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

Azure Afternoon is a new addition the Stampin' Up! Color Collection.  It is a such a happy, bright blue.  The color reminds me of bluebirds which led me to the Sweet Songbirds stamp set and the coordinating Songbird Builder punch.

Isn't she so sweet?  I love her Lemon Lime Twist gingham wings and beak.   The Early Espresso branch and the Lemon Lime Twist leaves were stamped using the Sweet Songbird set.   The Flirty Flamingo flowers were stamped in Flirty Flamingo ink using the Sweet Citrus stamp set and die cut using the coordinating Sweet Citrus Hybrid Embossing folder and dies.  The Azure Afternoon flower centers were cut using the Dots & Spots die.  The clouds were punched using the Cloud punch.  Around the edges of the clouds I added a little Azure Afternoon ink to give the clouds more definition.  The gingham grass was cut using the Basic Borders die.  The sentiment is from the Circle Sayings stamp set and was stamped on a Nested Essential label.

I had a few left over flowers so I attached them to the inside of the card.

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

Product List

Sweet Songbirds Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)

[158721]

$19.00

Circle Sayings Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)

[161348]

$24.00

Circle Sayings Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)

[161348]

$24.00

Sweet Citrus Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)

[160641]

$23.00

Azure Afternoon Classic Stampin' Pad

[161663]

$9.00

Flirty Flamingo Classic Stampin' Pad

[147052]

$9.00

Lemon Lime Twist Classic Stampin' Pad

[147145]

$9.00

Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad

[147114]

$9.00

Azure Afternoon 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[161719]

$10.00

Flirty Flamingo 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[141416]

$10.00

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[159276]

$10.50

Glorious Gingham 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper

[163170]

$10.50

Cloud Punch

[157749]

$22.00

Basic Borders Dies

[155558]

$29.00

Nested Essentials Dies

[161597]

$34.00

Dots & Spots Die

[159164]

$32.00

Sweet Citrus Hybrid Embossing Folder

[160644]

$33.00

3/8" (1 Cm) Sheer Ribbon Combo Pack

[161635]

$12.50

It is Thursday and time for a new Create with Connie & Mary Challenge.  This week it is a sketch challenge.  Which do yo like better Sketch or Color Challenges?

I didn't know what to make so I looked on my stamp shelf and came upon the Sea Turtle set.  I haven't used this set as much as I would like so it was chosen for today's card.

I paired up the Sea Turtle stamp set with the Hello, Irresistible DSP (Online Exclusive).  I have used these two together before and you can see it HERE.  These 2 patterns from the Hello, Irresistible DSP look like water to me so it was a good fit for the Sea Turtle set.  

The turtles were inked up in Pretty Peacock ink and stamped on Soft Sea Foam CS.  This set doesn't have coordinating dies or a punch so I fussy cut the turtles out.  Fortunately they are pretty easy to cut out.   The DSP strips measure 1" x  5" and 1" x 4-1/2".  The strips are layered on  Pretty Peacock CS that has been embossed using the Basics 3D Embossing Folders (Online Exclusive).  The card base is Lost Lagoon CS 4" x 11".

The sentiment is from the Darling Details stamp set inked in Pretty Peacock ink on  Soft Sea Foam CS.  The starfish was also stamped in Pretty Peacock ink on Soft Sea Foam CS.  The pearls are from the Festive Pearls embellishments.  

Inside I added a strip of the Hello, Irresistible DSP with the larger starfish.  

Product List

Sea Turtle Photopolymer Stamp Set

[160500]

$21.00

Darling Details Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)

[161368]

$24.00

Pretty Peacock Classic Stampin’ Pad

[150083]

$9.00

Pretty Peacock 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[150880]

$10.00

Soft Sea Foam 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[146988]

$10.00

Lost Lagoon 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[133679]

$10.00

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[159276]

$10.50

Hello, Irresistible 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper

[161139]

$12.50

Basics 3 D Embossing Folders

[161598]

$30.00

Festive Pearls

[159963]

$7.00

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

Do you like fun folds? 

Place an order through my online store  and receive this bundle (12 tutorials!!)  as a thank you.  You can also purchase the tutorial bundle for $15.00.  Please contact me ([email protected]) if you would like to purchase the tutorial.

Ready for another Festive Friday challenge?   What is the Festive Friday challenge?  The Festive Friday challenge is a bi-weekly challenge that is inspired by a holiday/festivity.  An Inspo list of 10 items is created using the festivity as its inspiration.  To play in the challenge you need to use 3 items from the Inspo list on your project and enter it in the Festive Friday gallery.  We love seeing what you choose from the Inspo list and look forward to seeing what you create.

I chose from the list pearls, shells, umbrella, and palms.

Are you thinking that this looks very different from my usual cards?  You are right.  I used the July Paper Pumpkin box, Fun in the Sun for my project.  I mixed and matched some elements and stamped the sign with the provided stamp set.  This was one of the quickest, easiest and it's a pretty darn cute card to put together.

Are you wondering what is Paper Pumpkin?  Paper Pumpkin is Stampin' Up!'s monthly craft subscription kit.  There is always a stamp set (photopolymer), an ink spot, and all the paper goods and adhesive to complete the projects.  For example the July kit, Fun in the Sun included the supplies to create 9 cards.  The card bases were all this adorable fun fold with all the cutting and scoring done for you.  The only extras I used from my stash were the Flat Adhesive Backed Pearls and some retired Sea Glass embellishments.  The kit did include some embellishments but they weren't pearls and I wanted to use that element from the Inspo list.  If a monthly craft kit sounds like something you would enjoy, let me know or you can sign up HERE.

Here's another view of the card.  The crab is the best!  Love that s/he is holding the sign between her/his claws and yes, the slits are already made for you.   Paper Pumpkin kits have both a diagram and a video showing you how to put the project together.  These kits continue to improve and it is so relaxing to put together the projects.  Yes,  demonstrators like when everything is cut and prepped.  

Thank you for stopping by and be sure to check out how the rest of the Festive Friday design team used the Inspo List!

Love fun folds?  Check out this tutorial bundle!

Here's a picture of the card I made for the tutorial.

Place an order through my online store and receive this bundle (12 tutorials!!)  as a thank you.  You can also purchase the tutorial bundle for $15.00.  Please contact me ([email protected]) if you would like to purchase the tutorial.

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

What do you think of this color combination?  It had me stumped.  All I could think of was the Zany Zoo bundle specifically the adorable dancer.

I colored each dancer's tutus and shoes using Stampin' Blends in Highland Heather, Orchid Oasis and Berry Burst.  I colored the spots in using a Crumb Cake Stampin' Blend.   I could have stopped there but I decided I wanted to add another element.  I used the Paper Florist dies to create the dots for the background.   These circles are probably used mostly for the flower centers.  I like the variety of the details on the circles, some are plain, some are heavily dotted and some are stitched.  

The "sending" is from the Sending dies.  I cut the bold part of the word in Orchid Oasis CS and the skinny part in Basic White CS.  What am I sending?

The sentiment inside is from the coordinating stamp set called Sending Smiles.  I added a few more dots around the sentiment.

Be sure to check out what the rest of the Create with Connie & Mary design team created for this challenge.  Thank you for stopping by and remember to use your Bonus Coupons by the end of August!  

Do you like Fun Folds?  Check out the Creativity Abounds August tutorial.

Place a $50 order through my online store  and receive this bundle (12 tutorials!!)  as a thank you.  You can also purchase the tutorial bundle for $15.00.  Please contact me ([email protected]) if you would like to purchase the tutorial.

This is the card I created for the tutorial bundle.

Welcome to the Creativity Abounds Blog Hop!  We are an international group of 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.  This month we are focusing onFun Folds.  

Every month we create a tutorial bundle. The tutorial bundle is available as a gift with a qualifying purchase ($50 USD or can also be purchased for $15).   We also have a stamp camp 3 times a year.  The next camp will be on October 20 & 21 and will focus on the Winter Meadow Suite.   Please contact me if you would like more information about the tutorial bundle or the Winter Meadow stamp camp.

Two of my favorite things from the 2023-24 Stampin' Up Annual Catalog, the Crafting with You bundle and the Delightfully Eclectic DSP.  I don't know the name of this fold, I just know I like it a lot to show off the mixing and matching possibilities of the Delightfully Eclectic DSP.

Do you see a little sneak peek?  Check out the Deckled Circle behind the Stylish Shapes circle!  Yes!  I am so excited about this set of dies.  Look how nicely they layer.  These can be found on page 63 of the 2023 Sept-Dec Mini Catalog.  There are 14 deckled circles in the set and I cannot wait to show you the coordination possibilities with Ad other circle dies.

Here are the details about the card.

• Night of Navy card base 5-1/2" x 11" scored 1-1/4", 5-1/2",  9-1/4" (valley, valley, mountain)
• Night of Navy belly band 1" x 9"
• Night of Navy Deckled Circle- 3" x 3"
• Basic White CS 3-1/2" x 5-1/4"
• Basic White CS Stylish Shapes 2-3/4" x 2-3/4"
• Basic White CS-scraps for basket, flowers and leaves
• Bubble Bath CS- 3-1/2" x 5-1/4 (Basics 3D Embossing folder- Online Exclusive)
• Delightfully Eclectic DSP pattern 1 (stripes) cut 2 @ 1" x 5-1/4"
• Delightfully Eclectic DSP pattern 2 (plaid) 4" x 5-1/4"
• Delightfully Eclectic DS pattern 3 (flowers) 1-1/2" x 5-1/4", 3/4" x  3-1/2"

• Adhere the Bubble Bath stripe pattern to the front and back of the first section.  
• Adhere the Night of Navy plaid to the next section.
• Next panel is Basic White with a  strip of  DSP #3 to dress it up.
• Lastly, a strip of DSP # 3.
• Flip the card over and in the section behind the Basic White CS, adhere the embossed Bubble Bath CS.

• Stamp the sentiment in Night of Navy ink on the Basic White CS circle.
• Stamp the basket in Crushed Curry ink  on the scrap piece of Basic White CS.
• Stamp the leaves in Night of Navy ink and again in Bubble Bath ink on the Basic White scrap.
• Die cut the basket and flowers with the Crafting With You dies.
• Fussy cut the flowers and adhere them over the leaves with Stampin' Dimensionals.
• Adhere the basket above the sentiment and attach the flowers and leaves on top of the basket.
• Attach Daffodil Delight Glossy Dots to the flowers.
• Wrap and secure the belly band around the card base.
• Attach the decorated circle to the belly band.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to check out all the stops on the hop.  If you want even more Fun Folds check out the tutorial offering!

Here's a peek at the project I made for the tutorial.

Place an order through my online store uand receive this bundle (12 tutorials!!)  as a thank you.  You can also purchase the tutorial bundle for $15.00.  Please contact me ([email protected]) if you would like to purchase the tutorial.

Welcome to the Stampers Dozen Blog Hop! We are a group of Stampin' Up! Demonstrators who hop together on the 14th of every month.  This month our theme is Dynamic Duos.   We are to use 2 colors and Basic White for our card.  

Can you guess what colors I chose to use?  If you guessed black, red, and white, you would be correct.

This card looks like it was partially die cut but in reality it is a cheater partial die cut card.  The Real Red ribbon hides the fact that it isn't a true partial die cut card.

• The Basic Black CS is cut 4-1/8" x 5-3/8" and splattered with White Craft ink that has been watered down.  
• Die cut the daisies using the Cheerful Daisies die.
• Stamp the sentiment from the Cheerful Daisies stamp set in Tuxedo Black Memento ink on  Basic White CS 2-3/4" x 4".
• Emboss the Basic White CS with the Basics 3D Embossing folder (Online Exclusive).

• Adhere the daisy die to the Basic Black CS.
• Adhere the Basic White CS over the daisy die cut.
• Tie the Real Red ribbon over the seam and tie a bow.
• Adhere to the Thick Basic White CS card base 4-1/4" x 11" scored at 5-1/2".

On the inside of the card I added another strip of Basic Black CS embossed using the 3D Embossing folder and another die cut flower.  

I have also made this card using the partial die cutting technique.  It isn't very difficult to do but that is a project for another day.  Now it is time for you to check out the other stops on the Stampers Dozen Blog Hop!

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

I just received my pre-order from the 2023 September-December Mini Catalog and was itching to try out the Abundant Beauty Decorative Masks.  These masks are sturdy  and easy to use.  There are numbers on the sunflower masks so you know what order to use them and there is a notch at the top of each mask to help with alignment.  

I used the Blending Brushes to add the colors to the mask.  The petals were done in Crushed Curry.  The centers of the sunflowers were done in Early Espresso and Pecan Pie in and the leaves in Old Olive.  You might also notice a couple of other items I used from the upcoming Mini Catalog.  I added texture to the sunflowers by using the Distressed Tile 3D folder.  This is new embossing folder and I think it is going to become a favorite. I also used it on the Crushed Curry strip. 

The wood panel background is from a new Specialty Designer Series Paper called All About Autumn.  This is a 6" x 6" paper pack with lovely fall and cozy scenes on one side and Copper foil designs on the flip side.  It is stunning and I am already thinking I need to get another package.  

The sentiment is from the Charming Sentiments stamp set and die cut using the coordinating Sentiment Silhouettes dies.  The embellishment is from the Rustic Metallic Adhesive Backed Dots.

The inside sentiment is also from the Charming Sentiments stamp set.  I created another sunflower with the Abundant Beauty Masks and fussy cut it out.  You can really see the texture from the from the Distressed Tile 3D folder on the sunflower.  I am sending this to a team member to celebrate an achievement!

Are you working with a Stampin' Up! demonstrator?  If you are not actively working with someone and would like a 2023 September-December Mini Catalog, please let me know and I can get one in the mail to you.  If you have purchased from me in the past 6 months I have ordered catalogs to be sent to you from Stampin' Up!

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to check out what the rest of the Create with Connie & Mary design team made for this week's challenge,

Ready for another Festive Friday challenge?   What is the Festive Friday challenge?  The Festive Friday challenge is a bi-weekly challenge that is inspired by a holiday/festivity.  An Inspo list of 10 items is created using the festivity as its inspiration.  To play in the challenge you need to use 3 items from the Inspo list on your project and enter it in the Festive Friday gallery.  We love seeing what you choose from the Inspo list and look forward to seeing what you create.

I chose from the Inspo List- Black, White, and Squares.  

Yes, I am back playing with the Paper Florist Dies.  I did use a different die from the set so I am branching out should I say blossoming?  I used the large 3-petal die and cut it twice to create the base for the large flower.   The flowers are all cut using the Bubble Bath paper from the Soft Shimmer Combo Paper.   Besides Bubble Bath the Soft Shimmer Combo Pack includes a 12" x 12" sheet in Berry Burst, Night of Navy, Lost Lagoon, and Pretty Peacock.  

I used the Exposed Brick 3D folder on the Basic Black squares.  I wanted to add a little texture to the card front.  The birthday sentiment is from the Sending Smiles stamp set.

Inside I added a strip of Basic Black CS and another pretty shimmery flower.  

Thank you for stopping by and I hope you will join in and add your creation to the Festive Friday  Challenge gallery,

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

What a wonderful summery combination.

The color combination made me think of lemons which led me to the Sweet Citrus stamp set and the coordinating Sweet Citrus Die and Hybrid Embossing folder.   The lemons were stamped using Lemon Lolly ink and then cut out and embossed using the die and embossing folder.  It is amazing all the texture and detail on the lemons.  The leaves were stamped in Parakeet Party in and cut with the dies.  The flowers were stamped in Starry Sky ink on Starry Sky CS and then die cut with the dies.  The Lemon Lolly flower centers are the Adhesive-Backed Sold Gems.  The scalloped panel was cut using the Scalloped Contour dies.   The sentiment is from the Irresistible Blooms set (Online Exclusive).

Inside I added a strip of Lemon Lolly that was embossed using the Sweet Citrus Hybrid Embossing folder, another Starry Sky flower and Parakeet Party leaves.  

Thank you for stopping by and be sure to check out what the rest of the design team created for this challenge.

You have probably figured it out by now, I really enjoy playing with the Paper Florist dies.   I find it very relaxing.  There are  lot of dies and lots of different combinations of flowers to be made.  One day I plan to just play with all the different pieces and see what can be made.

Stamp: Love For You

Card Base: Basic Black 4-1/4" x 11"

Delightfully Eclectic DSP layer: 4" x 5-1/4"

Scallop Contour label: Basic Black

Leaves: Parakeet Party CS

Flowers: Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Poppy Parade, Berry Burst, and Basic Black

Sentiment label: All That Dies

Embellishment: Iridescent Pearls

Inside I added a strip of DSP and another Berry Burst flower.  Do you see the little scallop along the DSP?  That piece was cut using the long edge of a Scalloped Contour die and cut to fit the DSP strip.  I couldn't remember if I had a small scalloped border die so I decided to improvise and it worked.

Today is the start of the Kits Sale.    Be sure to check all the kits on sale.  They make great gifts!  

Thanks for stopping by!