FLY ME TO THE MOON

When I first opened the 2011-2012 Stampin' Up! Idea Book and Catalog, my eyes spied the Up, Up and Away stamp set right away.  The big, beautiful hot air balloons caught my attention.  Once, while traveling through the mountains of West Virginia, we were awestruck to see an array of gorgeous hot air balloons floating through the sky.  I can't recall the exact number of balloons, but I'm betting there were over two dozen.  The beautiful, vibrant colors made for an amazing sight. 

I have seen many beautiful cards using this stamp set with patterned paper for hills and the cupcake punch for clouds and I wanted to get in on the action.  Whoever came up with the idea of using the cupcake punch for clouds is one brilliant cookie!

Well, I'm going to sign off for today.  I'll be back next week with another project.  Next week is shaping up to be a very busy one.  My husband will be in Chicago on business.  I will be taking my father to several doctors' appointments.  I have an appointment with my dentist for a partial crown.  (I broke the back of my tooth off in May.  Lesson learned - quit clinching my teeth.)  And last but not least, my son is playing in his first high school golf match!  (Go, Connor!)  I'm really excited for him.  Thanks for peeking in on me!

If you live on the east coast, please be safe.  I've been following Irene's path on the local news channel.  It looks like she's rearing her nasty head. 

Recipe:  Stamps - Up, Up and Away, Trendy Trees (Sentiment); Paper - In Colors 2011-2013 DSP Patterns Stack, Poppy Parade, Bashful Blue, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White; Ink:  Poppy Parade, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight, Basic Brown; Accessories:  Border Punch

(non-SU!), Cupcake Punch, Crimper, Cutter Kit, Jewelry Tag Punch, Bakers Twine, Daffodil Delight 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Poppy Parade 1/2" Poly Stitched Ribbon

BREAKING IN THE NEW - IN COLORS THAT IS!

Just trying out my new Stampin' Up! goodies and trying out the new In Colors!  Yep, it's official.  I love them!  Sorry for the quick post today.  I have a very busy week ahead.

Wow!  I'm sorry for the quality of this picture.  It was taken at night and looks a little blurry.  Thanks for peeking in on me any way! 

CASING QBEE

I came across this cute card and tutorial created by Brenda Quintana and knew right then and there that I had to try it out for myself.  I must say that the process is a little time consuming but the end result is worth it.

This card has very little stamping, but is filled to the brim with punch art.  Every now and then I like to change things up and break out those punches.  Isn't it amazing the beautiful art you can produce from punches?

If you've been following my blog you know that I am trying to mail out more of my handmade cards.  This card is no exception.  I mailed it to my friend's, Kim's, mother whose lung cancer has spread to her liver.  What's worse is that Kim's mother, Roxanne, suffered a stroke on top of everything else a few weeks ago.  She is making some progress in regaining her strength.  However, her chemotherapy treatments have been put on hold for now.  I have to say after I sent Roxanne this card, I felt really good that I actually followed through with putting the card in the mail.  Imagine my suprise a few days later when I received a thank you card from Roxanne.  Her words of gratitude brought me to tears.  She said she remembered me from Kim's and my college graduation.  That was in 1992!

Sorry for the long post.  If you stayed with this post to the end you deserve a prize!  Thanks for peeking in on me today!

ETA:  I scheduled this post a little over a week ago.  I am sad to say that my dear friend's mom, Roxanne, lost her battle to cancer on Tuesday morning.  Please keep my friend, Kim, and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

LIFE'S MOMENTS

Life truly is a matter of moments, isn't it?  It's amazing the twists and turns our lives take and to our amazement somehow we get through.  I'm sending this card to a retired co-worker who has sure had his share of ups and downs since his retirement.  I just want to remind him that his old co-workers have not forgotten him.  We even reminisce about the good old days, tell stories about him and even chuckle at some of the humorous "moments".

I used the Nature Walk stamp set and the Botanical Gazette Designer Series Paper on this card.  These items are available from the Occasions Mini Catalog now through April 30th. The sentiment is from the Elements of Style stamp set located in the Idea Book and Catalog.

It's a quick post for me today as I head out for work this dreary and soggy morning.  I'm looking forward to sunnier days ahead!  Thanks for peeking in on me!

BUILD A BLOSSOM MOJO 179

My card today was inspired by the Mojo Monday's Week 179 Sketch.  Well, I guess I should say that it is "sorta" inspired by the sketch.  I exercised some liberty with the sketch.  But that's what it's all about, isn't it?  Sketches were designed to springboard our creativity.  Plus, I knew this sketch would be perfect to use with my Build a Blossom stamp set and punch.  I purchased this set about a month ago but hadn't taken the time to ink it up.  I must say that I'm pleased with the outcome. 

So, here's the story behind the card.  It was designed for a woman I've never met - Julie.  I truly hope she likes it.   I attend church services with her husband's cousin, Robin.  Robin had asked me if I would send Julie a card to cheer her up.  Currently, Julie is fighting breast cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy treatments.  I was told she really appreciates receiving cards and carries them with her to look at during her chemo treatments.  Can I let you in on a secret?  I've never designed and sent a card to someone I've never met.  Let me tell you, it feels really good.  For reasons I can't explain, I wanted this card to be a little special.  I really wanted to pay attention to detail.  I hope Julie knows that even though we've never met, I still hold her close in thoughts and prayers.  I just hope my card reflects that.

That's it for me today.  Thanks for peeking in on me!  I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.  I challenge you to bless a stranger with a handmade card.  Who knows?  You may just make his or her day.

RUFF DAY?

 I'm a dog lover.  So naturally I took right to the "Friends Fur-Ever" stamp set by Stampin' Up!  The set has so many wonderful stamps to change things up.  It has different sentiments and elements that are uber cool.    The two dogs in this card remind me of a couple of friends talking over a cup of coffee or in this instance, a bowl of water. Too cute I tell ya!    I'm thinking this card will go out to my friend, Candace. Despite all the challenges life throws her way, she is always upbeat, bubbly and smiling. You have to love those qualities in a friend.

Today's card was one inspired by the very talented Ilina Crouse. I believe the only things that vary from my card and Ilina's are the patterned paper, button and sentiment. My sentiment, "I'm here for you....", comes from the Occasional Quotes hostess set available through Stampin' Up!.

Thanks for taking time to peek in on me!  Hope you all are having a wonderful week.  Mine seems to be flying by. 

TIME AFTER TIME

I don't know what's up with me lately.  It seems I've only been posting "thinking of you" cards lately.  What's up with that?  I guess I've just needed a lot of them as of late.

Today's card is another one of my takes on a masculine card.  Seriously, I need to break out of the blues and browns comfort zone and go for some other masculine color palette.  Once again I've used the Sense of Time stamp set.  I love this set and see it as one of my future "go to" sets when I need a masculine card.

I'm going to try to keep it short today.  My sister and I are going birthday shopping for my niece's thirteenth birthday today.  What do you get a thirteen year old girl?  (I live in the testosterone sea at my house.)  My brother offered the following advice to my sister:  "You were thirteen once.  You'll think of something."  Pretty witty, huh?

Thanks for peeking in on me today!  Hope you're having a wonderful weekend!  Mine seems to be shaping up nicely.

P.S.  If you're thinking you've seen a similar card like this in one of my earlier posts, you're right.  I just wasn't happy with that card so I tweaked it a bit and changed the layout.

WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS..............

.................CASE.  This card was inspired by Diana Gibbs who was also inspired by someone else (the name escapes me.)  I believe the only thing I did different to my card was add the ovals and sentiment at the bottom.

Thanks for peeking in on me tonight.  I'm going to keep this post short.  My uncle passed away this morning and I just can't seem to find the right blogging words tonight.  Thanks for your understanding.

SIMPLY YOU

Today's card is one that I cased from a back issue of Stampin' Success.  Stampin' Success is a  publication that Stampin' Up! demonstrators receive monthly and the issues are full of great craft and business ideas and tips.

This card is really simple with very few layers.  I used patterned paper from the Bella Blue collection (now retired) for my background.  I believe the only things I changed from the original (that I cased) are the greeting, background stamp and the button.  Hey, why mess with perfection?

Thanks for peeking in on me today!  Here's wishing you all a very nice Labor Day weekend.  I'm enjoying a four day weekend.  (I took today off from work. Lucky me!)  I have a wonderful group of ladies coming over to stamp tonight.  I can't wait to see them!

ACK! THE "P" WORD

The "P" word as in purple of course!  Believe it or not I truly love the color purple. I love it in fashion, love it in nail polish and I even love purple popsicles.   I just tend to shy away from it (okay, more like run or sprint) when making cards.  I just decided to take the plunge and conquer my fears with this card.  I'm not sure I've conquered my fears but I am telling myself, "Embrace the purple.  Embrace the purple."  So, in honor of the wonderful color purple, I pulled out my Perfect Plum card stock and ink.

 For some reason my card has a yellow cast to it.  Sorry for the funky glow, but I had my dear, patient man of a husband take this picture at night.  I should know better by now but if your dear,  patient man of a husband is willing to set up his camera to take a picture of your hobby...............well, you take what you can get.  I guess that's true unless you're willing to do it yourself.  Ummmmm, I'm not quite there yet!

Thanks for peeking in on me today!  I really, really need to prep for an upcoming card class I'm holding.  Hope to see you soon with another post!

ALWAYS ON OUR MINDS

If you're like me, you struggle making masculine cards.  Why is that?  Today's card was no exception.  Thank goodness I have the Sense of Time stamp set to help me out.  It is absolutely perfect for making masculine card. 

Even though I've been in a stamping rut, I am pretty pleased with the outcome of this card.  I decided to take out my distressing tool and rough up the edges a bit.  Of course I couldn't just stop there.  I had to sponge the edges a bit to give them a more weathered look.  You may be wondering what those funky little circle button things are doing at the bottom.  Well, the simple truth is that I forgot to put the brads on my patterned paper before adhering it to the card base.  Oops!  (There are no mistakes in stamping, right? )

I will be sending this to a retired co-worker of mine who is battling cancer.  My friend, Teresa, and I have been sending him cards just to let him know that he's never far from the thoughts and prayers of his old co-workers.  He has called to thank us for all the cards and well wishes we've sent.  It truly makes my heart happy to know that a simple card brightens his day a little.  I highly recommend you make a card and send it to someone.  You'll never truly know how much it means to them : )

Thanks for peeking in on me today!  School starts tomorrow and I'll be sending my "baby" off to his freshman year of high school.  I can't believe how time has flown.

IN A RUT

Does it ever happen to you?  You're feeling really crafty and have all these great ideas in your head and then you sit down to stamp and nothing - nothing at all.  You try your hardest to stamp your thoughts on paper and it doesn't work out like you plan.  That's where I'm at right now. 

My card layout today is one I CASE'd from Mary Fish.  Once again, the Melon Mambo has turned out a freakish pink color.  I'm not overly thrilled by this card.  Perhaps it is because I struggle with pastel color combinations.  Perhaps it's because of the above mentioned problem I seem to be having.  The good news is I will have some more cards to show you in the days ahead.  I'll just have to keep stamping until I get out of this rut!

Thanks for peeking in on me today!

All supplies are Stampin' Up! unless noted.
Supplies:  Stamps - Punch Potpourri, Trendy Trees (sentiment), En Francais; Paper - Crumb Cake, Pink Pirouette, Melon Mambo, Whisper White;  Ink - Crumb Cake, Pink Pirouette, Melon Mambo; Accessories - Whisper White Organza Ribbon, Basic Pearls Jewels, Butterfly Extra-Large Punch, 2" x 1 3/8" Oval Extra-Large Punch

BUNCHES OF LUCK

This card was the first time I broke out my Bouquet Bunch stamp set from the Stampin' Up! Summer Mini.  I just had to have this set and then I've struggled to come up with a layout design using it.  Plus, I think I have confessed in the past that I'm very inexperienced at watercoloring.  I'm trying to improve on that.  Hopefully you can tell that my flowers and shrubs are three dimensional.  Should I let you in a secret?  My first attempt at watercoloring the flowers and leaves was such a total bomb.  I tried to redeem myself by stamping them again, watercoloring again and then cutting them out and raising them off the panels with Stampin' Dimensionals.  I love those things!

I did actually give this card to a friend at church who began a new job in the surgical department at one of our local hospitals.  (Hey, Maria!  Glad the new job is going well.)  I think she was shocked that I gave her a "handmade" card.  (Shocked in a good way of course!)  I'm really trying to make a conscious effort to actually give my cards to recipients instead of hoarding them in my card bins.  It's an ongoing process, but I'm getting better at it.  How about you?  Are you a giver or a hoarder?

Thanks for peeking in on me today!  Have a good weekend stamping friends!

BUTTERFLIES EASEL REVISITED

You may remember the butterfly easel card I made here.  My card today isn't that much different than my earlier version.  I just changed the colors and size of the card making it to fit in a standard card envelope. 

This is another card we made at my Fancy Folds card class last week.  I think this was almost everyone's favorite card to make.  Personally, it's my favorite Fancy Folds class card too.  Stay tuned!  I have one more card to show you from last week's class.  We made a "cup card".  It's such an easy card to make.  All you need is a plastic disposable cup, printer paper, a pencil and some vellum.  Easy peasy!

I don't know about your neck of the woods, but it is in the upper 90's in southern Ohio.  No relief in sight until Friday!  Ugh!  So, please stay cool, stay hydrated and stay INSIDE!  Thanks for peeking in on me today!

Summer Mini Sneak Peek

Here's a sneak peek of the Elements of Style stamp set in the upcoming Stampin' Up! Summer Mini that makes it debut on May 1st.  This set is uber vintage.  You're going to love it - especially if you like to color in your images!  Personally, I'm not the greatest at watercoloring, but I took my best stab at it on this card.  And you know what they say, "Practice makes perfect."  It may be hard to see, but after I colored in my flowers using my Classic ink pads and a bender pen, I added Crystal Effects to the flowers.  I also used a Basic Black marker and my color spritzer to add a more vintage feel to my card.  The Pumpkin Pie panel directly behind my stamped image has been embossed with the Stampin' Up! Backgrounds 1 Textures Plate and my Big Shot.  I used a sponge dauber and some Pumpkin Pie Classic ink to the embossed panel to help it stand out a little.  I also added some paper piercing and the thick black stripeded ribbon to finish off my card.

Sorry for the short post tonight and no list of supplies, but I need to go make a fruit pizza to take to my sister's house tonight.  My dear husband and I are going to visit with my nephew while my 8th grader attends a junior high dance.  Oh, the life of a teenage parent.  Sigh!  : )

Thanks for peeking in on me today.  Have a great weekend!

VERY VINTAGE

Okay, so one day I AM going to have an original idea in my head.  Guess what?  Today is not that day.  My card today was inspired by this card created by Ann Schach.  I love the Vintage Vogue stamp set in the Stampin' Up! Occassions Mini.  The best part is, is that this set is going to be in the new 2010-2011 Stampin' Up! Idea Book and Catalog.  Hooray!!!  I love, love, love vintage.  You just can't go wrong with it - know what I mean?

My color combination consists of Basic Gray, Kraft, Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry, Melon Mambo and Crushed Curry.  I used  a Basic Gray corduroy brad  and some silver brads to jazz things up a bit.  (I'm also trying to quit hoarding and start using all these great products.)  If you look closely you might notice I used the Extra Large Two-Step Bird punch for the leaves of my flower.  The bird's wing in this punch makes excellent leaves.  Gotta love that!  I also pulled out my sponges to give the card a more vintage feel.

I'm glad to see that Rich Razzleberry and Melon Mambo will be returning as part of Stampin' Up!'s color collection in July.  I have to admit that the idea of retiring some of the current Stampin' Up! colors terrified me at first, but I am embracing the change.  I may be embracing the change slowly, but I am embracing it.  I actually think I'm going to be excited about it after I absorb it.

Well, that's it for me today.  I'm heading to Bible Study in a couple hours.  We're studying about the role of a family and the component that every individual plays in a family.  It's good stuff and really makes you think about your role in the family.  Well, that and it makes me realize that I need to step up to the plate a little more and try harder to keep my family a spiritual family.  Thanks for peeking in on me today!  Have a beautiful evening blogging friends!

"TWEET" WISHES TO YOU

I know! I know!  I hear you loud and clear.  You're thinking, "What in the world is with that corny title?"  I say, "Hey, if you have something more catchy, by all means be my guest."  (Smile!)  Sometimes snazzy titles don't fall into my lap.  As you can clearly see today is no exception!  Oh well, you'll have that sometimes.  Anyway.............I loved the design of Chat's card shown here, but I wanted to change the colors up a little bit.  I love the color combination of Rich Razzleberry and Old Olive together.  I tend to lean toward earthy and jewel tone colors, so this color combo speaks to me.  This card actually has very little stamping on it.  It's mostly comprised of punched images but the the finished project is stunning.

I don't know about your neck of the woods, but the Southern Ohio weather is absolutely gorgeous today.  It sure beats the hail we had last night. I think I'll get off here and go outside and soak up the sunshine while I can.  Thanks for peeking in on me today!

OH, MAN

I know - lame title for my post.  Sometimes it is just so hard to come up with a catchy title and today was no exception.  Today's card is intended to be masculine.  Sitting here as I type, I realize that maybe I missed the mark a little.  Well, I'll just have to work on it and get better with the manly man cards.  My card was inspired by this card created by Mercy Kerin.

That's it for me today.  I gotta run and get ready for church.  My sister-in-law, Ellen, is bringing her boyfriend over for a visit later today.  My husband and I met him briefly over Christmas.  It will be nice to actually sit down and get to know him better.

Supplies:  Stamps - Circle Circus, Teeny Tiny Wishes, Sanded Background; Paper - Basic Gray, Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry, Old Olive, Whisper White; Ink - Basic Gray, Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry, Old Oilve; Accessories - Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Big Shot Machine, 1/2" Circle Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, 1" Circle Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch,

1 3/4" Circle Punch (All supplies are Stampin' Up! unless noted.)

Purchase Stampin' Up! products 24/7 here!

WHOA, MAMBO!

And I do say, "Whoa!".  Any of you who are familiar with Stampin' Up!'s In Color Mambo Melon know that it is not this overpowering and fluorescent in real life.  Not sure what's up with this picture.  Oh well!  It's much better in person.  You'll just have to trust me : )  Today's card is an easel card.  I've seen them everywhere and you know me.  I had to get in on the action and make one of these buggers.  I must say they are easy to make and the finished project is impressive.  Here's a side view for you.  I've attached a brad in the center of the base so the front of the card stays propped up like an easel.  My card front was CASED from someone much more talented than myself.  I believe it was a card someone received as a swap at the Stampin' Up! Leadership Conference.  Unfortunately, I haven't been successful at finding the blog where I originally saw it.  If you know, please leave me a comment so that I can give credit where it is due.

Well, that's it for me.  Thanks for peeking in on me today!

ETA:  HERE'S THE LINK TO THE ORIGINAL CARD I CASED FOR MY CARD FRONT.  It was designed by Janet Moore. Thanks, Marilyn,  for helping me locate the link.

TLC CLASS PROJECT #2 - FAUX CLOUDS

Here is another project my customers made at my Technique Lovers' Class last Thursday. If you've followed my blog, this card may look vaguely familiar from an earlier post. You can view it here. This card features the faux cloud technique. It's really easier than it looks and packs a big WOW factor. All you need is a scallop circle punch and a scrap piece of cardstock. Just punch out your scallop circle and cut it in half. This gives you a cloud template. What's that you say? You don't have this punch - oh, you just may have to get it. Not to worry though! Just freehand a cloud on some scrap cardstock and you've got yourself a cloud template. Next, you'll take a sponge or a sponge dauber and ink it up with some Bashful Blue Classic Ink. (I personally prefer the sponge dauber. It gives you a more muted effect.) Place your cloud template over your project and "swirl" your inked sponge in circular motions over the edge of your template. Ta Dah! You've got clouds! Just make sure to move your template around and in different angles to create the clouds. It's that easy! Now go out and make yourself some happy, little clouds! (I watched Bob Ross when I was a kid.)

That's it for me. Thanks for peeking in on me today!

(All supplies are Stampin' Up! unless noted.)
Supplies: Stamps - Branch Out, Sincere Salutations; Paper - Old Olive, Soft Suede, Whisper White; Ink - Soft Suede, Rose Red, Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry, Bashful Blue; Accessories - Circle Scissors Plus, Scallop Edge Punch, Scallop Circle Punch (cloud template), Scallop Oval Punch, Small Oval Punch, Dimensionals, Sponge Dauber, Rich Razzleberry Polka Dotted Grosgrain Ribbon