It starts with a sketch ....

This week the Pals Paper Arts has another great sketch from Margaret Moody for you to work with.  Let this get your creative side flowing ...

I knew I wanted to make a card for Bethany and this sketch was a good starting point for what I was thinking.  Bethany starts her clinical training today at the VA hospital and I thought this sentiment was perfect for her.  From that sketch I ended up with this ...

Stamps:  Baroque Motifs, Flight of the Butterfly Itty Bitty Bits

Paper:  Pretty in Pink, Melon Mambo, White

DSP:  Pretty in Pink

Ink:  Pretty in Pink, Melon Mambo, Lucky Limeade

Accessories:  polka dot embossing folder, itty bitty punch, rhinestones, Sharpie marker, sponge, dimensionals, ribbon (non SU) 

All products are SU unless otherwise noted.

Of course, I had to use her favorite colors ... pink and lime green.  She will know this was made specifically for her.  :)

Have a great day,

Pam~

Something simple..

I needed a card and wanted to make one rather than look through my stash.  Just had to play with some new goodies.  I searched Splitcoast's clean and simple layouts came up this quick and simple card.

Stamps:  Summer Solstice, Friendly Phrases

Paper:  White

Ink:  Concord Crush, Blushing Bride

Accessories:  sponge dauber, itty bitty punch

All products are Stampin' Up.

I used a sponge dauber to had some color to the flowers and edge of the white cardstock.  Can't get much simpler than this one!

Have a great day,

Pam~

Debut of Freshly Made Sketches

One of my favorite bloggers, Lesley at Always Playing with Paper, is debuting a new blog this week, Freshly Made Sketches.  It is an awesome place, so be sure to click on over and check it out.  


The first sketch looks like this ...

This card is also for the Pals Paper Arts Halloween challenge.  I let my inky fingers, and inky they were, go to work.  The end result is this ...

Stamps:  Wicked Cool

Paper: Black, Elegant Eggplant, White

DSP:  Black

Ink:  Memento Black, Basic Gray, Versamark

Accessories:  Stampin' Pastels, clear embossing powder, circle and oval punches, Elegant Eggplant brads, sponge dauber, houndstooth embossing folder, ribbon (non-SU)

All products are Stampin' Up unless otherwise noted.

You can't see it in the picture, but the bats are embossed and then sponged with Basic Gray.

I'm off to lunch with two great friends from soccer.

Have a great day,

Pam~

The Friday Mashup

Today I did a challenge that I have never done before ... The Friday Mashup.  Below are the instructions to get you started ... (I copied and pasted them off The Friday Mashup blog.)   


So today's challenge goes like this:

1. Make a card using the Gate-fold technique  (Actually, there are several varieties of gate folds...show us what you got!)
2. Or Make a card using Numbers...any numbers, stamped (if you have them!), chipboard, die cut, stickers...
3. Or Mash it Up!  and make a card with a gate fold AND numbers!

I decided to Mash it Up and make an anniversary card for Terry.  I had a lot of fun making this one.

Stamps:  Ain't Love Grand, Mini-Alpha's (non-SU)

Paper:  Really Rust, White, Black

DSP:  Really Rust

Ink:  Memento Black

Accessories:  heart and itty bitty punches, polka dot embossing folder, Nestabilities rectangle dies, Spellbinders ribbon banner die, gel pens (non-SU)

All products are Stampin' Up unless otherwise noted.

• Really Rust has retired but it worked great for this card.  We are celebrating our 22nd anniversary and copper is the gift.  This was the best color to represent copper.  
• The image is colored with gel pens (100 came in the container) that I have had for many years.  I love the shine that they leave.  WooHoo, something new to color with!
• The hearts were added to help keep the card closed and works perfectly.
• I colored the couple as ourselves and not a bride and groom.  

Here is another view of the card opened ...

If you have time, this is a great challenge to play with!  Thanks for stopping by!  

Have a great day,

Pam~

Birthday card challenge

Today I have a birthday card to share. Bethany was home this weekend so we stamped together ... so much fun! Unfortunately, I did not get any pictures of her cards before she headed back to UAB. She looked through some magazines and found a simple layout that we were both to use. Her goal when stamping is to make simple cards that she can mass produce since she doesn't have a lot of crafting time. We both made birthday cards since I wanted to participate in The Paper Players birthday card challenge. I like to have lots of different kinds of birthday cards in my stash. 


With those two elements in mind, my inky fingers went to playing and created this clean and simple card. Seems to be my style lately. 

Stamps: Pun Fun 

Paper: Vanilla, Pacific Point 

DSP: Ice Cream Parlor 

Ink: Memento Back 

Accessories: photo corner punch, flower brads (non SU), Prismacolor markers, Spellbinders rectangle dies 

All products are Stampin' Up unless otherwise noted. 

I hope everyone had an awesome weekend and the rest of the week is a good one! Mine was wonderful since both children came home. We went golfing on Saturday after watching those Auburn Tigers struggle for a win. It has been raining since Sunday but that's okay since we really need the rain. The temperatures have dropped too. It is actually chilly today at 65 degrees. 


Have a great day,
Pam~

PPA 109

Oops, I forgot to type up the post for this week's Pals Paper Arts card.  The story of my life lately ... a day late and a dollar short.  


This week we are hosting a color challenge ...

I made a very clean and simple card ...

Stamps:  Just Believe

Paper:  Calypso Coral, Basic Gray, Riding Hood Red, Vanilla

Ink:  (SU markers) Calypso Coral, Riding Hood Red, Old Olive

Accessories:  polka dot and plenty a petal embossing folders, sponge dauber, in-color brad, dimensionals, vanilla ribbon (non-SU)

All products are Stampin' Up unless otherwise noted.

This is a quick post since I'm late uploading it.  I'm headed out the door for my morning walk with Banjee and Sadie.  I appreciate you stopping by and hope you have a great day!

Pam~

The Paper Players is getting sketchy

I'm back from my Vegas get away and had a great time.  It was a neat place to visit and I'm glad I went.  I came home with $12 in my pocket from playing the penny slots.  The casino actually gave me $10 so my winnings were only $2 ... it went up and down.  When it was up, I quit and cashed out my ticket ... lol.    Terry had business out there and took me along for the ride since we are without children at home now.  

Today's card is for The Paper Players sketch this week.  Once again, I needed a masculine card to send to Michael.  One of Auburn's mascots is the eagle so I thought this stamp was perfect for him.   Of course, I had to use the school colors too ...  minus the brown.  Hope he doesn't mind the polka dots. 

This was the starting point ...  

and this was the end result from my inky fingers ...

Stamps:  In Wilderness

Paper:  Night of Navy, Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip, Vanilla

DSP:  Night of Navy, Pumpkin Pie

Ink:  Staz-on Timber Brown, Bashful Blue

Accessories:  Prismacolor Markers, Signo white gel pen, Nestabilities octagon dies, label punch, word window punch, Night of Navy brads, Pumpkin Pie ribbon

All products are SU! unless otherwise noted.

War Eagle was computer generated and punched out.  

I hope my fellow stampers along the east coast are safe and did  not encounter too much damage from Irene.

Have a great day,

Pam~

PPA sketch challenge

It has been quite a week ... emotional and exciting.  We took the children to their respective colleges this past weekend.  It was hard saying good-bye to them, especially Michael since this is his freshman year.  They both are really excited so that has helped me adjust to the new normal.  The good news ... I will be making lots of masculine cards now.


Now onto to the Pals Paper Arts sketch challenge.  Hope you can find some time this week to get sketchy.  It's another gem by fellow Pal Margaret Moody ...

I looked at this layout and knew it was perfect for a ... masculine card!  So what do you think?  

Stamps:  Funky Four

Paper:  Crumb Cake, Chocolate Chip, Cajun Craze, More Mustard, Always Artichoke, Night of Navy, White

DSP:  Crumb Cake

Ink:  SU markers ... Cajun Craze, More Mustard, Always Artichoke, Night of Navy

Accessories:  Regal brads, stripe embossing folder, photo corner punch (retired), dimensionals

All products are Stampin' Up!

• A More Mustard brad was added to the mushroom to cover the flower.
• Each mushroom is raised up with dimensionals.  
• This definitely would qualify as a clean and simple card.

As always, thanks for stopping by and making my day brighter.

Have a great day,

Pam~

August Pals Blog Hop

Welcome to the August Pals Hop! This month, we're featuring fun and creative 3-dimensional projects! Enjoy the hop and the amazing creations that the Pals have come up with.

You've likely hopped over from Kylie Nicolsi, I'm stop number 14 on the Pals Hop and I'm glad you hopped in! I'll help you "hop along" from blog to blog where you'll find great ideas for 3-D paper projects from the Stampin' Pretty Pals! Should you hop off course, simply click on any of the links in the Pals Hop Line-up below and you'll be back on track!

My 3-D project for the hop this month is a decorated box.  I had a plain old brown box in my craft closet that was looking for some love.  First I covered it with some designer paper, sponged the edges and then decorated it with ... flowers, of course.  I was actually looking for something different but thought flowers would look good on a gift box.  This will hold a special birthday present for a special person.  Each side has a different flower on it.

Below is a photo of my box with top off so you can see the flower on top...

Here is a picture of the back...

One more view with top on and the front ...

Stamps:  Build A Blossom, Fabulous Phrases, Printed Petals, With All My Heart

Paper:  Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy, Poppy Parade, So Saffron, Wild Wasabi

DSP:  Poppy Parade (retired ... hostess pack)

Ink:  Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy, Poppy Parade, Wild Wasabi

Accessories:  pearls, ribbon (retired), baker's twine, dimensionals, sponges, polka dot embossing folder, the following are all punches ... small and large tags, scallop circle, fancy flower, blossom petal builders, circles, itty bitty shapes

All products are Stampin' Up except the box.

Hop along for more inspiring ideas from the very talented Linda Fisher, stop number 15, on the August PALS HOP! Thanks for "hopping" by!

Pals Blog Hop Line-Up:
 

1. Stephanie Uzee at http://www.stampinwithsuzee.blogspot.com

2. Nicole Watt at http://www.impressionsbynicole.com
3. Barbara Chatzkel at http://www.takeoutpaperarts.com
4. Jason Casper at http://www.stampindad.com
5. Melanie Collins at http://www.oopsadaisy.typepad.com/

6. Carmen Sublasky at http://creativestamptuary.typepad.com/the-creative-stamptuary/

7. Patti MacLeith at http://papercraftsbypatti.blogspot.com/

8. Sandie Conner at http://www.prettyprovisions.com/

9. Nina Dee at http://www.deesignsbyninadee.blogspot.com/

10. Leah O'Brien at http://www.leahobrien.com/

11. Mary Fish at http://www.stampinpretty.com/

12. Rae Harper at http://wildwestpaperarts.com/

13. Kylie Nicolsi at http://www.kyliescraftycorner.blogspot.com/

14. Pam Giudici at http://www.pamshobby.blogspot.com/

15. Linda Fisher at http://lindas-stampinloft.blogspot.com/
16. Mikki Sarkisyan at http://www.mikkiscreativecorner.blogspot.com/

17. Martha Stewart at http://www.seasonsofstamping.com/

18. Mike Fuke at http://stampin-style.typepad.com/stampin-style/
19. Barb Furlong at http://www.theloveofstamping.com/

Have a great day,

Pam~

Lucky Daffodil Island ...

This week the Pals at Pals Paper Arts invite you to play along in our color challenge ... Lucky Limeade, Daffodil Delight, Island Indigo.  So let these classy ladies get you started ...

I love these colors and managed to make a card that could be for a guy ....  what do you think?

Stamps:  Ain't Love Grand, Button Button

Paper:  Daffodil Delight, Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade, White

Ink:  Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade, Black

Accessories:  striped embossing folder, reinkers, blender pen, ribbon, circle punches, dimensionals

All products are Stampin' Up!

• I inked up the embossing folder with Island Indigo ink, added my white cardstock and then ran it through the machine.
• The Button, Button set has turned out to be a very versatile set.  
• I used my reinkers and blender pen to color the image.

I'm digging circles right now.  There is just something about them that intrigues me when used on a card.  I hope you can find sometime to join in the fun this week.

Have a great day,

Pam~

I {heart} Hearts ...

We are in the final countdown before everyone heads off to college.  It is an exciting time around here and a sad one too.  Between Bethany telling me that this is her last time to live here since she will be at school now until she graduates and Michael heading off for his freshman year, I'm getting teary eyed already.  My cardmaking and posting are going to be taking a backseat for the next two weeks.  Right now, I'm all about my family.  First event ... hitting the fairways (hopefully) tomorrow afternoon in the 100 degree weather. 

Since the Mom strings are getting tugged at (and the umbilical cord cut completely ... hehehe), I wanted to make a card with hearts.  This card was inspired from the new catalog on page 157.  I believe this will be heading to Bethany in a couple of weeks.

Stamps:  I {heart} Hearts, Whimsical Words

Paper:  Basic Gray, Island Indigo, White

Ink:  Basic Gray Island Indigo, More Mustard, Cherry Cobbler

Accessories:  square lattice embossing folder, Cherry Cobbler seam binding, dimensionals, corner rounder, metal piece (non SU)

All products are SU! unless otherwise noted.

I'm off to meet Michael for lunch.  He is taking his history classes this summer at the community college and we have a lunch date after class today!  Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a great day!

Pam~

Two for one ...

Two challenges ... one card.  This is for the Pals Paper Arts paper piercing challenge and this weeks MOJO Monday sketch.

I love the look of paper piercing but hardly ever do it.  When using the SU! mat pack, piercing your card is such a breeze too.  Since this card ended up with so much on it, I limited by piercing to just the main image.

Stamps:  Sweet Scoops, yum-yum tag from 2006 

Paper:  White, Pacific Point, Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight

DSP:  Ice Cream Parlor (sale-a-bration)

Ink:  Pacific Point, Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight

Accessories:  mat pack, ice cream ribbon, buttons, baker's twine, tag punches, dimensionals, Nestabilities rectangle dies

All products are SU! unless otherwise noted.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a fabulous weekend!

Pam~ 

Keep on riding ...

A quick post this evening ... trying to beat the challenge deadline.  This is for The Paper Players sketch challenge this week.  I made this card for fellow stamper, Katie, who just passed her motorcycle riding test.  Here is the sketch that I started with ...

Here is what I ended up with ...

Stamps:  On the Grow, Big Pieces, Little Pieces

Paper:  White, Marina Mist, Regal Rose, More Mustard

Ink:  Black, Marina Mist

Accessories:  Nestabilities rectangle, scalloped rectangle and circle dies, Cuttlebug Spots & Dots embossing folder, rhinestones, Bic marker, Prisma Pencils, OMS, sponge, Scor-pal

All products are SU! unless otherwise noted.

I had to add some rhinestones on the bottom since I smudged black ink on the card.  Hopefully that will take away from my boo-boo.  

Have a great day/evening,

Pam~

Sketchy Day ...

Today the Pals Paper Arts are showcasing another great sketch by the talented Margaret Moody.  You can dress this up or leave it simple.  I went with the simple version as this will be a card for Michael once he is at college.  My son is very plain ... no bright colors and all about sports.

Here is the sketch to get you going ...

Here is my take on this classic sketch ...

Stamps:  Need for Speed, Button Button, Petite Pairs

Paper:  Basic Gray, Riding Hood Red, More Mustard, White

DSP:  Riding Hood Red

Ink:Riding Hood Red, Basic Gray

Accessories:  oval and circle punches, mini brads, square lattice embossing folder, dimensionals, color coach, Nestabilities octogon die

All products are SU unless otherwise noted.

• I'm hoping the button stamp can be pulled off as a tire.  What do you think?  
• I cheated a little bit on this card by using the Nestabilities die.  I thought this would go nicely with car as they are the shape of a stop sign.  

I told Michael that I made him a card that I will send to him at college.  Get this, he told me he didn't want to worry about going to the mailbox.  Guess what, the boy is going to have to worry about checking for mail from Mom.  My bet is that he will be checking frequently for some love from his parents.  Bethany has always checked her mail for cards.  How different they are!

I hope you can find some time join in the fun at PPA with the rest of the talented Pals.

Have a great day,

Pam~

Being a Friend ...

This card was for the MOJO challenge this week.  After I colored the doilie, I didn't want to add the square layer and cover part of it.  Also, I didn't think it looked good.  So I stamped my sentiment directly on the DSP and classified this card as complete.

Stamps:  Delicate Doilies, Happy Greetings

Paper:  Daffodil Delight, Calypso Coral, Wisteria Wonder, White

DSP:  Daffodil Delight

Ink:  Black, SU Markers ... Daffodil Delight, Calypso Coral, Wisteria Wonder, Baja Breeze

Accessories:  Cuttlebug circle & dots embossing folder, Nestabilities circle & lacey circles, ribbon (non SU), pearls, Bic marker, scallop border punch, clear emobssing powder, dimensionals, color coach

All products are SU unless otherwise noted.

I'm off to play some golf today with my husband and children.  A family outing before everyone scatters in different directions ... Bethany to start nursing school at UAB and Michael to start experiencing the college life at Auburn.

Thanks for stopping by ... very much appreciated!  Have a great day!

Pam~

the sky's the limit ...

Yesterday I had some time in the afternoon to play with some new rubbah.  I found a new favorite ... Up, Up & Away.  I knew this set looked fun in the catalog, but it is so cool to work with.  I am really pleased with the way this card turned out.   

Stamps:  Up, Up & Away

Paper:  Crumb Cake, Basic Gray,  Poppy Parade, Baja Breeze

DSP:  Basic Gray

Ink:  Poppy Parade, Baja Breeze, Basic Gray

Accessories:  Nestabilities oval dies, ribbon (non SU), designer button, brads (non SU), Cuttlebug square die, dimensionals

All products are SU unless otherwise noted.

This card is for two challenges ...

 The Paper Players 

and 

Card Patterns Weekly Sketch

I always enjoy participating in The Paper Players challenges.  This was my first time to do a challenge at Card Patterns.  I actually found their site from fellow stamper, Lesley at Always Playing with Paper.  I will definitely be back to do more of their sketches. 

Have a great day,

Pam~

War Eagle ...

I made this card for Michael to give as thank you notes for graduation gifts.  The folks receiving these cards are all Auburn alumni.  

Stamps:  mini-alphas by Paper Studio

Paper:  Tangerine Tango, Night of Navy, Garden Green, Chocolate Chip, White

Ink:  Tangerine Tango

Accessories:  Cricut Sports Mania cartridge, ribbon (non SU), hole punch

All products are SU unless otherwise noted.

There is a fellow stamper, Brenda, who also lives in Alabama and is a University of Alabama fan.  We are always joking about Auburn and Alabama colors and football ... she's a hoot!  Brenda, my friend, this one's for you!

This is the first time that I have made a card using only the Cricut.  I like it but I'm still a die-hard stamper.  I'm not always impressed with the little detailed cutting ... i.e. the football.  It could be the user and not the machine too.

Have a great day,

Pam~

Dreams ....

I had some free time yesterday and got to do some stamping.  I bought this cute stamp a while back and had never used it.  The one good thing about the House Mouse stamps, they are always fun to color.

I pulled out some retired paper and went to work ... well, I should say play cause it is always so much fun to make a card.

Stamps:  House Mouse - Flower Bed, Fabulous Phrases

Paper:  Ruby Red, Cameo Coral, White

DSP:  Ruby Red

Ink:  Memento Black, Ruby Red

Accessories:  circle and itty bitty punch, Prismacolor Markers, rhinestones, dimensionals

All products are SU unless otherwise noted.

I had a great time at Auburn and I think it will be a great fit for Michael.  He seems excited about it all ... except the dorm size.  When I dropped him off at the dorm after dinner, he said "I'm going back to my jail cell."  Like everything else when you head off to college, it will be a big adjustment.  Can you tell my son has never had to share a room?  

Have a great weekend,

Pam~

Feeling like some blues ...

Today at Pals Paper Arts we are having a blue week and it's a great thing!  So find that blue cardstock, ink and accessories and join in the fun!

Oh, my inky fingers had a good time with this one.  I inked up my stamp in Marina Mist and then took my Not Quite Navy marker and thumped it over the flowers.  Gives the stamp a whole different look.  After stamping the image on my paper, I used my stamp-a-ma-jig and restamped over it with my versamark.  I know, I'm wearing out this technique, but I like the end result.

Stamps:  My Friend

Paper:  Bashful Blue, Not Quite Navy, Marina Mist, Vanilla

Ink:  Marina Mist, Not Quite Navy, Soft Suede, Versamark

Accessories:  Bashful Blue ribbon, Marina Mist designer button, itty bitty punch, hole punch, rhinestones, sharpie marker, sponge, stamp-a-ma-jig, clear embossing powder, heat tool

All products are SU unless otherwise noted.

I'm at Auburn with Michael for his orientation. He will be living here full-time in a few short weeks.  Wow, summer is going so fast! 

Have a great day,

Pam~

Christmas in July

I hope everyone had a fun and safe fourth of July!  I had a pleasant day and enjoyed a cookout with my family and then watched fireworks in our neighborhood.  Now I'm ready to call it a night but wanted to post this card while I had a chance.  Tomorrow is lining up already to be a busy day.

The Paper Players have a cool challenge this week ... Christmas in July.  I bought a new Christmas set but didn't want to "show it" yet.  So, I used a set that just retired.  Ok, I really like how this card turned out and may just use this as one of my designs this year. 

Stamps:  Christmas Classic (retired)

Paper:  Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla

DSP:  Jolly Holiday (retired)

Ink:  Cherry Cobbler

Accessories:  Cherry Cobbler baker's twine, Old Olive ribbon and brads, polka dot embossing folder, Cuttlebug tag die, Stickles

All products are SU unless otherwise noted.

Please excuse the bad pictures lately.  Some setting on my camera has changed and I don't know what it is yet.  Taking this picture at night didn't help matters either.

Thanks for stopping by!  Have a great day!

Pam~

Sleeping Under Flowers

My collection of House Mouse stamps needed a little love so I decided to ink one up today.  I chose this one so I could color and use some pastal cardstock.  I used the layout from Splitcoast Stampers sketch challenge number 339.  I also wanted to use the sponging technique for the Pals Paper Arts challenge this week.  Click on over to the Pals and show them your favorite technique.  A big bonus this week ... lots of blog candy being given away.

Here is what the 'ole inky fingers created ...

Stamps:  House Mouse - Sleeping Under Flowers

Paper:  So Saffron, Wild Wasabi, White

DSP:  So Saffron

Ink:  Black, So Saffron, More Mustard, Wild Wasabi, Old Olive

Accessories:  Prismacolor Markers, Cuttlebug embossing folder, Nestabilities square die, sponge daubers, ribbon, rhinestones, sharpie marker, dimensionals

All products are SU unless otherwise noted.

• I discovered today that Apricot Appeal and So Saffron ribbon are the exact same color.  The ribbon used on this card is actually Apricot Appeal.  
• Lovin' the technique of coloring the rhinestones.  Just wish the SU markers worked so I could get an exact match.

I'm heading out to lunch with Michael.  Want to get as much quality time as possible before he heads off to Auburn and it's not everyday the boy wants to go out with his Mom.  

Have a great day,

Pam~