP Stack (117154), Red Glimmer Paper (121790---Occasions Mini); Card Stock: Cherry Cobbler (119685), Whisper White (100730); Tools: Corner Rounder (119871), Curly Label Punch (119851), Heart Punch (119883), 1-3/8" x 5/8" Oval Punch (119863); Glitz and Glam: Basic Rhinestones (119246)

We Have a Winner!

I would like to thank everyone who commented during my Blog Candy give-away. I enjoyed reading what you thought about my blog makeover, and also about the cards that I create! However, there can only be one winner, and this time that winner is:

#155: Ronnie

Ronnie said...
Your new blog design looks FABULOUS! I am a frequent visitor to your blog, and really love your style.

Ronnie, please email your address to me by Monday, 10:00 PM CST, and I will get your blog candy in the mail!

I will apologize for the lack of a card today, but I have been working hard on my Paper Players design team card, which will be revealed on Sunday. In the meantime, I would like to encourage you to be getting your order ready so that you can take advantage of those fabulous free products for Sale-A-Bration! And please, won't you consider placing your order with me? Don't forget that I offer a rewards program. To check it out, just move the cursor up to my "picket fence" and click on "Rewards". In addition, I am always available to help you with your product selection, if you ever have a question! Until next time...

Valentine Girl

One of the things that I look for in a stamp set is versatility. Based on its name, one might think that the Easter Blossoms set from the Occasions Mini would be strictly used for Easter. But a red heart, strategically placed over the basket, transforms our Easter Cutie into a Valentine Beauty!

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:

• Frame in a jiffy! To save time, I prepared my Cherry Cobbler card base and then inserted it directly into the Framed Tulips Textured Impressions Embossing Folder. No trimming is necessary! (Steppin' It Up Tip: Lightly brayer the tulips with Very Vanilla ink for a "pop" of color!)
• Lovely layers! The Black Filigree paper from the Love Letters Designer Series collection was matted onto Naturals Ivory card stock for contrast. (Bringin' It Down Tip: Skip the Naturals Ivory mat if pinched for time!)
• "Wow" it! A Cherry Cobbler bow packs a punch when adorned with a Trinket Key and Basic Pearl.

• The finishing touches! The "Key to My Heart" sentiment from You're a Gem works perfectly with the embellishment and adds a touch of romance. A heart adorned with a trio of Basic Pearls transforms the image from Easter to Valentine's Day!

The result: a card with a vintage feel...in a minimal amount of time!

Still hungry for Blog Candy?

Comments on Wednesday's, Thursday's and today's post will enter you into the drawing for this blog candy:

The winner, as selected by Random. org, will be announced in Saturday's post, and will have until 10:00 PM CST Monday to email me with an address!

I hope that you enjoyed today's card, and will let me know what you think by leaving me a comment. I do read them all, and I try to respond to as many as possible. And remember, if you have a question about any of the cards that I make, or the techniques that I use, I am only an email away! Until next time...

Stamp Sets: Easter Blossoms (W 121905, C 122057---Occasions Mini), You're a Gem (W 122268; C 122270---Occasions Mini); Ink: Jet Black StazOn (101406); Designer Series Paper: Love Letters (117162); Card Stock: Naturals Ivory (101849), Cherry Cobbler (119685); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Framed Tulips Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (121809---Occasions Mini), Small Heart Punch (117193), 1-3/8" x 5/8" Oval Punch (119863); Glitz and Glam: Linen Thread (104199), Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding (120992---Occasions Mini), Basic Pearls (119247), Trinket Keys (121892)

Nature Walk with the Pals

It's Thursday, and time to Play at PPA! This week we are featuring a sketch challenge based on this classy sketch by Margaret Moody:

For my card, I selected one of my favorite sets from the Occasions Mini, Nature Walk and used the coordinating Designer Series Paper, Botanical Gazette. The result is a serene card suitable for any occasion! Enjoy my Nature Walk with the Pals!

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:

• Stamp on Designer Series Paper! To mimic the gorgeous Old Olive "Moth" pattern from Botanical Gazette, I took the "Floral Stem" image from Nature Walk, inked it with Old Olive, and stamped it off the edge of the So Saffron paper from the same DSP collection. The result instantly ties both patterns together.
• Focus on the focal point! Notice how the Framed Tulips Embossing Folder is used here? I wish I would have thought of this cool technique, but I first learned of resizing in this tutorial from Sharon Field. I do admit that it does take a little practice, but once you get the hang of it, it is a piece of cake! Not only can you make rectangles of various sizes, but you can also create squares!
• Brayer! Are you one of those people who never use their Brayer? Make those tulips "pop" by inking them with your Brayer! Caution: Use a light touch!
• Glitz and Glam: A trio of Basic Pearls accent the textured Early Espresso strip, balancing the Scallop Circle flower!
• The finishing touch! A trio of Mini Glue Dots adhere a Pear Pizzazz Springtime Vintage Big Designer Button to the Scallop Circle flower. Hemp Twine, threaded through the button holes, lends an organic touch!

An excellent sketch is the foundation of a beautiful card, and Margaret "hit it out of the park" with this one. I loved Margaret's sketch, and I hope you will, too. So please, let me know what you think of today's card by leaving me a comment. And remember, if you have a question about any of the cards that I create or the techniques that I use, I am only an email away! Until next time...

Stamp Set: Nature Walk (W 121925, C 121997---Occasions Mini); Inks: Old Olive (102277), Early Espresso (119670), Old Olive Stampin' Write Marker (100079); Designer Series Paper: Botanical Gazette (121783---Occasions Mini); Card Stock: Naturals Ivory (101849), Early Espresso (119686), Old Olive (100702), So Saffron (105118); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Square Lattice Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (119976), Framed Tulips Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (121809---Occasions Mini), 1-3/4" Scallop Circle Punch (119854), Brayer (102395), Paper Snips (103579), Color Spritzer Tool (107066); Glitz and Glam: Basic Pearls (119247), Springtime Vintage Big Designer Buttons (122301---Occasions Mini), Hemp Twine (100982)

Blog Candy, A New Look, and a Peek

No...you're not lost! This is The Stampin' Schach! Welcome to my new look! What began as a concept back in August has been brought to completion today as you are getting your first look at this marvelous design by the uber-talented Michelle Laycock! I absolutely love the wheelbarrow and the mailbox...and my new signature. Oh all right...I love it all! Of course, the Twins wanted siggies, too, for the special posts that they plan on writing. Are these not just the cutest things you have ever seen?

This calls for Blog Candy, don't you think? Here's what I am offering in celebration:

All of the sparkle makes it difficult to get a good picture...I'm sorry! Here is what's included:

• 
  
  8 -6" x 6" sheets of Red Glimmer Paper


• 
  
  28 - 6" x 6" sheets of retired SU! Valentine Designer Series Paper


• 
  
  1 package of Basic Pearls


• 
  
  1 package of Basic Rhinestones


• 
  
  Regal Rose 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon


• 
  
  12-Red Sending Love Brads


• 
  
  14- Pink Sending Love Brads


• 
  
  10-Chocolate Chip Sending Love Brads

Just leave a comment on The Stampin' Schach on any or all posts between Wednesday and Friday. On Friday, at 6:00 PM CST, using the random number generator from Random.org, I will select a winner from all comments. The winner will be announced on Saturday, and will have until 10:00 PM CST Monday to email me an address. I will ship your candy out pronto! Here's a small peek at the Pals Paper Arts card which I will be revealing in it's entirety on Thursday. There's texture, pearls, distressing, and a cool technique...all of those things I love in a card! I hope that you will like it. In the meantime, be sure to check out this week's PPA Picks of the Week. Until next time...