Boo!  Have a fun and sweet Halloween!

I have to admit I didn't purchase the Coffee Cafe stamp set and Coffee Cup framelits when they first appeared in the Stampin' Up Annual catalog.  I thought they were adorable and put them on the "list".  When  I saw the Merry Cafe stamp set in the Holiday catalog I was a goner and ordered them all.  Now I seem to reach for those three items all the time.  

This week's Create with Connie and Mary Challenge is a color challenge. 

I enjoy making little gift items and one of my favorite little gift items to give is tea.  Why?  Well, they have little to no calories, most people like a cup of tea or at least knows someone who does, and a lot of times you can color coordinate the tea to the project.   The cute little "par-tea" stamp in the Merry Cafe stamp set is perfect for this kind of little gift.  This just might be the reason I could no longer resist getting the  stamp sets and die.

I recently did a small re-organization and de-stashing of my craft room.  When I do these, I find all kinds of things.  One of the things I found was my Envelope Punch Board.  I realized I haven't used this handy tool in a while.  The Envelope Punch Board was the perfect thing to create my little tea gift.   I started to Google tea bag holders and then stopped myself and realized that all I needed to know was on the Envelope Punch Board.  The 3" x 3" size is the perfect one for the teabag I am using.  I used the Fresh Florals DSP stack and followed the directions on the punch board to create the holder.

Originally I cut the coffee lid out of Cajun Craze card stock but decided it wasn't quite right.  Instead I stamped the lid with Cajun Craze ink and used a blender pen to lightly pull some of the ink (from the stamped lines) and lightly color the lid.   Are you wondering how I colored the leaves?  I used the small leaf stamp from Colorful Seasons stamp set.  I inked the stamp in Crushed Curry ink and then sponged on the other inks and then stamped.  You need to clean the stamp after each impression.  I like this method because it creates soft coloring and blending of the inks.  

I attached the cup and ribbon to the holder so it can be opened without destroying the envelope.  Do you see the almost Crushed Curry tea bag?  I may or may not have bought it for that reason.  

Product List

Merry Café Photopolymer Stamp Set [144965] $17.00	Coffee Café Photopolymer Bundle [145331] $45.75	Colorful Seasons Photopolymer Bundle [145348] $54.00	Cajun Craze Classic Stampin' Pad [126965] $6.50	Crushed Curry Classic Stampin' Pad [131173] $6.50
Tranquil Tide Classic Stampin' Pad [144085] $6.50	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [100730] $9.00	Crushed Curry 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [131199] $8.00	Tranquil Tide 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [144246] $8.00	Fresh Florals Designer Series Paper Stack [144131] $22.00
Stitched Shapes Framelits Dies [145372] $30.00	Layering Ovals Framelits Dies [141706] $35.00	Tranquil Tide 1/2" Finely Woven Ribbon [144136] $7.00	Crushed Curry Solid Baker’S Twine [144354] $3.00	Envelope Punch Board [133774] $20.00

Be sure to check out what the other members of the Create with Connie and Mary design team created for this color challenge.   I hope you will create along with us!

Thanks for stopping by!  Today I have the project I made for the Try Stampin' on Tuesday Challenge #345.  Here is the sketch and the optional theme is Halloween.

Since the optional theme is Halloween I decided to use  the Spooky Night DSP and the cauldron stamp from the Festive Phrases stamp set.  

The feline twosome were punched from the Spooky Night DSP.  Here's how I punched them out.  I first cut around the image and then put it on a sticky note.  Why?  Sometimes it is hard to punch out an image if the paper is small.  I use the sticky note as a handle to help move the image and keep it in place so I can punch it out easily.  

Here's a little secret about the orange kitty.  On the DSP there are half images of the cats on the paper edges.  I didn't want to waste a single cat so the orange kitty is actually 2 different pieces.  I placed the black kitty strategically so you cannot see that the orange kitty is not in one piece.  This is when the sticky note trick really comes in handy.  Using the sticky note I had no trouble punching out the different parts of the kitty.

Product List

Festive Phrases Clear-Mount Stamp Set [144960] $17.00	Basic Black Archival Stampin’ Pad [140931] $7.00	Pumpkin Pie Classic Stampin' Pad [126945] $6.50	Versamark Pad [102283] $8.50
Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [121045] $8.00	So Saffron 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [105118] $8.00	Very Vanilla 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [101650] $9.00	Spooky Night Designer Series Paper [144610] $11.00
Cat Punch [144666] $18.00	Layering Circle Framelits Dies [141705] $35.00	Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder [109130] $5.00	Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter [133751] $5.00

It is a little hard to see in the pictures but I  used my Glittery Goodness mix on the "potion".  You can say I used my favorite potion on the "potion".  What is Glittery Goodness?  It is a mix of Clear Embossing powder and Dazzling Diamonds glitter.   I inked the "potion" in Pumpkin Pie ink.  I cut out the banner, then smooshed on some Versamark ink, and sprinkled on some of the Glittery Goodness mix and heat embossed it.  I wanted to add just a little bit of sparkle to the card.

I hope you will join in the challenge.  You can read all about the challenge and how to enter your card on the Try Stampin' on Tuesday blog or the TSOT Facebook page.  Be sure to check out what the other members of the design team created for the challenge.  

Today's card is another quick and simple Christmas card.  

I cut out the snowflakes using the die from the Trim Your Stocking Thinlit dies.  To make the cutting easier peel away the backing of the Glimmer paper and place the die against the back of the paper.  Each snowflake was backed by a stitched circle that was cut from the Color Theory DSP.  A Glimmer Enamel Dot was placed in the center of each snowflake and also around the sentiment.

Product List

Watercolor Christmas Clear-Mount Stamp Set [144838] $18.00	Dapper Denim Classic Stampin' Pad [141394] $6.50	Dapper Denim 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [141414] $8.00	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock [140272] $7.00	Color Theory Designer Series Paper Stack [144193] $10.00
Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Paper [135315] $5.00	Stitched Shapes Framelits Dies [145372] $30.00	Trim Your Stocking Thinlits Dies [144682] $40.00	Glitter Enamel Dots [144200] $7.00

The Color Theory DSP Stack is one of the choices for the Buy 3 Get 1 Free Paper DSP Deal.   You can see all the papers that are a part of the deal HERE.   Don't wait too long to get your DSP, the deal ends soon.

It is Thursday and time for the Create with Connie and Mary Challenge.  I  am excited to show you the card I made.  First things first, here is the sketch for this week.

Here's what I made for this week's sketch challenge.

What do you think?  Don't you love the little deer?  I stamped her using the Carols of Christmas stamp set and then cut her out using the Card Front Builder Thinlit dies.   The tree is also from the Card Front Builder Thinlit dies.  I smooshed some Embossing Paste on the tree to mimic snow, then poured on some Dazzling Diamond Glitter, and set it aside to dry.  Really fun way to use the Embossing Paste.   Those itty bitty stars are also from the Card Front Builder dies.  

I stamped the medium jar from the Jar of Love stamp set on Vellum card stock and cut it out using the Everyday Jar Framelits.  I layered the stars, tree, and deer on the vellum and then layered a window sheet that I cut using the jar framelits over it.  I partially embossed the Winter Wonder Embossing folder and then layered the "snow globe" on it.  The sentiment is from the Season to Sparkle stamp set.  

Product List

Carols Of Christmas Clear-Mount Bundle [146037] $45.00	Jar Of Love Photopolymer Stamp Set [141587] $27.00	Season To Sparkle Photopolymer Stamp Set [144943] $21.00	Basic Black Archival Stampin’ Pad [140931] $7.00	Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Pad [126978] $6.50	Real Red 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [102482] $8.00
Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [100730] $9.00	Vellum 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [101856] $8.00	Smoky Slate 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [131202] $8.00	Garden Green 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [102584] $8.00	Gold Glimmer Paper [133719] $5.00	Window Sheets Base Material [114323] $5.00
Winter Wonder Textured Impressions Embossing Folder [144686] $7.50	Everyday Jars Framelits Dies [141490] $33.00	Real Red 1/8" (3.2 Mm) Solid Ribbon [144631] $7.00	Embossing Paste [141979] $8.00	Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter [133751] $5.00

Be sure to check out what the other members of the design team created for this sketch.  I think you will be inspired by all the ideas.  I hope you too will join in the challenge.  

Yes, I said I wasn't going to purchase anymore from the Holiday Catalog BUT I just could no longer resist the call of the Festive Phrases stamp set.  

This little elf just makes me smile.  It is quick and easy to get him colored and a few enamel shapes on his hat and shoes ramps up the cute factor in a snap.   It has been a while since I have used the Bow Builder punch. Making this bow just reminded me of how cute they are and how quick they are to make.  Definitely a good punch to have on hand.

Product List

Festive Phrases Clear-Mount Stamp Set [144960] $17.00	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [132708] $6.00	Brights Stampin' Write Markers [131259] $29.00	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock [140272] $7.00	Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [121045] $8.00
Bermuda Bay 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [131197] $8.00	Merry Music Specialty Designer Series Paper [144623] $13.00	Layering Ovals Framelits Dies [141706] $35.00	Bow Builder Punch [137414] $18.00	Brights Enamel Shapes [141680] $9.00

What do you think of the color combination?  I don't usually equate Bermuda Bay with Christmas but I do like how everything looks together.  If you need any supplies, you can just click on the pictures  and you will be taken to my online store.  

Thank you for joining me for the Stamper's Dozen Blog Hop!  This month's theme is to use the  Painted Autumn Designer Series Paper (DSP).  This is some seriously beautiful paper!   I decided that to challenge myself I would use the "B" side of the paper.  What do I mean?  Most of Stampin' Up!'s DSP is double sided.  Generally one side is the more colorful, you don't need to do anything to it side that really catches your eye.  The flip side is usually a more subtle pattern, still beautiful but more neutral in color and design.  Most times I like both sides equally so it is hard to make a decision which side to use.  

What do you think?  I am pretty thrilled with how this came out!  This was the first time I used the Quilt Builder Framelit Dies.  So much fun!  Have I ever told you that I am a wannabe quilter?  Using the Quilt Builder framelits helped to satisfy some of the desire to quilt .  I loved "piecing" the different patterns together to make my square.  I used 4 different designs from the Painted Autumn DSP.  

Using the Quilt Builder Framelits are a a great way to showcase all the beautiful DSP that Stampin' UP! has to offer in both the Annual Catalog and the Holiday Catalog.   I plan to make a lot more of these cards and it is a good thing that there is an incredible sale going on right now focusing on SU's DSP.  It is a Buy 3, Get 1 FREE!  There is a select group of DSP to choose from and the free one has to also be on the list.  I don't think you will have any difficulty finding 4 packs of paper that you would want to have in your craft room.   Check HERE for the list of all the DSP you can choose from.

Now it is time for you to continue on and see what the talented Laura Milligan has created for you!

If you just came from Laura's blog then hop on over to see what BJ Peters has made to share with you!

Product List

Painted Harvest Photopolymer Stamp Set [144783] $21.00	Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad [126974] $6.50	Early Espresso 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [119686] $8.00	Soft Sky 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [131203] $8.00	Very Vanilla 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [101650] $9.00
Painted Autumn Designer Series Paper [144613] $11.00	Quilt Builder Framelits Dies [144673] $30.00	Soft Sky 3/8" Classic Weave Ribbon [144160] $7.00	Subtles Enamel Shapes [141679] $9.00

It is Thursday and time for the Create with Connie and Mary Challenge!  This week we have a color challenge.  

This color combination was quite the challenge for me.  I decided that I would try a technique called Ink Smooshing.  Here's what I came up with.

Have you tried Ink Smooshing?   To do this technique you need watercolor paper, ink, a piece of acetate and a spritzer.  You lay down some ink and spritz it with water.  You use the acetate to pick up the ink and then you smoosh it down.  Since you are using watercolor paper the ink moves and blends.  You keep adding color until you are happy with your results.  Choosing the right color combination is really important.  I am so glad that this week's colors worked well with this technique.   I used one of my favorite dies, the Detailed Dragonfly thinlits. I think the dragonflies look great flying through the Garden Green, Lemon Lime and Soft Sky.  The sentiment is from the Best Birds stamp set.

Hope you will join in the challenge.  Be sure to check out what the other members of the design team created for this challenge.  

It is time for the Try Stampin' on Tuesday challenge #343.  

This time I actually followed the sketch pretty closely and even used the optional theme.  Here is the sketch.

The optional theme for this sketch is Leaves.

I used one of my favorite bundles, Seasonal Lantern.  The lantern was created using Copper Foil sheets and Early Espresso card stock.  I love how rich the copper and Early Espresso look together.   I used the Colorful Season bundle to create the leaves.  I inked the leaves in Crushed Curry ink and then used a sponge dauber to add some Old Olive and Pumpkin Pie.  I do love how they turned out.

Product List

Seasonal Lantern Photopolymer Bundle [146073] $54.00	Colorful Seasons Photopolymer Bundle [145348] $54.00	Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad [126974] $6.50	Fresh Fig Classic Stampin' Pad [144082] $6.50	Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad [126953] $6.50
Pumpkin Pie Classic Stampin' Pad [126945] $6.50	Crushed Curry Classic Stampin' Pad [131173] $6.50	Early Espresso 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [119686] $8.00	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [100730] $9.00	Pumpkin Pie 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [105117] $8.00
Copper Foil Sheets [142020] $4.00	Subtles Enamel Shapes [141679] $9.00

I hope you will join in the challenge.  Be sure to check out the Try Stampin' on Tuesday blog and get all the details on the challenge and to see what the other designers created.

Time for the Create with Connie and Mary Challenge #478.  

Want to see the sketch for the challenge?

I used the Lots of Love stamp set which is one of the sets featured in the World Card Making Day special going on until October 10.  The strip of black and white Designer Series Paper is from the Whole Lot of Lovely DSP which is part of the Designer Series Paper Sale.  Yes, I did a bit of fussy cutting. The images are not very detailed so it wasn't very difficult to do.  What I really love about this stamp set are the sentiments.  Especially the one I featured on the inside of the card.

This sentiment gets used a lot!  I should stamp it on all my envelopes since every card I send or give is really a hug made of paper.   I also used the Layered Leaves 3D Dynamic Textured Impressions folder.  Isn't that a mouthful?  The 3-D embossing folders create a deeper more dimensional impression.  

I hope you join in the Create with Connie and Mary challenge.  This is a great sketch and open to a lot of different interpretations.  For more inspiration be sure to check out what the rest of the design team created and then join in the challenge!