Taking a break from Sale-A-Bration products and using the Needle & Thread bundle from the Occasions catalog for today's Create with Connie & Mary Challenge.

Here is the sketch for this week's challenge.

I chose the Needle & Thread bundle because I wanted a set that had sentiments as well as images.  I also wanted a set that  had coordinating framelits.  The added bonus of this bundle is that it also has the Needlepoint Nook DSP. I started by choosing the pattern of DSP I wanted to work with and then built the card around the paper.   The 2 strips of paper underneath the oval is also DSP and in fact is on the back of the paper I chose.  I thought the stitched stripes looked like ribbon which fit the sketch perfectly.  

One of my favorite framelits in the Needlepoint Elements Framelits is the one I used to create the design on the Whisper White card stock.  It is a beautiful stitched design and I ran it multiple times to create the stitched background.  Simple and yet adds a lot of interest.   I will be using this idea again soon.

Now it is time for you to check out what the other members of the Create with Connie & Mary Design team created.  Thank you for stopping by!

Sale-A-Bration 2019 got even better when the 2nd release items became available.  Today's card is a mashup of  1st release, 2nd release Sale-A-Bration and something coming on March 1.

The versatile black and white gingham is one of the designs from the Botanical Butterfly Designer Series Paper pack which was part of the original Sale-A-Bration release. The lovely flowers and leaves are from the Painted Seasons stamps set which is part of the Painted Seasons bundle   which is one of the products released during the 2nd Sale-A-Bration release. The flowers and leaves were cut out using the Four Seasons Framelits Dies which will be available for purchase beginning March 1st.  The Four Seasons Framelits are part of  the Sale-A-Bration Coordination products.  There are 4 sets of framelits that will be available for purchase that will coordinate with the following Sale-A-Bration stamp sets: Lasting Lily, Hello Cupcake, So Hoppy Together, and Painted Seasons.  

I colored the flowers in using the Poppy Parade and Daffodil Delight Stampin' Blends.  Quick and easy coloring since all the shading is done for me by the stamps. I like to decorate the inside of my cards.  This is also a great way to use up those little strips of DSP that I have a difficult time throwing away.  The sweet sentiment is from the Butterfly Gala stamp set.  I love this font!

Just a few more sleeps till you can purchase the Sale-A-Bration Coordination items!

Are you a Paper Pumpkin subscriber?  If you are, then you are in for a treat and if you aren't a subscriber maybe it is time to think about subscribing.  Welcome to the Paper Pumpkin Pop-Up Blog Hop!  You will be able to blog hop and see lots of different ideas on ways to us the Grown with Kindness Paper Pumpkin kit for February.

I started with a 4-1/4" x 11" piece of Fresh Fig card stock scored at 2-3/4" and 8-1/4".  I attached one of the photo panels to one side of the card base.  I stamped and colored the fun tea cup and succulent image using a mix of Stampin' Write markers (Fresh Fig) and Stampin' Blends (Mint Macaron, Old Olive, Smoky Slate).  I fussy cut the image but this is not necessary and attached it to Whisper White circle and a Fresh Fig scalloped circle.  Both of the circles were cut using the Layering Circle framelits.  

I used a small strip of Tear and Tape Adhesive to attach the circle to the edge of the card front.  The succulent panel tucks into the circle to keep the card closed.  

Here is another gorgeous picture of succulents that is included in the Paper Pumpkin kit.  I attached the panel to a 5-1/4" x 8" piece of  Mint Macaron card stock scored at 2", 4".   I only applied adhesive to the first 2" x  5-1/4" panel.  The next picture will show you the reason i did this.

It is an easel card.  The panel rests on a label (included in the kit) that is attached using dimensionals, also provided in the kit. I stamped the sentiment, can do incredible things on the label with Fresh Fig ink which is also included in the kit.  Don't you love the sentiment?  I know this stamp will get used a lot.

Hope you liked this alternate idea on how to use the products in the Grown with Kindness Paper Pumpkin kit.  If you are curious about Paper Pumpkin and are not currently working with another Stampin' Up! demonstrator feel free to contact me or check out this link. During Sale-A-Bration the rewards are even greater so this is a perfect time to subscribe  Paper Pumpkin is turning 6 in March and they are giving their subscribers a gift of an extra stamp set so don't miss out.  You need to be a subscriber by March 10 to receive the March Paper Pumpkin kit.  

Now it is time to hop on over to see what Joni Metras has created for you!

There's no stamping on today's card, which is pretty unusual.  If nothing else, I usually stamp a sentiment.

The sentiment on today's card is a die cut from the Well Written framelits. The greenery on the side of the card was also cut using the Well Written dies.  The little Daffodil Delight flowers were cut using the Sliding Door framelits.   Before I adhered the die cuts I textured the Whisper White card stock using the Subtle embossing folder. This embossing folder gets a lot of use.  

While I was editing this picture I thought that were was something strange going on with the light or angle, creating a weird effect on the right side of the card.

Oops!  It is a good idea to apply adhesive all the way down the side of a card when you use an embossing folder.   The more textured the embossing folder the greater the importance of doing this.  If you do this you will avoid the dreaded gaposis.  Most times when I attach layers I do not apply adhesive all the way down the sides so I forgot to do this when I made this card.  Nothing like a picture to point out your flaws!

Now I am signing off to fix this card and cure the gaposis!

This week for the Create with Connie & Mary Challenge I am using one of the Sale-A-Bration 2nd release stamp sets, All Adorned. This was a fun set to use for this week's color challenge.

The All Adorned stamp set is an 8 piece photopolymer set.  This set is a great set to play with using different color combinations.  It is pretty easy to line up but if you want exact placement it is a good set to use with the Stamparatus.

In the center of each medallion I placed a Lemon Lime Twist sequin from the Gingham Gala Adhesive-Backed Sequins pack and in the center of the sequin a rhinestone.  I punched out the small design using a 1/2"circle punch and placed them between the medallions.  In the center I attached a rhinestone.  

Be sure to check out what the other members of the Design team created with this color combination.

Product List

All Adorned Photopolymer Stamp Set [149728] $0.00	Balmy Blue Classic Stampin' Pad [147105] $7.50	Daffodil Delight Classic Stampin' Pad [147094] $7.50	Lemon Lime Twist Classic Stampin' Pad [147145] $7.50	Balmy Blue 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [146982] $8.50
Lemon Lime Twist 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [144245] $8.50	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [100730] $9.75	1/2" Circle Punch [119869] $6.00	Gingham Gala Adhesive-Backed Sequins [148561] $7.50	Rhinestone Basic Jewels [144220] $5.00

There are 2 other new Sale-A-Bration items in the 2nd release.

This is one  beautiful embossing folder.  It is a Dynamic folder which means the impression is deep and defined.  This is a Level 1 Sale-A-Bration choice and free with a $50 order.

This is a beautiful stamp set and coordinating DSP.  This lovely bundle is Level 2 Sale-A-Bration choice and free with a $100 order.  This is a gorgeous bundle of products. 

Welcome to the 5 year anniversary of the Stamper's Dozen Blog Hop! I thought it would be fun to share some highlights from the past 5 years.  I went through and picked out a few of my favorite projects I shared on the blog hop as well as something new.  Here we go!

Back in March 2014, I made this bag and it still brings a smile to my face when I see it.

In March 2015 I posted this canvas for the blog hop's theme of Home Decor.

I had a hard time deciding what project to show for 2016.  I was torn between this one in January 2016 and this one in March 2016.  Finally decided to share this one from March.

In 2017 it was this card.

Finally for 2018 I chose this card as a favorite.

It was fun to look back. Now it is time to share what I made for this month.  Since it is the Stamper's Dozen Blog Hop's birthday I made a birthday card.

This is a little sneak peek of a new set of framelits called Call Me Cupcake that will be available for purchase March 1,  This new set of framelits coordinates with the Sale-A-Bration set, Hello Cupcake. In this sample I cut out the frosting, the flowers, and the candles with the framelits.  The bright and happy Designer Series Paper is from the How Sweet It Is DSP pack.  

The top sentiment and Happy Birthday  is from the Amazing Life stamp set.  The little cake and Celebrate is from the Tabs for Everything set.

Here is a list of all the fabulous blogs on this month's hop!

Stamper's Dozen February 2019 Blog Hop

1. Patty Chenail – Stamp-Patty’s - Stampin’ In My Flops
2. Joanne Cantrell – Keep It Simple, Stampers
3. Bonnie O'Neill – Bonnie Stamped
4. Judy Garza – Creativity Released
5. Debbie Naylor – Unfrogettable Stamping
6. Carol Payne – Carol Payne Stamps
7. Sharon Hashimoto Burkert – As the Ink Dries
8. Jodi Reinert – Stamp with Jodi
9. Kelly Acheson – A Stamp Above
10. BJ Peters – StampinBJ

I look forward to more hops with the Stamper's Dozen hoppers.  I know we have a lot of fun themes coming up so be sure to check back on the 15th of every month!

Happy Valentine's Day!  You know, I am going to have to use the Hey Love stamp set for my project.  This week the Create with Connie and Mary Challenge is a sketch challenge.  

A plan quickly came together after seeing this sketch.

I used my Stamparatus to create this mirror image of the cute little hamster/prairie dog/critter.  It is such a fun and easy technique.  Here's a quick video.  

The sheet inside of the Stamparatus is a Silicone Craft sheet and is vital to this technique. I stamped on a 3" x 3" piece of Whisper White card stock.  I was going to do a voice over but I think the video is clear enough to understand how to do this technique.  If you have any questions please leave me a comment.

I used the All My Love Designer Series Paper and the Be Mine Stitched Framelit Dies to complete the card.  Be sure to check out what the other members of the Design team created for this challenge.  

Here are links to some other cards using the Hey Love stamp set, here, here, here, here, and here.  This is a set that I have really enjoyed and will continue to use for other occasions.

Product List

Hey Love Cling Stamp Set [148644] $19.00	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [132708] $6.00	Crumb Cake Stampin' Blends Markers Combo Pack [144601] $9.00	Light Lovely Lipstick Stampin' Blends Marker [147026] $4.50
Lovely Lipstick 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [146970] $8.50	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [100730] $9.75	All My Love 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper [148576] $11.00	Sparkle Glimmer Paper [146957] $5.00
Be Mine Stitched Framelits Dies [148527] $35.00	Stamparatus [146276] $49.00	Silicone Craft Sheet [127853] $6.00

I still need some tropical vibes so I am continuing with the Humming Along stamp set and the gorgeous hibiscus flower.  I don't want to jinx it but I think the snow is beginning to melt!  There is a lot of snow to melt, so we may be dealing with sloppy roads and sidewalks for a while.

I embossed the hibiscus in white embossing powder and then did some coloring with an Aqua Painter and Calypso Coral, Old Olive, and Daffodil Delight  ink refills.  The fun sentiment is from the Butterfly Gala stamp set.  I was playing around with the layout and felt like it needed something.  The Subtle embossing folder to the rescue!  I think that embossing folder goes with just about everything and is a must have.  The lovely Calypso Coral ribbon was a Sale-A-Bration offering that was so loved it sold out.  

Do you see the stitched scallop framing the hibiscus?  That lovely border was created using a die from the Be Mine Stitched framelits. It is hard to see in the Occasions catalog.  I will say that because of this die I had to purchase the Be Mine Stitched Framelit dies.

Product List

Humming Along Cling Bundle [150621] $42.25	Calypso Coral Classic Stampin' Pad [147101] $7.50	Old Olive Classic Stampin' Ink Refill [100531] $3.75	Daffodil Delight Classic Stampin' Ink Refill [119672] $3.75
Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock [140272] $7.75	Calypso Coral 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [122925] $8.50	Gingham Gala 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper [148554] $11.00	Be Mine Stitched Framelits Dies [148527] $35.00
Subtle Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder [143706] $10.00	Butterfly Beauty Thinlits Dies [148536] $39.00	Organdy Ribbon Combo Pack [149623] $0.00

It is day 3 of what is being called Snowmaggedon, Snowpocalypse, in other words the Big Snow.  We have lots of snow (I measured 9-1/2") and that is unusual where I live.  Everything is covered in a layer of white,  it is beautiful and kind of magical.  

Inside my craft room where it is toasty and warm I am thinking about color, something tropical.  

These hibiscus flowers are from the Humming Along stamp set.  They definitely remind me of the Islands.  I colored them in using Lovely Lipstick, Daffodil Delight, and Old Olive Stampin' Blends.  This stamp set also has coordinating dies, Hummingbird Framelits. This makes cutting out the flowers so easy.  

The Wood Textures DSP was cut using the Florentine die.   I layered the Florentine piece over a piece of Whisper White card stock that had been texturized using the Subtle embossing folder.  It seems like I use that folder on every card.  

Hope I brought a little bit of the  tropics into your day.  

Product List

Humming Along Cling Bundle [150621] $42.25	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [132708] $6.00	Lovely Lipstick Stampin' Blends Markers Combo Pack [147281] $9.00	Daffodil Delight Stampin' Blends Markers Combo Pack [144603] $9.00
Old Olive Stampin' Blends Markers Combo Pack [144597] $9.00	Early Espresso 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [119686] $8.50	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [100730] $9.75	Wood Textures Designer Series Paper Stack [144177] $11.00
Well Written Framelits Dies [148534] $40.00	Florentine Thinlits Die [149052] $28.00	Subtle Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder [143706] $10.00

I'm using the Beauty Abounds stamp set for this week's Create with Connie & Mary Challenge.   The challenge this week is to use Coastal Cabana, Gorgeous Grape and Melon Mambo.

This is definitely a bold color combination.  

This flower image from the Beauty Abounds stamp set is pretty and almost whimsical.  I love the curlicues and little dots. 

I placed the stamp in the Stamparatus and used the hinge step technique to stamp the image 3 times.  The coloring was done using a blender pen and ink refills.  I wanted to keep the coloring light to fit the lightness of the stamp.  The sentiment is from the Kindness & Compassion stamp set.  The font was perfect for the image.  The ribbon is the 1/4" Gorgeous Grape Mini Striped Ribbon.  It may be a little bit of an overkill but I placed a Rhinestone in the middle of each flower.  What do you think, is it too much?

Be sure to go and check out what the other members of the Design team created with this color combination.

Product List

Beauty Abounds Cling Stamp Set [148726] $23.00	Kindness & Compassion Clear-Mount Stamp Set [146729] $20.00	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [132708] $6.00	Melon Mambo Classic Stampin' Ink Refill [115662] $3.75
Gorgeous Grape Classic Stampin' Ink Refill [147164] $3.75	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock [140272] $7.75	Gorgeous Grape 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [146987] $8.50	Gorgeous Grape 1/4" (6.4 Mm) Mini Striped Ribbon [146940] $8.00
Rhinestone Basic Jewels [144220] $5.00	Blender Pens [102845] $12.00	Stamparatus [146276] $49.00