Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Falling Leaves

This card was for a color challenge that I did, but once again it never got posted.  Like the others before and after this card, I am still going to upload them to my blog.


Stamps:  Give Thanks
Paper:  Bravo Burgundy, More Mustard, Cajun Craze, Vanilla
Ink: Memento Black, Bravo Burgundy
Accessories:  Prismacolor markers, leaf punch (non SU), Nestabilities labels four, vanilla ribbon, spritzer
All products are Stampin' Up unless otherwise noted.

I hope when Brenda received this card, the leaves were still attached to it.  A few of them had fallen off ... just the like the leaves on the trees in my backyard. 

As always, thanks for stopping by and ...

Have a great day,
Pam~

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

In Full Bloom

I've been stamping a bit but have not posted any of my cards.  Bethany was home last week for her fall break so I let the blogging take a rest.  We stamped together and I actually got a picture of one card this time.  I'll post that one later.


Today's card was actually for two challenges, PPA and Freshly Made Sketches.  I didn't get either one posted to the challenge but I'm still going to upload it on my blog.  


Stamps:  In Full Bloom
Paper:  Rich Razzleberry, Pumpkin Pie, Lucky Limeade, White
DSP:  Rich Razzleberry
Ink:  Memento Black, SU markers -- Pumpkin Pie, Lucky Limeade, Rich Razzleberry
Accessories:  Nestabilities lacy square, pearls, Rich Razzleberry button, white baker's twine, glitter pen (non SU), Bic marker
All products are Stampin' Up unless otherwise noted.

  • I colored some pearls with my Bic marker and added them to the center of the flower.
  • A glitter pen was used over all the stamped images to give it some sparkle.
As always, thanks for stopping by and ...

Have a great day,
Pam~



Thursday, October 13, 2011

PPA Fall Challenge

It's Thursday ... time for another Pals Paper Arts challenge.  This week we are featuring fall/Thanksgiving cards.  I hope you will join us in this colorful themed challenge.


I pulled out my Day of Gratitude set and went to playing ...


Stamps:  Day of Gratitude, Fabulous Phrases
Paper:  Always Artichoke, Pumpkin Pie, Early Expresso, White
Ink:  Always Artichoke, Pumpkin Pie, Early Expresso, Versamark
Accessories:  Pumpkin Pie button, twine, edge distresser tool, rhinestones, Bic marker, clear embossing powder, circle cutter, stamp-a-ma-jig
All products are Stampin' Up unless otherwise noted.

I have really enjoyed embossing lately.  Here is a close up of the medallion ...


I got some new goodies yesterday ... whoo hoo!  I'm looking forward to using some new rubbah and paper soon!

Thanks for stopping by and as always ...

Have a great day,
Pam~

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

C'mon get happy ...

This week the talented gals at The Paper Players are hosting a musical challenge. I had to play along with this one and knew exactly which stamp set I was going to use.  Today's card is about having fun.  Not pretty, just a colorful and get happy card.  You have to able to appreciate the Partridge Family to enjoy this card.


Stamps:  Happy Together
Paper:  Sahara Sand, Real Red, Pacific Point, Daffodil Delight, White
Ink:  Black, Daffodil Delight, Real Red, Pacific Point, Concord Crush, Old Olive, Peach Parfait, Regal Rose
Accessories:  CB diamond plate embossing folder, Spellbinders ribbon banner, sponge daubers, rhinestones, dimensionals
All products are Stampin' Up unless otherwise noted.

The sentiment was computer generated.  I tried to make a "scene" for the Partridges.  I sponged different colors of ink onto the white cardstock and then stamped the birds.  I then restamped the image with color on scrap paper and cut out just the bodies and glued those on top of the black images.  Like I've said before, I am NOT a good snipper.  Hoping some practice will make me better.

The whole time I was putting this card together, I was singing C'mon get happy ... had it playing on my iPad while looking at pictures of that colorful bus.

Thanks for stopping by and as always ...

Have a great day,
Pam~




Friday, September 30, 2011

Freshly Made Sketches #4

I have a card to share today that is for Freshly Made Sketches.  I missed their sketch last week and was disappointed.  I love the simplicity of their designs.  


I believe fall is in the air here in Alabama.  We are supposed to get into the 40's tonight ... wow!  With the nice breeze today and cooler temperatures, I went with a fall themed card ...




Stamps:  Harvest Hello, Loads of Love Accessories
Paper:  Tangerine Tango, Crumb Cake, Tempting Turquoise, Vanilla
Ink:  Memento Black, Crumb Cake
Accessories:  Lattice square embossing folder, sponge, spritzer, Prismacolor markers, raffia, Crumb Cake seam binding, Nestabilities rectangle dies
All products are Stampin' Up unless otherwise noted.

As I was just typing the recipe for this card, I think with these challenges you are not supposed to use the spritzer or sponges ... oops.  I just got my spritzer and am having fun learning how to use it.  Right now I'm wanting to sprtiz everything ... hehehe  My fellow pal, Ann, is the master of this tool.  It is because of Ann that I bought one.  Her cards are always stunning in every way.  Be sure to check out The Stampin' Schach and see her gorgeous style.

I hope you have wonderful weekend!

Pam~


Thursday, September 29, 2011

Embossing challenge

This week the Pals Paper Arts is focusing on embossing.  A fun technique to do. I hope you will find some time to play with the rest of the talented Pals this week.  


Since I do not have the pretty embossing powders that Stampin' Up offers, I always use my clear embossing powder.  I stamp my images in the color I want and then using my stamp-a-ma-jig, I stamp over that image in Versamark.  Just sprinkle it with embossing powder and heat it up.  Great results.  This week I thought I would emboss some bright flowers.  


Stamps:  Fabulous Florets, Vintage Vogue
Paper:  Black, Tempting Turquoise, Wild Wasabi, White
Ink:  Tempting Turquoise, Wild Wasabi, Versamark
Accessories:  oval punches, pearls, sponge dauber, clear embossing powder, heat gun
All products are Stampin'  Up.

Here is a close-up of the flowers.


I love that shine!  I will have to admit, I am not one to do a lot of cutting out ... I stink at it.  I was a Barbie kind of girl and never did the paper doll thing.

Thanks for stopping by and as always ...

Have a great day,
Pam~


Wednesday, September 28, 2011

A mixed-up card

It all started with a piece of Wild Wasabi that was die cut sometime ago and was just sitting on my craft table.  No time like the present to use it I thought, so off I went with it.  Hmmm ... 


I debated about posting this card today.  I asked my hubby what he thought of it and he just shrugged his shoulders ... not a good sign.  He never said he didn't like it but he didn't say he liked it either.  In all honesty, this is not one of my favorite cards either.  I'm thinking it is way too busy.  If each element were on a card by itself maybe it would look better.  I wanted to try and use the Just Add Cake designer paper as a fall background.  We won't go there again.  The good thing about stamping, you learn a lot of do's and don'ts.  This card is the perfect example.  With all this being said, I'm going to go ahead and post this fall beauty ... hehehe


Stamps:  Give Thanks (retired)
Paper:  So Saffron, Peach Parfait, Wild Wasabi, White
DSP:  Just Add Cake
Ink:  Memento Black, Crumb Cake
Accessories:  Prismacolor markers, Nestabilities Delilah, lacey circles, and circle dies, ribbon, brad, Cuttlebug circle and dots embossing folder, color spritzer, dimensionals
All products are Stampin' Up unless otherwise noted.

Thanks for stopping by and as always ....

Have a great day,
Pam~

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

The Paper Players and Mojo

Before I get to my card, I have to tell you my exciting news.  My card, the mouse with the strawberries, was picked as a Perfect Princess over at Freshly Made Sketches!  I'm thrilled and smiling from ear to ear!  Thank you, Tui!


Today's card is for The Paper Players, use an animal or plant, and the MOJO sketch.  I really liked how this one turned out, except for the line that I drew.  The sketch showed stitching around the rectangle piece so I thought I would just draw a line ... mistake.  Have to admit I was lazy and didn't want to redo it so left it as is ... added character to the card.  

Stamps:  Button Buddies, Fabulous Phrases
Paper:  Chocolate Chip, Pretty In Pink, Certainly Celery, White
DSP:  Certainly Celery, Pretty In Pink
Ink:  Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery, Pretty In Pink, Chocolate Chip, Versamark
Accessories:  polka dot embossing folder, brads, word window and modern label punch, button, embossing powder, sponge daubers, dimensionals, ribbon (non SU)
All products are Stampin' Up unless otherwise noted.
  • I used sponge daubers to make the sky and grass.
  • Ms. Piggy was embossed with clear embossing powder
  • Had to be careful on what sentiment I put on the front.  I sure don't want to hurt someone's feelings.  Never know how people will take getting a card with a pig on the front.
Today I am off to Birmingham to attend the Lamp of Learning Ceremony to see Bethany get her Nursing pin.  After the reception we get to tour some of the labs.  I'm really looking forward to seeing those.   I am hoping I get to take her out for dinner before hand to celebrate.  She is working so hard and doing so well.   Can you tell I'm a proud Mom? *smile*

As always, thanks for stopping by and ...

Have a great day,
Pam~



Friday, September 16, 2011

Freshly Made Sketches #2

Wanted to do a quick post of two cards that I made for Bethany and Michael.  I went to Freshly Made Sketches to get started.  Be sure to click on over and check it out.  This was my starting point ...



This was my ending point for Bethany's card ...

Stamps:  Bliss, House Mouse
Paper:  White, Baja Breeze, Poppy Parade
Ink:  Memento Black, Poppy Parade
Accessories:  Early Expresso baker's twine, Nestabilities rectangle and circle dies, circle punch, finial press embossing folder, Bic Markers
All products are SU unless otherwise noted.

This was my ending point for Michael's card ...

Stamps:  Fabulous Phrases, House Mouse
Paper:  White, Not Quite Navy, Poppy Parade
Ink:  Memento Black, Poppy Parade
Accessories:  Prismacolor pencils, OMS, CB star embossing folder and star die, Early Expresso baker's twine, Nestabilities rectangle dies
All products are SU unless otherwise noted.

Here is a picture of the two cards together.  Kinda cute, huh?  


I'm heading to the craft show today with two good friends.  It is going to be a great day ... my 22nd anniversary and Michael is coming home for the weekend .. only because he has an orthodontic appointment this afternoon.  Otherwise he would not drive the 3 1/2 hours. 

Thanks for stopping by and as always ....

Have a great day,
Pam~



Thursday, September 15, 2011

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 ...


Ppa111

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~

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

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~

Thursday, September 8, 2011

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~


Wednesday, September 7, 2011

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~

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

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~

Thursday, September 1, 2011

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 ...


Ppa color
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~

Monday, August 29, 2011

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~

Thursday, August 18, 2011

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 ...
Ppa107

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~


Tuesday, August 9, 2011

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:
 
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/
10. Leah O'Brien at http://www.leahobrien.com/
17. Martha Stewart at http://www.seasonsofstamping.com/

Have a great day,
Pam~

Thursday, August 4, 2011

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 ...
LimeadeIndigoDaffodil


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~

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

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~