It is Thursday which can only mean it is time for the Create with Connie & Mary Challenge!  This week it is a sketch challenge and this sketch is a keeper.

I decided to use patterned paper/DSP for my card.  

This is from the Perfectly Penciled DSP.   The DSP is great to color but I decided to keep it very simple and leave it black and white.  I just looked and this paper is on the Low Inventory list so if you like it be sure to order it soon.  The sentiment is from the Irresistible Blooms set (Online Exclusive) and is heat embossed using white Embossing Powder.  The banner was cut using the Stylish Shapes dies.    The little pop of color is a Melon Mambo Glossy Dot.

Are you wondering where the black ribbon is from?  It is the actually the Balmy Blue & White 1/2" Variegated Ribbon in the 2023 January-April Mini Catalog.  I used the Dark Basic Black Stampin' Blends to color it.  I was happy with how well the Blends colored the ribbon.  One thing to note is that the ribbon seems a little bit stiffer once you color it.  This isn't a bad thing since it does make it easier to tie a nice bow.

Inside I added a strip of DSP layered with Basic Black CS.  It is an easy way to finish the inside of the card.

Thank you for stopping by and be sure to check out what the rest of the design team created with this sketch,

Product List

Irresistible Blooms Cling Stamp Set (English) [161140] $25.00	Versamark Pad [102283] $9.50	Basic Black Stampin' Blends Combo Pack [154843] $9.00	Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock [159229] $8.75
Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [121045] $9.25	Perfectly Penciled 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper [159244] $12.00	Stylish Shapes Dies [159183] $30.00	Glossy Dots Assortment [158827] $8.00
Balmy Blue/White 1/2" (1.3 Cm) Variegated Ribbon [160448] $9.00	Basics Embossing Powders [155554] $18.00

Place a $50 order through my online store and receive this bundle (13 tutorials!!)  as a thank you.  You can also purchase the tutorial bundle for $15.00.  Please contact me (sharon@astheinkdries.com) if you would like to purchase the tutorial.

This is the card I made for the tutorial bundle.

Just in case you aren't experiencing springtime where you are I thought I would share some here.  

This is a little different color combination than the one I posted on Monday.  This one uses Daffodil Delight instead of So Saffron along with Balmy Blue, and Parakeet Party, for a little brighter combination.  I am a fan of gingham and in Balmy Blue it just looks like Spring.  The Country Gingham DSP is perfect for this time of year and really anytime. The flowers and the Sending are from the Sending Smiles bundle.  The little dots of Daffodil Delight are from the Glossy Dots Asst.  The white Baker's Twine is from the Baker's Twine Essentials Pack.

Inside a flower and another sentiment from the Sending Smiles stamp set and a strip of Balmy Blue gingham DSP.  Love the combination of the die cut Sending and the different sentiments in the stamp set.  We have moved a lot and this set and the sentiments are ones I use a lot.

Product List

Sending Smiles Bundle (English) [158707] $49.50	Daffodil Delight Classic Stampin' Pad [147094] $8.00	Balmy Blue Classic Stampin' Pad [147105] $8.00	Parakeet Party Classic Stampin' Pad [159208] $8.00
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock [159229] $8.75	Daffodil Delight 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [119683] $9.25	Country Gingham 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper [160388] $12.00	Baker's Twine Essentials Pack [155475] $11.00
Glossy Dots Assortment [158827] $8.00

Thanks for stopping by and I hope this brought a little sunshine to your day,

Place a $50 order through my online store and receive this bundle (13 tutorials!!)  as a thank you.  You can also purchase the tutorial bundle for $15.00.  Please contact me (sharon@astheinkdries.com) if you would like to purchase the tutorial.

This is the card I created for the Creativity Abounds Fancy Flora tutorial bundle.

Happy first day of Spring!   I am ready for it.   I look forward to seeing the flowers budding and blooming and the grass and leaves turning green.  This beautiful display is the allergy sufferers reward. 

Today's card started with a leftover, in fact a couple more cards that I will be sharing soon started as leftovers.  What are leftovers?  They are things I have stamped or die cut for a project but ended up not being used.  These pieces are housed with my scraps and I go through them periodically to see if they are ready to be used.  

The leftover piece was the Rays of Light background stamp inked in So Saffron.  I wondered what it would look like if I used an embossing folder over the rays.  Would it look good?  As an experiment I used one of the new Online Exclusives products, Basics 3D Embossing Folders (not currently available but expected back in stock around May 1) over the Rays of Light.    Can you see the texture?  I like the look and will experiment more.  

The rays reminded me of spring so I added  flowers from the Sending Smiles set stamped in Balmy Blue, So Saffron and Parakeet Party.  The images were cut using the Sending dies ( buy them together as a bundle and save 10%).  The sentiment is also from the Sending Smiles set and it is heat embossed in White embossing powder on Balmy Blue CS.  The label it is stamped on is also from the Sending dies.

If I had to guess, I think the Sending Smiles bundle is the bundle I use the most.  The sentiments cover so many situations.  The one on this card is probably my most used one.  

Did a little stamping and an embossed So Saffron strip to finish off the inside of the card.  

Product List

Sending Smiles Bundle (English) [158707] $49.50	Balmy Blue Classic Stampin' Pad [147105] $8.00	So Saffron Classic Stampin' Pad [147109] $8.00	Parakeet Party Classic Stampin' Pad [159208] $8.00
Balmy Blue 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [146982] $9.25	Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [159276] $10.25	So Saffron 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [105118] $9.25	Basics 3 D Embossing Folders [161598] $30.00
Stitched Rectangles Dies [151820] $35.00	Scalloped Contours Dies [155560] $35.00	Glossy Dots Assortment [158827] $8.00	Baker's Twine Essentials Pack [155475] $11.00
Basics Embossing Powders [155554] $18.00

Thanks for stopping by and remember to stamp and send some sunshine,

Place a $50 order through my online store and receive this bundle (13 tutorials!!)  as a thank you.  You can also purchase the tutorial bundle for $15.00.  Please contact me (sharon@astheinkdries.com) if you would like to purchase the tutorial.

This is the card I created for the Creativity Abounds Fancy Flora Tutorial bundle.  

Ready for another Festive Friday challenge?   What is the Festive Friday challenge?  The Festive Friday challenge is a bi-weekly challenge that is inspired by a holiday/festivity.  An Inspo list of 10 items is created using the festivity as its inspiration.  To play in the challenge you need to use 3 items from the Inspo list on your project and enter it in the Festive Friday gallery.  We love seeing what you choose from the Inspo list and create.

I chose from the list Bright Colors, Splatters, Patterned Paper, and Square.

When we are on the road  I try, when possible to stop in and see local stamp/scrapbook stores.  They are not as plentiful as they once were so I definitely want to support the ones that are around.  I found one in Orange Park Florida called A Small Cleverness.  I saw these calendars and thought to myself, it is kind of late for me to make calendars for this year.  I then looked a little closer and realized it was actually calendars for 2024!  I decided I needed to buy some, so I did.  I predict one of 2 possible outcomes.  One possibility is that I will get them made and ready to send out for 2024.  Another and probably more likely is that I will put them somewhere safe to work on later and I won't remember where I put them.  I thought if I at least make one calendar ahead of time that would still put me ahead.

I made the Melon Mambo CS base 4-1/4" x 8-1/2" my square from the Inspo List.  I added a panel from the Enjoy the Journey DSP, the patterned paper item from the Inspo List.  I like the bright combination of Melon Mambo and Mango Melody so I added that layer to card too.  This is my Bright Colors from the Inspo List.   I am not sure you can see it but I flicked some Wink of Stella on the DSP to add some shine and also to use Splatters from the Inspo List.

I love the words from the Easter Bunny stamp set and thought they would be perfect ones for a calendar.  I stamped them in Tuxedo Black Memento ink on Basic White CS and then punched them out using the Double Oval punch.  I like layers so I added the Mango Melody layer also from the Double Oval punch.

To add a little more interest I made this an easel calendar.  The stopper is another strip of DSP from the Enjoy the Journey DSP and another sentiment from the Easter Bunny set.  Who knew that the Easter Bunny would be something you could use all year long?  

Be sure to check out what the rest of the design team created with this Inspo List.

Product List

Easter Bunny Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [160272] $19.00	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [132708] $6.00	Melon Mambo 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [115320] $9.25	Mango Melody 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [146989] $9.25
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [159276] $10.25	Enjoy The Journey 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper [160586] $12.00	Clear Wink Of Stella Glitter Brush [141897] $8.00	Glossy Dots Assortment [158827] $8.00

Place a $50 order through my online store and receive this bundle (13 tutorials!!)  as a thank you.  You can also purchase the tutorial bundle for $15.00.  Please contact me (sharon@astheinkdries.com) if you would like to purchase the tutorial.

Here is the card I created for the Creativity Abounds Fancy Flora Suite Tutorial bundle.

It is Thursday and time for a new Create with Connie & Mary Challenge.  This week the challenge is a color challenge.

This was a tough one for me.  I just couldn't figure it out until I found the Starry Sky sky in the Enjoy the Journey DSP.  I paired the DSP with the Easter Bunny bundle.  

The bunny's garland was colored using Melon Mambo & Starry Sky Stampin' Blends.  There isn't a Coastal Cabana Stampin' Blend so I used a blender pen and Coastal Cabana ink to color the leaves.  I also used the blender pen and Melon Mambo ink to color the bunny's ears, tail, belly and nose.  I used the 2022-24 In Color Matte Decorative Dots for the centers of the flowers.  The sentiment  is from the Love for You stamp set stamped on a circle from the Stylish Shapes dies.  I used the In Color Baker's Twine in Starry Sky to complete the card.

I added a strip of the DSP along with another garland to finish off the inside of the card.  

Before I made the  card above I made another and I am still unsure if I like it or not.  I had the idea to do a blended panel on  black and white DSP.

I used the Perfectly Penciled DSP and masked off the sides to create the center panel of blended color.  Over the panel I added the thanks cut using the Amazing Thanks die.  I still cannot decide if I like it or not.  

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to check out what the rest of the design team created for this challenge,

Place a $50 order through my online store and receive this bundle (13 tutorials!!)  as a thank you.  You can also purchase the tutorial bundle for $15.00.  Please contact me (sharon@astheinkdries.com) if you would like to purchase the tutorial.

Here is the card I created for the Creativity Abounds Fancy Flora Suite Tutorial bundle.

Welcome to the Creativity Abounds Blog Hop!  We are an international group of Stampin' Up!® demonstrators.  We hop together on the third Wednesday of every month.  Our hops focus around a particular bundle, holiday, occasion or product suite.  Every month we create a tutorial bundle. The tutorial bundle is available as a gift with a qualifying purchase or can also be purchased. This month our focus is the Fancy Flora Suite.

The Fancy Flora Suite is a big one and consists of  the Two-Tone Flora bundle, Something Fancy bundle, the Shimmer Paper pack, Iridescent Pastel Gems, Pool Party Ribbon, and the Fancy Flora DSP.  For my project I used both bundles, the gems, and the beautiful DSP.  

Does this fold look familiar?  I posted a card using this fun fold on February 27th.   I don't know the name of this fold, I am calling it a modified Z-fold.

Here is what you will need to make this card.

• Soft Succulent CS 4-1/4" x 5-1/2", 2' x 2-3/4", scrap pieces to stamp leaves
• Evening Evergreen CS 4" x 9-3/4
• Basic White CS 2-1/8" x 2-3/8", 2-1/8" x 3-7/8", scrap pieces to stamp the flowers and die cut the hexagon
• Fancy Flora DSP 2-7/8" x 3-7/8", 2-1/8" x 2-3/8", 1-3/8" x 2-1/8"
• Evening Evergreen Pad
• Evening Evergreen Ribbon

Here is a template showing how to score and cut the Evening Evergreen CS.

The cutting and scoring is much easier to show you  vs writing it down, so here's a video.

Blog Hop Index

Place a $50 order through my online store and receive this bundle (13 tutorials!!)  as a thank you.  You can also purchase the tutorial bundle for $15.00.  Please contact me (sharon@astheinkdries.com) if you would like to purchase the tutorial.

Here is the card I created for the Creativity Abounds Fancy Flora Suite Tutorial bundle.

Welcome to the Stampers Dozen Blog Hop!  We are a group of Stampin' Up! demonstrators that hop together on the 14th of the month.  This month the theme is Birthdays!   Hop along with us and check out some fun and fabulous birthday ideas.

I was looking through my patterned papers and came across the Tea Boutique DSP.    When I saw this pattern it reminded me that I needed to use the Sweet Citrus bundle.   My card is a little busy but I am okay with it.  I used 2 different patterns of Tea Boutique DSP for the front of the card.  I used Crushed Curry ink for the lemon peels and Daffodil Delight for the pulp.  The leaves seemed too dark stamped in Garden Green full strength so I stamped the leaves off once to get a less intense color.  I used Daffodil Delight Glossy Dots for the centers of the flowers.  The Garden Green ribbon is a carryover item from the last mini catalog.  It was paired with Real Red ribbon.  The Garden Green scalloped frame was cut using the Scalloped Contours dies and the Basic White rectangle was cut using the Stitched Rectangle dies. Isn't that sentiment so fun?   I usually like things straight but somehow this little banner only looked right at an angle.  

You know I  like to decorate the inside of my cards whenever possible.  Here I used an extra flower, leaves, and a layered piece of DSP.  Doesn't it looks finished and ready for me to write in and send?

Product List

Sweet Citrus Bundle (English) [160645] $49.50	Garden Green Classic Stampin' Pad [147089] $8.00	Daffodil Delight Classic Stampin' Pad [147094] $8.00	Crushed Curry Classic Stampin' Pad [147087] $8.00
Garden Green 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [102584] $9.25	Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [159276] $10.25	Tea Boutique 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper [158659] $12.00	Scalloped Contours Dies [155560] $35.00
Stitched Rectangles Dies [151820] $35.00	Glossy Dots Assortment [158827] $8.00	Real Red & Garden Green 3/8" (1 Cm) Ribbon Combo Pack [159577] $7.50

Thanks for stopping by be sure to check out the rest of the stops on the hop.

The Fancy Flora Suite is a big beautiful collection of products.  I was sold on the Two Tone Flora bundle as soon as I saw the dies.  The large die is so pretty and I knew that I wanted to use it on vellum.   I finally got around to making that card.

Isn't it pretty?   I cut a large opening using the Stitched Rectangle dies on the Basic White card front.  I also cut 2 smaller frames (one for the front and one for the inside front) also using the Stitched Rectangle dies.  I secured the vellum to the front of the card and then attached the smaller frame over the vellum.  I attached the other frame to the inside of the card to keep everything looking neat and clean.  I added the luscious Pool Party Grosgrain Ribbon to the frame and tied a bow.  This ribbon is lovely to work with.  The flowers were stamped using Fresh Freesia ink and the leaves were stamped in Pool Party.  The centers of the flowers are from the Glossy Dots Assortment.

I added another card inside of the card.  Why?  This card will give you a place to write a message that doesn't show through the lovely vellum.  I stamped a sentiment where the frame will cover it up.   This sentiment is from the Something Fancy stamp set.

This sentiment is a must have for me.  It is so cute and perfect for those cards that will arrive a little or maybe a lot late.  

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to check out the Fancy Flora Collection!

It is Thursday which means it is time for a new Create with Connie & Mary Challenge.  This week we have a lovely sketch challenge.

Great sketch right?  Now the thing about sketch challenges is that it meant to inspire you.  I don't believe you need to follow it exactly but do need to stay true to the spirit of the sketch.

I used the beautiful Hello, Irresistible Designer Series Paper (DSP) for the strips that measure 7/8" x  5").  This pack of paper is part of the Online Exclusives release.  This release isn't in any catalog and items are available until they no longer are.  I know that sounds vague but some items will be re-ordered and others are available while the supply lasts.  The sentiment is from the Irresistible Blooms stamp set.  It was inked in Versamark and heat embossed using White Embossing Powder.  The 2 dots on the sentiment label are from the Loose Frosted Dots.  The Dots are currently unavailable (they went fast!) but are being re-ordered and should be back in stock in early May. The card base is Petal Pink and the layer is Soft Sea Foam.  The ribbon is the White Glittered Organdy Ribbon.  It definitely adds a little sparkle to the card.

I mimicked the layering of the CS and also added a strip of the Hello, Irresistible DSP.  I usually add a DSP strip along the bottom but this strip was left over from the front and I didn't want to waste it.

Thanks for stopping by.  Be sure to check out what the other members of the design team created with the sketch and also all the products in the Online Exclusives,

Welcome to the Inspire Create Share Blog Hop!  We come together and hop on the 2nd Wednesday of the month.  Each month there is a theme and this month the theme is…Birthdays!  What a great practical theme since we all need birthday cards.  

I used the bright and happy Enjoy the Journey DSP.  This pack is in the 2023 January-April Mini Catalog and was also a Sale-A-Bration choice in February.  The Sending Smiles bundle was used for the focal point.  The Sending was cut using Mango Melody and Polished Pink CS and so were the little flowers.  The center of the flowers are the Loose Frosted Dots (Online Exclusive product).  These pretty accents are currently not available but should be back in stock in early May.  

This is a wiper card.  When you pull out the side and back the cute little piggy from the This Birthday Piggy set pops up with a balloon and cake.   You can fussy cut the piggy out but if you check out the Clearance Rack you might still be able to snag the coordinating Playful Piggy dies for $12.40!  That is an amazing deal so make sure to check it out.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to check out what fun and fabulous idea Deb has for you!

Enjoy the hop!