The Flying Home stamp set will soon be retiring.  It was one of my favorite sets in the Occasions Catalog.  

There are lots of retiring products on this card.  The colors I used are Tangerine Tango and Peekaboo Peach, both are retiring.  I also used the 3/8" Striped Grosgrain ribbon in Peekaboo Peach.  

I also used the Layering Squares framelits and the Softly Falling TIEF both will be in the new catalog.  The sentiment is from the Bunch of Blossoms stamp set  will also be in the upcoming catalog.

At long last I have a tutorial for the pocket/envelope card I shared on this post.  Let me first show you the card we will be making together.

1. Cut a piece of Marina Mist cs 4-1/4" x 11" and score it at 5-1/2". Cut on the diagonal from the top of the score line to the bottom corner.
2. Cut a piece of Sweet Soiree Specialty DSP 4-5/8" x 6".  Cut on the diagonal and score along one side at 1/2".   
   Fold on the score line and snip off the piece of DSP that extends over the edge of the diagonal. 
3. Apply Tear and Tape to the edge of the DSP and secure it to the edge of the Marina Mist cs.  Place a strip of Tear and Tape along the bottom edge of the Marina Mist cs.                                                                                           
4. Fold the Marina Mist cs over the Tear and Tape.  Place a strip of Tear and Tape along the bottom edge of the  inside of the Sweet Soiree DSP.                                                                                                             Secure the DSP down over the Marina Mist cs.  You now have the pocket for your card.
5.  Cut a 3-7/8" x 5-3/8" Marina Mist cs piece and a 3-3/4" x 5-1/4" Whisper White piece for the inside card. 
6. Decorate the front of the pocket.   If you are wondering, I cut out the cake from one of the papers in the Sweet Soiree DSP.                                                    

Product List

Happy Birthday Gorgeous Photopolymer Stamp Set [143662] $21.00	Marina Mist Classic Stampin' Pad [126962] $6.50	Marina Mist 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [119682] $8.00	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [100730] $9.00	Powder Pink 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [144244] $8.00
Sweet Soirée Specialty Designer Series Paper [145564] $13.00	Stitched Shapes Framelits Dies [145372] $30.00	Layering Circle Framelits Dies [141705] $35.00	Powder Pink 1/2" Finely Woven Ribbon [144134] $7.00

If you have any questions please feel free to leave me a comment.  This is a fun card to make and to show off some of the beautiful Designer Series Paper that Stampin' Up! has to offer.  

Time for the Try Stampin' on Tuesday Challenge.  If you like a clean and simple sketch then this just might be the perfect sketch for you.  

I am going to miss the adorable Flying Home stamp set.   The images in this set are so fun to color and can be used for lots of different occasions.  This set is being retired and is guaranteed to be available until May 25, after that there is a possibility it could be sold out.  I also used the Petal Passion DSP which you know is a big favorite of mine and is also retiring.  Here are some links to projects that use the paper or the set, go here, here, here, here, here, here and  here.  

Product List

Flying Home Clear-Mount Stamp Set [145929] $18.00	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [132708] $6.00	Pool Party Stampin' Blends Markers Combo Pack [144605] $9.00	Daffodil Delight Stampin' Blends Markers Combo Pack [144603] $9.00	Pink Pirouette Stampin' Blends Markers Combo Pack [144604] $9.00
Old Olive Stampin' Blends Markers Combo Pack [144597] $9.00	Crumb Cake Stampin' Blends Markers Combo Pack [144601] $9.00	Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [121045] $8.00	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [100730] $9.00	Powder Pink 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [144244] $8.00
Petal Passion Designer Series Paper [145589] $11.00	Stitched Shapes Framelits Dies [145372] $30.00	Layering Circle Framelits Dies [141705] $35.00	Subtles Enamel Shapes [141679] $9.00	Powder Pink 1/2" Finely Woven Ribbon [144134] $7.00

I was so inspired by the sketch I made another card.  This time I used the super fun Pieces & Patterns stamp set and the Pick a Pattern DSP.  Both of these products are also retiring.  

Flirty Flamingo is being retired as an In Color but it is joining the Brights Collection in the upcoming 2018-19 Annual catalog.  YAY!  The bright and cheerful Flirty Flamingo striped grosgrain ribbon is retiring so if you like it be sure to order it.  The little flower on the sentiment is from the Tree Builder punch and yes it is also on the retiring list. 

Product List

Pieces & Patterns Clear-Mount Stamp Set [143843] $19.00	Flirty Flamingo Classic Stampin' Pad [141397] $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	Pick A Pattern Designer Series Paper [144163] $11.00
Layering Circle Framelits Dies [141705] $35.00	Tree Builder Punch [138295] $18.00	Flirty Flamingo 3/8" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon [144227] $7.00	Rhinestone Basic Jewels [144220] $5.00

Here are the links to the Annual Catalog and Occasions Catalog Last Chance lists.  The stamp sets are available until May 25 and after that date they are available only while supplies last.  The other products are available while supplies last, in fact there are already a few products that are no longer available so don't delay.  The Clearance Rack has been updated and there are some GREAT buys there so be sure to check out that out as well!

Hope you will join in and play along with the Try Stampin on Tuesday challenge.  Be sure to check out what the other members of the design team created for this challenge.

Remember I told you how much I liked the Create with Connie and Mary Challenge #504?  I decided that I needed to make another card using the sketch.

This time I used the Sweet Soiree Specialty DSP which is SO pretty with beautiful designs and silver foil.  I also used the Sweet Soiree Embellishment kit.  I have used this kit for lots of projects and still have lots of die cuts left to use.   Here are a few of the other ways I used this kit here,  here, and   here.   

In case you were wondering above is the original sketch.

Product List

Charming Café Clear-Mount Stamp Set [146361] $20.00	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [132708] $6.00	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock [140272] $7.00	Old Olive 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [100702] $8.00	Sweet Soirée Specialty Designer Series Paper [145564] $13.00
Sweet Soirée Embellishment Kit [145578] $11.00	Stitched Shapes Framelits Dies [145372] $30.00	Layering Squares Framelits Dies [141708] $35.00	Silver 3/8" Metallic-Edge Ribbon [144213] $7.00

Today's Create with Connie and Mary Challenge is just perfect to showcase my favoritest (had to make up a word so you  know I am serious about how much I like this pack of paper!)  pack of patterned paper, Petal Passion Designer Series Paper (DSP).  I am a big fan of DSP and have lots of favorites but I think if you told me I could only have one pack (definitely torture for a paper crafter) I would have to choose Petal Passion.  

Almost everything I used for this card comes from the Petal Passion DSP pack.  Yes, even the beautiful flowers are from the paper pack.  Stripes, dots,  and florals in black and white what more could you ask for?

This is such a fabulous sketch.  Perfect way to use your favorite papers.  I do have a bit of paper hoarding tendencies and this sketch is going to help me get over it.  

If you are wondering, the sentiment is from the Barn Door stamp set and the card base is Thick Whisper White.  I hope you will join in this week's challenge and share it on the Create with Connie and Mary blog and/or Facebook page.   Be sure to check out what the other design team members created for this sketch, so much inspiration!

This week the Try Stampin' on Tuesday challenge is a clean and simple sketch, my favorite kind of sketch.

the optional theme: Gate Fold card

I used the adorable Flying Home stamp set  for the focal point.  The images in this set are sweet and  fun to color.  I stamped and fussy cut the little bird from A Good Day stamp set as the "embellishment".  The bird's legs and feet are the only difficult part to cut out which is one of the reasons I added those sweet little flowers to the branch.  The flowers are from the Tree Builder punch  and remind me of cherry blossoms which are in full bloom here.

Are you wondering how I reversed the direction that the little bird from A Good Day stamp set is facing?  I inked her up and stamped her on a Silicone Craft Sheet.  I then used the silicone craft sheet like a stamp and stamped it on the card stock.  Pretty nifty trick, right?

Product List

Flying Home Clear-Mount Stamp Set [145929] $18.00	A Good Day Clear-Mount Stamp Set [145873] $19.00	Lovely Wishes Photopolymer Stamp Set [145924] $17.00	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [132708] $6.00
Pool Party Stampin' Blends Markers Combo Pack [144605] $9.00	Crumb Cake Stampin' Blends Markers Combo Pack [144601] $9.00	Old Olive Light Stampin' Blends Marker [144574] $4.50	Daffodil Delight Light Stampin' Blends Marker [144586] $4.50
Early Espresso 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [119686] $8.00	Shimmery White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [101910] $8.00	Pink Pirouette 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [111351] $8.00	Wood Textures Designer Series Paper Stack [144177] $10.00
Tree Builder Punch [138295] $18.00	Layering Squares Framelits Dies [141708] $35.00	Subtles Enamel Shapes [141679] $9.00	Pool Party 3/8" Shimmer Ribbon [144152] $7.00

I even used the optional theme and made this a gate fold card.

 The sentiment I used for the inside of the card is from the Lovely Wishes stamp set.  This is a stamp set that I have not used to its potential.  I plan to remedy that situation so soon you will be seeing more of this set.  

I hope you will join in the and try your hand at this week's challenge.  You can go to the Try Stampin' on Tuesday blog for all the details and/or the Try Stampin' on Tuesday Facebook group.  I look forward to seeing how you use this great sketch!

I have been enjoying the Sweet Soiree Embellishment kit and used it for the Create with Connie and Mary Challenge #502.  

The kit contains lots of die cuts that are embossed with silver foil.  I used the cake die cut and colored in the flowers with markers to mimic the colors in the flower bouquet which is also part of the kit.  Included in the kit is the pretty Marina Mist scalloped velvet ribbon and the 1/8" silver and white washi tape.  It is quick and easy to create borders with the ribbon and washi.  

I  added a strip of Sweet Soiree Specialty DSP to tie the elements together and  finished the card with a bow and some silver sequins.   I have made other cards using the Sweet Soiree Embellishment kit here and here .  The kit contains so many pretty images and embellishments and is a great to have to create beautiful cards.

I hope you will join in the fun and create a card with the sketch.   Check out the Create with Connie and Mary blog for all the information and to submit your card. 

It is time for the Create with Connie and Mary Challenge # 501!  This week it is a color challenge.

Color challenges are often harder for me than sketch challenges, not this time.  Why?  The answer is Bubbles & Fizz Designer Series Paper.  Yes, this DSP is one of the many options available as a free gift during Sale-A-Bration and contain these exact colors.  

One side of the DSP coordinates beautifully with the Bubbles Over bundle in the Occasions catalog and the other side has more neutral designs like the ones I used in my card.   I used the A Good Day stamp set for the sweet little tree and sentiment.  This set is so cute and perfect for quick and easy cards.  

I colored in the image using Lemon Lime, Bermuda Bay and Calypso Coral Stampin' Write Markers.  I added the rhinestones which I colored with the Calypso Coral Stampin' Blends marker.

Remember you too can join in the challenge.  Go to the Create with Connie and Mary blog and enter your project.  While you are there be sure to check out what the other members of the design team created.  

PS: New Sale-A-Bration choices are being released today.  Click here to see the new choices.

Here's a fun little box perfect for St. Patrick's Day.  

It all started when I found these chocolate coins at the store and knew I had to make something with them.  Thinking about gold coins made me think about a pot of gold and that is how this project came to life.  Finally I can say that I found that elusive pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.   

The box was made with the Lots to Love Box Framelits.  I cut  Emerald Envy card stock to 4-1/4" x 4-1/2", you will need 2 of these.  The 4- 1/4"side  is the length of the box.  I lined the flap  of the die to the edge of the card stock and cut the box.    This makes a finished box of about 2-3/4"x 3"  and holds 7 gold coins. 

 The trickiest part of this project was the rainbow.  It would have been so much easier if I had the Rainbow Builder Framelit Dies but since I don't I needed to improvise.  I cut strips of Real Red, Tangerine Tango, Daffodil Delight, Emerald Envy, Pacific Point and Eggplant Envy.  I glued them on to a piece of black card stock to keep them together.  I used the same die that I used to cut out the window to cut the edge of the rainbow and hand cut the rainbow using the corner of the box as a guide.  

Are you wondering where the "lucky" came from?  It is from the Charming Cafe and is part of the sentiment, "I am Lucky to have a Friend like you".  I used a black marker to color in the word and stamped it.  

Wondering how I made the pot and the shamrock?  I used the heart design from the Window Box thinlits to cut out the hearts.

This thinlit cuts out 2 sizes of hearts.  I used the larger hearts for the pot.  When I shared this project with  my club some people also made the shamrock with the smaller hearts to put next to the lucky.  It was adorable.

I love my little pot of gold and until I found the real one, this one will do!

Do you know how to play tic tac toe?  This week the Try Stampin' on Tuesday challenge has a fun challenge based on the game of tic tac toe.  You have to create a card based on the items listed in the box and how you want to "win", horizontal, diagonal, or vertical.

Can you tell which  line I used  to create my card?  

I went right along the middle and used Dies Cuts, Flowers and Vellum.  When I saw those elements I immediately thought of the Sweet Soiree Embellishment kit.  I used the lovely floral and vellum die cuts to create the border.  This was a super quick and easy card to make.  The elements were already embossed and colored.  I just had to punch them out and arrange them.  

I just realized that I also have another tic tac toe.  I also have the diagonal  Ribbon/Twine,  Flowers, Dots.  I really should have added some glitter then I would have had a third tic tac toe of Glitter, Vellum, Dots.

Product List

Sweet Soirée Embellishment Kit [145578] $11.00	Beautiful Bouquet Photopolymer Stamp Set [143666] $27.00	Berry Burst Classic Stampin' Pad [144083] $6.50	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock [140272] $7.00
Berry Burst 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [144243] $8.00	Berry Burst 3/8" (1 Cm) Metallic-Edge Ribbon [145489] $7.00	Layering Circle Framelits Dies [141705] $35.00	Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder [117335] $7.95

The Sweet Soiree Embellishment kit is a great one to have on hand for making quick cards and DIY packaging.  All the work has been done for you and you have to do is arrange the elements and you are done.

For more information on the challenge and how to play along go to the Try Stampin' on Tuesday blog and/or the Try Stampin' on Tuesday Facebook  group.  I hope you will join in the challenge and see which way you will tic tac toe.