It is time for another Festive Friday Challenge!  Farmers Day  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.

This was a tough one!  I used for my project Farm Animal, Gingham, Green and Die Cut.  

I had to pull from my stash to find this piece of Mint Macaron Gingham paper.  I am trying to follow Ann's example and use those much loved pieces of patterned paper that we have been saving for just the right occasion.  The farm animal is this adorable pig from the This Birthday Piggy stamp set.  She is colored with Petal Pink and Smoky Slate Stampin' Blends.  The balloons were colored using Mint Macaron Stampin' Blends and also paper pieced in a scrap of the Mint Macaron Gingham paper.  The image was cut out using the Playful Piggy dies.  Today is the last day to purchase these coordinating dies which are a part of the Perfect Partners promotion.

This card opens a little differently.  The middle flap opens first to reveal the sentiment.  Both of the sentiments are from the This Birthday Piggy stamp set. 

The top and bottom flaps open next.  I added a trio of gingham flowers cut using the Playful Piggy dies.  The centers of the flowers are from the Dots and Spots die.  I thought I might seal up the two edges of the bottom section and use it to hold a gift card.  

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

Ann Schach

Beth McCullough

Sharon Hashimoto Burkert  you are here

Melanie Hungerford

Helen Jennings

Melva Peters

Jaydee

Diane Evans 

Joanne James

Thank you for stopping by and I look forward to seeing your creations in the Festive Friday gallery,

For more information about the stamp camp CLICK HERE.

It is Thursday which means it is time for a new Create with Connie & Mary Challenge.  This week it is a sketch challenge.  The challenges generally alternate between a sketch and color challenge.  

When I saw this sketch I thought it would be perfect one to use the Perfectly Penciled DSP from the 2022-23 Annual Catalog.  I just purchased this pack of paper and it is surprising to me that I have resisted this pack of paper for so long.  

I used both sides of this sheet of  paper for the card.  The rectangles were cut using the 3rd largest rectangle from the Stitched Rectangle Dies. The flowers were colored using Real Red and Old Olive Stampin' Blends. Lots of detail and shading on the paper making this an easy one to color.  I used the Double Oval punch for the birthday sentiment from the Very Best Occasions stamp set.  This is my current  favorite Real Red ribbon.  This ribbon is part of the Real Red & Garden Green 3/8" Ribbon Combo pack.  It ties beautifully and holds it shape.

I colored a strip of the Perfectly Penciled DSP and layered it with a strip of Basic Black CS to decorate 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

Very Best Occasions Cling Stamp Set (English) [159871] $25.00	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [132708] $6.00	Real Red Stampin' Blends Combo Pack [154899] $9.00	Old Olive Stampin' Blends Combo Pack [154892] $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	Stitched Rectangles Dies [151820] $35.00
Double Oval Punch [154242] $19.00	Real Red & Garden Green 3/8" (1 Cm) Ribbon Combo Pack [159577] $7.50	Red Rhinestone Basic Jewels [146924] $7.00

Since I made a card with the flowers from the Apple Blossoms dies I thought I should make one with the leaves.  There are 2 sizes of leaves and multiples of each size (3 large and 6 small) in the die set.  Remember the Apple Blossoms dies and 5 other die sets are only available until September 30 or while supplies last.  Here is a link to the information about the 6 die sets-Perfect Partners.

This is an Early Espresso card base and the frame is Cajun Craze CS cut with the Fabulous Frames dies.  The background piece is Very Vanilla CS with Crushed Curry and So Saffron ink blended with a Blending Brush.  I used the Leaf Fall 3D Embossing folder to create the textured background.  For the leaves I used Blending Brushes and Crushed Curry, Cajun Craze, Old Olive, and Cherry Cobbler ink on Very Vanilla cardstock and then cut the leaves using both sizes of leaves.  The branches were cut in Early Espresso CS.

It is hard to see but I also splattered some Wink of Stella on the textured background.  I did this before I added the branches and the leaves.  I like the subtle shimmer.

I had a few extra leaves so I added them to the inside of the card along with a strip of Early Espresso cardstock.  The sentiment is from the Hello Harvest stamp set.  It is stamped with Early Espresso ink and cut out using the Stylish Shapes dies.  

I hope I have shown you the versatility of the Apple Blossoms dies.  You can see other samples HERE,  HERE, and HERE.  

Thanks for stopping by,

Product List

Hello Harvest Cling Stamp Set (English) [159634] $23.00	Cajun Craze Classic Stampin' Pad [147085] $8.00	Cherry Cobbler Classic Stampin' Pad [147083] $8.00	Crushed Curry Classic Stampin' Pad [147087] $8.00
Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad [147114] $8.00	Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad [147090] $8.00	So Saffron Classic Stampin' Pad [147109] $8.00	Early Espresso 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [119686] $9.25
Cajun Craze 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [119684] $9.25	Very Vanilla 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [101650] $10.25	Apple Blossoms Dies [160255] $35.00	Fabulous Frames Dies [159163] $31.00
Stylish Shapes Dies [159183] $30.00	Leaf Fall 3 D Embossing Folder [159847] $10.00	Blending Brushes [153611] $12.50	Clear Wink Of Stella Glitter Brush [141897] $8.00

For more information about the Boughs of Holly stamp camp CLICK HERE or contact me at sharon@astheinkdries.com.

Trying something a little different using the Apple Blossom dies.  These dies coordinate with the Apple Harvest stamp set and are available (Perfect Partners)  until September 30th or while supplies last.   The dies cut out most of the images in the stamp set and so much more.   

I used the Fabulous Frames die to cut out the large Early Espresso frame. The rest are from the Apple Blossom dies.  On this card I used the small flower dies. the branch and the label.   There are 2 sizes of this flower in the Apple Blossom dies and the one on the card is the smaller flower.  The detail on the flower is so pretty.  These flowers look beautiful as a single and also as a double flower.  

I used a Blending Brush and Flirty Flamingo ink to add a little color to the center of the flowers.  Adding this little detail really adds a lot to the flowers.  Don't they look like cherry blossoms?  In the center of each flower I added an Elegant Faceted Gem.  Each gem was colored using a Flirty Flamingo Stampin' Blend.  

The sentiment is from the Sending Smiles stamp set.  It is stamped in Early Espresso ink on a label in the Apple Blossoms Dies.  The label is longer than what I wanted so I trimmed off one end and tucked it under the frame.  

I like decorating the inside of my cards.  Here I added an Early Espresso CS strip, the sweet scallop border from the Apple Blossoms dies, and another flower.  This is a great way to use the leftover strips of cardstock or patterned paper that are too big  or pretty to throw away.  

If I were to make this card again, I would probably add something to the Basic White CS.  Maybe embossing or ink or ?  What would you add or would you leave it plain?

Thank you for stopping by and be sure to subscribe to the blog feed (see the right hand side of the blog).  I have more ideas on ways to use the Apple Harvest stamp set and the Apple Blossoms dies coming up!

Product List

Sending Smiles Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [158701] $22.00	Flirty Flamingo Classic Stampin' Pad [147052] $8.00	Flirty Flamingo Stampin' Blends Combo Pack [154884] $9.00	Flirty Flamingo 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [141416] $9.25
Early Espresso 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [119686] $9.25	Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [159276] $10.25	Fabulous Frames Dies [159163] $31.00	Apple Blossoms Dies [160255] $35.00
Elegant Faceted Gems [152464] $7.50

For more information about the Boughs of Holly stamp camp CLICK HERE or contact me- sharon@astheinkdries.com.

It is Thursday and time for a new Create with Connie & Mary Challenge!  The challenge changes every week and generally alternates between a sketch and a color challenge.  This week it is a color challenge.

What do you think?  It is a beautiful combination and definitely one I would not have come up with.  I hate to say it but Sahara Sand is just not a color I use.  That being said whenever I do use it I always wonder why I don't use it!  It really is a lovely color that seems to go with everything.  

I started with a Blackberry Bliss card base.  This is also a color that I do not naturally gravitate to and again it is beautiful.  The next layer is Soft Succulent and the top layer Sahara Sand.  The Sahara Sand layer was embossed using the Timber 3D Embossing Folder..  Isn't the wreath lovely using all 3 colors from the challenge?  The stamp set is the Cottage Wreaths, the coordinating Country Wreath dies which can be purchased as a bundle (save 10%).  One of my favorite dies from the Country Wreath dies is the bow.  Love the detail on the bow!  The thanks is from the Amazing Thanks die.  Love the look of the Soft Succulent shadow behind the Blackberry Bliss word.  

The inside of the card is dressed up with a layer of Soft Succulent CS and a Basic White CS layer.  I added a strip of Blackberry Bliss CS, a Sahara Sand die cut bow, and more images from the Cottage Wreaths stamp set.  

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to check out what the rest of the Create with Connie & Mary Design team created with these colors,

Are you on my mailing list?  I will be starting the 12 Weeks of the Holidays email series soon.  Each week you will receive a tutorial featuring a card and 3D project celebrating the holidays.  Sign up using the box on the right hand side of the blog.  

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 create a tutorial bundle.  This month the tutorial bundle features 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.

My project features the Merriest Moments stamp set, Merriest Frames Hybrid Embossing Folder, and the Snowflake Specialty Vellum.  The Merriest Moments stamp set and the Merriest Frames Hybrid Embossing Folder are returning favorites from the 2021 Holiday Mini Catalog.   These two products are easy to create with and make classic, beautiful cards.  

The card base is Thick Basic White CS.  The first layer is a piece of the Snowflake Specialty Vellum.  This piece has flocked white dots that resemble snow falling.  The beautiful Basic White frame was first die cut and then placed in the embossing folder to add all the other details.  It is quick and easy to do and the results look like you worked all day on them.  The poinsettias were stamped with Real Red and Crushed Curry ink and the die cut out.  The leaves were stamped in Shaded Spruce and die cut.  A few Red Rhinestones were added around the lovely sentiment to add a bit of sparkle.

I decided to make this an easel card.  I thought this would help show the vellum and also the beautiful frame.  This was easy to accomplish, all I did was add a score line to the front of the card at 2-1/4".  The trickiest part is to remember not to add adhesive to all of the vellum layer.  On the inside of the card I added a strip of the vellum and some leaves and berries.  The leaves and berries act as a stopper and creates the easel.

Now it is time for you to check out the rest of the hop!

Product List

Merriest Moments Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [156353] $22.00	Merriest Frames Hybrid Embossing Folder [156385] $39.00	Shaded Spruce Classic Stampin' Pad [147088] $8.00	Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad [147084] $8.00
Crushed Curry Classic Stampin' Pad [147087] $8.00	Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock [159229] $8.75	Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [159276] $10.25	Snowflake 12 X 12 (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Specialty Vellum [159832] $10.00
Red Rhinestone Basic Jewels [146924] $7.00

For all the information about the upcoming (October 28-9) Boughs of Holly stamp camp go HERE or contact me at sharonstamps@comcast.net.

My 12 Weeks of the Holidays email series starts soon! Sign up for my mailing list and receive 12 weeks of Holiday projects and tutorials.  

This Birthday Piggy and the coordinating Playful Piggy dies are just too darn cute.  You can get the dies now during the Perfect Partners promotion.  These coordinating dies are only available for a limited time and while supplies last.

I made this pocket card starting with a Tahitian Tide card base from the Tea Boutique Cards & Envelopes.  I cut the card base on the diagonal and applied a thin line of glue along the bottom edge.  For the right side of the pocket I cut a piece of Tahitian Tide DSP from the 2022-24 In Color DSP 4-1/4" x  5-1/2".  Cut the DSP on the diagonal.  Apply thin lines of glue along the outside edges to create the pocket. 

The Parakeet Party CS is measures 4" x 5-1/4" and the Basic White piece is 3-3/4" x 5".  These measurement can vary depending on how close to the edge you apply the glue to create the pocket.

This card again uses the Tea Boutique Cards and Envelopes as the base and the Tea Boutique DSP for the other side of the pocket.  The sentiment big hugs is from the Sending Smiles set.  I inked only  part of the sentiment in Tuxedo Black Memento ink.  This was  easy to do since it is a photopolymer stamp set.

Here is a quick video that shows how I created the card.

Thank you for stopping by and be sure to join my mailing list.  The form  to sign up is on the right hand side of the blog.

It is time for another Festive Friday Challenge!  World Space Day  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.

For my project I am using from the Inspo List, Night Sky, Ink Blending, and Stars.  

The Soft Suede card base was cut using the amazing Aspen Tree dies.  This chubby bird from the Perched In a Tree set is so cute.  I colored her using Balmy Blue, Soft Suede, and Daffodil Delight Stampin' Blends.  I am not sure if it is visible but she is covered in Wink of Stella.  For the coloring behind the trees I used the Blending Brushes and Balmy Blue, Starry Sky and Night of Navy ink.  The stars are from the Give it a Whirl dies cut from Very Vanilla Glimmer paper.  The banner and sentiment are from the Fond of Autumn bundle.  On either side of the sentiment are Night of Navy Solid Faceted Gems.

Inside I added a Soft Suede strip and a couple leaves cut using the Aspen Trees dies.

On the night sky I also flicked some Wink of Stella to add a little more shine to the ink blended background.  This picture shows a little more of the shimmer from the Wink of Stella.

FF #0118 World Space Week

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

Ann Schach

Beth McCullough

Sharon Hashimoto Burkert-you are here

Melanie Hungerford

Helen Jennings

Melva Peters

Jaydee

Diane Evans 

Joanne James

Thanks for stopping by and hope to see your card in the Festive Friday Gallery!

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

What a great sketch!  I knew I wanted to use the Rustic Harvest DSP ,again.  Yes, I also used it for my card last night.   What I really like about this DSP is that on one side the designs and colors are very Autumn and the other side it is black & white designs.  This makes the DSP very versatile and not just for the fall.

I started with a Basic Black CS base and added the DSP strips on top of the card base.  I left a little space between each panel.  I thought it made each pattern stand out a little more.  The beautiful banner is from the Hello Harvest bundle.  I used Versamark ink to stamp the sentiment, covered it with black embossing powder, and then heat embossed it.  The Mossy Meadow gems on the banner is from the Solid Faceted Gems pack.  I am sorry that they look black in the picture, they  really are Mossy Meadow.  I thought it needed something else so I added a Textural Element .  I colored the Textural Element using Cajun Craze and Mossy Meadow Stampin' Blends.  Love that I could customize them to coordinate with the rest of the card.

I added a strip of DSP and fussy cut one of the pumpkins to finish up the inside of the card.  

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

Welcome to the Stampers Dozen Blog Hop!  We are a group of Stampin' Up! demonstrators who come together on the 14th of the month and share projects focused around a theme.  This month we are sharing projects focused around a Color palette.  

Cajun Craze

Crushed Curry

Garden Green

Soft Suede

Isn't this a beautiful Fall palette?  It certainly gives me all the Autumn feels.

 I am not really ready for it to be fall but i do like how this card turned out. This was a simple and fairly quick card.  I cut a 3-7/8" x 5-1/8"  piece of  Rustic Harvest DSP.   I used Blending Brushes and blended in the colors from the above palette.  The leaves were stamped and cut using the Hello Harvest bundle.  The leaves were first stamped in Crushed Curry ink and then I tapped the different colors on to the stamp using the Blending Brushes.  Just like in nature no two leaves will look exactly alike.  The sentiment is from the Fond of Autumn set.  I added both some Linen thread and a Rustic Metallic Dot before layering in on to a piece of Cajun Craze DSP from the He's the Man DSP and then a Crushed Curry card base.  In retrospect I should have just used a piece of Cajun Craze CS instead of the DSP.  

Inside I added more DSP and leaves.  I had a wider strip of the DSP (1") leftover and just added it to the bottom of the card liner.  I usually add a smaller strip to decorate the inside of the card but I do like how this looks too.

I will add another sentiment inside when I am send the card.  Now it is time for you to hop along and check out the rest of the hop.

Thanks for stopping by!