It is Thursday and time for the Create with Connie & Mary Challenge!  This week it is a sketch challenge.

The sketch is meant to inspire you.  Remember you do not have to follow it exactly but you must be able to see the "bones" of the sketch.  I took the basic idea and used my favorite  (for today) Designer Series Paper (DSP), Butterfly Kisses  and the 2022-24 In Color DSP.

The 2 butterflies were fussy cut from the Butterfly Kisses DSP.  This is one of the reasons I like this pack of paper so much.  I like that there are lots of butterflies in different sizes and color combinations I can use.  The Parakeet Party diagonal stripe is also from the Butterfly Kisses DSP.  The Starry Sky pattern is one of 4 patterns found in the In Color paper pack.  The sentiment is from the Pansy Patch stamp set stamped in Starry Sky ink.  The sentiment strip was cut using a die from the Harvest dies.  Scattered about are a few Iridescent Rhinestones.  

The Starry Sky card base measures 4-1/4" x 5-1/2" and the Basic White layer measures 8" x 5-1/4", scored at 4".  Inside of the card is layered with Basic White CS (4" x 5-1/4")  and another cute fussy cut butterfly.  

Thank you for stopping by and be sure to check out what the rest of the design team created for the 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 for more information or if you would like to purchase the tutorial.

Welcome to the Creativity Abounds Blog Hop!  We are a group of international 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.  We also do a quarterly stamp camp and have one coming up October 28 & 29th, Boughs of Holly Suite Collection.  Every month we also create a tutorial bundle.  This month the tutorial bundle features Anything But Christmas.  The projects featured in this blog hop are different than the projects in the tutorial bundle.  We want to share lots of ideas with you.

I have a conflicting feelings about squirrels.  I think they are cute and they are so fun to watch as they scurry about.  However I have battled with them eating all the food in the bird feeder, nibbling on plants and even my patio furniture.  They are definitely smart and tenacious.

The Nuts About Squirrels stamp set is too cute and I couldn't resist it.  The set definitely captures their mischievous look and personality.   When I was looking for an idea for this post I remembered this squirrel holding the acorn and thought it would be perfect to pair it with the acorns image in the Fond of Autumn bundle (for more information about the Fond of Autumn bundle check out this post).  I colored the leaves and acorn using Old Olive, Daffodil Delight, Crumb Cake, and Soft Suede Stampin' Blends.  I topped the pumpkin from the Hello Harvest bundle with the acorn and the squirrel.  Doesn't the squirrel look super pleased with himself for stealing one of the acorns?

The sentiment from the Hello Harvest set was stamped on a Stylish Shapes banner using Early Espresso ink.  I added a couple of Brushed Metallic Dots on to the banner.   The small leaf  near the banner is also from the Fond of Autumn bundle and I colored it with the same Stampin' Blends.  The bundle also has an acorn stamp and coordinating die. I added a couple of leaves and an acorn to the inside of the card.  One of my favorite embossing folders is the Leaf Fall 3D.  I think it is a little hard to see in the mini catalog.  You can find it on page 53.  The impression is deep and you can see every leaf. 

Be sure to check out all the fabulous projects!

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.

Thank you for stopping by and enjoy the hop!

I recently purchased the Bouquet of Thanks stamp.  It is in the Background Brilliance section of the 2022-23 Annual Catalog.  It is a beautiful image and one that lends itself to lots of different techniques.  Today's card is a quick and simple one.

Did you notice that the sentiment is different?  I did  cover the Thank You with a piece of washi tape before I inked the image.  I removed the washi tape and then stamped it on  Basic White cardstock.  I then stamped the Just a Note sentiment in the blank banner.  I added the Black & White Gingham Ribbon and tied a bow.  I layered the image on to Basic Black cardstock and then on a Basic White card base.  

I wanted to add a little color so I attached the Red Rhinestone Basic Jewels.  I thought it added just. a little sparkle and some color.

Product List

Bouquet Of Thanks Cling Stamp Set (English) [159067]	Fond Of Autumn Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [160266]	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [132708]	Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock [159229]
Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [121045]	Black & White 1/4" (6.4 Mm) Gingham Ribbon [156485]	Red Rhinestone Basic Jewels [146924]

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to check out all the lovely background stamps in the 2022-23 Annual Catalog,

Welcome to the Stampers Dozen Blog Hop!  This month the theme is Anything Goes!  I decided to use a new to me stamp,  Bouquet of Thanks and a technique I haven't done in a long time.

• Stamp the Bouquet of Thanks image using Tuxedo Black Memento ink.
• Color the image using Petal Pink, Pumpkin Pie, and Old Olive Stampin' Blends.
• Use 2 Stylish Shapes square dies and cut out a frame .
• Attach the image to the Basic Black cardstock.
• Apply Foam Adhesive Strips to the back of the frame.
• Adhere the frame back into the Basic White CS lining up the image,
• Adhere the square piece into the center of the frame using glue.
• Adhere on to the Petal Pink card base.

Inside I stamped a partial image and colored it with Stampin' Blends.

In the past I have always done this technique using squares so I thought I should try it with circle dies.  This time I used the Nature's Harvest stamp set.   I colored in the image again with Old Olive and Petal Pink Stampin' Blends.  The flower centers were colored using a Blender pen.  The process to make this was basically the same except I used the circles from the Stylish Shapes dies.  I also added the Early Espresso Faux Suede Trim and a few Brushed Brass Butterflies.

The sentiment is from the Through it Together stamp set on a banner cut using the Stylish Shapes dies.  Now it is time for you to check out the rest of the stops on the Hop!

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the hop!

I live in Washington state which is the nation's top apple producing state.  So what does that mean?  It means I had to get the Apple Harvest set.  It may not be the best reason to purchase a stamp set but it was enough of a reason for me!  I saw the CAS Colours & Sketches Challenge #482 and knew it would be a perfect time to ink up the Apple Harvest set.

Here's what I made using the sketch.

The CAS Challenge is all about clean and simple cards.  "Clean and Simple" is defined as "uncluttered, with white or open space, and minimal layers and embellishments".  

The apples were stamped on Basic White CS in Tuxedo Black Memento ink and colored using Granny Apple Green Crumb Cake, Real Red, and Cherry Cobbler Stampin' Blends. The Basic White piece the apples are on was embossed using the Timber 3D Embossing folder.  This folder is part of the 2nd release for Sale-A-Bration.   Remember to stamp the sentiment before you emboss the CS!  I forgot and was pleasantly surprised that it turned out as well as it did.  Around the apples I added a few Classic Matte Dots in black.

Inside I added another apple image from the Apple Harvest stamp set.  This apple was also colored using the same Stampin' Blends.

Thanks CAS Colour & Sketch Challenge team for a great sketch and motivating me to use this stamp set.  

Thank you for stopping by and be sure to check out the all the cards created for the challenge,

It is Thursday and do you know what that means?   It is time for the Create with Connie & Mary Challenge! This week it is a color challenge.

When I looked at this challenge the first thing I thought of was to use the Tea Boutique Cards & Envelopes.   The choice of using the Starry Sky card from the pack helped to narrow down the decisions I have to make.  

I stamped the pumpkin from the Hello Harvest bundle using Calypso Coral ink on Pale Papaya cardstock.   I used the blender pen along the stamped lines to add some shading.  This is a quick and easy way to color.  I stamped the flowers in Starry Sky ink and colored in the image using Calypso Coral and Pale Papaya Stampin' Blends.  The banner is from the Fond of Autumn bundle.  On the ends of the banner and in the centers of the flowers are rhinestones colored using a Calypso Coral Stampin' Blend.

Check out the secret message!   I have been thinking about this and decided it was time to do it.  I cut a slit along the top of the pumpkin long enough so the message can fit behind the pumpkin.  I cut a Pale Papaya  Tailor Made Tag and stamped grateful from the Cottage Wreaths stamp set on it in Starry Sky ink.   The pumpkin is attached to the Basic White Stylish Shapes square with Stampin' Dimensionals.  I made sure to leave a channel so the tag can slip up and down easily.  The sentiment tag is attached to the flowers using Stampin' Dimensionals.  

This is an easy way to add some surprise and fun to your cards.  

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to check out what the rest of the Create with Connie & Mary design team created with this color combination,

Welcome to the Inspire Create Share Blog Hop!  On the 2nd Tuesday of the month we gather together to bring you this hop.  Each month there is a theme and this month the theme is...It's Sale-A-Bration.   Thank you for joining us and enjoy all the stops on the hop!

There has been a second release of Sale-A-Bration choices!  These choices are all from the 2022-23 Stampin' Up! Annual catalog or the July-December 2022 Mini Catalog.  

I realize the numbers are difficult to see.  It is important to note that you will need to use different numbers when choosing one of the above as your Sale-A-Bration gift.

I decided to use the Dots & Spots Dies and the Daffodil Dies for my project.  I am a big fan of the Dots & Spots die.  I think it is so versatile and  creates an easy and pretty backdrop.

I haven't used my Daffodil dies in a bit.  I got stuck thinking that daffodils are just a spring flower but there really isn't any reason that they cannot be used other times of the year.  I chose a slightly unconventional color combination for a daffodil of Petal Pink and Calypso Coral.   I wanted to use Petal Pink because I just received a roll of Petal Pink 3/8" Soft Polyester Ribbon.   The ribbon feels like suede and is easy to tie.  

The sentiment is from the Biggest Wish stamp set and inked in Calypso Coral ink.  The banner the sentiment is stamped on was cut using the Stylish Shapes dies.

Inside I added a strip of Petal Pink cardstock and another daffodil using the same color combination.  

Sale-A-Bration will end on August 31 but remember that products are only available while supplies last.  The supply of Pool Party & Soft Sea Foam Cards & Envelopes and the Tree Lot Dies have already been depleted.  Avoid disappointment and get your order placed.

Now it is time for you to check out what the talented  Deb Naylor has made for you!

Thank you for stopping by and be sure to check out all that Sale-A-Bration has to offer!

Contact me for more information about this upcoming stamp camp on October 28th and 29th.

Ready for something a little bright?   

Used lots of different stamp sets and dies for this card.  The background is the Rays of Light stamp in So Saffron ink.  The mason jar is from the Jar of Flowers set and punched out using the Jar punch.  I have to share with you a little funny.  Do you see the crumb cake lines on the Mason jar?  For some reason I thought the stems stamp was actually a stamp to mimic raffia or twine.  It was only when I started to write this post that I realized they were meant to be stems!  Oh well, it does kind of make cute twine.  The Polished Pink bow was cut using the Country Wreath dies.  It is such a cute bow with great detail.  The flowers are from the Hello Harvest bundle and colored using Stampin' Blends.

The Sending Sunshine is from the Sending Smiles bundle.  Inside of the card I added another bouquet from the Hello Harvest bundle with a strip of Polished Pink cardstock.

I think this will be a card that will help to brighten someone's day and look forward to sending it.  

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to check out the new Sale-A-Bration choices, 

It is time for another Festive Friday Challenge!  Did you know that there is an International Dog Day?  There is and it is the festivity we are featuring on the Festive Friday Challenge. What is the Festive Friday Challenge?  The Festive Friday Challenge is a bi-weekly challenge that has an Inspo List.  What is an Inspo List?  Every challenge has an Inspo list  aka as an inspiration list, that has 10 items on it and those 10 items were inspired by a particular holiday, celebration or festivity.  You need to use 3 items from the Inspo list on your project.  You do not have to incorporate the festivity into your challenge but if you want to, you can.  Here is a link to more information about how to participate in the challenge.

I used from the Inspo List dog, twine, and spots.  

I used the Trees For Sale stamp set with the Tree Lot Dies (Sale-A-Bration).   Unfortunately the Tree Lots Dies were so popular and are no longer available in the US.  The little dog in the window was stamped using the Trees For Sale stamp and cut out with the Tree Lot Dies. I made this card before the dies sold out and unfortunately did not have the time to make another card. The adorable camper was also cut using the Tree Lot dies-so cute! The spots were made using the Dots & Spots die.  This is available as a Sale-A-Bration choice with a qualifying order.  I seriously use this die a lot.  The twine is from the  2022-24 In Color Baker's Twine Pack.   I also used the Tulips die to create the row of flowers.  I cut the flowers out in Basic White and colored them in using Polished Pink,  Tahitian Tide, and Daffodil Delight Stampin' Blends.  The Granny Apple Green lawn was embossed using another favorite die Stitched Greenery.

For more inspiration, be sure to visit the rest of the  Festive Friday Challenge Design team.

Ann Schach

Beth McCullough

Sharon Hashimoto Burkert

Melanie Hungerford

Helen Jennings

Stephanie Lanzalotto

Melva Peters

Jaydee

Diane Evans 

Joanne James

Thanks for stopping by and I hope to see your creations in the Festive Friday Gallery,

It is time for a new Create with Connie & Mary Challenge.  This week it is a sketch challenge.

Here's what I came up with for the challenge.  

Used a lot of Orchid Oasis!  The card base is Thick Basic White.  The DSP is the 2022-24 In Color DSP. The Orchid Oasis CS was cut using the Dots and Spots Die.  Did you see that you can get this die as one of your Sale-A-Bration choices with a qualifying order?  You need to be aware that the ordering number is different than the number in the catalog.   Go here for more information about the new additions to Sale-A-Bration.  The daisy  and tag was punched out of the 2022-24 In Color Glimmer Paper.  The sentiment from the Charming Sentiments bundle was stamped in Orchid Oasis ink and cut out using the coordinating Sentiment Silhouettes dies.

Inside another glimmery daisy and strip of DSP to finish up the card.

Here is the same card using the same product but in the In Color, Parakeet Party.  

This years In Colors are wonderful and I enjoy all the coordinating products!

Thank you for stopping by and be sure to check out what the design team created,