Time for the Try Stampin' on Tuesday Challenge #307!   This is a great sketch by Kaylin, a designer on the Try Stampin' on Tuesday Design team.

Nice right?  I am going to walk you through my thought process while I was making this card.   I knew I wanted to use some Designer Series Paper (DSP) for one of the squares so I looked through my papers and decided on the Falling in Love DSP.   How did I make that decision?  Honestly, it is because I haven't used it very much and it is SO pretty.   

Next I had to decide what was going on top of the DSP.  This was pretty easy since I also knew I wanted to use some Blushing Bride Glimmer paper.  I love how the dragonfly looks in gold foil with the Blushing Bride Glimmer paper underneath.

I do love this sentiment in the Dragonfly Dreams set because it can be used for lots of different occasions and also it fit in the space I had.   Once I had the sentiment stamped and the dragonfly ready I felt like there still was something missing.  I spied the dots stamp in the set and thought it would just be the perfect addition.   I added on the 1/4" Natural Gold Trim to tie in with the gold foil and then decided I might as well go all the way and added some gold sequins too!

I added a strip of the Falling Love DSP  to the inside of the card, this is my standard way of finishing the insides of my cards.  I also wanted to add some gold foil dragonflies.  I seriously love the column of little dragonflies in the Detailed Dragonfly Thinlits.  I cut off the first and last dragonflies, so there are 3 little dragonflies instead of 5.

Be sure to check out what the other design team members created for this challenge and hopefully you will be inspired and participate in the challenge too!

Hope you enjoyed this walk through on how this card came about.  Honestly, I am not usually this methodical.  I will list all the supplies I used below.

Product List

Dragonfly Dreams Photopolymer Stamp Set [142924] $21.00	Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Pad [126978] $6.50	Blushing Bride Classic Stampin' Pad [131172] $6.50	Blushing Bride 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [131198] $8.00
Very Vanilla 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [101650] $9.00	Soft Suede 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [115318] $8.00	Gold Foil Sheets [132622] $4.00	Blushing Bride Glimmer Paper [140550] $5.00
Falling In Love Designer Series Paper [142788] $11.00	Detailed Dragonfly Thinlits Dies [142749] $31.00	Gold 1/4" (6.4 Mm) Natural Trim [141484] $7.00	Metallics Sequin Assortment [138390] $5.00

Ready for a Color Challenge?  I am going to be honest, this was  a hard combination for me.  These are not colors that I naturally gravitate towards.  

The color combination is pretty bold. Which helped  me to decide  that I needed to make something that had a lot of white space to balance out all the colors.  

I chose a very simple flower from the Flower Patch stamp set and paired it with words from the Thoughtful Banners set.  I love the polka dot DSP from the Brights Designer Series Paper Stack and thought it would compliment the sweet flowers.

The smaller flower acts as a latch to keep the card closed.  I used the Tree Builder punch to make the little flower.  Did you notice the stem is actually the "i" in friend?

Be sure to check out what the other designers created for this color combination challenge.  Lots of great ideas.  I am  in awe of the talent on the  Challenge Design team.  Thanks for stopping by.

One of the Sale-A-Bration choices that I have really enjoyed playing with is the Inside the Lines DSP.  It is the perfect paper to sit down with and do a little coloring.  

I used an Aqua Painter and some ink pads to color in the flowers.  Nothing fancy but I think it would be a perfect card to send just to wish someone a good day.  

Product List

Suite Sentiments Clear-Mount Stamp Set [142971] $20.00	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [132708] $6.00	Pear Pizzazz Classic Stampin' Pad [131180] $6.50	Pink Pirouette Classic Stampin' Pad [126956] $6.50	So Saffron Classic Stampin' Pad [126957] $6.50
Wisteria Wonder Classic Stampin' Pad [126985] $6.50	Soft Sky Classic Stampin' Pad [131181] $6.50	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock [140272] $7.00	Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [121045] $8.00	Pink Pirouette 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [111351] $8.00
Stitched Shapes Framelits Dies [145372] $30.00	Layering Circle Framelits Dies [141705] $35.00	Subtles Enamel Shapes [141679] $9.00	Basic Black Solid Baker's Twine [141682] $3.00

This DSP is available as one of the Sale-A-Bration choices, which means it is free with a $50 purchase(before shipping and tax).  If you need a Sale-A-Bration or Occasions catalog please contact me and I will be happy to send them to you.  

Have I told you that I am a slow stamper?  Yes, it is true.  It seems to take me so long to come up with a card.  I fiddle and try this and that and before you know it a lot of time has  gone by.  I do love that I can get lost in the process but when you are trying to create content to share, being a slow stamper is not the best situation.  So, when a card comes together quickly and fairly easily it makes me very happy.  

Last night I decided I wanted to use the Delicate Details stamp set and the Silver Metallic Ribbon (both Sale-A-Bration choices) to make a card.  I also thought a flower of some kind would be nice.  It took me a while to realize that I couldn't get all 3 of those items to work together so I substituted the ribbon for a strip of silver stripe from the Neutrals Designer Series Paper Stack.  Once I got over that hurdle it all went pretty quickly.  

I embossed the lace in white embossing powder and I love how it pops against the black card stock.  I used the Succulent Framelit Dies to create the flower, yes I am slightly obsessed with these dies.  One day soon I will use it to make succulents but it does make a lovely flower too.  The last decision was a sentiment.  I love the font used in the sentiments in the So in Love stamp set and since this card didn't take me hours to complete I thought congratulations were in order.  

Product List

Delicate Details Photopolymer Stamp Set [143314] $0.00	So In Love Clear-Mount Stamp Set [143216] $20.00	Versamark Pad [102283] $8.50	Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [121045] $8.00	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [100730] $9.00
Neutrals Designer Series Paper Stack [138435] $22.00	Succulent Framelits Dies [142757] $33.00	Metal Rimmed Pearls [138394] $5.00	White Stampin' Emboss Powder [109132] $5.00

 I was looking through some challenges and saw that the SUO Challenge #166 is Embossing and since I heat embossed on this I am going to  join in their challenge.   Hope you do too!

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

Nice sketch right?  It just so happens that this sketch is also a great way to announce that the Stitched Shapes framelits are back and available to order.  You can read more about these great framelits  HERE.

I haven't used my A Little Foxy DSP stack in a while.  Sometimes I focus too much on the new and forget to use items from the annual Stampin' Up! catalog.  I am going to make more of an effort to mix a little from both catalogs in my projects.   I used the Succulents Framelits dies to create the many layered flower.  I have yet to use them to make succulents but it is good to know that they also make lovely flowers.  The ribbon is from the Sending Love Ribbon Combo pack and the sentiment from the Suite Sentiments set.  The great thing about the Suite Sentiments set is that it has a sentiment that coordinates with each of the different suites.  Love all the different fonts and sayings.  I think this set will be used a lot.

I like to add a little something to the inside of the card.  Usually it is just a little strip of DSP.  I love how it ties the outside and inside together.

I hope you will join in the Create with Connie and Mary Challenge #441.  Be sure to head to the Create with Connie and Mary site and check out what the other members of the design team created.  

Are you ready for a sweet treat?   I am still having fun making ice cream treats, at least the paper kind, with the Cool Treats Bundle.  This sweet dessert was scooped up for the Try Stampin' on Tuesday Challenge #305.

Product List

Cool Treats Photopolymer Bundle [145181] $48.50	Crumb Cake Classic Stampin' Pad [126975] $6.50	Versamark Pad [102283] $8.50	Watermelon Wonder 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [138334] $8.00
Chocolate Chip 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [102128] $8.00	Pear Pizzazz 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [131201] $8.00	Peekaboo Peach 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [141417] $8.00	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [100730] $9.00
Tasty Treats Specialty Designer Series Paper [142770] $13.00	Sprinkles Embellishments [142741] $5.50	Rhinestone Basic Jewels Embellishments [119246] $5.00	Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder [109130] $5.00

Are you wondering how I got my chocolate topping so shiny?   I inked up the chocolate topping piece with Versamark ink, dipped it in clear embossing powder, and then heat embossed it.  When it was cool I repeated the process and the topping became very glossy.  It is a little difficult fiddling with the tiny piece but it is worth it for the shiny results.

I hope you will go and see what the other designers created for this sketch. Be sure to join in the fun and participate in the challenge!

Welcome to another edition of the Stamper's Dozen Blog Hop...Let's Sale-A-Brate.  Sale-A-Bration is just 2 weeks old and going strong!   I am so happy with this year's selection of Sale-A-Bration choices, which made it a difficult decision to choose what to share for this blog hop.   I decided that I would use the Delicate Details stamp set and Inside the Lines DSP.   Bet ya didn't see that coming?!

There is a lot going on in this sample but I hope you think it is a harmonious combination.  I started off by using the lovely new Watercolor pencils in the Occasions catalog and colored in the images with the assistance of the blender pen.  I used primarily the Daffodil Delight, Real Red, and Old Olive pencils for my coloring.   I stamped and embossed the Delicate Details in silver embossing and roughly cut it out. Don't look too closely cause you will see how roughly I did cut.   I started to layer everything up and then decided it just needed something more.

See what I did?  I inked up the entire image with VersaMark ink and then sprinkled a custom mix of Dazzling Details embossing powder and Clear embossing powder and then heat embossed it.  Oh how I love that glittery goodness.  I started making this custom mix of embossing powder when Stampin' Up! stopped selling the Iridescent Ice embossing powder.  I start with a one to one ratio and go from there.   The side view sort of captures some of the glitter.  The bluish tinge is just the reflection of the glitter.  I tied a little solid Black twine which is something I reach for a lot.  

Product List

Delicate Details Photopolymer Stamp Set [143314] $0.00	Versamark Pad [102283] $8.50	Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [121045] $8.00	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [100730] $9.00
Inside The Lines Designer Series Paper [143830] $0.00	Watercolor Pencils [141709] $16.00	Blender Pens [102845] $10.00	Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter [133751] $5.00
Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder [109130] $5.00	Silver Stampin' Emboss Powder [109131] $5.00	Basic Black Solid Baker's Twine [141682] $3.00

Thank you for stopping by and be sure to head on over to see the adorable project  Laura Milligan has made for you.

If you just came from Laura's blog, then head the other way to see what the creative BJ Peters has made for you.  

If you have any questions about Sale-A-Bration, the new Occasions catalog please feel free to contact me.  I would love to be your Stampin' Up! demonstrator!

Time for the Create with Connie and Mary Challenge! This week it is a lovely color challenge.  

The Lift Me Up stamp set and the coordinating Up and Away thinlits immediately came to mind as the bundle to use for this color challenge.

I used Real Red card stock, the Neutrals DSP paper stack and some Red Glimmer paper to complete the balloon.  I would love to take a ride in this hot air balloon.   

The clouds were also cut using the Up & Away thinlits.  I did do a little cloud surgery on the cloud nearest the Black twine.  I took off a couple of "puffs" to make it fit better in the space I had.   The sentiment was embossed with Black embossing powder.  I wanted to make sure the sentiment would show up against the Kraft card stock.

Be sure to go to the Create with Connie and Mary blog to see what the other members of the design team created with this color combination.  You can also join in the challenge.  I look forward to seeing what you create!

I am slightly obsessed with the Cool Treats Suite of products in the brand new Occasions catalog.  Not only is it a fun and cheerful stamp set with lots of sweet images it also has coordinating framelits, really happy DSP (Tasty Treats), fun embellishments called Sprinkles and Washi tape.  Also and this is a biggie it helps me satisfy my sweet tooth and there are no calories involved!  I am trying to avoid eating a lot of sweets but that doesn't stop me from stamping some!

I knew this set was a perfect match for the Create with Connie and Mary Challenge # 439.

Ready for your ice cream sundae?

I used 2 designs from the Tasty Treats DSP.  This is a specialty DSP and there are 2 sheets that have a glossy coating over the images.  This pack of paper is seriously cute!.  I used a sentiment from the Suite Sentiments stamp set.  This stamp set is very special as it has 11 sentiments that coordinate with different suites in the Occasions catalog.  There is a fun mix of very fun fonts and you know I love fun fonts.  

The scoops of ice cream are actually 3/4" circles punched from  Pear Pizzaz, Flirty Flamingo and Peekaboo Peach card stock.  A great bowl of ice cream with zero calories!

I hope you will play along with the Create with Connie and Mary Challenge.  Be sure to check out all the designs created by the design team. Hope you enjoyed this sweet sample and will join in the Create with Connie and Mary Challenge!

Yes, it is finally here!  Today is the start of Sale-A-Bration and the Occasions Catalog from Stampin' Up! Yippee! What is Sale-A-Bration?  Well, it is a fabulous time to be a Stampin' Up! customer, hostess, and demonstrator!  As a customer you get to choose a free gift from the Sale-A-Bration catalog every time you spend $50(before shipping and tax).  When you are a hostess during Sale-A-Bration you earn $25 more in Stampin' Rewards when your party order totals $250 in sales.  When you join Stampin' Up! as a demonstrator during Sale-A-Bration in addition to choosing $125 in SU products for just $99, you also get to choose 2 additional stamp sets. The best deal of all!  See what I mean, it is just a wonderful time of the year!  If you have any questions about Sale-A-Bration please text, email or call me and I will be happy to help.

I want to share with you today another choice from the Sale-A-Bration catalog. 

This card took me minutes to make, it probably took me longer to open the package.  Everything is ready to go.  The hardest part is choosing which sentiment to use.  I decided on bonjour so I can pretend I remember something from my high school French class.  The only thing I did that was extra was to round the corners on the pocket.  This was not necessary but since the pocket insert had rounded corners I thought I would continue that theme.  

This kit is perfect for the beginner and the experienced stamper.  There are 8 cards in this kit and you do not need anything else to create the cards.  Everything, yes everything is included.  All you have to do is take off the lining on the tape, adhere the pocket, choose and stick on a sentiment and embellishment, wrap the twine and tie a bow.  Here's a video showing how quick and easy it is to make the Pretty Pocket Card kit.

This kit would be great to have on hand to pull out whenever you need a quick and cute card.  It would also make a great gift for the person who likes to make things but either doesn't have a lot of supplies or space.   

There are so many fun choices in this year's Sale-A-Bration catalog!  Here are a few others for you to check out, Hey, Chick,  Inside the Lines Designer Series paper,  and the Carried Away Designer Series paper.  

You cannot make a bad choice, except to not Sale-A-Brate at all!  I have posted the Sale-A-Bration and the Occasions catalog in the sidebar.  If you would like to see the catalogs in real life, let me know and I will get them in the mail to you.