This Horse is a Champion...

When I made this card I was thinking of a picture of a prize horse hanging on the wall with his blue ribbon attached to the frame.  The Designer Series Paper (DSP), which is from Epic Day, is supposed to represent the wallpaper.  I know no one would actually have wallpaper like that, it's just my interpretation.

I used my Aqua Painter to color the horse and my Sponge Daubers to color the background.  I chose to make the horse gray because there is Basic Gray in the DSP.  On the inside I stamped the horseshoe and one of the sayings that comes with the Horse Frontier set.  The ribbon is from Blue Ribbon.

I have been having a great time with this set, so expect to see more cards made with this beautiful horse.

TSSC 269 - Serene Silhouettes

Here's my design team sample for the Techno Stamper Sketch Challenge (#269).

This card uses two stamp sets - Serene Silhouettes and Papillon Potpourri.  The scallop border was cut with the Tasteful Trim die and Big Shot.  The ribbon is Gumball Green 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon.  I also used the Bitty Butterfly Punch.  Colors:  Midnight Muse, Gumball Green, Summer Starfruit, and Whisper White.

Here is this week's sketch:

 You can see the other design team samples and link your entry here.  Hope you'll play along this week.

Graduation Card - She Believed She Could

I know most of you are through graduations, but I wanted to  wait until some of the cards and gifts were given before I posted them to my blog so that the surprise wasn't ruined.

Today's card is once again done in Brilliant Blue and Crushed Curry for Garner High School's colors of Blue and Gold.  In May, I did a variation of this card in Crushed Curry and Melon Mambo (not trying to match any school colors), but sent it before I took a picture.

The stamp is from Feel Goods and I think it's great for any female graduate, but especially for an advanced degree or someone who's overcome some difficulties in reaching her goal.  I embossed the words so that they would really stand out on the dark background.  It was a little tricky because the card stock is textured so some of the areas didn't get any ink the first time.  I used my VersaMarker (retired, but you could probably use VersaMark ink and some sort of applicator, like a Q-tip(?), to apply it) to fill in the empty areas and then embossed again.

The flower was cut with the Daisies #2 die (retired) and the Big Shot.  The corners were punched with the Scallop Trim Corner Punch (retired).

Bonus card:  Here's a variation of the graduation card using the Chalkboard Technique that I posted previously.  You can see a few changes - layered on a Naturals Ivory Background, frame cut from Early Espresso Core'dinations and sanded, fewer stamps to accommodate the smaller black piece (chalkboard).  You can see the original card here.

Graduation Gift

My daughter and I decided to make these for graduation presents for her friends.  I saw some similar items on Pinterest and I've gotten candy bouquets before, so this is what we came up with.  It turned out to be a family event with a little help from several people.  It's hard to see, but there are Hershey's Kisses in the bases.

 We etched each girl's first initial on their glass.  It's a little hard to see, but here's a close-up.  We made our own stencils using the Big Shot, Contact Paper, and alphabet dies.

The stamps are from assorted sets:  Word Play, Morning Post Alphabet, Blue Ribbon, and Whimsical Words.  I was wishing I had the Rosette Die as I scored and folded all those rosettes!  I had originally planned to just have the whole glass filled with Kisses, but they wouldn't hold up the inserts.  So, I ended up getting some floral foam (which the tissue is covering).  Then I put the Kisses on top.

They ended up taking longer than I thought they would, but my daughter was pleased with them and her friends all seemed to like them, so it was worth it.

Thanks for stopping by my blog.  I hope today's post has given you some inspiration.

Graduation Tri-fold Shutter Card

Here is the card I made for my daughter's graduation.  Yes, we gave it to her last week when she graduated.  It just didn't make it to the blog until now.

I chose to make a trifold shutter card because I think they make a very special card and I definitely wanted something extra special for such a big event.

Here is the front of the card.  I made a punch art gown and mortar board.  I tried to copy her graduation attire, but I left off one medal just because I couldn't get it to fit right.

 This card uses lots of retired items, mostly because her school colors are blue and gold.  When Stampin' Up! had the color renovation a few years ago, I hoarded Brilliant Blue because it is a perfect match.

The mortar board is just a square tilted to the side.  I cut the tassel out of card stock and attached it with a retired brad.   The purple cord was made with retired twine which I colored Elegant Eggplant with my Stampin' Write marker.  My hands were very purple afterwards!  I used one of the circles on the Owl Punch to punch the medal from Brushed Gold card stock.

Here are views of the card standing up and open (one from the front and then a top view):

Here's the card open and lying flat so you can see all the panels.  The stamps are from Word Play (retired - "Go Confidently in the Direction of Your Dreams" is perfect for graduation cards),  Designer Typeset Photopolymer (the graduation year - "2013"), Teeny Tiny Wishes ("Happy Graduation" on the bottom of the right panel) and Pure Gumption (all the rest).  The Designer Series Paper is Razzleberry Lemonade (retired).  The right panel is blank to allow for a personal message and signing.

 Here's what a Tri-fold shutter card looks like if instead of opening it according to the cuts and folds you just open it like a regular card (basically fold back the front panel).   You don't really open it this way, but if you decide to try to make one, this view might be helpful in letting you know that everything is laying right.

 I hope you've enjoyed seeing this card.  I spent a lot of time on it and poured a lot of love into it.

TSSC 268 - Open Sea and Epic Day

I'm a day late with my Techno Stamper Sketch Challenge (TSSC) this week.  We just had so much going on with graduation and company that I didn't have time to get it done.  Sorry it's late.

The Designer Series Paper along the bottom is from Epic Day.  I love that DSP with my This and That Journal, but  it's also really nice for cards.  The ship stamp, from Open Sea, is stamped in Basic Gray ink on Pool Party card stock.  Both colors are on the DSP.  The base is Crumb Cake, which is also featured on the Epic Day DSP.

For the strip across the middle, I punched a 1" strip of Early Espresso Core'dinations on both sides with the Scallop Edge Border Punch.  I tried to offset the scallops so that it would look kind of like a rope.  Then I distressed it with my sanding block and my distressing tool.

Here's this week's sketch:

 

You've seen my sample.  Now head over to the TSSC site to link your own entry and see the samples from the rest of the design team.

Happy Father's Day! (Punch Art)

Happy Father's Day to all of the wonderful fathers out there!

Here is a punch art Father's Day card that we did in my most recent club.  The ladies loved it!  Who doesn't know a man who works with at least the most basic of tools, like the wrenches in this card?

Basic Gray base.  Basic Black layer.  Real Red Top Note die cut run through Big Shot with Stripes Embossing Folder.  Sentiment from Delightful Dozen stamped in Black StazOn on Whisper White and layered on Basic Gray.  Three silver brads.

Wrenches:  Basic Gray  pieces (all sponged around edges):  Rectangle.  1 1/4" Circle Punch - use Word Window for cut out.  Punch smallest flower from Boho Blossoms and then punch 1" Circle around it.

This card was originally posted by Paula.  I saved the link (back when I found this in 2009), but it's no longer valid.  If this is your post and you have more information, I'd love to hear from you so I can do a better job giving you credit.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!  Sue

Graduation Announcement - My Digital Studio

Hi Stampers.  Tomorrow is graduation day for my oldest daughter.  Here are the announcements I made using My Digital Studio (MDS).

TSSC 267 - Oh, Hello

So I just finally got Oh, Hello and the Ovals Framelits.  I'm not sure why it took me so long, except that I was busy buying so many other things... (lol)

Here is my sample for this week's Techno Stamper Sketch Challenge:

 I had to use retired Designer Series Paper (Floral District) because my new DSP doesn't arrive until Monday afternoon (Oh, Hello!  I do have some -- Epic Day, that I got with my This and That Bundle.  I right this moment remembered it, though.  Guess that's what I get for not putting it where it belongs.).

Here's the sketch for this week:

Head on over to the TSSC site to see the samples from the rest of the design team and to link up your entry.  Hope you'll play along this week!

Thanks for stopping by my blog!  Sue

Disney - Mickey and Minnie Punch Art Card

I needed a thank you card for some people who love everything Disney.  I found this adorable card made by Sara-Jane at Cards and a Cuppa and had to CASE (Copy And Share Everything) it.

The layers are a little different and my card must be a little smaller (based on the amount of white space around Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse), but otherwise it's pretty much the same.  I believe my card was 6" x 4 1/4" (but that's from memory, since the card's already been sent and I didn't write it down).  Basically, I used one 1 3/4" circle and two 1" circles per mouse.  Minnie's bow was made with one 1/2" circle and two petals from the Five Petal Flower Punch (which, unfortunately, is retired).  Sara-Jane has more details if you want them.

The ribbon is also retired, but I agree with Sara-Jane's assessment that it is just perfect for Disney.  If you don't have it, you could probably substitute Real Red 1/4" Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon.

I'm glad you stopped by my blog today and I hope you enjoyed this cute, quick card that is perfect for anyone who loves Disney.

MDS Card

Today I'm sharing a card I did in My Digital Studio (MDS).  I have a friend who had a birthday on Monday and, well, I kind of missed it.  So, I turned to MDS to create a card to e-mail her.  If I wasn't already late, I would have printed it and snail mailed it, but with e-mail it could get there right away.

 I started with the Autumn Elements 7 x 5 Greeting Card Designer Template, which is included when you buy the MDS software.  I changed some of the colors to look less like Fall and more like Spring or Summer and I changed the words to a birthday message.

MDS is such a great product, not only for cards, but for scrapbooks, collages, and more.

TSSC 266 Patterned Party

Here is this week's Techno Stamper Sketch Challenge Card.  It uses the retiring Stampin' Up! set, Patterned Party.  The Designer Series Paper (DSP) is Patio Party (retiring, 25% off).  Both are available through today, June 3rd, and then they'll be gone.

 Here is the inside of the card.

 Here is this week's sketch.  Why not head on over to the TSSC site and enter your project?  You can also see the samples by the other design team members.

Here's a little bonus using the same DSP and stamps as my challenge card (and also the retired set, On Your Birthday).  It's the first stair step card I've ever made.  The view is from the top so you can see each section better.  Now that I know how it goes, I think next time I'll add some more to it.

Flower Folds Die Card and Scallop Square Bag

Today I have some projects using the retiring Flower Folds Die.  Remember, tomorrow, Monday, June 3rd, is the last day to order retiring items from Stampin' Up!  Place an order by 6/15 using hostess code WBEAXJTJ for a chance to win the hostess merchandise.  Each $40 in your order gets you an entry.

I made this fun card using my Big Shot and Flower Folds Die (retiring).  I also used one of the new small Scallop Circle Punches and a Designer Buttons - Brights (retiring) for the center.

Here's another flower I made with this great die.  The flower layers are offset instead of layered straight on top of each other.

Here's a bag I made back when these Scallop Square bags were all the rage.  I'm not the best at sewing, but I think it turned out kind of cute and with the Square Scallop Die it was super easy to cut out the squares for the bag.

 Here's a close-up of the flower.  It, too, was super easy to cut with the Big Shot and the Flower Folds Die.  In fact, with the thinner fabric, you can cut multiple pieces at a time.

I think it was before Stampin' Up! sold fabric.  One neat thing about this bag - the material is all post-consumer recycled.  In other words, they were clothes on the way to the landfill because they weren't even in good enough shape to donate.  I just found the parts that were still good and cut them up with my Big Shot.

 And this is just to show you how easy the petals fold up since they are scored.  I couldn't get a good shot, but it almost makes a little cup.  It's pretty cool and has lots of potential for ideas.

But don't forget - this product will be gone after tomorrow (6/3).

Thanks for stopping by my blog today.  Happy stampin', Sue

Graduation Cap Gift Box and Card - Petal Cone Die

When I saw this idea by Holly at Ink, Paper, Stamps, I just knew I had to try it.  I've made lots of different projects, including take out boxes, with my Petal Cone Die (retiring, 40% off), so it made perfect sense when I saw it.  The graduation cap is basically a take out box turned upside down, with the card attached to the top.

 I made a few modifications (no white on the base of the cap, texturized the "button" on the top, and used a different punch at the end of the tassel).

 The bottom of the cap opens like this.  You close it just like you'd close up a cardboard box.  Sorry the picture is a little blurry.  My camera just did not want to focus on it, no matter what setting I used.

The Petal Cone die for the Big Shot is so versatile, you don't want to miss out on getting it.  Unfortunately, since it's on the retirement list, you only have until Monday, June 3rd to order it.  While you're there, check out the other great products on the retirement list.

Still on the fence about it?  Google "Petal Cone die, Stampin' Up" and choose Images at the top.  I've also posted some projects here on my blog, though I have to say, I've made many more items with this die than I've posted.

I stamped the inside of the card with Pure Gumption.  I'm not sure why I didn't take a picture of it.

You can always use black for graduation caps and gowns, but when I know the school colors, I like to personalize it.  We made these in the April Club and some of the ladies made theirs in Brilliant Blue (retired) with a Crushed Curry (returning color) tassel, which matches our local high school colors.

The tassel was made with the Tasteful Trim die and the Scallop Oval Punch.

TSSC 265 My Digital Studio (Graduation and Father's Day)

So, last week I mentioned that I haven't been getting the best pictures lately.  I should have been happy with what I had.  We had a little mishap at my house and the entire memory card appears to have been wiped clean.  At first I thought I might not be able to do this week's Techno Stamper Sketch Challenge since I couldn't photograph my sample to upload it to my blog.  But, once again, My Digital Studio (MDS) has come to the rescue!

Graduation is right around the corner and I need to get busy with some graduation cards.  I like to use school colors when I can, so this one is made with Garner High School (where my girls go) colors.  One nice thing about MDS is that it's very easy to change the colors, so it would be a snap to adjust this card for a graduate from another school.

I think the stamp that I used from Word Play is great for graduation cards.  Then again, I think the whole set is pretty great.  It's too bad it's retiring.  You only have until June 3rd to get it.  Sets in My Digital Studio never retire, so you'll still be able to get the digital version, but I'm glad I have both.

I used a text box to get the words on the banner, which I capped with arrows to mimic the arrow in the stamp.

Here is this week's sketch:

And here's a bonus card.  I used My Digital Studio and the set All Holidays to make a Father's Day card.

Head on over to the Techno Stamper Sketch Challenge site to see the samples from the rest of the design team and to link your own entry.   Stretch your creativity this week by playing along.

If you have questions about linking your entry, please feel free to ask.

Happy Memorial Day!  Thanks to all of our active duty military personnel and to our veterans for their service!  Be sure to take time to remember those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.  After all, that's what this holiday is all about.

Stampin' Kits (My Digital Studio)

I like to carry a small stamping kit with me so that when I get stuck waiting somewhere, I can pull it out and be productive.  I used wood mount stamp boxes (being replaced by a new style).  So far, I have two sizes.  Both covers were made in MDS.  Here they are closed:

Here's a peek inside the larger one.  As you can see, I can carry all of the supplies necessary to make cards.  For this size, the card base must be folded to fit.  Sometimes I cut or punch pieces in advance, since neither the Big Shot nor the big punches will fit in this Stampin' Kit.  If I was making a set of cards at home, I'd punch them all out at once to save time.  So instead of moving to the next step right away, they go in my box with the other card pieces, to be stamped and assembled later.

Here are the cover pages as created in My Digital Studio:

These boxes are so handy.  I intend to make more for storing and carrying other things.  In fact, the small one has been re-purposed for holding my Simply Adorned charms and inserts.  I guess I need to make a new cover to reflect its new use.

Edit 5/22/13 - Two more ideas:

1)  These would also be great for gift boxes.  You could personalize them to match the gift.  Wrap the gift in tissue paper before putting it in the box so that you can't see what it is, insert the decorative cover, close the box, and you're done.  You can also tie a ribbon around it and add a bow to make it even nicer.  If you use the box to give handmade cards, then the recipient has a nice box to keep the cards in until they get used.

2)  If you don't have MDS, you could create cover inserts the traditional way - using card stock, stamps, punches, etc. 

Edit 11/12/13 - I have really liked having my Simply Adorned charms (retired, but the 1.5" x 2" size is still available on the Clearance Rack), chains, and inserts in one of these boxes.  It's a great way to keep them all together.  I just went into MDS and changed what my cover says.  If I really wanted to get organized, I'd scan all of the inserts and put a picture on the front cover.  Then I'd be able to see what I have without having to open the box.  Maybe one of these days...

So basically, with MDS you can make any kind of cover insert so you can use the boxes for anything you want.  And because the covers are inserted inside the box, they don't get messed up and they are easy to replace. 

I personally have not bought these boxes because I have been converting my retired wood mount stamps into clear mount (using the Clear Mount Cling Foam, 124236 - if you have questions about how to do this, please feel free to ask me).   So I have plenty of empty boxes to use - and I love that I can re-purpose them rather than throw them away.  However, if you haven't done this yet or need new boxes (say for a gift), you can get them from Stampin' Up!

Since the Stamp and Supply boxes are being retired, Stampin' Up! has offered a great price on these:

We are excited about the recent announcement of our new wood-mount stamp cases and want to give you a chance to get our outgoing placon storage boxes before they are gone. We have specially packaged the following placon boxes in packs of 10 at a great price.

Item	Description	Price
134676	Stamp & Supply Boxes (10 Pack) 3-3/8" x 2"	$2.95
134677	Stamp & Supply Boxes (10 Pack) 4-1/4" x 3"	$3.95
134678	Stamp & Supply Boxes (10 Pack) 5-1/4 x 4-1/4"	$4.95
134679	Stamp & Supply Boxes (10 Pack) 6-1/4" x 4-1/2"	$6.95
134680	Stamp & Supply Boxes (10 Pack) 8" x 5-1/4"	$7.95
134681	Stamp & Supply Boxes (10 Pack) 8" x 5-1/4" with tray	$7.95
134682	Stamp & Supply Boxes (10 Pack) 10-1/4" x 5"	$8.95

The placon boxes are only available while supplies last, so order yours today and get organized!*

Edit 1/20/14 - These Stamp & Supply Boxes are still available on the Clearance Rack.  The prices have gone down significantly!

TSSC 264 Blossom Petals Punch

Good Morning!  It's time for another Techno Stamper Sketch Challenge!  Here's my card:

 And here's the sketch:

The colors on my card are Midnight Muse, Primrose Petals and Summer Starfruit.  I know they don't quite look like that in the picture.  I've apologized before for my photography, but for some reason my TSSC photos seem to turn out even worse than normal.  I thought it was because I usually end up taking them at night (due to the deadline), but last week I took the picture in the sun and it just ended up looking harsh (in my opinion).  I guess I'll just keep trying until I get it figured out (insert shrug here).

The Designer Series Paper is Patio Party (retiring, 25% off).  There's one page in there that's basically strips of different designs - so cool to use together or to cut into individual strips as I did for this card.

The flower was made with the Blossom Petals Punch (retiring, 40% off).  This is such a versatile punch, both for the variety of flowers and leaves you can make with it and for use in punch art.  You can see some of the projects I've made with it here - including a golf tee and a Hershey's kiss.

The coordinating Stampin' Up stamp set, Build a Blossom, is also retiring.  Want to see even more ideas?  Google the punch and/or the stamps, click on images at the top, and you'll see tons of creative uses for both.

Now head on over to the Techno Stamper site to see the samples from the rest of the design team.  Then, make your own project using the sketch and link it to the challenge.  Hope you'll play along this week.  Don't have a blog to link to?  Contact me for other ways to join the challenge.

Thanks for stopping by my blog!

MDS Birthday Card

I needed a birthday card for a friend who recently moved.  Since I don't have her new address yet, I decided to make the card in My Digital Studio (MDS) and e-mail it to her.  Turned out to be much quicker and easier than I expected.

MDS comes with many templates for cards, photo pages, etc., plus you can buy additional ones.  This card is one of those templates.  I do not know if this is one that comes with the software or one I got with a digital purchase.  Either way, I thought it was very cute.  So, instead of designing a card like I had originally intended, I used this one.

All I did was open a new project using this template.  Then I made the first page of the card a .jpeg file.  Now I can send it in an e-mail as an attachment.  How easy is that?

For times that I want a hard copy, it's also very easy to personalize the templates (for example, to add a message on the inside).

Have you tried MDS yet?  If not, you can try it FREE for 30 days.  The more I use it, the more I like it.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today.

Photo Wallet - Elements of Style

Recently I made this cute little photo wallet using one of my favorite Stampin' Up! sets, Elements of Style.  I can't believe it's retiring.

Here's the photo wallet closed:

Here it is opened all the way.  You can mount pictures on the solid pieces and journal on the Whisper White ones.  I used a light colored ink on the journaling pieces so that the writing will still be readable (as long as you use a dark ink).

 Here it is partially open (or partially closed, depending on your view point).  There are two spots for more photos and a pretty stamped center.

 This is the belly band that holds it closed.

We'll be making one of these in an upcoming class, so keep an eye on the Classes/Events page to find out when.  The one we make in class will be different since Elements of Style will no longer be available.  It's a great set.  If you don't have it, be sure to get it before it's gone.

Boo Hoo Girl (Punch Art)

This card was made by my friend and customer, Nancy Baker, whose work I've shared before.  She made this for the birthday of a mutual friend.

 The face is the Ornament Punch (119847, retiring, 25% off).  The hair is the Scallop Oval Punch.  The mouth is a Circle Punch.  She used the Little Leaves Sizzlit, Boho Blossoms Punch and a punch from the Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack for the flower above the Happy Birthday Label (which is from the Bitty Banners Framelits). The medallion was made with a Scallop Punch (not sure which size) which was punched twice, with a smaller circle layered inside.  Not sure what else, though I believe several parts were hand cut.

Here's another card she made:

Some of the supplies I recognize:  a label from the Lots of Tags Sizzlits (retiring), a retired Embossing Folder, Butterfly Embosslits, Ticket Corner Punch (retired).  I'm sure the crocuses are made with some small piece from a punch, but I don't know which one.

Nancy often gets inspiration from other stampers, so it's possible these may resemble something you've made.  If so, please let us know by leaving a comment with a link to your work.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today.  I hope you've enjoyed seeing my friend's cards.