Friendly Phrases Pinwheel

I promise that I really hadn't planned on making yet another square card but when I sat down to make this it's just what happened.  Do you ever have an idea in your head, but when you sit down to create, you end up with something completely different?  That's exactly what happened with this card.  I was originally going to use a frog stamp on this, which is why I chose these colors.  But as got further and further along, I knew I was going to need to save the frog for another card.  What I did want to do is use my clear blocks as stamps, and at least that part worked!

I definitely found that the new foam ink pads work much better with this technique than the old felt pads.  And it's simple...just ink up the block, then press down (hard).  I loved how the mosaic pattern turned out, although I was surprised at how light Daffodil Delight turned out compared to how dark Pumpkin Pie did (both of those were the old felt pads.)  The Lucky Limeade blocks turned out exactly as I hoped.

I also had fun using some new items from the Spring Catalog...the Pinwheel Sizzlet and the Needlepoint Border Embossing Folder.  I love them both!  And the best part...they are both such an inexpensive way to add some pizazz to any card!

Stamps:  Friendly Phrases (126149)
Ink:  Lucky Limeade (126984), Daffodil Delight (126944), and Pumpkin Pie (126945) Classic Ink
Paper:  Naturals White (102316),  Lucky Limeade (122926), and Daffodil Delight (119683) card stock
Accessories:  Big Shot (113439), Pinwheel Sizzlet (129411), Needlepoint Border Embossing Folder (129383), 119683 (119741), Pumpkin Pie 1/4" Grosgrain ribbon (retired), Clear Block A (118487), and Clear Block D (118485)

You Are My Sunshine, Sunny Day Edition

Yup, another 4"x4" card today. :)  This is the second card I made for my girls with the Sunshine single stamp.  This will be the favorite and whichever child doesn't get this one is going to be disappointed.  But the other one is definitely my favorite. 

If I had it to do over, I'd probably place the rainbow rays a little differently.  I don't like how they come to a point at the corners, but since I trimmed them after adhering them to the card front, I didn't think about it ending up like that.  I'd just move them so they fall on either side of the corner points.  But it's a great way to use up scraps of card stock! 


Stamps:  Sunshine (132671)
Ink:  Real Red (126949), Tangerine Tango (126946), Pumpkin Pie (126945), Daffodil Delight (126944), Old Olive (126953), Pacific Point (126951), Rich Razzleberry (126950), and Melon Mambo (126948) Classic Ink, Jet Black Staz-On Ink (101406)
Paper:  Watercolor Paper (122959), Naturals White (102316), Real Red (102482), Tangerine Tango (111349), Pumpkin Pie (105117), Daffodil Delight (119683), Old Olive (100702), Pacific Point (111350), Rich Razzleberry (115316), and Melon Mambo (115320)
Accessories:  Rhinestone Basic Jewels (119246),  Aquapainter (103954)

So Sorry

Can you tell I'm really into making little 4"x4" cards lately?  For some reason, I'm enjoying the square card over rectangle.  Maybe later this week I'll have something other than a square card. :)

I recently got the So Sorry stamp set, and it's so beautiful.  I know that sounds weird, considering the set consists only of words.  But I love the scripted type style and think it's really pretty.  And with lots of options for finishing that thought, it's very versatile.  I chose just to stick with So Sorry, and I guess when I need to send this type of card, I'll finish the sentiment on the inside.  Hopefully I won't have a need to send this for a long time, though.

The butterflies from Papillion Potpourri coordinate perfectly with the two butterfly punches that Stampin' Up! carries.  I stamped them with Staz-On ink, then punched them out.  The punches work great even with watercolor paper.  I chose to watercolor after I punched, but you could easily do it before.  I'll admit that I may have ruined this card when I spritzed ink on the sentiment.  I was so upset, but after it dried, I decided to keep it.  I'm on the fence about how I feel about all that brown on there...it wasn't the look I was going for!  I highly recommend doing a test spray BEFORE spraying your project!  At least the speckling worked in the upper right hand corner of the card!

Stamps:  Papillion Potpourri (123757), So Sorry (126525)
Ink:  Jet Black Staz-On (101406), Early Espresso (126974), Tangerine Tango (126946), So Saffron (126957), Perfect Plum (126963), and Elegant Eggplant (126969) Classic Ink
Paper:  Crumb Cake (102953), Early Espresso (119686), and Naturals Ivory (101849) card stock, Watercolor Paper (122959)
Accessories:  Window Frames Framelits (129021), Big Shot (113439), 5/8" Crochet Trim (118481), Aquapainter (103954), Elegant Butterfly Punch (127526),  Bitty Butterfly Punch (129406), Festive Paper-Piercing Pack (127857), Paper-Piercing Mat (126199), Paper-Piercing Tool (126189)

You Are My Sunshine...When Skies Are Gray

When my girls were babies, I sang this song to them all the time.  ALL the time.  I still sing it to them sometimes, especially when they are feeling sad or having a hard time going to sleep.  So when I saw this as one of the new single stamp options, I HAD to get it. 

I'm still having issues with my arm, so I didn't get a lot of stamping done this weekend.  But I did make two little 4"x4" cards using this stamp, one for each of my girls.  This one is so simple...I think it took me all of ten minutes to make, but I love it, because it just matches the song perfectly.  My girls are going to be so excited when I give them these cards.  They love the song, too, but mostly, they just love it when I give them cards (which I don't do nearly enough!)

Stamps:  Sunshine (132671)
Ink:  Jet Black Staz-On Ink (101406)
Paper:  Daffodil Delight (119683), Basic Black (121045), and Basic Gray (121044) card stock
Accessories:  Big Shot (113439), Cloudy Day Embossing Folder (127022), Neutrals Designer Buttons (119743), Daffodil Delight 1/4" Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon (126872), Whisper White Baker's Twine (124262)

Easter Countdown Class

I always enjoy finding ways to make holidays more meaningful for families, and my favorite way to do that is with beautiful paper crafting projects.  And because of my Christian faith, these projects frequently focus on passages from the Bible.

This year, I've designed an Easter countdown in the form of a little free-standing flip book.  This book will contain 18 pages, each focusing on a different Old Testament prophesy regarding Easter:  the events leading up to and including Jesus' death and resurrection.  The countdown will last for 18 days, beginning on March 14 and ending on Easter Sunday (March 31, 2013).

You'll notice that there are blank white spaces on each of the pages shown...each of those will have an Old Testament scripture reference for the prophecy, as well as the New Testament reference showing the fulfillment of the OT prophesy.  This is a great way to focus on the meaning of Easter in the days leading up to it.  It's great for adults to read on their own, but it's also very kid/family friendly, because there aren't long passages, just a few Bible verses to read each day. 

The cost for this class will be $25, and will include everything you need, even adhesive.  :)

If you love the look of this project but don't happen to share my faith, you are more than welcome to come, and I'll provide you with blank white spaces (just like in these pictures!) where you can fill in with your own photos, memories, or thoughts (like a journal or mini-scrapbook).  If you are interested in attending, please see the details below.

Date:  Saturday, March 2
Time:  1-5 pm
Location:  April's House (directions available upon registration)
Cost:  $25
RSVP:  Pre-payment by February 18 is required to reserve your spot (contact me at a_l_stoudt@yahoo.com to make arrangements)

***Please note...while this is a great activity to read through with your children, this class is for adults only.  Please make other arrangements for your children while you are at this class, as I can not accommodate them in my home.***

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me!

Love to Travel? Pack Your Bags!

Okay, not your travel bags-but your crafting bags! Stampin' Up! is offering a special limited-time stamp set and Designer Series Paper that's all about travel. The Sent with Love Stamp Set and Designer Series Paper are perfect for documenting family vacations, creating unique invitations, or myriad other fun paper-crafting projects!

Today through April 30, you can purchase the Sent with Love Stamp Set (clear-mount only) or the Sent with Love Designer Series Paper.  Or, (even better!) you can purchase a bundle (132851) at a 20% discount ($25.50)!  It even includes Calypso Coral Baker's Twine.  The Sent with Love Stamp Set (131847, $17.95) and Sent with Love Designer Series Paper (132182, $19.95) are only available during this special offer. After April 30, they'll both fly away!

In addition, you may purchase the Sent with Love Digital Kit (item 132914; $9.95), which is not included in the bundle.

Sent with Love bundle (132851) $25.50

Sent with Love stamp set (131847) $17.95

Sent with Love Designer Series Paper (132182) $10.95

Sent with Love digital kit (132914) $9.95

Love You {Perfectly Preserved}

Happy February!  What better way to kick off the month than with hearts on a card?  This simple card makes use of one of my very favorite sets, Perfectly Preserved.  I love that jar.  LOVE it.  And the coordinating Framelits make it easy as pie to cut out.  Mmmmm, pie.  I love that too.  Anyway, I punched out a bunch of Cherry Cobbler and Pink Pirouette hearts to fill up the jar.  It's hard to see in the picture, but the Cherry Cobbler card stock has been embossed with the Square Lattice embossing folder and my Big Shot. 

Speaking of not being able to see things...I apologize for the less-than-ideal picture.  I've been experimenting with a new light box, and it's not making me happy. I'm hoping to iron out all the photography kinks this weekend and have some great photos by Monday. :)  

So, back to the card...a couple of banners, courtesy of the Bitty Banners Framelits, add interest to the sentiment.  I think I'll give this card to my husband, especially since he's stopping to get ice cream on his way home tonight.  If there's one thing I love more than pie and that jar, it's ice cream.  Oh wait, I actually love my husband more than all of them. :)


Stamps:  Perfectly Preserved (126690), Itty Bitty Banners (126225)
Ink:  Early Espresso (126974) Classic Ink and Whisper White (101731) Craft Ink
Paper:  Naturals White (102316), Cherry Cobbler (119685), Pink Pirouette (111351), and Early Espresso (119686) card stock
Accessories:  Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine (123125), Small Heart Punch (117193), Cannery Collection Framelits (127822), Bitty Banners Framelits (129267), White Stampin' Emboss Powder (109132), Heat Tool (129053), Square Lattice Embossing Folder (119976), Big Shot (113439)