Happy Birthday Lizard

My daughter's friend had a birthday this weekend, and she's really into fur-less critters of all kinds.  She has quite a collection, and I think the most beloved is her lizard.  I knew her birthday card had to have a lizard on it, and fortunately, I actually have a lizard stamp!  Long, long ago, Stampin' Up! sold a stamp set called Southwest.  I dug it out and used the lizard for her card.  Since hers is yellow and orange, I wanted to use those colors, and the Sweater Weather DSP was the perfect choice.  I also thought it would be funny to have the lizard saying "Happy Birthday" so I used the Word Bubbles Framelits.  It's a very simple card, but it makes me smile, because I'm pretty sure it made a very special girl smile, too.

Supplies

Stamps:  Southwest, A Little Birthday Cheer
Ink:  Chocolate Chip and Tangerine Tango Stampin' Write Markers, Crushed Curry Ink Pad
Paper:  Tangerine Tango, Crushed Curry, and Whisper White card stock, Sweater Weather DSP
Accessories: Big Shot, Word Bubbles Framelits

Retro Fresh Thanks So Much Card

Happy Friday!  I think this has been the longest week ever.  So let's just say that it's a good thing that Friday is here.  What's even better is that the weather forecast says it's going to be 60 today.  After the last few freezing cold days, I'm ready for a bit of spring.

And speaking of spring, this card brings a bit of it as well.  It's the same layout as this card from a few weeks ago, just with different colors.  It's amazing how different two cards of the same layout can look when you change just a few elements.  In this case, I even used butterflies again, just did them a bit differently.

Tips & Tricks

• When adhering ribbon that's more than 1/4" wide, be sure to use Sticky Strip.  It's a guarantee that it will hold and you won't have to worry about it falling off.

• I love the new Tag Topper punches.  I also love using the corner rounder on the two corners when using the Scallop TT punch.  It just softens it a bit and gives a finished look that is consistent with the rounded edges at the other end.

Supplies

Stamps:  Oh Hello, Papillion Potpourri
Ink:  Tangerine Tango, Coastal Cabana, and Soft Suede
Paper:  Retro Fresh DSP, So Saffron, Tangerine Tango, Coastal Cabana, and Soft Suede card stock
Accessories:  Scallop Tag Topper Punch, Elegant Butterfly Punch, Bitty Butterfly Punch, Coastal Cabana Ruffled Ribbon

Don't forget that Sale-a-Bration ends on Monday.  If you'd like to place an order and earn some fabulous FREE products, contact me today!

Sweet Sorbet Thinking of You Card

Since we're quickly approaching the end of Sale-a-Bration, I wanted to feature some of the free products you can earn through the end of the month.  Today's card showcases the Sweet Sorbet Designer Series Paper and Accessories Pack.  I love the colored twine that is part of the Accessories Pack.  I'd love to see more of that in the new catalog!

Tips & Tricks

• The best way I've found to adhere bows to cards is to use Glue Dots.  If you take either a paper piercing tool or just a fingernail and fold the dot over, it won't show at all.  It just gives enough stick so the bow stays in place.

• If you love Summer Starfruit or any of the other 2012-2014 In Colors, NOW is the time to start stocking up.  Don't wait until the retiring list comes out in May.  Start slowly stocking up on card stock, ink refills, and ribbon before it's gone.  Once the retiring list goes live, those products will disappear quickly, and once they're gone, they're gone for good.

Let me know if you'd like to place an order for In Color items or anything else...orders of $50 will earn a free Sale-a-Bration item, like the Sweet Sorbet DSP!

Supplies

Stamps:  Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink:  Pool Party
Paper:  Summer Starfruit, Sahara Sand, Pool Party, Whisper White card stock, and Sweet Sorbet DSP
Accessories:  Big Shot, Arrows Embossing Folder, Bitty Banners Framelits, Sweet Sorbet Accessories Pack

Burlap and Blooms Simply Created Wreath Kit

Yesterday I had a few people over to make wreaths.  Almost everyone made the Burlap and Blooms Wreath.  I thought it was great to see the different variations and wanted to share one in particular.  My friend Jennifer got really creative and mixed up the colors for her "pom-pom" flowers, and I thought it was beautiful this way!  If you've had your eye on this kit, don't hesitate.  It's an adorable spring wreath, and can be made in an afternoon.  And be sure to check out this video:

I also wanted to show off the other wreath that my friend Karen made.  She varied hers from my original by putting some flowers on the other side of the bow.  I just thought it was so cute and had to share!

Retro Fresh Angled Tag Topper Punch Card

I have another busy card filled with arrows today.  I think I've decided that I like this one from a couple of weeks ago after all, so why not try another take on the arrows?

This card uses paper from the Retro Fresh Designer Series Paper, and I just love the color combination.  As time goes by, I am loving Coastal Cabana more and more, especially when it's paired with Tangerine Tango. 

Tips & Tricks

• I wanted to add some arrows to the card to go along with the arrows on the paper.  The Label Card Thinlits set has two different arrows in it.  Actually, the Circle Card Thinlits set also has an arrow, so if you have either set, you can cut out some arrows!

• See that little strip of Coastal Cabana in the middle?  By cutting your card stock 4" x 1/2", it will fit perfectly into one of the lines of arrows in the Arrows Embossing Folder.  It adds just a little bit of subtle texture that this card needed.

Supplies

Stamps:  Just Sayin', Gorgeous Grunge
Ink:  Coastal Cabana
Paper:  Retro Fresh DSP, Soft Suede, Tangerine Tango, and Very Vanilla card stock
Accessories:  Big Shot, Word Bubbles Framelits,  Label Card Thinlits, Arrows Embossing Folder, Angled Tag Topper Punch, Very Vanilla 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon

Good As Gold Card Kit {Sale-a-Bration}

Oops...I'm a little late getting Wednesday's post up!  It's just been one of those insanely busy weeks.  Actually, the entire month of March seems to be that way.  I've gone on five different field trips with my kids this month, four of which happened in a seven day period!

Sale-a-Bration is quickly coming to an end, so if you have your eye on any of the great FREE products, be sure to place an order soon!  The Good As Gold Card Kit is one of the free SAB selections, and I was pleasantly surprised at how cute it is.  Everything you need is included, except for adhesive.  It even comes with cute Sahara Sand envelopes and gold envelope liners.  It matches the gold dots on the front of the card.

While the kit is adorable just as it is, I had to try to change it up a bit.  It comes with eight lengths of baker's twine, which is intended to be tied around the top of the card.  I decided to turn one of those pieces of twine into a little pom-pom.  How cute is that?!? 

Tips & Tricks

• To make the pom-pom, I just folded the twine in half as many times as I could, then took a little piece of white twine and tied it in the middle.  Then I just snipped all the loops.

• The little gold banner actually has a star cut-out on it.  I just covered up the star shaped hole with the pom-pom.  I definitely recommend using our Tombo multi-purpose glue to adhere it.  

Want to get this kit for free?  Just email or call me to place an order of at least $50 and get this or any other SAB choices for free!

Simple My Digital Studio Card

This is probably the easiest card I've ever made.  I really don't even have any tips for you, other than to make sure you get My Digital Studio if you don't already have it!  All I did was print out the front using MDS and the Lemonade Stand download.  I just cut it out and adhered to a piece of So Saffron card stock.  That's it!  I love the simplicity of this card!

Supplies:  So Saffron card stock, My Digital Studio (Lemonade Stand download)

Retro Fresh Praying for You Card

A few weeks ago I mentioned that each week I wanted to make a card and send it to someone different each week.  I've only done this twice, but each time, the recipient told me how much it meant to them.  That's not why I do it, but it's a good reminder that something as simple as sending a card makes a difference.  It's easy to make lots of pretty cards and just let them accumulate.  What's the point in that?  More than ever, I'm encouraged to make sure I use my cards to bless others. 

This is one of those cards that's going to someone who has been going through a really rough time lately.  I'm hoping that receiving this card will be an encouragement.  It's always nice to know that someone is praying for you!

Tips & Tricks

• I love this Coastal Cabana Stretch Ruffle Trim.  But I wouldn't recommend using SNAIL to adhere it.  Be sure to use our Tombo Multipurpose Glue or Sticky Strip.

• You may notice the paper-piercing on the Praying for You element.  I had to eyeball the poking, which just made me appreciate all the different templates that Stampin' Up! does have (I really wish there was one for the Deco Labels Framelits!)  They are quite inexpensive and I highly recommend getting them if you haven't already!

Supplies

Stamps:  Betsy's Blossoms, Thoughts & Prayers
Ink:  VersaMark, Tangerine Tango
Paper:  Soft Suede and Very Vanilla card stock, Retro Fresh Designer Series Paper
Accessories:  Coastal Cabana Stretch Ruffle Trim, Big Shot, Deco Labels Framelits, Pearls Basic Jewels, Heat Tool, Winter White embossing powder (retired), Paper-Piercing Tool and Mat

Stampin' Up! Designer Washi Tape Card

If you visit my blog regularly, it's probably obvious that I love Stampin' Up!'s Designer Washi Tape.  I first bought it on a whim, and wasn't really sure what to do with it.  But I've fallen in love with how easy it is to use, and how quickly I can pull together a card when I'm in a hurry.

Tips & Tricks

• The cork flowers in the Sale-a-Bration Sweet Sorbet Accessories Pack are a fun new element.  They are self-adhesive, which makes them even better!  Since two of mine are hanging off the edge of the tag, some of the sticky back was still exposed.  I covered up those sections with scrap card stock and trimmed around the edge.  This way nothing will get stuck to the sticky backs.

• I'm sure there are several ways to go about matting the tags made with the new Tag Topper Punches, but I just trim my card stock to be a bit smaller on the sides, punch it, and then just trim the top with my trimmer and angled sides with my paper snips.  The angled sides are small enough that it's not difficult to just eyeball it.

Supplies

Stamps:  Gorgeous Grunge, Yippee-Skippee
Ink:  Crumb Cake ink pad, Old Olive, Tangerine Tango, and Daffodil Delight Stampin' Write markers
Paper:  Naturals White and Daffodil Delight card stock
Accessories:  Angled Tag Topper Punch, Daffodil Delight Seam Binding Ribbon, Sweet Sorbet Accessories Pack, Season of Style Designer Washi Tape, Gingham Garden Designer Washi Tape, and Retro Fresh Designer Washi Tape

NEW! Sweetie Pie and Sweetie Pie Frames Photopolymer Stamp Sets

 

Check out these really cute, brand new photopolymer sets that were just released today!  I have to admit that I'm really falling in love with photopolymer stamps.  The quality is great, and you just can't beat the price.  And on top of all that, they don't fall off your clear blocks!  I can't wait to see what new sets come out in June in the new Annual Catalog.

The newest sets work together.  First is the Sweetie Pie stamp set, which features a variety of adorable little faces.  As the mom of two of my own sweetie pies, I may have to add this to my own collection!

 

And to coordinate, there is the Sweetie Pie Frames set.  I LOVE this one!  It's so cute!

To order these sets, give me a call or visit my online store!

Sweet Sorbet Angled Tag Card

Happy Monday!  After being sick (again) all last week, I'm starting this week with some optimism.  Although it's a jam-packed week, so by Friday I may not be feeling quite so optimistic!

This is a bright fun card that makes me think of spring, which hopefully, is right around the corner.  This winter has been great, with more snow than I've ever seen since I've lived in Pennsylvania.  But it's time for spring, and hopefully the forecast is right and we'll have a few days of spring-like weather this week!

Tips & Tricks

• I love texture on a card.  To me, this is the best and easiest way to add interest to a card.  Not only do I have several layers here, but each one has a different texture, which I achieved by scoring, embossing, and stamping.  The little pearls in the middle of each punched out flower also add texture and depth.

• To add some texture to the piece of Pool Party card stock, I used my Simply Scored scoring tool and scored at every groove.  It sort of reminded me of the dry embossing I used to do before the Big Shot came along!  

Supplies

Stamps:  Just Sayin' 
Ink:  Basic Black
Paper:  Summer Starfruit, Pool Party, Sahara Sand, and Calypso Coral card stock, Sweet Sorbet DSP
Accessories:  Big Shot, Scallops Embossing Folder, Angled Tag Topper Punch, Itty Bitty Punch Pack, Pearls Basic Jewels, Summer Starfruit Stitched Satin Ribbon

Stampin' Up! Angled Tag Topper Punch

I'm not quite sure where to start with this card, because I'm not quite sure what it is.  There is a LOT going on here.  It's one of those cards that never started as a plan in my head (most do), and I just kind of sat down and started using some new things.  All that to say, the jury's still out on this one...I'm just not sure what I think.  But I do love the colors!

Tips & Tricks

• If you're stumped for a good color combination, start with an element that picks the colors for you, such as the Retro Fresh Washi Tape I used here (Designer Series Paper will also do the trick!) I only had to look to the tape to know that I needed to pull out Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, So Saffron, Tangerine Tango and Coastal Cabana. (When I say Coastal Cabana, I start singing "Copacabana" in my head.  Does this happen to anyone else?  No?  OK, what can I say?  I grew up listening to Barry Manilow, and I'll admit, I still like him.  Although I do prefer the younger, less plastic version of him.)

• The Angled Tag Topper Punch...you just need this.  That is my tip.  :)  No, really...this looks like it wraps around the Very Vanilla card stock, but I really just punched two tags.  So easy!

Supplies

Stamps:  Yippee-Skippee, Gorgeous Grunge, Map it Out
Ink:  Coastal Cabana, Soft Suede, and Tangerine Tango 
Paper:  Very Vanilla, So Saffron, Coastal Cabana, Soft Suede, and Tangerine Tango 
Accessories:  Big Shot, Word Bubbles Framelits, Label Card Thinlits, Angled Tag Topper Punch, Linen Thread, Retro Fresh Designer Washi Tape

And you really need to listen to this (but really just the first 3 1/2 minutes).  You'll thank me every time you pull out Coastal Cabana. :)

Now I can't stop...here's a bonus, my favorite. :) 

Weekly Pick!

Remember the spiral flower basket I posted a couple of weeks ago?  I'm so honored that it was chosen as a weekly pick over at Stamps At Play!  Be sure to check out the other picks by visiting the site.  It will definitely put you in a spring mood...as if you aren't ready for spring to begin with!

Stampin' Up! Sale-a-Bration Sweet Sorbet

I had intended to post this on Friday, which would have made for an entire week of Sweet Sorbet cards.  Oh well, it's here today. 

Tips & Tricks

• This card uses one of my favorite layouts.  It's kind of my go-to when I can't think of anything else.  I highly recommend that everyone has a layout that they can rely on when the creative juices just aren't flowing.  Sketch it out, or print a copy of a sketch you've seen online, and keep it handy for times when you need it!

• Since the background of this card uses such a busy pattern, I made sure the next layer of patterned paper was much more subdued.  

• Do you have the new tag topper punches from the Occasions catalog yet?  I love them!  It's so fun to make a tag any size I want.  If they aren't already on your wish list, you may want to consider adding one of them to it!  I used a sponge and some Pool Party ink to soften up the edges of the scallop tag on this card.  

Supplies

Stamps:  Oh Hello
Ink:  Basic Gray and Pool Party
Paper:  Sahara Sand, Calypso Coral, Summer Starfruit, and Pool Party card stock, Sweet Sorbet Designer Series Paper
Accessories:  Scallop Tag Topper Punch, Sweet Sorbet Accessories Pack, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, and Big Shot