A Flower For All Seasons

Here are a couple of cards using the stamp set A Flower For All Seasons.   They both use the Framed Tulips embossing folder.  Although this is the last day for the Occasions Mini catalog, this is on the carryover item list.  That means you can still get it even after the Occasions Mini ends!  There are several other items on the list -- some punches, Big Shot items, seam binding, embellishments and more.  If there is something that you wanted but didn't get, let me know and I'll see if it's on the list.

Father's Day - World

Have I mentioned that I love the new Summer Mini Catalog?  I am so glad that as a demonstrator I got to pre-order whatever I wanted from it!  It goes live for everyone on May 1st.

The front of this card uses the world from Open Sea, the map from Travel Log and a verse from Word Play -- a lot of sets, but they just seemed to go together.  Tied on the left is Baker's Twine, which is also new.  I have the Early Espresso/White.  It also comes in Cherry Cobbler/White and all White.  You get 25 yards of it for only $2.95.  Guess what's going to be on my next order!

I stamped the Always Artichoke background and ran it through my Big Shot with a Texturz Plate.  I stamped the world in Always Artichoke ink and mounted it on Early Espresso cardstock.  I stamped the phrase in Not Quite Navy ink and mounted in on cardstock of the same color.

And here's what I did with the inside:

The Interstate sign is from Travel Log.  Across the top it says TRAVEL LOG, but I used my blender pen and Not Quite Navy ink to fill in the letters.  I used Cherry Cobbler ink for the Happy Father's Day stamp, which is from Teeny Tiny Wishes.

We will be making this card at my upcoming Masculine Card Class.  Of course you can choose any sentiment from Teeny Tiny Wishes so you can tailor the card to your needs.  You can see the details on my Classes page.

Thanks for checking out my blog today!  Sue

Flag Card

I belong to a group called Late Night Stampers and every week they have a challenge.  I have finally decided to jump in and give it a try.  For this week's challenge, we were supposed to create something patriotic.  I had started this card a while ago, but it just didn't seem right.  I'm sure none of you have ever had that feeling.  lol  Anyhow, this challenge inspired me to finish the card.

The cardstock colors are:  Real Red, Night of Navy and Whisper White.  I used the So Many Stars Builder Wheel with Whisper White Craft Ink for the stars in the corner.

I decided on thinking of you for the sentiment.  That way the card can be sent by a loved one to someone serving our country away from home or it can be sent blank to a service person and he or she can send it home to his or her loved ones.

If you are not familiar with the second idea, check out the website http://www.fromourhearts.info/

My church has made cards several times for the troops.  We originally were going to send them to From Our Hearts, but we ended up unofficially adopting our own group of military personnel to support.  We started by collecting other items they needed and ended up sending the cards as well.  They appreciated them so much that we did it again (and again).

I usually post these events on my Classes page.  Anyone local to the Raleigh/Garner area is invited to attend.  Your help would be greatly appreciated.  On May 10th, we will be making cards for a local cancer center.  We'd love to have you join us.  The location is St. Andrews UMC, 1201 Maxwell Dr., Raleigh, NC 27603   See more details on my Classes page.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today.  Since I've already been on my soapbox, let me add:  take time to thank our military personnel --  someone you know or a complete stranger; verbally, with a card or some other way.  Don't stress about the details (who, how, where).  Just do it.  They sacrifice a lot to serve our country and protect our freedom.  The least we can do is thank them for it.

Blessings, Sue

In Wilderness Eagles

I used the eagle from In Wilderness for both the background and as the focal image.  The sentiment is also from In Wilderness.

Three Little Words meets Loads of Love

The Three Little Words today are:  Loads of Love.  On the inside are 3 other little words (I Love You).

The colors are Tempting Turquoise, Basic Black and Real Red.

I got the idea to use glimmer brads in the wheels from this post
by Shelly Godby:

http://www.stampinsmiles.com/2010/10/stampin-up-loads-of-love-christmas-card-with-a-touch-of-glimmer-brads.html

I used Tempting Turquoise because it matched the colors in the card, but I'm thinking the silvery glimmer brads from the neutrals set would look good, too -- almost like real hubcaps.

HAPPY EASTER

Wishing you a very happy Easter...



Inside it says:

You crack me up!

Happy Easter

Supplies:

A Good Egg stamp set

Designer Series Paper Patterns Stack - Bold Brights (Tempting Turquoise and Daffodil Delight)

Whisper White and Peach Parfait card stock

Peach Parfait 1/2 Inch Stiched-Poly Ribbon

Basic Black Classic Ink

Stampin' Write Markers (Daffodil Delight and Peach Parfait)

Open Sea - Cherry Cobbler & Not Quite Navy

Here's another sneak peek at Open Sea, one of the stamp sets from the upcoming Summer Mini Catalog that I just love.  I'm going to be doing a Masculine (Father's Day) card class soon and this will be one of the cards we do.  I thought about waiting until I post the details about the class, but I couldn't wait.  I just had to share this card with you.

Cherry Cobbler, Not Quite Navy, Naturals White



I'll tell you, I feel like a kid at Christmas with this new mini catalog.  I had the biggest pre-order I've ever had for a mini and I can't wait to try it all out.  Speaking of which, I'm having an Open House on May 7th so you can come see and try out some of these new items yourself.  You can also get your own copy of the Summer Mini Catalog then.  The details are on my Classes page. 

Hope you can make it!

Added 4/26:

Color Experiment:  I decided to try the same card in different color combinations.  I'm sharing with you so you can see what a small color change does to the look of a card.  I didn't add brads yet because I don't have Night of  Navy brads.  I am debating whether to try rhinestones or order the Regals brads pack.  Knowing me, I'll probably end up trying both (lol).  If you end up trying this card, but adding a different embelishment, I'd love to see how it turns out!

Cherry Cobbler, Night of Navy, Naturals White

Real Red, Night of Navy, Whisper White

More Paisley Prints

Here's another card made with Paisley Prints dsp.  It's very different from the other Paisly Prints cards I posted.  That's the great thing about Designer Series Paper.  You can get a lot of variety from one pack and you can get a cute card very quickly (guess that's two great things).  This card is perfect for when you just need a simple card to send a quick note.

The background is made with the square lattice embossing folder.

And, just for kicks, here are some of my prototypes from making the Mother's Day card that I posted previously.  I'd like to say that every time I make a card it comes out just how I envisioned it on the first try.  But, I'd be lying.  Truth is, sometimes I make several versions, tweaking it a little each time until I come up with the perfect card.  I like all of the other cards in this picture.  They just weren't what I was trying to accomplish.  On the bright side:  I now have four nice cards ready to be used or donated.

Note that the bottom card has the modern label punch, but no sentiment.  Often if I don't have a specific use in mind for a card, I don't add the sentiment.  Then when I need a card in a hurry I can stamp the sentiment I need from Teeny Tiny Wishes, punch it out with the Word Window punch and add it to the card.

Open Sea -- Summer Mini Sneak Peek

Oh my goodness!!  I fell in love with the set Open Sea the first time I saw it in the Summer Mini and knew I had to have it.  Then, I sat down to play with it and I had four cards done before I realized it!  That doesn't usually happen with me.  I usually have to look at a set for a while, pull out some supplies, think some more and then something comes to me.  Not so with Open Sea.  I knew this set was for me!

The first card I made was a simple, one layer card because I just had to get some ink on the stamps and see them on cardstock.  The second card was a takeoff of the first.  I kept it simple, but added some layers to give it a little depth and add some visual interest.  That card is today's share.  It's made with Early Espresso and Naturals White.

Hope you enjoyed this sneak peek.  Be sure to come back because there will be more coming.

Paisley Prints and Four Frames

This Paisley Prints Designer Series Paper is so pretty!  And I love the Four Frames stamp set!  I made a Mother's Day card and four cards that coordinate with it.  I was thinking the four cards would make a great Mother's Day gift.

Here's a close-up of the Mother's Day card.  Lots of fancy details to make it special for a special person.

Here are two more notecards.  I like them a lot, but they didn't seem to match the others enough to include in a coordinating set.  I've included them in this post to give you a couple more ideas and so you can see another of the Four Frames.



Don't forget about the April promotion involving the Paisley Petals paper and Four Frames stamp set.  You can see the details on the Promotions page.

Graduation Celebration

Here are the three graduation cards we'll be making at the Graduation Celebration class next week.  The colors on two of the cards can be coordinated to your graduate's school colors.  The third card is made with fun colors that will work for anyone.

The red and white card (I was thinking NC State) has white grosgrain ribbon and a stamp from Word Play that I love (Go confidently in the direction of your dreams).  It can be made with any color combination (see below for the Appalachian State version).

I really like matching the colors in a graduation card with the graduate's school colors, but sometimes that's not possible. That's why I designed the card on the top right.  The stamp from Word Play, Imagine the possibilities, seemed perfect with the graduation cap and diploma..  Thanks to my daughter for her help as I tried to figure out how to make the graduation cap.  You can't really tell in the picture, but the top of the cap is popped up from the other part.

The bottom card is also a gift card holder.  You can see the inside and more details here.  The ink colors inside can be personalized if you know the school colors (I used Garner Blue and Gold) but they don't have to be.

I must have been thinking of Appalachian State when I was making graduation cards because I made several in black and gold before I realized it.  I started with the star card and since I used gold for the stars, the color combination made sense.  I just got on a roll after that.  I have another I'll post in a few days.

(We won't be making the star card.  I just added it to give you another idea.)

For details about the Graduation Celebration class and other events I have planned, see the Classes Page.  I will be updating this page soon with May's events.



Graduation Cap Gift Card Holder and Card

Hi Stampers!  I'm really excited about today's card.  A long time ago I had a template for a graduation cap that also was a gift card holder.  It involved a lot of tracing and cutting.  I went to find it this year and then decided I really didn't feel like tracing and cutting.  After all, that's why I own a big shot! LOL

So, here's one of the cards we'll be making in the Graduation Celebration class on 4/27 (evening) and 4/28 (morning).  See the full details on the Classes page.  Also, I had a request to offer this on a weekend.  Let me know if you'd prefer that and I'll add another session.  But let me know soon so I can order supplies!

The front uses the Square Scallop Bigz Clear die.  I think it makes a fun cap shape.  I used a 5/8" jumbo brad and grosgrain ribbon for the tassle.  I was very happy when I asked my daughter if she knew what it was supposed to be and (after looking at me as if I was asking a trick question) answered a graduation cap.  Always good to make sure someone else is seeing the same thing I am :)

Here's the inside of the card.  I chose to make the back straight and a little smaller.  It seemed more like the cap part that way (not that I made it 3-d, but once I think of something like that, I've got to go with it).  I scored the back piece of card stock at 3/8" and folded it to make a hinge (I guess that's the best word for it).  Then I ran SNAIL adhesive along the hinge part and attached it to the scallop square so that when you open the card you don't see the hinge.  The gift card is in no way an advertisement.  It just happens to be one I had on hand for demonstration purposes.

I added a little bonus message when the card is removed.  I was thinking something like, "Imagine the possibilities that await you now that you've graduated."  My teenage daughter thought this, "Imagine the possiblities that you can spend this gift card on."  LOL  Either way, it works and I kind of like the double meaning.

The two top messages are from Word Play, a set with lots of good, unique sentiments.  Congratulations comes from the hostess set in the Occasions Mini Catalog, Something to Celebrate and Happy Graduation is from that extremely useful set, Teeny Tiny Wishes.



Hope you enjoyed today's card.  Contact me to register for the Graduation Celebration class to make one of your own.

Sue Root, Stampin' Up Demonstrator

Cottage Garden Card Kit

The Card Kit of the Month Program – April 2011

Featured Set: “Cottage Garden”

 Featured Accessory: Paper Daises

 
 










Card Kits are the Stamping Classes that come right to your door! You’ll receive the supplies to create SIX of EACH design shown here – that means all of the consumable supplies that you need to create 12 cards total. You will also receive 2 additional full color photographs of “alternative” cards that you can make with the combined contents of the kit! In addition, you’ll receive detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to complete each of the 4 designs. This month’s card kit items are listed below, and the price of the Card Kit is just $20 – that’s less than $1.70 per card!!

Card Kit Order Deadline is April 15th. You will receive your kits at the end of the month.

Special Offer for April!  Purchase the Card Kit and receive the, featured stamp set “Cottage Garden” and the Featured Accessory, “Paper Daises” at 20% off!

The Card Kit ($20) Includes:

 Cut Cardstock Pieces
 Cut Ribbon Pieces
 12 Rhinestone Jewels – Sizes will vary
 12 – Whisper White Medium Envelopes
 Step by Step Instructions to complete 4 different card designs using the kit pieces

Add-On Products:

 Baja Breeze Classic Ink ($5.95)
 Riding Hood Red Classic Ink ($5.95)
 Peach Parfait Classic Ink ($5.95)
 Word Window Punch ($15.95)
 1 3/8 Circle Punch ($15..95)
 ½ Circle Punch ($15.95)
 Scallop Edge Punch ($15.95)
 Corner Rounder Punch ($5.95)
 Cottage Garden Stamp Set: Wood - ($18.95) $15.16, Clear - ($14.95) $11.96 with the purchase of the Card Kit.
 Paper Daises ($6.95) $5.56 with the purchase of the Card Kit.

Other Optional Purchases:

 Stampin’ Dimensionals ($3.95)
 SNAIL Adhesive ($6.95)
 Bone Folder ($6.95)
 Paper Snips ($9.95)
 Mini Glue Dots ($4.95)

Please Note: I am glad to ship kits directly to you! There is a $3.50 shipping charge.

Contact me to order your Card Kit Today!

Sue Root,  stampin_sue@nc.rr.com



Occasions Builder Wheels

Have you tried the builder wheels?  You can use one, two or three of them together on one Jumbo wheel handle.  This card uses two of the three builder wheels in the Occasions catalog:  Delight in Gladness and Butterfly Bliss (p.23).  Since I only used two wheels, I had one space free.  I left that space in the middle so I could add some ribbon.  Unfortunately it got a little skewed as I took the picture, but I'm sure it righted itself when I moved the card. 

I see that the bottom wheel image looks a little light, but that's photo quality -- the wheel works great. As I've mentioned before, I'm a stamper, not a photographer :)

Added 4/15:

Here's another example.  This one is made with the retired color Crushed Curry. This one is done on one of the notecards that Stampin' Up sells.  You get 20 notecards (3 1/2 x 5) and envelopes.  As you can see, they are a great size for whipping up a quick card.

Build a Blossom -- again

Hi Stampers!  I don't think it's any surprise that I love the Build a Blossom stamp set and coordinating Blossom Petals Punch.  Here's another card I made with them.  The flower I made using the small petal* reminded me of the one on the Elegant Bouquet embossing folder, so it seemed natural to pair them together.  I also used my new Dotted Scallop Ribbon border punch.  Not sure how I missed getting this for so long -- very fun!

*It's the small flower petal, but not the smallest petal/leaf punch that I used for the tulip.  It's confusing to know what to call them, but hopefully you can figure it out by looking at the shape.

Have a wonderful weekend!