Goodbye to Queen Anne's Lace

 I feel sad as some of my old favorites from the retiring catalog are pulled off my shelves and decisions made about keeping or passing them on for others to enjoy.  This Queen Anne's Lace stamp set is one that I've been waffling back and forth on.  So why not make another card with it to share with you?  And that's just what I did today.

Most times I've used this set, I've chosen shades of purple and/or blue.  Today I thought I'd stick with just plain white and green for the card, but I don't think it's at all boring.  The card base starts with Mint Macaron cardstock cut at 8 1/2" x 5 1/2".  Since I wanted to use one of the Basic Borders Dies to give it a fun edge, I trimmed off 1/4" from the front edge to give me the separation I wanted showing.  The card base was scored at the regular 4 1/4" and folded in half.

Using the stitched zig-zag edge die, I cut the right edge about 1/2" in from the edge.  This gave me the extra piece to use inside the card later.

The Basic White cardstock piece for the stamped images was cut at 3" x 5 1/4".  The Queen Anne's Lace flower was stamped first in Memento Tuxedo Black ink.  The stamp was cleaned and then re-inked with Smoky Slate ink.  Before stamping, it was off-stamped and then stamped down and to the left of the original flower.  The 2-step part of the set (the flowers) were inked with Mint Macaron, off-stamped, then stamped over the black stems.  Without re-inking, just huffing, they were stamped again over the Smoky Slate stems.  This gives a really nice shadowy image of another flower stem.  

I wanted just a touch of subtle bling added to the card, so I spattered the card with Wink of Stella.  Also dabbed a bit on each of the flowers.  No matter how many times I tried to capture it with my camera, it just didn't want to show up.  Talk about stubborn!  Sorry!!

This stamped layer was positioned on the card front and attached with adhesive.  I had a 1/4" strip of Silver Foil sitting amongst my table trinkets just waiting to be used.  Because of the colors on this card, I thought it would make a good accent across the stems.  It was trimmed to fit across and attached with adhesive.

I've been partial to the sentiments in this set because they have such fun fonts.  The 'hello friend' sentiment can be used for so many different reasons, so that's what I chose today.  It was stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink onto a Basic White scrap.  It was punched out with the Double Oval Punch.  Then the scalloped part of the punch was used on a piece of Mint Macaron cardstock to make a pretty frame around the sentiment.  The two pieces were attached with adhesive.  Then Dimensionals were attached to the back to adhere to the card.

The card looked a little bare, so I added some sprigs from the new Natural Prints Die set.  I cutout two small Mint Macaron sprigs, and one taller one from Smoky Slate cardstock.  These were tucked behind the sentiment layer.

A layer of 5 1/4" x 4" Basic White cardstock was cut for the inside of the card.  The Queen Anne's Lace stem was inked up with Smoky Slate ink, off-stamped, then stamped onto the bottom left of the insert.  This layer was attached inside the card base using adhesive.

To finish off the card on the inside, remember that piece that was die-cut from the front edge?   I used MultiPurpose Liquid Glue to attach this tight along the right edge of the card base, so it covers the edge of the Basic White layer.   Isn't that a nice finished look?

Well, it was fun making another card with this set.  It really didn't help me decide whether it was going into the keep or share with others pile.  Still thinking on that...

Hope you're having fun looking through the new Annual Catalog that you have.  Don't forget there's still two more shopping days left for the retiring catalog.  Don't miss out on something you've been thinking about and figure you'll get to 'later'.  Oh, you don't do that?  Hmmm, unfortunately I do, so I guess that applies to me too.  Have fun stamping and creating your masterpieces.  It really is better than therapy.  Plus you end up with cards to share with your friends and family.  Don't forget to get some of those wonderful cards you're making into the mailbox soon!

Blessings and many hugs,

Sharon
 

Blue Honeybee Home Card

Hey there!  Hope you're doing well this Friday.  Had lots of fun going out to dinner and then back home to play games with family.  Have you ever played a game called Pit?  It's loud and crazy and the six of us had so much fun.  Guess who ended up with a negative score.  Uhhh, yes.  That would be me.  For some reason I just couldn't get anything to work right last night, but I still had a blast.   I so enjoyed spending my birthday with my favorite people!!

This card didn't quite work out like I thought it would, but I still like it anyway.  I think I'll need to revisit this idea again.  There's a window in the front flap, and another in the inside flap.  I like the double window, but I think I'd like to use a thinner rectangle die for the window.  And maybe wider cardstock too.  We'll see...

This card idea started out with a piece of Basic White cardstock that was cut to 5 1/2" x 11".  The scoring was at 4 1/4" and 8 1/2".  A 5 1/4" x 4" layer of the Heart & Home 12" x 12" Designer Series Paper was attached to the card front using adhesive.  Love that vintage-looking print!  Unfortunately, it is being retired.  Too bad, it has some lovely prints.  Since it's in the January - June Mini Catalog, you still have to June 30th to order this!  Yay!!

The Rectangle Stitched Framelits were used to die-cut the rectangle window in the front flap.  Then it was marked on the inside flap with a pencil so I'd know where to place the same Framelit for the inside cut to match up. 

While the card was closed to check on placement, the sentiment from the new Wisteria Wishes stamp set was used.  The two sentiments were stamped in Night of Navy ink one underneath the other.  Since it's a Photopolymer set, it's easy to get the stamps lined up the way you want.

The floral stem from the Honeybee Home set was stamped on the piece of Basic White cardstock with Memento Tuxedo Black ink.  The coloring was done with Stampin' Blends:  So Saffron Light and Dark, Daffodil Delight Light, Soft Seafoam Light and Dark.  After coloring, it was die-cut using the coordinating dies from the Honeybee Blooms Die set.

These flowers were too pale by themselves, so two of the Meadow Dies were used.  The floral stem cut out a piece of Night of Navy CS, and the twig cut out Silver Foil.  Together, putting these behind the colored flowers was enough of a contrast to work.  The two Meadow stems were attached flat with adhesive, and the flowers used Mini Dimensionals to pop them up.  

About 6" of one of the gorgeous new ribbons was used to make a small bow.  These new ribbons are 1/8" wide Metallic Woven and come in the new 2022-2024 In Colors.  I used the Starry Sky color and think it works well with the Night of Navy on the card.  It was attached over the stems with a Mini Glue Dot.

Here you can see the inside of the card better.  I stamped the floral stem again, but this time with Night of Navy ink.  This is off to the side.  My thoughts are that I'd write a note on the left side of the card.  Guess it'll be just a short note because there's not much space.

When I was using the Meadow Dies, I also cut a butterfly in Night of Navy.  It was attached inside the window area for an accent using a Mini Glue Dot.

The very last addition was the three rhinestones.  I used my favorites of course - the 2021-2023 In Color Jewels.  These are the Pale Papaya color, but as you can see, they blend in very well with the yellows on the flowers.  Have I mentioned how much I'm going to miss these jewels?  I did stock up on another pack, just because I love them so much!

That's it for today's post.  Hope you like the idea and make something similar yourself.  I love the look of blue and yellow together and adding in the pretty vintage-looking DSP - it just makes me happy.  Thanks for stopping in again.  I'm trying to keep the posts coming on a regular basis.  Some days I do much better than others in that regard.  But hang with me, I've been playing with some new sets and those posts are coming soon.  Looking forward to sharing all my favorites with you!  Some of you have been sending me texts and/or emails to show me what you've been making.  I Love It!!  Send more when you can.  It's so fun to see what you're doing too!

If you're placing an order with me, please use the Host Code shown at the top of the blog posts.  It's greatly appreciated.  There are only a few days left to order from the old Annual Catalog.  It ends May 2nd to make way for the new.  You may order from the new 2022-2023 Annual Catalog on May 3rd!  Mark your calendars ladies!!  Woo Hoo!

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon

Old, New, and In Between

 Hi friends,  Just been hanging out and not doing much of anything lately.  I don't know where my energy has gone, but I've been feeling kind of wrung out lately.  I'm sure it has absolutely nothing to do with an upcoming birthday and getting older.  Of course not!   I've been taking stock of my life and life in general.  Some things I'm happy with where things stand and other things are making me feel uncomfortable.  You know how that goes...   Anyway, I do have a card I want to share with you.  It uses a retiring stamp and die bundle, but also a new embossing folder that I really like.   Just like me - old, new, and everything in between.

I've always liked the Forever Blossoms stamp set.  It's so elegant but delicate too.  And when a stamp set comes with a coordinating die set (Cherry Blossoms) it's really a winner in my book.  The cherry blossoms are stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink onto a Basic White cardstock piece.  Then the fun begins with the coloring.  I used Stampin' Blends for this, of course.  They just make the coloring so effortless and it's fun layering on different colors to get the look you want.  For the flowers, I used Fresh Freesia Light and Dark, and Highland Heather Light and Dark.  The stems and leaves are colored with Pear Pizzazz Light and Dark, and bits added with Old Olive Dark.  I did the coloring on these before I die-cut them out.  I find it easier to work with this way.  (my bad - we have no Pear Pizzazz Blends.  I used Old Olive Light and Dark, and Mossy Meadow Light)

For the card base, I used Highland Heather cardstock cut to 8 1/2" x 5 1/2", scored and folded in half.  The Highland Heather was a little darker than the flowers and really made them stand out.  I debated adding some tone-on-tone stamping on this layer, but decided I liked it plain instead.

The green layer tucked behind the flowers is Mossy Meadow.  This is not one of the colors from the leaves, but I loved the darkness behind the delicate flowers.  This layer is cut at 4 1/4" x 2 3/4".  The new Fern 3D Embossing Folder was used for texture.  So pretty.  I think this might become a new favorite of mine. 

To bring a greater definition between the Mossy Meadow and Highland Heather layers, I added a layer of Silver Foil cut at 4 1/2" x 3".  This layer also gives it some shine and really draws the eye to the design.  Mono Adhesive Liquid Glue was used to attached these together.  With any heavy embossing, I prefer to use the Liquid Glue to make sure it is really attached well.  I just hate for layers to pop off after it goes through the mail!

The cherry blossoms are attached directly to the Mossy Meadow layer.  These are also attached with Mono Adhesive Liquid Glue.  I left the design partly coming off the Mossy Meadow layer, because I like the look of not being totally contained in a space.

This whole layer was then attached to the card front using Dimensionals.  Love the pop this give to the card that is otherwise flat.

The sentiment is from the Forever Blossoms set too.  This was stamped onto Basic White using Gorgeous Grape ink.  I wanted to stick with the purple tones, but wanted it a bit darker.  This was punched out with the scalloped oval from the Double Oval Punch.  This is attached partially with adhesive on the left side and a Dimensional on the right side to keep it even.  Under the sentiment, three of the retiring 2021-2023 In Color Jewels in the Fresh Freesia color were added.  Don't know what I'm going to do without having these lovely jewels to tuck in everywhere.

The inside of the card has a layer of Basic White cardstock cut at 5 1/4" x 4".  The sentiment for the inside is also from the Forever Blossoms set and was stamped with Gorgeous Grape ink.  The loose flower in the set was stamped three times in the bottom corner using Highland Heather ink to finish it up.

I've used this set multiple times for anniversaries.  The sentiments and images really work well for both weddings and anniversaries.  Hope you like this idea.  As of right now, both the stamp set and dies are available, though I'm not sure how much longer that will be.  Either way, you only have until May 2nd to order this if you're interested.

Thanks for stopping in today.  I'm so sorry for the delay in getting this posted.  For those of you that are interested, my hubby is doing better at this time.  We've been running to doctors and clinics on a regular basis lately to get one thing or another checked out.  But if this is going to get him doing better and living many more years, it's all good!  Thank you for all your prayers and for the fun get well cards he has received.  And especially thanks for all the wonderful birthday cards that have been showing up in our mailbox for me.  You ladies are the best.  We appreciate you all so very much!

Blessings and lots of hugs,

Sharon

It's Friendship Friday Again

Yes, here we are and it's Friday already.  The time just seem to trickle through my fingers way too quickly now.  Is that what happens when you get older?  Or is it just me not keeping good track of the days?  I'm not sure.  Whatever it is, it seems to be my 'new normal'.  Anyway, it is Friday, and I have some really lovely Easter cards that I want to share with you.  So let's get started.

created by Jane Murphy - I love all the layering and the colors she put together.  The bits of gold showing everywhere make it so elegant.

 

created by Jan Hollmann - I love the embossing on the white layer, and all the added die-cut birds and leaves.  So pretty.  Nice contrast of all the white with the Highland Heather cardstock.

created by Connie Juengel - So pretty with the pink marble strip and the flower-embossed layer behind the darling bunny.  Love the watercoloring on the bunny and background too.  So adorable.

created by Judy Bur - love the tone-on-tone Soft Succulent colors on this card, and the cross behind that Bible verse.  Very special card Judy!

created by Barb Eisenman - just love this card, from the background layer to the cool cross die-cut, it's just gorgeous!  And there's a pretty butterfly with lots of die-cut flowers to match inside the card too.

created by Shirley Krone - so pretty!  This picture doesn't do it justice at all.  The lattice and leaves are a bright spring green and put against the dark wood-graining it's just lovely.  I like the added touches of purple sprigs to accent the leaves.

created by Phyllis Unthank - love the look of vanilla with copper.  So elegant looking with the embossed layer and the die-cut ovals.  Did you notice the cross die-cut on the stamped oval?  Very subtle.

created by Kathy Hintz - very simple and to the point.  You can't miss the message here!  Pretty lattice oval layer and gorgeous butterfly accent. 

created by Sue Fabris - how fun is this card?  Lots going on with the daffodil, bunny, and even a few tiny eggs thrown in for good measure.  Love the lacy die-cut edges with purple polka dot background.  So spring-y!

Hope you enjoyed these unique Easter cards as much as I did.  It was such a pleasure walking to the mailbox each day to see if there were any new treasures tucked in there.  It really made a bright spot in the day when my hubby wasn't feeling well.

If you can find the time, check back in tomorrow for more creativity and chit chat.  I'm working on tomorrow's post and not quite finished with it yet.  See you soon...

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon

Bold Baby Chick Easter Card

 Hey there!  So glad you stopped by.  Today's card is the last Easter card I'll be sharing with you this year.  I mentioned yesterday that I needed a few more cards, and this was one of them.  Thought I'd try a little something different from my usual pastel themes.  This one is really bold, bright and cheerful.  I might go ahead and make one or two more of these but change up the sentiment to be more general.  Wouldn't this card add a little sunshine and happiness when it arrives in the mail?  Let's get going and I'll give you the directions to create this card yourself.

The first thought for this card was to use the Art Gallery Designer Series Paper I had left over.  Yes, it is retired, but it just sort of screamed spring at me, so I gave it a try.  What a surprise!  I love it!  This card needed a card base of Poppy Parade to balance all the bold colors.  You know it's not my favorite color, but I find myself reaching for it more often lately.  It really is the right color for this card, isn't it?  The Poppy Parade cardstock was cut to 8 1/2" x 5 1/2", scored and folded in half.

I wanted a couple of panels of DSP layered together instead of a full layer of DSP.  I cut 2 pieces of this overall print, one at 2" x 3 3/4", and the other at  2" x 4 3/4".  

I chose to use Mossy Meadow to match the DSP colors and to frame the two pieces of DSP.  These were cut at 2 1/4" x 4", and 2 1/4" x 5".  The printed designs were attached to the Mossy Meadow layers using adhesive.  At this point the two panels were attached to the folded card base using the MultiPurpose Liquid Glue to keep them nice and flat on the card, but firmly attached to the extra layers.  The larger panel was attached to the left side with the smaller one on the right side and overlapping the first panel.

Since I wanted to use the Easter Friends stamp for the card, it was time to find dies that would nicely frame the sentiment and baby chick image.  The Tasteful Labels Die set had two dies that would fit just right.  The first, longer die cut a piece of Thick Basic White cardstock.  The sentiment from the Easter Friends set was stamped with Poppy Parade ink.  This was set aside until ready to put together.

The medium sized die with the notched corners was cut from the same Thick Basic White cardstock.  First the baby chick was stamped using Daffodil Delight ink onto the center of the die-cut.  The Daffodil Delight Dark Blends was used to color in the beak and feet.   Mossy Meadow ink was used to add a little grass underfoot.  This uses the grassy stamp in the set, but only the top edges of the grass were actually stamped onto the cardstock.  The rest was just hanging off the bottom edge.

Now that everything was stamped and ready to place, the two pieces were attached with Dimensionals.  It needed some flashy bling to go with the boldness of the card now.   After looking through my stash of bling, I found the Artistry Blooms Adhesive-backed Sequins.  They have a pretty iridescent cast to them that showed up nicely, but they weren't too flashy to compete with everything else going on with the card.  They're lined up at the bottom right corner right along the edge.

And there you have it - another card idea to use up some of that gorgeous Designer Paper that you're just hoarding.  I can say that because I know what I'm talking about.  Have you seen my stash of DSP yet?  Oh my heavens!  But I do love looking at and going through the many colors and prints that I have stored away.  And here's proof that I do get them out and use them regularly.  I'm giving you a challenge to get your paper stash out and create something beautiful with it!!

In case you're wondering, both the Easter Friends stamp set and the Tasteful Labels Dies are retiring at the end of the month.  I will miss both of them, but especially the dies.  I've used them so often.  They were a kind of go-to set for me.  Looking forward to what will be new favorites of  mine in the new catalog.  If you don't have your new 2022-2023 Annual Catalog yet, you should be getting your copy very soon.  If yours hasn't arrived by the end of the month, give me a call so I can make sure you do get a copy.  You're going to love all the new colors, stamps, and accessories in there!!

And if there are any last-minute items you need that are retiring, please use the Host Code at the top of my blog when ordering.  I really appreciate it so much!

Happy stamping and creating!

Sharon

Last Minute Easter Card

 Hello everyone!  It's such a blessing being back here on my blog again.  For those of you that haven't heard yet, my husband had a doctor appointment last Thursday, and she sent him directly to the ER with high blood pressure and irregular heartbeat.  It's been a crazy time trying to figure out what the doctors wanted to do to relieve his problems and figuring out what would actually work on him.  Right now, he's home and just waiting to try another cardioversion next week.  Then on to plan B, or are we at C or D already?  Not really sure anymore!  But he's still here and that's all that matters.  So, if you've been waiting for me to post another idea, sorry for the long wait.  I really appreciate your patience.  Since I got way behind in my stamping, I needed to make just a few more Easter cards today.  I've got one to share with you today, and another one hopefully tomorrow.

This card really showcases the gorgeous Daffodil Afternoon Designer Series Paper that was available only during Sale-A-Bration earlier this year.  I know many of you were able to get that DSP, so I feel comfortable sharing this idea with you.  Of course, you can use this same cutting idea for any other package of 12" x 12" DSP.  This 12" x 12" sheet of DSP was cut at 5 1/4", then cut again at 4" twice.  This way you can get 6 pieces from one sheet of DSP.  Make sure you pay attention to the orientation of the print if it has one.  It makes a huge difference when cutting the paper.  The leftover piece was again cut at 4" twice and flipped to the back side.  Don't you love these two prints together?

This card starts out with Daffodil Delight cardstock for the card base.  This is one of the colors listed to match and it looks lovely together.  The Daffodil Delight was cut to 8 1/2" x 5 1/2", scored and folded in half.  At this point, the floral print was attached to the card base using adhesive.   The leftover 1 1/2" strip of DSP was also attached with adhesive.  It sits just below the center of the card.  

The sentiment I chose to use for these cards is a brand new one from the upcoming Annual Catalog.  It's from the new Wisteria Wishes stamp set.  The words just fit how I've been feeling lately and were perfect!  The words make me think of Jesus and his disciples.  They spent several years learning from him, and yet did not understand what he was really trying to teach them.  So often, I need to remind myself to trust God to be in charge even when I don't understand why something is happening.  His ways are always better than mine.

I wanted the sentiment to be layered onto a green cardstock to match one of the greens in the DSP.   Pear Pizzazz was one of the matching colors listed, so I went with that.  Using the retiring Tasteful Labels Dies, I cut the back layer from a 2 1/4" piece of Pear Pizzazz cardstock.  Then using another die from the same set, I cut a piece of Basic White cardstock that the sentiment fit on.  The sentiment was stamped with Mossy Meadow ink, both the main sentiment on the white layer and the skinny Daffodil Delight strip that carries the other half of the sentiment. 

Playing with the pieces to check the layout, I realized something was needed between the two die-cut layers.  I have some Gold Fine Art Ribbon left that looked very nice here.  It gave the card a touch of glitz but is very understated.  Alas, this is also being retired.  I folded a 7" piece in half and attached it to the Pear Pizzazz layer.  Then added the Basic White layer with Mini Dimensionals over this.  All this was attached to the side of the card front with Dimensionals.

The last little detail was that tiny strip with the rest of the sentiment.  I trimmed it close with Paper Snips.  Then added Mini Dimensionals to it.  It was tucked underneath the die-cut labels.

One last little bit was adding a 2021-2023 In Color Jewel.  These are retiring too, and it just makes me sad.  I've used these jewels on so many different things because the blend with so many different colors.  The color of jewel used here is Pale Papaya, and there isn't any of that color used on this card.  But it still works like a charm.  I did pick up a few extra of these for my embellishment stash.  I know I'll be digging them out to use probably way too often!

If you're still planning on picking up a few of the retiring products, please do it sooner rather than later.  Already things are being sold out, and I don't want you to miss out on anything you've set your heart on.  And please use the Host Code shown at the top of the blog page.  I really appreciate it!

Thanks for stopping in again to see what's been going on.  My hope is that you've been inspired to make either one of these cards, or something similar.  It's an awesome way to showcase your favorite Designer Series Paper!

For those of you that have been praying for Rick's recovery and my peace of mind, there are no words to thank you enough.  Just knowing that my friends are praying is such a huge blessing.  I pray that God would bless you in return for the many blessings you have given me!

Easter Blessings!!

Sharon

Positive Thoughts for You

 Hi!  Hope you're all staying dry today.  We've got heavy rains along with lightning and thunder today.  So much for the sunshine we've been enjoying.  I've been watching the creek behind our house steadily rising, so that's proof we're getting lots of rain right now.  But even when it rains, I can always go down to my stamp room and create my own lovely weather.  I thought about doing something sunshine-y, but just wasn't in the mood.  I've been going through  all the retired stamps and dies I have and trying to decide which to keep for awhile longer.  Since I'm seeing so many favorites, I figured I needed to make up some cards using retired products to share one last time.  How's that sound?  Today's stamp set is Positive Thoughts along with Nature's Thoughts Dies.  I just love the words of this set and have used them oodles of times.  I think this one is going into my "keepers pile".

To stick with the retiring theme here, I chose to use the lovely Just Jade cardstock and ink pad.  This color is a gorgeous soft, clear green.  Love it!  But alas it is leaving at the end of the month too.

Start with a base of Basic White cardstock that's cut to 8 1/2" x 5 1/2", scored and folded in half.  The Just Jade layer is cut to 5 1/8" x 3 7/8".  The Basic White layer with all the stamping is cut to 4 7/8" x 3 5/8".  The dimensions on these two layers are 1/8" smaller than my usual layering dimensions because I wanted the white base layer to have more of a border framing the layers.  Just my choice for this card.

Getting ready to stamp, I debated about adding a circular layer or just masking a circle and stamping on the inside.  I chose the 2nd option for this card.  First measure and cut a piece of computer paper the same dimension as the white layer.   Using the Layering Circle Dies (the 2nd largest plain circle), die-cut a circle from the computer paper.  Tape the top edge to the work surface and tuck the white cardstock under it for stamping.

Used a Blending Brush and the Just Jade ink to softly build up some color inside the die-cut circular opening.  It's important to remember to build up layers of color rather than starting out very dark and trying to blend out the color.  I always blend some on scrap paper before going to the area I'm adding color.  It gives you so much more control of the color you're adding.  Do Not Take Off The Mask Yet!!

After blending in the color, I inked up the leafy branch from the Positive Thoughts stamp set.  The Just Jade ink is pretty potent, so I off-stamped for the initial leaves in the middle of the circle.  The two sets of leaves on the sides were off-stamped 2-3 times to get them softer looking.  

When this is as you like it, remove the mask to finish the stamping.  The sentiment from the set was stamped with Basic Gray ink on the left side.

The white stamped layer was attached to the Just Jade layer using adhesive.  These were then attached to the folded card base using Dimensionals to give it some lift.  

I thought one of the butterflies from the set would be a perfect addition.  It was stamped with Basic Gray ink onto a Basic White scrap.  It was die-cut with the coordinating die.  The butterfly was bent up in the middle area to give the wings some lift.  It was attached with Mini Glue Dots.  

Of course, this card needed some bling since it was a fairly simple card.  I decided to use some of the 2021-2023 In Color Jewels in the Evening Evergreen color.  Oh no, I just realized those jewels are retiring also!  Oh dear, I think I need to check if there are any left because I really love these!  Because these jewels are iridescent, they blend with so many colors and make them very easy to use on any similar color.  I used a larger jewel near the sentiment, and two smaller jewels on the butterfly body.

Just one last look at this card.  Even though it looks rather detailed, it's very easy to make.  The biggest problem would be to decide what you want to stamp inside the circular mask.  Of course, you could easily change the die shape to give you a totally different look to the card also.

Hope you're enjoying a look at some of the stamps, dies, and also cardstock and ink colors that are leaving the line-up.  I'm so sorry to see these old favorites retiring.  But I'm excited to get my hands on the new colors and stamps that are coming in the new catalog.  You should be getting your catalog sometime this month.  If you don't get one, please contact me about it.

Important!  I just checked and this stamp set is no longer available.  Things are going fast!  I had checked yesterday for availability, and it was there.  Now it's gone.  If you like the idea, just use different stamps!  There are plenty that would work to make a very similar card.  So sorry!!

Thanks for checking in today.  Give this idea a try and let me know how your creation turns out.  Send me a picture if you can.  I'd love to see it!

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon

Pretty Poppy Moments

Hi Friends!  Happy April!  I guess spring is truly on its way.  Have you ever had one of those days where you see an idea and it just makes you happy?  So of course, you have to sit right down and try making it, right?   That's what happened this morning.  I saw a card designed by Peggy Noe that just made me smile as soon as I saw it.  And I owned everything that she used to design her card too.  Woo Hoo!  The card uses the Poppy Moments Dies for the focal image. The only stamping on this card is the sentiment.  Oh, did I mention I made a few changes as I went along?  Let's get started.

This card starts with a Thick Basic White cardstock piece cut at 11" x 4 1/4" that's scored at 5 1/2" and folded in half.  I guess that's my first change - she cut her cardstock differently, so the fold was along the side.  The pretty striped layer is from the Pattern Party DSP that is a Host Reward.  This paper pack has so many different prints in both black & white and colors that you can find something to fit almost any occasion.  For this card, I chose a Calypso Coral and white stripe.  It's cut at 5 1/4" x 4" and attached to the white base just using adhesive.  The black & white print is from the same paper pack.  This was cut 4" x 3" and layered onto the stripes with adhesive. 

The poppy base was die-cut with the Poppy Moments dies and cut from Calypso Coral cardstock.  The open-work layer was die-cut from Flirty Flamingo cardstock. They are attached together with several Mini Dimensionals under the flower's center. 

The die set has two different full flower centers that are die-cut from Daffodil Delight cardstock.  Holding them in my palm, I used the Take-a-Pick Tool with the cover on to make the centers curve up a little.  They are layered together using Mini Glue Dots.  Another Mini Glue Dot was used to add this to the poppy's center.  Don't they all look great layered up together?

I changed things a little here.  She added several loops of black & white baker's twine and attached this under the poppy.  I preferred to use some die-cut Old Olive leaves to frame up the poppy instead. 

The sentiment layer was die-cut using the Stitched So Sweetly dies.  It's cut from Daffodil Delight cardstock using the 2nd smallest rectangle die.  I will greatly miss this set of dies as it is retiring.  I seem to grab it all the time.  Guess I'll have to find a new go-to die set.  

The sentiment comes from the Biggest Wish stamp set.  This is one of my favorite sets if I'm looking for bigger words to make a statement on the card front.  The hello was stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink.  After stamping, it was attached to the card front with adhesive. 

The last touch was the addition of some Matte Black Dots.  A large one went on the flower center.  A couple of the small ones were added to the sentiment - she only used one.  Then I thought I'd try a few more changes and make another card or two.  Since everything was out on my table, why not?

As you can see on this card, I did a major change in the orientation.  

The layer of black & white DSP is smaller - only 1 3/4" wide instead of 3". 

I still added the leaves, but fewer.  This time the leaves were cut from Pear Pizzazz cardstock.  

Only one of the Matte Black Dots was added to the card.

This one has even more changes to it.  The card base was changed to Poppy Parade.  

The black & white DSP is a different print from the same Pattern Party pack, but back to 3" wide.

The base of the poppies is die-cut from Poppy Parade cardstock. The open-work layer is cut from Calypso Coral cardstock.  I added one of the smaller poppies to fill in, and a few more leaves.

Oh my goodness!  How much fun was that to take Peggy's card idea and play around with it to make it my own.  I forgot how much fun those poppy dies are to play with!!  They all look different but similar.  Each one was sort of a springboard to the next one.

I hope you use my card ideas in the same way.  I know I often look at cards on Pinterest to get the creative ideas flowing and then go to my stamp room and play.  Sometimes what I come up with is fairly similar, but sometimes it takes a few twists and turns and comes out looking nothing like the original.  And either way is good.  Somedays, the ideas just aren't there so copying others is fine.  The important part is to actually find the time to get creative.  If you don't try, it will never happen.  

Ok, that's my lecture, or pep talk (or whatever this is) for the day.  Thanks for stopping in to see what's happening here.  Just a quick reminder that the new catalog will be starting in May and is being sent out to you.  But with a new catalog, that means the old one is retiring.  Lots of items are on sale, but not all of them.  When you are ordering, please use the Host Code on the upper right corner on the blog page.  It's much appreciated!  And hurry to pick up what you want before they are sold out!  

Love you guys! 

Sharon

Serene Sunrise

Hi friend!  Hope you're enjoying your weekend so far.  We had a frost warning last night, and I hope it doesn't affect all the new growth that's popping up everywhere.  I'm still astounded by how early we have the flowering trees blooming around here.  The gorgeous weeping cherry we have is already done blooming for this spring.  How is that possible when it's only April 2nd?  This is at least a month earlier than I was used to in Michigan.  But I'll get used to it, I'm sure!

Today's card started out as an evening twilight card, but I've changed the colors a bit and decided to go with a cool dawn morning instead.   That's more like what we're dealing with here, so it works.

The first thing was die-cutting the Misty Moonlight quarter sheet of cardstock with the Birds & More circular die.  This leaves such a pretty opening with berries and leaves framing the circle.  Since this layer of blue would be almost the whole card front, it needed some texture to give it more interest.  I used my favorite embossing folder - Tasteful Textile 3D Embossing Folder.  I'm so bummed that it's one of the many items that are being discontinued.

Now it's ready to use as a guide for coloring behind the window.  It was carefully placed on the Basic White card base.  I penciled in 4 tiny marks inside the window for a guide when blending in the colors.  I needed to make sure they would cover the opening and then some.  

The first color I used was Pale Papaya ink, laying it on with Blending Brushes on the bottom area of the window. This covered an area about 1 1/2" high.  Next up was Blushing Bride ink.  This was blended into the Pale Papaya ink and brought up about 1 1/2".  The next color was Fresh Freesia ink.  Again, it was blended down into the previous color and blended up about 1 1/2".  Lastly, I added some Misty Moonlight ink to the very top of the area to represent the not-quite-night sky.  I carefully went in to erase the tiny pencil marks.  They really were so tiny I could have left them there, but you know....

I have to throw in a disclaimer here.  In real life, the dawn sky colors are soft, but still much brighter than my pictures would suggest.  I just couldn't get a picture that showed this truly beautiful background.  How frustrating!

The bird is from the Birds & Branches Bundle that's on the retiring list.  The bird is stamped with Night of Navy and Gray Granite for its two-toned look.  These colors made the bird look similar to the cute little Juncos that have been populating our bird feeder. After stamping, it was cut with the coordinating die.  The branch is also from the same bundle and was die-cut from Pear Pizzazz cardstock.

The sentiment is from the Special Moments stamp set that was one of the freebies during Sale-a-Bration.  I hope you were able to pick this set up as it has so many wonderful sentiments included.  This one was stamped with Misty Moonlight ink onto a Basic White scrap.  It was die-cut with the Beautiful Shapes Dies.  This is a fun little die from that set that has embossing that is part of the die.  Nice accent.

Now that all the pieces are ready to roll, it's time to put it all together.  The Misty Moonlight layer was attached to the folded card front (with the dawn sky on it) first.  I used Dimensionals to pop it up and give some shadowing to the leaves and berries around the window.  The Pear Pizzazz branch was attached with multiple Mini Glue Dots.  The bird was attached over the branch using Dimensionals.  Lastly the sentiment was attached flat to the card front using only adhesive.  

At this time, there is no bling on the card.  I wasn't crazy about anything I tried.  So, for now, plain it is.  Let me know if you think it needs something added and what that should be.  I can always change my mind about this, if you can convince me.

As the old catalog is on its way out to make room for the new, I feel the need to get out some of my very favorites and play with them again.  The Birds & Branches Bundle has been used often since I'd gotten it.  While still in Michigan, it was used for classes several different times.  It was always fun to make a card with these fairly realistic birds, and it still was this time around.  Yes, I'm going to miss this bundle very much.  If you're interested, it is still available until the end of April - just a couple more weeks.  Let me know if I can help you order this before they're gone. 

Thanks for coming by again and checking things out.  Hope you enjoyed this little card and give this idea a try.  It's fun to have a die-cut opening in the front of the card with a scene of some kind peeking through.  Just something a little different for you to try.  Just a reminder that catalogs will be sent out sometime this month.  If you haven't received yours by the end of the month, please contact me so I can send another one.

Blessings and peace,

Sharon

Relaxing at the Beach

Hello Friends, here we are again with another go at the Oceanfront stamp set.   I figured I couldn't let it get the best of me, so I sat down and played around some more with the colors and layout.  And I'm glad I did!  I was determined to stamp on a quarter sheet layer and work with it from there.  It actually worked out nicer than I thought it would.

Start out with Basic White cardstock cut at 5 1/4" x 4".  The first item I stamped was the water stamp with Coastal Cabana ink approximately in the center of the piece.  It's important to get the horizon line straight at this point.  I noticed after it was finished that the left side of the water was a little low.  Since everything else was stamped already, I just let it go.

Next the sky was stamped with Balmy Blue ink.  Again, like the last card I shared, I chose to keep the horizon area lighter and the darker inking on the top edge.

Lastly, the sand area was stamped in using Crumb Cake ink.  I stamped it once angling it against the water.  It was re-inked, then turned around to stamp upside down and stamped once.  At this point, without re-inking, I turned it right-side up and stamped it partially over the area I just stamped but down a little farther.  I was paying attention to the size of the image, wanting it to stay approximately the same distance top to bottom and side to side.

Now it was time to add the extras.  The Oceanfront stamp set has two different sizes of rocks, speckly sand, and 3 different styles of grasses.   Lots to choose from to add accents.  I stamped the double rock image to the bottom left corner of the stamped image with Soft Suede ink.  I added some of the speckly dots to the sandy area using Crumb Cake ink.

At this point, I decided to use the Stitched with Whimsy Die set to sort of frame the picture.  The 2nd largest die from this set was used.  It gives a fun, double-line stitched look.  Most of the scene was contained in the stitching, but a few little spots snuck out.

A few more accents were needed to finish this picture.  For those, I turned to the On the Horizon stamp set which coordinates with this one so nicely.  Of course, you can't have a beachy scene, without seagulls in the air.  The seagulls needed to be flying by in the distance, so they were stamped in with Smoky Slate ink.

There's a nice little grass or plant cluster die in the Perfect Plants Dies.  One each were die-cut from Soft Succulent cardstock and Just Jade cardstock.  These were attached near the rocks in the bottom left corner just using adhesive.   

Then this whole layer was attached to a folded Thick Basic White cardstock base that was cut at 11" x 4 1/4".  Dimensionals were used to lift the layer from the white card base.

The sentiment is also from the On the Horizon stamp set.  I used a Soft Suede marker to ink only the word "relax" and stamped onto a small scrap of Basic White.   It was fussy cut around the word and added to the card front with Mini Dimensionals.  And the very best accent for the card was added last - Pebbles Enamel Shapes.  I added five of them in the different shapes and colors.  I love these colorful little rocks as an accent for this style of card!  (ps - they are back in stock as I write this!!)

If you've got this stamp set, get it out and start playing with it!  It's not as scary as you think it's going to be to get some lovely beachy scenes going.  And the best part?  Each one will be different from the last, even if you're using all the same colors of ink.  Just by stamping each one individually, each one will be unique!  Isn't that awesome?

Thanks for stopping in to see what I've been creating today.  Please leave a comment if you would.  I really love hearing what you think of these cards I make.  Thanks for hanging out with me for a bit today.  Hope you had fun and maybe were inspired to get your stamps out and play.

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon

Oceanfront Card

Hey friends!  It's just been a little crazy here.  Because Carson had a weekend-long baseball tournament going on, Nate spent last weekend with us.  Of course, there was much running around with baseball practices for him, but we had still had a great time watching movies, putting puzzles together, and baking.  I do love spending time with my grandsons.  They each have such different personalities, but both of them are so much fun to be with.  And that's my very good reason for not posting in a while.  It's hard to post something when I haven't been creating much at all.  Today I sat down with the Oceanfront stamp set.  I've been struggling to coming up with something different than everything else that's being shared on Pinterest.  I think I managed that with today's card.

I finally figured out that I'm happier with this stamp set when I'm stamping on a skinnier piece of cardstock.  The Basic White cardstock piece I used measures only 2 1/4" x 3 3/4" for this card.  There's a layer of Misty Moonlight cut at 2 1/2" x 4" to frame the stamped layer.  

Stamping starts with Balmy Blue ink on the stamp that I think of as "sky".  Play with this stamp a little to get a feel for it.  One flat side stamps a little heavier and the other side is lighter.  Each of these will give you a little different look.  For this card, I wanted the lighter sky at the horizon line.  The "water" stamp was stamped with Misty Moonlight ink.  This already has the waves etc. in the stamp so it's easy to get a great look.

Next up was the "land" stamp.  This was stamped with Soft Suede ink.  I actually stamped it several times to fill in the area.  I had to flip it around upside down and then back again to fill in.  I wasn't too sure how this would work out, but surprisingly it was fine.  I figured if it looked bad, I'd just trim down the white cardstock piece a bit to get rid of whatever I didn't like.  😁

So far, the created scene looked a little boring to me and needed some extras added.   To add some interest to the scene, I grabbed the On The Horizon stamp set.  The seagulls were stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink in the sky.  Then I thought that some grasses would work on the dirt.  They were stamped with Old Olive ink.  Those two additions made the scene much more interesting to me.  

After stamping, this was layered onto the Misty Moonlight cardstock that was cut earlier using adhesive.  Seeing how it would look on the Crumb Cake cardstock base that I was planning on using, I decided to add some of those same seagulls across the front of the card.  They were stamped in on each side using Crumb Cake ink.

On a 3/4" strip of Basic White cardstock, the sentiment from the On The Horizon stamp set was stamped with Misty Moonlight ink.  It was then trimmed up close to the ends of the words.  There was a small strip of Misty Moonlight cardstock that measured about 7/8" high and 2 1/2" long.  This was just a little shorter than the white strip.  I liked how it accented the words on the top and bottom, even though it didn't totally frame around the words.  

Both items on the front of the card were attached with Dimensionals.  A double strand of Linen Thread was tied into a small bow.  This was attached to the bottom of the scene using a Mini Glue Dot.

To keep with the simplicity of the card, a white layer was added to the inside of the card.  The only stamping here were the seagulls going across the top of the layer.  These were stamped with Crumb Cake ink to match.

I was really happy how this card turned out.  I have been playing with possibilities of different colors and layouts with the Oceanfront set.  So far, this is the best scene I've made, but I still have more ideas tumbling around in my head. I'll keep playing with this stamp set and share with you whatever else is created.

That's it for today's edition.  I know most of you have been taking advantage of both the sale items on the retired list and the shipping costs before they go up April 1st.  I thank you for supporting me.  You are so special, and I appreciate you immensely.  Please get those stamps out and play around.  It never hurts to try something new.  If you really don't like the outcome, it's only paper!  You can either turn it over and try again, or pitch it!!

Happy stamping and creating!

Sharon

Important Information!

 Hi friends, today's post is going to be very different than other posts I've done.  All I'm giving you is information that is important for all of you to be aware of.

Starting 1 April 2022, standard shipping and handling rates will permanently increase in all markets. As expedited shipping option rates are calculated in addition to standard shipping and handling pricing, these options will also see a cost increase.
 
The new pricing structure will increase shipping charges as follows:

In the United States, standard shipping and handling charges will change from $6.95 USD or 10% (whichever is greater) to $7.95 USD or 11% (whichever is greater)—including territories and APO/FPO.  In other words, the increase is $1.00 or one percentage point, per order (dependent on the total).  

• In the United States, the minimum shipping charge of $7.95 USD will apply to order totals up to $72.31 USD. Order totals greater than this will be calculated at 11%.

In the United States, three expedited options are available, and will be priced as follows:

• Next Day Upgrade: $38.00 USD ($3.00 USD increase from the previous rate)
• 2nd Day Upgrade: $23.00 USD ($3.00 USD increase from the previous rate)
• 3 Day Shipping Upgrade: $15.00 USD ($5.00 USD increase from the previous rate)
• The expedited shipping option rates above are calculated in addition to the standard shipping rate (e.g., the next day shipping option would cost $7.95 USD or 11%—whichever is greater—plus $38.00 USD)
• Please remember that expedited shipping is not guaranteed. Expedited orders move up in picking/fulfillment priority (which we have control over internally), but once it leaves Stampin’ Up!’s distribution center, we have no control over when it arrives to you. Shipping vendors are experiencing significant challenges in this global crisis and will continue to for some time.

Ok, that's all the information that Stampin' Up! gave us.  In fact, I copied and pasted the pertinent info so you have what we've been given.  When you order through the Customer Portal, all the figuring will be done for you so you don't have to worry about the math.  During the past few years, Stampin' Up! has actually been losing money on shipping and there has been discussion of raising shipping rates.  They try very hard to keep costs contained and as low as possible for us.

On to the fun stuff now!  The retired list has been released!  Wow!  It's a big one.  But then I say that every year as so many of my favorite stamp sets and dies are retired.  When you are looking at the retired items, be aware that Bundles will be retiring, but sometimes the items will still be sold separately - without the 10% discount!  When you sign into the Customer Portal, there will be a page in the beginning that will take you directly to shopping the retired products.  Rick and I spent a couple hours last night and this morning trying to get a succinct list onto my blog, but obviously that didn't work.  Neither of us are up on all the IT stuff and it really shows sometimes.  So sorry I can't post the list like I wanted.  Just bear with me on this please!

If you have any questions about all this info, just give me a call and I'll try to help you.  Thanks for everything!!

Sharon