Ready for another fun Festive Friday Challenge?

I decided to focus my project around Pink but when I was all done I realized it actually can be for both, Mother's Day and Pink.

The pink I chose for my card is Powder Pink.  This color is a part of the 2017-19 Stampin' Up! In Colors, which means it will be retiring when the current catalog retires on June 3, 2019.  I love this soft pink and will definitely miss it when it is no longer part of the Stampin' Up! Color Collections.

Dragonfly Dreams stamp set and the coordinating Detailed Dragonfly Thinlits are also on the Retiring Products list.   This large dragonfly makes quite a statement and will  be missed.   I added some sparkle to the wings of the dragonfly by cutting the solid wings out of Sparkle Glimmer paper.  I colored the wings in Powder Pink ink to add even more pink goodness on the card.

The vellum on the card is part of the Graceful Glass Designer Vellum.  This pack of paper contains 24 sheets: 2 each of 12  designs.  The lines on this design made me think of movement or wind and perfect for the dragonfly.

I prepared a tutorial on this card which includes how I attached the vellum without the adhesive showing.  You can access the tutorial HERE.

Be sure to check out what the other members of the design team created for the challenge.  We would love for you to participate in the challenge.  You have until April 29th to submit your card, scrapbook page, and/or 3-D item.  Remember you can enter up to 3 times and use either the festivity of Mother's Day or the color Pink or use both!

Product List

Dragonfly Dreams Photopolymer Stamp Set [142924] $21.00	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [132708] $6.00	Powder Pink Classic Stampin' Pad [147147] $7.50	Powder Pink 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [144244] $8.50
Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [121045] $8.50	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [100730] $9.75	Sparkle Glimmer Paper [146957] $5.00	Graceful Glass 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.X Cm) Designer Vellum [146344] $11.00
Detailed Dragonfly Thinlits Dies [142749] $31.00	Rectangle Stitched Framelits Dies [148551] $35.00	Rhinestone Basic Jewels [144220] $5.00	Basic Black Solid Baker's Twine [141682] $3.00

I am back from a fun weekend away at the Stampin' Up! On Stage local in Vancouver BC.  Stampin' Up! sure knows how to put on an event. One of the fun perks is that we received the new 2019-20 Stampin' Up! Annual catalog.  This just might be my favorite catalog yet!  In anticipation of a new catalog, I spent part of the last few days pulling stamp sets, ribbons, dies and other accessories that are being retired.  Here is the list of the items retiring from the 2019 Occasions catalog.  Here is the list of items retiring from the 2018-19 Stampin' Up! Annual catalog* (please note that the items shaded will be available in the 2019-20 Annual Catalog as Cling stamp).  Over the next few weeks I will be focusing on products that are retiring.  I look forward to playing with them one more time before they are no longer available.

The Create with Connie and March Challenge #CCMC557 is a color challenge.

While I was sorting my stamp sets I found stamp sets that I hadn't used in a while and Painted Harvest is one of those sets.  I decided it was perfect for the color challenge.

I am so happy this set is not being retired.  Painted Harvest is a set that is easy to work with and create beautiful cards with very little fuss. There are 2 stamps that are used to create the flower.  I inked the bolder stamp in Pineapple Punch and stamped it off once before stamping it on the card.  The second stamp I inked and stamped in Pineapple Punch full strength.  After I was done stamping I used the Subtles embossing folder to give it a little texture. 

Be sure to take some time to check out the retiring lists, especially the 2017-19 In Color Products.   Once they are gone, they are gone!

Check out what the other members of Create with Connie & Mary design team created.  

Product List

Painted Harvest Photopolymer Stamp Set [144783] $21.00	Blueberry Bushel Classic Stampin' Pad [147138] $7.50	Pineapple Punch Classic Stampin' Pad [147141] $7.50	Granny Apple Green Stampin' Pad [147095] $7.50
Pineapple Punch 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [146971] $8.50	Blueberry Bushel 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [146968] $8.50	Very Vanilla 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [101650] $9.75	Very Vanilla 5/8" (1.6 Cm) Polka Dot Tulle Ribbon [147629] $7.50

Ready for another fun  Create with Connie & Mary Challenge?   Today's challenge #CCMC556 is a sketch challenge.

Here's what I made for the challenge.

I used the Needlepoint Nook DSP which helped guide the choice of using the coordinating colors, Poppy Parade and Crushed Curry.  The sentiment and flower were stamped using the Needle and Thread stamp set.  The flower was cut using the Needlepoint Elements dies.  The rhinestone in the center of the flowers were created by using a Dark Poppy Parade Stampin' Blend to color the rhinestone jewel.  

I used the Subtle embossing folder to add a little texture and interest to the Poppy Parade card stock.  I know I have said it many times but the Subtle folder is one of the hardest working embossing folders in my collection.  

Did you know you can play along with the Create with Connie & Mary Challenge?  You can post your card to the Create with Connie & Mary Facebook page in the comments of the post announcing the challenge.  I hope to see you play along in the challenge.  If you need some inspiration be sure to check out what the other members of the design team created for this challenge.

Product List

Needle & Thread Photopolymer Bundle [150626] $45.75	Poppy Parade Classic Stampin' Pad [147050] $7.50	Crushed Curry Classic Stampin' Pad [147087] $7.50	Dark Poppy Parade Stampin' Blends Marker [146879] $4.50
Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock [140272] $7.75	Crushed Curry 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [131199] $8.50	Poppy Parade 8-1/2" x 11"" Card Stock" [119793] $8.50	Needlepoint Nook 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper [148807] $11.00
Regals 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper [146965] $11.00	Stitched Shapes Framelits Dies [145372] $30.00	Layering Circle Framelits Dies [141705] $35.00	Rhinestone Basic Jewels [144220] $5.00

I was cleaning up my craft table and found these hibiscus images from the Humming Along stamp set.  They were colored, matted and ready to use.  

The Tropical Escape DSP was a perfect one to use and coordinated so well with the hibiscus.  The card base is a 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" piece of Blushing Bride card stock and scored at 2", 3", 5-1/4", and 6-1/4".  This card style fits in a standard A-2 (Medium Envelope).  I put a piece of Whisper White card stock measuring 2" x 5-1/4" on the back of the middle panel.  This is where I would write my note.   

Product List

Humming Along Cling Stamp Set [148758] $20.00	Versamark Pad [102283] $9.00	Shaded Spruce Classic Stampin' Pad [147088] $7.50	Granny Apple Green Classic Stampin' Ink Refill [147163] $3.75
Blushing Bride Classic Stampin' Ink Refill [131157] $3.75	Crushed Curry Classic Stampin' Ink Refill [131158] $3.75	Blushing Bride 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [131198] $8.50	Shimmery White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [101910] $9.00
Tropical Escape 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper [146916] $11.00	Rectangle Stitched Framelits Dies [148551] $35.00	Layering Circle Framelits Dies [141705] $35.00	Blushing Bride Baker's Twine [134577] $2.95
Aqua Painters [103954] $17.00	White Stampin' Emboss Powder [109132] $5.00

This card is a gate fold card.  I thought it was a another fun way to use the hibiscus panel.  Don't you love how  Poppy Parade looks with Mossy Meadow?  This fold is simply a 5-1/2' x 8-1/2" piece of card stock scored at 2-1/8" and 6-3/8".

Product List

Humming Along Cling Stamp Set [148758] $20.00	Versamark Pad [102283] $9.00	Poppy Parade Classic Stampin' Pad [147050] $7.50	Mossy Meadow Classic Stampin' Ink Refill [133651] $3.75
Mossy Meadow 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [133676] $8.50	Poppy Parade 8-1/2" x 11"" Card Stock" [119793] $8.50	Shimmery White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [101910] $9.00	Neutrals 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper [146967] $11.00
Layering Ovals Framelits Dies [141706] $35.00	Rectangle Stitched Framelits Dies [148551] $35.00	Aqua Painters [103954] $17.00	White Stampin' Emboss Powder [109132] $5.00
Poppy Parade 1/4" (6.4 Mm) Mini Striped Ribbon [146938] $8.00

As I continue to clean up my craft table I sure hope I find more almost completed cards so I can share them with you!

I have exciting news!  I am now a member of the Festive Friday Challenge Design Team!  You know I love a good stamping challenge and Festive Friday has some great challenges and I am so happy to be on the team. 

Ready for the Challenge?

What I love is that you can use either or both of the themes for your project.  This challenge runs until April 15, so you have lots of time to join in the festivities!  If you get really inspired you can enter up to 3 times.  

I was inspired by the Rainbow theme and a little bit by the Earth Day theme too.

Yes, it is a Rainbow bouquet of flowers!  I had so much fun cutting and arranging my flowers.  I used the Jar of Love stamp set and the coordinating Everyday Jars Framelits.  The colors I used for the rainbow: Poppy Parade, Mango Melody, So Saffron, Balmy Blue, Call Me Clover, Pacific Point, and Highland Heather.  I finished off the card with Celebrate from the Celebrate You Thinlits.  I thought it was the perfect way to finish up the card.

One of the unique features of the Festive Friday Challenge is that each Design team project has a project tutorial.  HERE is the tutorial for my card.  Be sure to check out what the rest of the design team created for this challenge.

Festive Friday Design Team

Ann Schach  

Anne Marie Hile   

Nicole Watt

Beth McCullough

There are 2 more members of the team and they will be participating in the next challenge.

Thank you for stopping by and sharing in my news!

Product List

Jar Of Love Photopolymer Stamp Set [141587] $27.00	Call Me Clover Stampin' Pad [147139] $7.50	Poppy Parade Classic Stampin' Pad [147050] $7.50	So Saffron Classic Stampin' Pad [147109] $7.50
Pacific Point Classic Stampin' Pad [147098] $7.50	Mango Melody Classic Stampin' Pad [147093] $7.50	Balmy Blue Classic Stampin' Pad [147105] $7.50	Highland Heather Classic Stampin' Pad [147103] $7.50
Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [132708] $6.00	Call Me Clover 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [146969] $8.50	Pacific Point 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [111350] $8.50	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [100730] $9.75
Vellum 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [101856] $9.00	Everyday Jars Framelits Dies [141490] $33.00	Celebrate You Thinlit Dies [146840] $23.00

Are you ready for the Create with Connie & Mary Challenge?  It is a color challenge and a little bit wild!

What do you think?  I was a little intimidated by this at first but once I started playing with the combination I liked it so much I made 2 cards using the colors.

I haven't used the Hand Delivered host stamp set in a while and I thought it would be fun to color her skirt using the colors. I used a mix of Stampin' Blends (Mango Melody & Calypso Coral) and Melon Mambo Stampin' Write Markers. I love this image especially the stack of books.  This is so perfect to send to my book lover friends with a gift card to their favorite book store.  

Product List

Hand Delivered Photopolymer Stamp Set [146808] $13.00	Vertical Greetings Clear-Mount Stamp Set [141876] $19.00	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [132708] $6.00	Mango Melody Combo Pack Stampin' Blends [147945] $9.00
Calypso Coral Stampin' Blends Markers Combo Pack [144045] $9.00	Melon Mambo Stampin' Write Marker [121074] $3.50	Mango Melody 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [146989] $8.50	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [100730] $9.75
Brights 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper [146964] $11.00	Subtles 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper [146966] $11.00	Rectangle Stitched Framelits Dies [148551] $35.00	Calypso Coral 3/8" (1 Cm) Satin Ribbon [148804] $6.00

The second card I made is bright!  

Wouldn't you love having a Melon Mambo bicycle with Calypso Coral tires and Mango Melody tassels and basket?  It was just so fun putting together the components of this bike.  The Bike Ride stamp set also has an adorable stack of books.  

Product List

Bike Ride Photopolymer Stamp Set [143716] $21.00	Amazing Life Photopolymer Stamp Set [148750] $21.00	Melon Mambo Classic Stampin' Pad [147051] $7.50	Calypso Coral Classic Stampin' Pad [147101] $7.50
Mango Melody Classic Stampin' Pad [147093] $7.50	Melon Mambo 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [115320] $8.50	Mango Melody 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [146989] $8.50	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [100730] $9.75
Build A Bike Framelits Dies [143729] $27.00

Be sure to check out what the other members of the design team created for this challenge.  

I am so happy it's April, a new month and it is going to be a great one, that's my plan anyway.  The last part of March was rough but I have high hopes for April!  

April is already off to a good start!  Today is the launch of the new Storage by Stampin' Up!®.   I will be spending some time figuring out how I want to use this new storage option and when i do I will share it with you!  I  love how flexible the storage is and look forward to many happy hours of organizing.  You can see and learn more about the new storage pieces HERE.

I also have a new card for you.  Did you get some of the Delightfully Detailed Laser-Cut Specialty paper during Sale-A-Bration?   If you didn't, you still can, it is part of the DSP offering in the Stampin' Up!® annual catalog.  This paper pack is beautiful and delicate.  It can be a bit fiddly to work with since it is so detailed but oh it is so worth it!

The Delightfully Detailed Laser Cut paper is sandwiched between a frame I cut using the Stitched Rectangle Framelits and the Sparkle Glimmer paper The frame is layered on a piece of Silver Foil and then on to a Thick Whisper White card base.  The silver foil butterflies were cut using the Butterfly Beauty Thinlit Dies.  

I added the friend  cut using the Well Written Framelits dies.  This card is simple and elegant and can be used for so many different occasions, wouldn't it make a beautiful wedding card?

Check out the new Storage by Stampin' Up! cause it is no April Fool's joke!

Product List

Butterfly Beauty Thinlits Dies [148536] $39.00	Well Written Framelits Dies [148534] $40.00	Rectangle Stitched Framelits Dies [148551] $35.00	Delightfully Detailed Laser-Cut Specialty Paper [146907] $14.00
Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock [140272] $7.75	Silver Foil Sheets [132178] $4.00	Sparkle Glimmer Paper [146957] $5.00

Today is the last day of Sale-A-Bration.   There is still time to place an order and get a free Sale-A-Bration gift or two.  I thought it would be fun to look back at some of the Sale-A-Bration projects I have shared over the past few months.

It starts with Butterflies, the Botanical Butterfly DSP! I shared this as a sneak peek here.

Next it was cupcakes!  Hello Cupcake was a bit controversial but I think it was so cute.  You can see the post here.

The 2nd release of Sale-A-Bration brought us All Adorned.  This set is full of possibilities.

The 2nd release also brought the Painted Seasons Bundle!  I fell hard for this bundle.  This sample pairs the Painted Season set with the Botanical Butterfly DSP.

One of the reasons the Painted Seasons bundle spoke to me so much was the beautiful Painted Seasons DSP.  I was sorta, kindq using it very sparingly aka hoarding, the paper until it became available as a Sale-A-Bration choice all by itself!

Next, the Country Floral Dynamic TIEF came into my life!  That embossing folder combined with the Painted Seasons stamp set became my new go to.  This sample also showcases the Sale-A-Bration coordination More Than Words stamp set.   

This card is probably one of my very favorites.  It mixes up so many favorite things that Sale-A-Bration offered.  There is the Painted Seasons bundle, the Country Floral Dynamic TIEF, SAB Coordination stamp set-More Than Words, and the Sale-A-Bration Coordination framelits-Four Seasons.

Thanks for joining me on this look back at Sale-A-Bration 2019!  Remember it is the last day so be sure to get your order placed before  11:50 pm MT.  

It is almost over.  Yes, Sale-A-Bration 2019 is just about done.  I have one more card featuring the All Adorned stamp set.

Here's a little pictorial on how I made the front using the Stamparatus.

I positioned the stamp so it would stamp in a corner of the grid paper.  Yes, there is grid paper perfectly sized for the Stamparatus!

The Whisper White card stock was cut 3-3/4" x 3-3/4".  Position the card stock in the corner and stamp.

Rotate the Whisper White card stock positioning it again in the stamped corner.

Repeat 2 more times.

I love how this looks and with the Stamparatus it is easy to do.

I used the Doily Builder thinlits to cut the Fresh Fig doilies.  I am sorry to say the the Doily Builder thinlits are no longer available.  I added the Faceted Dots on the doilies to dress it up a little more. 

I have  been in an easel card making mode these last few weeks.  

Product List

All Adorned Photopolymer Stamp Set [149728] $0.00	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [132708] $6.00	Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [121045] $8.50	Fresh Fig 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [144242] $8.50
Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [100730] $9.75	Stamparatus [146276] $49.00	Doily Builder Thinlits Dies [148553] $33.00	Faceted Dots [146910] $6.00
Black 1/2" (1.3 Cm) Satin Ribbon [146280] $7.00

Remember Sale-A-Bration ends March 31 (Sunday) at 11:50 pm Mountain Time!  Be sure to get your order placed before Sale-A-Bration 2019 is just a memory!

This week the Create with Connie & Mary Challenge is a sketch.  I knew  I wanted to use a patterned paper which made me think of  the Painted Seasons DSP which is available as  a level 1 Sale-A-Bration choice and a level 2 Sale-A-Bration choice paired with the Painted Seasons stamp set.

What to use for the little accents?  I thought about butterflies, birds and then it came to me...

Dragonflies!  I have been trying to look at my stamps, punches and dies from the annual catalog to mix in with my newer products.  I haven't used the Detailed Dragonfly thinlits in quite a while!  I cut them out in Early Espresso and knew i needed to fill in the wings.  I glued down the dragonflies and then cut out another set using Sparkle Glimmer paper.  I filled in the wings with the Sparkle Glimmer paper.  This was pretty but the Glimmer paper was too bright so using a cotton swab I colored the wings using Petal Pink ink.  This toned down the white and it worked better with the other colors on the card.

I added the "thanks" which I cut in Early Espresso card stock using the Well Written framelits (2019 Occasions catalog).  These framelits are some of my favorites, as you have probably figured out since I use them a lot.

Be sure to check out what the other members of the Create with Connie & Mary Design team created using this sketch.

Remember Sale-A-bration ends in just a few days!  

Product List

Petal Pink Classic Stampin' Pad [147108] $7.50	Petal Pink 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [146985] $8.50	Poppy Parade 8-1/2" x 11"" Card Stock" [119793] $8.50	Early Espresso 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [119686] $8.50
Sparkle Glimmer Paper [146957] $5.00	Painted Seasons Designer Series Paper [149574] $0.00	Well Written Framelits Dies [148534] $40.00	Detailed Dragonfly Thinlits Dies [142749] $31.00
Rectangle Stitched Framelits Dies [148551] $35.00