Flash Back Time

Hey there!  I've been working on the cards that will be sent out to the home-bound people from our congregation next week.  It usually takes me at least several days or more to think about what the theme for the month will be like fall, Christmas, summer, etc and what I want to use to create the cards.  With it being September already, that brings to mind going to the apple orchards to pick apples and getting cider and doughnuts of course.  So far, I haven't found much in the line of apple orchards around here.  That means I'm just working from memories right now.  Then to add to my thought process, I had a devotion that was talking about the apple of God's eye.  Figured I definitely had to work with an apple theme this month.  Since I have nothing current from SU! that features apples, it was time to dig around in the retired stash to see what I could find.  That's what I'm sharing today.  If you're only interested in current items, you might want to bail now.  I think the stamp I chose is from more than 5 years ago.  Do you have any of those "oldie but goodies"?  Come and join me for a little retro stamping!

Doesn't this look like it's a fresh-picked MacIntosh apple?  (And no worms!!)  It was so much fun creating this design.  It's not quite done yet.  I still have to finish the inside of the card to incorporate my Bible verse.  Then it will be ready to go in the mail.  Let's get started.

The stamp set used here is the Harvest Hellos with the coordinating apple/pumpkin punch.  Do you remember this?  Instead of stamping the apples before punching, I punched 25 of them from Basic White cardstock.  Then I got out both Lemon Lime Twist and Real Red ink pads and the Blending Brushes I'd be using.  Each one of the apples were individually inked with Lemon Lime Twist on the right side.  Then each of them has Real Red blended onto the left side with the color over-lapping onto the green just like a real apple.  I loved how these apples turned out!

After coloring all the apples, I used the same punch for the stems punched from Pecan Pie cardstock.  The leaves were punched from Granny Apple Green to make them a little darker than the apple.  After punching out the leaves, each one was stamped with the coordinating leaf stamp in the set using Garden Green ink.  All these pieces were set aside until I was ready for them.

Next was the layering that I wanted to use here.  I had just received the new Branching Out Dies.  Let me just say I love the shape of them!  I chose the smallest die to cut a piece of Basic White cardstock.  Then I took the 4th smallest size and die-cut some Real Red plaid DSP from another retired pack.  I was just going through all my papers to find a Real Red print of some kind that went with the apple.  So, this is it.

The card base I chose is Real Red.  It's 8 1/2" x 5 1/2", scored and folded in half.  The layer is a quarter sheet of Lemon Lime Twist to match the apple.  It needed something on this layer to give it some interest.  I remembered the new Gathering Leaves Embossing Folder that just came out.  It has a nice overall pattern that fit nicely with the design of the card so far.  This layer was attached to the folded card base using "green glue".

The sentiment was next.  It is also part of the Harvest Hellos stamp set.  The smallest die in the Perennial Postage die set was used to die-cut Basic White cardstock.  After cutting, the sentiment was stamped using Pecan Pie ink.  It needed a little definition, so a small bit of Pecan Pie ink was sponged on the outside edges very lightly.

The two die-cut layers were attached to the center of the card using "green glue".  I wanted all the layers to be fairly flat with only the sentiment and the apple raised up on Dimensionals.

After getting all the layers arranged, three of the Holographic Dots were added to the design.  It's amazing how these gems picked up both of the main colors so nicely.

Ok, there you have your retro stamping class for today.  When I make the cards each month for these lovely people, I try to incorporate some of my retired stash of goodies.  If I don't get some of these supplies used, there won't be room for me in the house anymore!  At least that's what my hubby keeps telling me!  Hope you had fun playing with some of my old standbys.  Maybe this wasn't what you had in mind for today, or maybe this inspired you to dig through your treasures to see what you might have forgotten you had.  Thank you for taking the time to see what's going on in my stamp room.

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon

It's Pumpkin Time Again

 Here we go, soon another month is starting, and time is marching on so quickly.  September is almost here, and summer is over for those of us with family members back in the classroom.  But it still feels like summer!  It's 82 degrees, the sun is shining, and the grandsons are at a pool party.  Doesn't that sound like summer to you?  Alright, I'll get off my soapbox about the march of time and get back to the fun of creating no matter the season.  I had lots of fun playing with the new Beautiful Pumpkins bundle that will be available in a few days.  I do love all things pumpkin and add just a little spice and I'm in heaven.  Well, close to it anyway.  Today there's no spices involved, but there are pumpkins.  So, let's get creating!

Today's project evolved into two because I couldn't decide on which sentiment I really wanted to use.  And then there was this little problem about the choice of bling too.  What to do?  Just make two!

So, let's start by breaking down the basics on the two cards that are the same and then we'll go on from there.  First choice was to decide what color to stamp these two sizes of pumpkins.  Since I was planning on making a few cards with pumpkins anyway, I stamped several of each size.  The detailed stamps were used first to stamp Timid Tiger ink onto Peach Pie cardstock.  Then the more solid stamps were used to add Pumpkin Pie ink.  There wasn't a major difference in the colors, but I think it was plenty to show up.  The stems were stamped with Pecan Pie ink.  Then these pieces were die-cut with the coordinating dies.  The leaves were all die-cut from Old Olive cardstock.  (Shoot, I'm getting hungry for a piece of pie!  Did you catch all those colors?  Peach Pie, Pecan Pie, and Pumpkin Pie - yum!!  OK, enough about eating pie and back to stamping.  

Using the pumpkins as a guide, Pumpkin Pie was chosen for the card base color.  The cardstock was cut at 4 1/4" x 11" and scored at 5 1/2" and folded in half.

One of the new stamp bundles in the Sept. - Dec. Mini Catalog is called Branching Out.  There is a set of six nesting dies with this stitched shape in the bundle.  I used the 2nd largest size to cut two layers from the Peach Pie cardstock.  Then the 3rd largest size was used to cut two of the brown-checked print from the Sweet Days of Autumn DSP.  I thought this would be a good backdrop for the pumpkins.

These two layers were adhered together with adhesive.  Then they were attached to the card fronts using Dimensionals to pop them up a little.

The large pumpkin was attached flat with adhesive to the right side of the layers.  The stem and some of the leaves are attached with adhesive to it.  The smaller pumpkin is attached with Dimensionals partially over the other pumpkin.  The stem and one leaf are attached with adhesive.  Another leaf set was tucked under the pumpkin and attached with adhesive.

The sentiment for this card is from the Beautiful Pumpkins bundle.  I thought it worked well here.  It's stamped with Pecan Pie ink onto a 7/8" x 2 3/8" piece of Peach Pie cardstock.  It's popped up at an angle across the corner using Dimensionals.  

The embellishments for this design are Low Profile Sparkle Dots in the green tone for a subtle bit of bling.

For the 2nd card, the pumpkins were added in mostly the same way.  I think I added an extra leaf or two to this design.

The sentiment for the card is from the new Gathering Moments bundle that will be an Online Exclusive available to you.  It says, "Thankful for you" and is stamped with Pecan Pie ink onto a 5/8" x 1 7/8" strip of Peach Pie cardstock.

The embellishments this time are retired Glitter Enamel Dots in a light peachy color.  I thought they blended quite nicely with the Peach Pie cardstock color.

Both of the cards also have similar treatments on the inside.  I used a piece of Very Vanilla cardstock that measures 5 1/4" x 4".  The sentiment is another from the Gathering Moments stamp set.  It's stamped with Pecan Pie ink.  

The leafy vine is from the Beautiful Pumpkins set and is stamped with Old Olive ink.  A skinny 1/4" strip of Peach Pie cardstock was added along the side edge to tie in the colors inside and out.

So, what do you think?  Are you ready for lots of pumpkins and all kinds of yummy autumn goodness?  Or what about jumping ahead to Christmas?  Or maybe I should go back for another round or two of Sunflowers?  I really am torn about what to do.  So much fun either way!!  Hope you'll come back for another visit soon.  Thanks for stopping by and let me know in the comment section what you think.  And also, what you'd like to see in the future.

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon

email - sharoncarr50@gmail.com

Another Friendship Friday

Hello, my friends and welcome back for another post focused on my stamping friends' creative artwork.  We had our 51st wedding anniversary this month.  Where did the time go?  Amazing!  And of course, some of my good friends sent us some beautiful congratulatory wishes.  That means I can share these lovely card ideas with you too.  Let's get going right away.

created by Connie Juengel

What a lovely card with lots of different gold touches in the cardstock, DSP, and ribbon paired with a Very Vanilla base.  Don't you love the lacy die-cut edge showcased by the gold edge?

created by Kathy Hintz

So much to love about this card- the die-cut arches, the swirly embossing folder, the colors, and the Extraordinary Flora Washi Tape.  Just love the way this card comes together!

created by Shirley Krone

This card makes me feel like we went away on a tropical vacation.  It's so pretty with the stamped woodgrain backdrop with all the added flowers and leaves.  And don't forget the purple foil butterflies.  Stunning.

created by Barb Eisenman

Oh, I'm in love with this card!  The colors, the embossing and all the different die-cut hearts with the silver/white Bakers Twine tucked in under all of it. I do love my pastels!  Just beautiful.

created by Sue Fabris

She told me it was coming in the mail, and I waited (im)patiently for it.  This cute little fun fold card was so worth the wait!  I'm in love with the color Cloud Cover.  And when it's paired up with silvers, 4 different ones to be exact, it's so gorgeous!   Just a symphony in my heart!

Each of these ladies sent a very special card to help us celebrate all the years hubby and I have been together.  Each beautiful creation had much time and love poured into it and we love and appreciate them all!  Thank you for your love and friendship.  Each day a new one came in the mail it was like opening a treasure.

I hope you found some inspiration for yourself in these fabulous cards.  I know I'll be doing a little bit of CASEing of these cards in the coming weeks.

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon

New Beautiful Pumpkins

Hello, hello!  What do you think?  Are you ready for fall?  The children have been back at school for two weeks already in our area. It's gotten a little cooler lately (only in the 70's and 80's instead of the high 90's).  So, I'm declaring that fall is here and it's time for pumpkins!  Yay!!  I love this time of year and I'm always ready to jump into new autumn ideas.  Are you ready to join me?  Just a few more days and you'll be able to see the new batch of Online Exclusive items that will span autumn/Halloween through Christmas/winter and everything in between.  How exciting!  As a demonstrator I was able to see and purchase these offerings early and I've been having fun with the new Beautiful Pumpkins set.  Let's jump right in to see what I made first.

When I was creating with the Prairie Grass stamp set recently, I stamped an extra couple of Basic White cardstock pieces with the tall grasses.  I just love the look of them, so I figured it would be interesting to see what I could use with them.  Enter the new Beautiful Pumpkins set.  Don't them work nicely together?  Just a reminder - if you're looking for either the Prairie Grass or the Beautiful Pumpkins sets in the catalog; you won't find them there.  Only in the Online Exclusive section!!

The Basic White cardstock is 5" x 3 3/4" with the grasses stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink to the left side.  Old Olive ink was added with a Blending Brush to the bottom third of the cardstock.  Pool Party was added with the Blending Brush to the upper 2/3 section with blending in the middle.  I chose Pool Party for the sky area because Pumpkin Pie is opposite the color wheel and a great contrast.

This layer was attached to a Basic Black layer that measures 5 1/8" x 3 7/8".  This gives just a tiny black outline to define the design layer.  Then this was attached to the folded Pumpkin Pie card base using adhesive to keep the card thinner for mailing.

Now we start in on those pumpkins.  This is a two-step stamp.  That means the stamps will add all the detail for you with the successive layers of stamping.  For myself, I think the pumpkins were easier to stamp with the darker detail layer first and then stamp the more solid lighter area last.  For the two darker pumpkins, I stamped the detail with Cajun Craze ink and then the Pumpkin Pie solid stamp over this.  For the lighter pumpkin, Timid Tiger ink was stamped with the detail first and Pumpkin Pie solid over this.  Because I stamped these onto Basic White cardstock, the highlight detail seemed too white, so I used a Water Brush and lightly moved the ink into the white areas leaving a soft peach tone instead.

The stems were stamped with Pecan Pie ink.  Then both the stems and pumpkins were die-cut with the matching dies in the bundle.

There are several die options for leaves available in the bundle.  I used the three smaller leaves for this card.  They are all cut from Old Olive cardstock.  Then the pumpkins, stems, and leaves were all arranged at the bottom of the design layer.  One pumpkin was attached flat, with the other two popped up on Dimensionals and the leaves tucked in around them.

The next step is finding a sentiment that worked for the card.  The Wonderful Thoughts stamp set has a nice small sentiment that worked nicely here.  It's stamped onto a Basic White strip that's just a touch wider than 1/2".  I used Memento Tuxedo Back ink to stamp it.  The ends were angle cut to give it some extra interest.  There was a 1/4" strip of Basic Black on my desk and I liked the look of just a small amount showing at the bottom edge.  I taped them together then trimmed the ends to match the label.  This was attached to the card front with Dimensionals.

The last step was finding the perfect bit of bling for the card.  I've been watching a good number of butterflies in our yard this year, so that's what I tried for this card.  I think the butterflies added a nice, understated look here.  

And that's it for the first 'test-drive' of the new Beautiful Pumpkins bundle that will be available in September in the Online Exclusive section of the Stampin'Up! store.  Make sure you take the time to check this out and all the other fabulous new items available there.  I think some of their very finest products are to be found in the Online Exclusive section!

Thank you for dropping in today.  Hope you like this look at one of the newest offerings by Stampin'Up!.  It was fun creating and should put a smile on someone's face.

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon

Blended Background Prairie Grass

Hello Friends!  Today I'm going to step away from that fabulous Sunflowers 3D Embossing Folder and do a little creating with the new Prairie Grass stamp set I just received.  This is a little stand-alone stamp set that is a real treasure as far as I'm concerned.  There are three silhouette images and five sentiments to use.  You'll only find it in the Online Exclusives section in the online store.

The first time I saw this stamp set, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it.  I love doing blended backgrounds and this would be the perfect setting for this large stamp.  The large stamp in the set almost covers a whole card front.  But it's still so delicate looking and the background shines through very nicely.  Let me walk you through the steps to make this lovely card.

The first decision was the color of the cardstock for the design layer.  I chose Basic White because I wanted the sun to be a bright white area instead of a vanilla shade.  The Basic White cardstock was cut to measure 3 3/4" x 5".  Then the large grass stamp was stamped onto this using Memento Tuxedo Black ink.  The image was positioned near the left side and the top of the grass was about 1/4" from the top of the cardstock.  This leaves a small bit of the stamp that is off the bottom of the cardstock.

The next step was die-cutting a 'mask' for the sun area.  I used one of the Stylish Shapes Dies to cut a circle from Masking Paper.  This is something I don't use often, but it really comes in handy to mask off an area when needed.  It can be re-used more than once if you're careful putting it on and off, so it's great when making multiples of the same card.

The mask is positioned tucked into the stamped design to make it look like the grasses were partially in front of the sun.

The first color that is blended onto the design is Daffodil Delight ink.  The ink is added heavier near the edge of the sun and blended out at least an inch.  Next some Coastal Cabana ink was very lightly added.  Then Balmy Blue ink was added to the edges in the sky area.

Next up is working in the ground portion of the picture.   First, I tried adding Granny Apple Green, but it didn't have enough depth to ground the card.  Then Old Olive ink was blended onto the design.  Perfect.

Carefully peel off the mask to use again if desired.  

The sentiment used here and inside the card is from the Hope You Know stamp set.  Lots of lovely sentiments in this set.  The hello was stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink inside the sun area.

I wanted some birds flying in the background.  The bird stamp in the Sunrise Sailing stamp set was stamped 3 times to fill the design a little.  Memento Tuxedo Black ink was used for these too.

It was time to get the card put together.  This layer was attached to a Basic Black layer that measures 4" x 5 1/4".  They are attached with adhesive.  After adhering together, Linen Thread was wrapped around the bottom of this three times then tied into a knot.  The ends of the thread were frayed.

This was all attached to a folded Old Olive cardstock base.  Dimensionals were used for this.

The inside of the card has a Basic White layer for the sentiment that measures 4" x 5 1/4".  This sentiment coordinates with the sentiment on the front and is stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink.

To coordinate with the front, I stamped part of the large image along the left bottom corner of this layer.

The edges all around this layer also have a small amount of Balmy Blue (top 2/3) and Old Olive (bottom 1/3) blended on.  I liked just a little bit of the extra color added here.  I also added a 1/4" strip of Basic Black cardstock to the bottom edge with adhesive.

This layer was added to the inside of the card with adhesive.

One last look at the final design.  Oops, I forgot to mention that two of the Adhesive-backed Dragonflies & Birds were added to the design.  I thought they coordinated well with the stamped birds and added just a small touch of bling.

Just a reminder that the 2025-2027 In Color Sale is going on through the end of the month of August.  There are actually three pages of products that are on sale for 15% off.  You don't want to miss this sale.

Thank you for stopping by today to see what I've been working on lately.  Hope you give this idea a try and then come back for another idea boost.  Should I add another card idea or two using the Sunflower 3D Embossing Folder?  I still have more ideas, but I don't want to totally bore you with them all.  Just because I'm nuts about this embossing folder doesn't mean everybody else is.  So, what do you think??  Whatever you prefer, make sure you keep creating and then sharing your "art with heart" with your family and friends.  It's sure to put a smile on someone's face!

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon

sharoncarr50@gmail.com

It's Friendship Friday Again

Hello stamping friends!  Yes, it's another Friendship Friday today.  That means we've been getting a good number of cards via snail mail.  With my hubby's surgery and then his birthday too, we've got an abundance of lovely cards sitting out on the counter that we are enjoying.  I thought you'd like to see them too.  What a wide array of card styles and creativity is shown with these cards from you wonderful ladies.  You've thoroughly blessed us through the month of July.

These cards are shown in no particular order, except the birthday cards are at the end.

created by Sue Fabris

This is so bright and cheery, just what we needed.

created by Diane Wallace

Another one of Diane's fabric masterpieces.  Love those little fishes.

created by Connie Juengel

Such a pretty and cheerful fun fold card.

 

I thought you'd like to see how this fun fold card is put together.  Very lovely.

created by Barb Eisenman

Love the striking layout of this card.  Very serene and calming, but still interesting.

created by Sue Fabris

Love the Sunrise Sailing boat along with the DSP background.  Great contrast.

created by Shirley Krone

I keep forgetting to use this Good Shepherd stamp for a get-well card.  What a great reminder.

created by Connie Juengel

Love crafting with paper strips.  Looks just like a quilt square.

created by Kathy Hintz

I miss the Copper Clay color!  It's one of my favorites, and it looks so pretty with the copper foil paper.

Well, that's it for the card parade for today.  I hope you enjoyed all these great ideas.  Thank you, ladies, for making these wonderful cards and sending them to us to brighten our lives.  They really made a difference.

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon

More Sunflowers!

Hello my friends!  Hope this finds you all doing well and having fun creating.  I wasn't ready to put away my Sunflowers 3D Embossing Folder just yet.  It's been fun creating with this embossing folder and the ideas keep popping.  Some of the cards have already made it into the mail to cheer someone or let them know they are thought of often.  But I have a few still sitting here that I thought it would be fun to share.

Today's cards are featuring the "embossed" or raised side of the paper that is used after embossing.  Aren't these pretty with the varying tones of color in the design?  I just love them!

All that gorgeous color is all from this one piece of Meandering Meadow 6" x 6" Designer Series Paper.  Amazing, right?

To make these cards, the first step is finding a DSP design that you love.  Find one with multiple colors in a random pattern.  This one has a nice mix of purples, plummy/pink, orange and vanilla.  It gives me so much leeway in how to play with it.

Since the Sunflowers 3D Embossing Folder is so large, I was able to emboss the entire 6" x 6" piece at once.

The first step would be running the edge of a Gorgeous Grape ink pad very lightly across the embossed design.  This was kept very light!  I didn't want an excess of purple overpowering the lovely colors.

Since I knew I only wanted to use 5" of the piece, 1" was cut from the bottom edge.  Of course this was saved for future reference.  I just wasn't sure where or how it would be used yet.  That would come later.

Next came ripping the DSP into useable pieces.  Figuring out where the 4" mark would be from the left side, I ripped along the length of the piece just a little short of 4" wide.  I want to mention that ripping this embossed piece was very different from ripping cardstock or plain paper.  The ripping wanted to follow the embossing in areas, so I had to be careful and rip slowly to stay in control of the rip.  Since this piece was just under 4" wide, that left another piece about 2 - 2 1/4" wide for another card design.

When embossing the DSP, I found the paper becomes rather fragile.  First thing for this piece was to adhere it to a piece of Basic White measuring 5 1/4" x 4".  Tombow Liquid Glue (green glue) was used for this job.

The layers were attached to a folded Gorgeous Grape card base that measured 11" x 4 1/4" and scored at 5 1/2".  I used "green glue" to attach.

The sentiment was chosen from the Thankful Garden stamp set.  Dies from the coordinating set were used to cut one Basic White oval and three Gorgeous Grape ovals.  The center of the white oval is stamped with Gorgeous Grape ink.  The three outer oval frames were layered one on top of the other to create a dimensional frame for the sentiment.

Before attaching the sentiment, I wanted to add a ribbon embellishment to the design.  After trying both purple and Petunia Pop ribbons, I thought they looked too heavy for the design and decided to use this old standby sheer white ribbon with a silver edge.  It's just looped on the card front and attached with a small bit of Tear & Tape which would be covered by the sentiment.  Next the sentiment was layered over the ribbon.

The inside of the card has a layer of Basic White cardstock that is 5 1/4" x 4".  The sentiment from the Thankful Garden stamp set is stamped with Gorgeous Grape ink.

That 1" strip of embossed DSP that was cut from the bottom edge at the very beginning was trimmed on each end to measure 4".  Pieces were cut off each side to get the optimum design to add to the card.  "Green glue" was used to attach to the Basic White layer and then attach inside the card.

Three of the Gorgeous Grape Glossy Dots were used to enhance the card design.  Yes, I think they're retired, but they really worked the best of all my embellishments.

Now on to the second half piece of that embossed DSP we made.

The plan for this card started with the idea of adding the DSP to a layer of Gorgeous Grape cardstock to compliment the DSP.  The purple cardstock was too plain by itself.  I embossed the left side of the cardstock with the Glass & Garden Embossing Folder.  The geometric design seemed to be a good contrast to the bold Sunflower embossed design.  

"Green glue" was used to attach the DSP to the right side of the cardstock.  Then used again to attach the layers to a Petunia Pop card base.  Sorry the picture doesn't show the Petunia Pop cardstock in all its glory.  It just didn't want to play nice.

The sentiment this time is from the Unbounded Love stamp set.  It is stamped onto a label die-cut from Basic White cardstock using one of the Unbounded Love dies.  Gorgeous Grape ink was used for this.  

To make the sentiment label stand out, a 1" strip of Petunia Pop cardstock was cut about 3 3/4" long and then one end was trimmed with Paper Snips to flag it.  This was attached from right to left about 3/4 of the way down the card.

The sentiment still needed a little more definition.  Two different open-work leaf dies from the Unbounded Love set cut some leaves from Gorgeous Grape cardstock.  There was a sprig already cut from Highland Heather cardstock using one of the Painted Lavender dies sitting on my table.  This seemed to be just what the card needed.  The small die-cuts were all attached with "green glue" and the sentiment label was attached over them using Dimensionals.

Three of the Purple Fine Simmer Gems were added for a pretty touch of bling.

Since I had none of the left-over embossed DSP left, I added some strips of Gorgeous Grape cardstock to embellish the inside of the card.

I hope you enjoyed this look at the Sunflower 3D Embossing Folder used with some pretty DSP.  Just keep playing around with your ideas and have fun.  With each little tweak you make whether to the DSP print or cardstock colors or ink color, you can come up with something new and unique to you.

I hope you've been paying attention to the 2025-2027 In Color Sale going on right now through the end of August.  You can save 15% off each item.  

Plus, you can actually buy Sale-a-bration items found in the Last Chance area of the SU! store right now.  It's on a first come, first served basis, so please don't wait too long if you want something.

That's it for today.  Thanks for stopping in to see what's new.

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon