Paper Players sketch challenge

The Paper Players have a sketch challenge this week that I wanted to participate in.  I had a vision in my mind of what I wanted.  I started cutting paper and putting everything together and my end result was not exactly what I thought it would be.  The flowers look a bit weird being cut apart.  Oh well, live and learn on what works and what doesn't.

Stamps:  Build A Blossom

Paper:  white, black

DSP:  paper pack from Hobby Lobby

Ink:  Black, Marina Mist

Accessories:  polka dot embossing folder, brads, dazzling diamonds, ribbon (non-SU)

All products are SU unless otherwise noted.

The picture does not do this card any justice.  The black looks much better in real life.  I think because the photograph was dark and I lightened it up with my photo shop program, that it dimmed the card color. 

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a great day!

Pam~

Missing You ...

My brother has been on my mind lately so I wanted to send him some love.  Hopefully he doesn't think this is too "girly". I know my sister-in-law will like it.  I got my inspiration for this card from the July issue of Stampin' Success Magazine.  I used similar colors and made a much simpler version. 

     Stamps:  Three Little words, Flight of the Butterfly

Paper:  Vanilla, Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade

Ink:  Soft Suede, Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade

Accessories:  Finial and dots embossing folder, Nestabilities ten label die, vanilla ribbon (non SU), modern label and word window punches, butterfly punch, eyelets (non SU), rhinestones (colored w/sharpie)

All products are SU unless otherwise noted.

The new In-Colors where used on this card, which are available July 1st.

Have a great day,

Pam~

Color challenge...gone wrong

I feel in love with this color combo from seeing Nance's card at Canopy Crafts. Be sure and check her card out here.  It is precious.  Well, I didn't go the website that was hosting the color challenge until a few minutes ago.  You have to use all SU products ... oops!  I can't upload my card there but I can still share it here.   

Stamps:  Happy Healing

Paper:  White, Tempting Turquoise, Old Olive, Tangerine Tango

Ink:  Black, Old Olive

Accessories:  Nestabilities octagon and scallop square die, Prismacolor markers, sponge, glimmer brads, pearls, polka dot embossing folder, dimensionals

All products are SU unless otherwise noted.

I put a lot of bling on this one ... sure to make someone feel better.

Have a great day,

Pam~

Gift Card holder

Happy Friday Friends!  Today I'm posting a gift card holder that I made for Michael to give to a buddy that was having a graduation party.  I got the design from SAZCreations over at Splitcoast.  

Stamps:  Happy Greetings, So Happy For You

Paper:  Night of Navy, Tan (non-SU)

DSP:  Night of Navy, Tangerine Tango

Ink:  Night of Navy

Accessories:  Nestabilities oval dies, twine, brads, label punches

All products are SU unless otherwise noted.

Here is a picture of the inside ...

• Above the orange panel is where the gift card slides in.  I should have put it in there for the picture.  
• The measurements are ... 4 x 12 cardstock scored at 4 inches and 8 inches.  The third panel is trimmed before being folded over and attached.
• Michael's friend is also heading to Auburn this fall.  I used the school colors for the DSP.  

Thanks for stopping by today!  I am heading to Birmingham with Michael for soccer.  He is playing in the Alabama Sports Festival this weekend.  It is like the Olympics for the state.  He has participated in the soccer event for the last two years.  It is always fun and HOT!  I will miss Bethany not going with me ... darn job.

Have a great day,

Pam~

PPA99 - CAS Element of Style - Stars

Hello Friends!  Today is Thursday which brings another Pals Paper Arts challenge.  This week we are featuring clean and simple with an emphasis on stars and/or military.  Let's see those patriotic cards this week.  Ready for some inspiration ... take it away with Bette Milder!

This was a fun card for me.  I love the happiness that red, white and blue represent ... sure to put a smile on everyone's face.  When I was looking through my "current" stamps, I came to realize that I didn't have any stars.  The only star that I found was in a Christmas set.  The inky fingers went to play and created this ...

Stamps:  Christmas Classics, Itty Bitty Bits

Paper:  White, Real Red, Pacific Point

DSP:  Real Red

Ink:  Real Red, Pacific Point

Accessories:  Itty Bitty punch, pearls, Real Red ribbon, designer button, dimensionals, glue dots

All products are Stampin' Up.

• I snipped a thin strip of Pacific Point cardstock and used that to tie a knot in my button.
• I popped up the smaller stars from Itty Bitty Bits on dimensionals to give the larger stars definition.

As always, thanks for stopping by and I always read and appreciate the comments that you leave.

Have a great day,

Pam~

Delicate Doilies

Today I'm showing off one of the new stamp sets, Delicate Doilies, that will be available July 1st in the catalog.  I'm not a doilies kind of person, but just had to get my hands on this set.  So glad I did ... it's gorgeous and fun to play with ... so many ideas!

Stamps:  Delicate Doilies

Paper:  Early Expresso, Sahara Sand, Vanilla, Cajun Craze

DSP:  Sahara Sand, Cajun Craze

Ink:  Cajun Craze, Versamark

Accessories:  embossing tool, clear embossing powder, rhinestones, Early Expresso ribbon, stamp-a-ma-jig, ticket punch

All products are Stampin' Up!

• This is a 4 1/4 x 4 1/4 card base.
• The doily was stamped in Cajun Craze and then stamped over in Versamark, sprinkled with embossing powder and heated.
• This is a CASE from Beate at Splitcoast.  I was looking at my cards that I have put in my favorite folder and saw this one from 2007.  To see her card, click here.
• I used a different stamp, different shades of paper, and a much simpler version. 

Have a great day,

Pam~

Clean & Simple challenge

Today I had a great day with Bethany.  We went shopping and then met Michael for lunch.  After lunch we, minus Michael, went to Hobby Lobby to use our 40% off coupon.  Can't let a good coupon go to waste.  We bought some goodies, so we had to come home and go straight to my craft room.  I was making cards and Bethany was scrapbooking.  Think that is her real passion.  Here is Bethany among our mess.  (She is gonna kill me for putting up this picture, but I thought it was funny.)

Hmmm...guess you can tell where I sit by the reading glasses on the table.  Unfortunately, I can't work without them now.  

I wanted to play with gals over at The Paper Players as they had a clean and simple challenge this week.  

The hardest part of this card ... deciding on which stamp to use.  

Stamps:  Upsy Daisy

Paper:  White, Black, Pretty Pink

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

Ink:  Pretty in Pink, Black, Versamark

Accessories:  rhinestones, sharpie marker, stamp-a-ma-jig, embossing powder, heat tool

All products are SU unless otherwise noted.

• For my main image I stamped the daisies in Pretty in Pink, then using my stamp-a-ma-jig, I restamped the daisies in versamark.  Next I added clear embossing powder and my heat gun.  I tried to show off the embossed look in the picture.
• A new technique that Mary Fish showed on her blog was coloring the clear rhinestones with a sharpie marker.  I just had to try that.  Loved the end result and will definitely be doing this again.

Have a great day,

Pam~

Wild Daffodil Melon ...

... the colors for The Paper Players challenge this week.  They look beautiful together and make for an awesome card.

I thought I would do something different for this card.  I randomly opened up the catalog and picked a stamp set that was on that page and started creating.  I knew I wanted to try a layout that I saw on one Gina K.'s video.  The inky fingers had a great time making this ...

Stamps:  Cottage Garden

Paper:  Daffodil Delight, Melon Mambo, Wild Wasabi, White

DSP:  Melon Mambo

Ink:  Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight, Wild Wasabi, Black

Accessories:  stamp-a-ma-jig, rhinestone brads, sponge, daffodil delight

All products are Stampin' Up!

Another simple card that is ready to be mailed.  I see so many gorgeous cards out there with wonderful flowers and embellishments and I always wonder how are they mailed?  The majority of my cards that are made, I put in A2 envelopes.  My question to all you great bloggers ... how do you mail your embellished masterpieces?

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.  I'm heading out to lunch and shopping with my best friend ... great start to the weekend!

Have a great day,

Pam~

Let's get sketchy ...

With Thursday brings another Pals Paper Arts challenge.  This week it all starts with a sketch by my Pal Margaret Moody.

I had the best intentions on making a square card.  Unfortunately my mind was not on the same page as my hand and I cut the paper wrong.  Rather than start over, I just went with what I had.  This is what the 'ole inky fingers came up with ...

Stamps:  Artistic Etchings

Paper:  Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Baja Breeze, Vanilla

DSP:  Elegant Soiree

Ink:  Baja Breeze, Soft Suede, Crumb Cake

Accessories:  antique brad, circle punches, corner rounder, Nestabilities oval and scallop dies, sponge, dimensionals, eyelets (non SU)

All products are Stampin' Up unless otherwise noted.

I left this card pretty simple but liked the end result.  I sponged each piece of paper with soft suede for an aged look.  

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

Pam~

Graduation thanks

I made this card earlier in the week but forgot to post it ... oops.  I made a few of these for Michael to send out as his thank you cards for graduation gifts.  Tried to create something cute, not too kiddish and masculine.  Think I might have succeeded since Michael said he liked it and was willing to sign his name on them.  

Stamps:  Monkey Business

Paper:  Close to Cocoa, Always Artichoke, Cream (not SU)

DSP:  from an old stash that was bought at a craft store years ago

Ink:  Close to Cocoa, Daffodil Delight, Black

Accessories:  polka dot embossing folder, Nestabilities circle and scallop die, twine, dimensionals

All products are SU unless otherwise noted.

I used this week's MOJO sketch as my starting point.  You can always find a good sketch over there.  I rock n' rolled the banana's to add a little definition to them.

Thanks for stopping by and remember the door is always open, so please stop by often.

Have a great day,

Pam~

Your Signature Style

Hi friends!  This week at Pals Paper Arts we are hosting another great challenge ... your signature style.  Show us what your go to layout, ink color, and/or embellishment is.  Maybe it is a certain card stock or stamp.  Have fun with this challenge and be sure to post it for all to see!  

Below is a little inspiration ...

My go to is usually a fun or animal themed card.  My style is usually not very formal and fancy.  Every once in a while I might pull one out of my sleeve though.  For today's challenge, I went with a cute card for my sister-in-laws birthday.

Stamps:   Happy Together, Birthday Bliss

Paper:  Pacific Point, Bashful Blue, Pear Pizzazz, Real Red, White
Ink:  Pacific Point, Bashful Blue, Pear Pizzazz, Garden Green
Accessories:  circle punches, scallop punch, sponge daubers, dimensionals
All products are Stampin' Up unless otherwise noted.

• I punched out a bunch of different sized circles and glued them randomly. After my paper was covered and the glue dried, I trimmed all the edges.
• My idea for creating this circle background came from the Designer Series Paper Celebrations in the 2010-11 Idea Book & Catalog.  I really liked the the paper so decided to create my own since I didn't own it.
• I sponged Bashful Blue to make a sky and Pear Pizzazz and Garden Green for the grass.

This is one of those cards that just made me feel good when I was done.  My sister-in-law almost didn't get it but I forced myself to put it in the mail today.  Do you ever hoard your favorite cards that you make?

I hope everyone has a "cool" day.  We have been scorching here in Alabama for the last couple of weeks.   I'm looking forward to checking out your great creations!

Pam~

Think about the men in your life ...

The challenge this week at Pals Paper Arts is all about color and making a masculine card.  Here is the starting point ...

Below is the ending point for me ...

Stamps:  On The Fly, So Happy For You

Paper:  Cherry Cobbler, More Mustard, Night Of Navy, Confetti Vanilla, 

Ink:  Night Of Navy, More Mustard, Early Expresso

Accessories:  CB embossing folder, eyelet, itty bitty circle punch, word window punch, dimensionals

All products are SU unless otherwise noted.

I'm keeping this post short and sweet tonight.  The eyelids are heavy and I can't stop yawning.  

Until next time ...

Pam~

Birthday Wishes ...

It feels wonderful to be back at home.  We had a fantastic time at Disney World and Cocoa Beach last week.  The weather could not have been better and the crowds were not too bad.  Our longest wait for one ride was an hour but other than that, it was no more than 30 minutes.


Michael's graduation went very well and my baby actually starts college today.  He is taking a history class this summer at our community college before heading to Auburn in August.  Our soccer banquet went off without a hitch and I didn't shed any tears.  I did choke up when I was thanking the parents, players and my family.  I have been the President of the Booster Club for the last three years and I will miss being involved.


Now I am hoping that our life will get back to normal.  I am anxious to get back into some kind of stamping routine.  Today's card is for Monica's, my stamping buddy, birthday.  Her birthday was May 20th so I'm late getting this to her ... oops!  Hopefully I will see her today so that she will get the card before the reading the post.

Stamps:  On the Grow, Four Frames, Fabulous Phrases

Paper:  Elegant Eggplant, Garden Green, More Mustard, Very Vanilla

DSP:  Elegant Eggplant

Ink:  Black, More Mustard

Accessories:  Prismacolor Markers, brads (non-SU), corner rounder, frame punch, Nestabilities oval dies, stamp-a-ma-jig, dimensionals, Signa white gel pen, mat pack, color coach

All products are Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted.

Have a great day,

Pam~

It's all about ... brads

This week the Pals want you to pull out your brads and make a clean and simple card.  Below is an inspiration photo to help put your mind in brad mode.

After seeing the picture, I decided to put another challenge to myself.  I wanted to use only the In-Colors and had to use the scooter in the new On the Grow stamp set.  So with those thoughts swirling in my head, my inky fingers went to work and created this ...

Stamps:  On the Grow

Paper:  Blushing Bride, Pear Pizzazz, Poppy Parade, White

DSP:  Blushing Bride (hostess gift)

Ink:  Black and the following SU markers ... Blushing Bride, Peach Parfait, Pear Pizzazz, Poppy Parade, Cajun Craze, Basic Gray, Bashful Blue

Accessories:  brads, oval and itty bitty punches, ribbon, itty bitty button, thread (non SU) and dimensionals

All products are Stampin' Up unless otherwise noted.

I hope you will find some time to join in the fun this week at the Pals Paper Arts.  I'm off to go find the Buzz Light Year ride and some other fun roller coasters.  Maybe I will see Mickey along the way ... guess where I'm at?

Have a great day,

Pam~

Here Comes the Bride ...

This week at the Pals Paper Arts it is all about the bride and weddings.  Let your romantic side take over and have some fun with this.  Use the inspiration photo below to get the creative juices flowing ...

I knew I wanted to use Elegant Soiree Designer Series Paper.  So, that was  my starting point and this was the ending result ...

Stamps:  Fabulous Florets, 

Paper:  Soft Suede, Baja Breeze, Very Vanilla

DSP:  Elegant Soiree

Ink:  Soft Suede, Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy, So Saffron

Accessories:  Baja Breeze ribbon (retired), pearls, corner rounder, itty bitty punch, circle cutter, blender pen

All products are Stampin' Up

I used my blender pen and ink refills to color the flower.

I hope you will find some time join the rest of the uber talented Pals in this fun challenge.  As always, I am looking forward to checking out your cards.

Have a great day,

Pam~

Feeling some MOJO

I found some time to stamp yesterday afternoon and wanted to share my card with you.  When looking at the finished card yesterday, I was quite happy with the results.  I love when I have that feeling!


This is for two challenges ... The Paper Players have a theme challenge this week which is to use birds, bees, flowers and trees.  I got my inspiration for the layout from the MOJO Monday sketch this week.


This is my what my inky fingers created ... 

Stamps:  Fabulous Phrases

Paper:  Regal Rose, Daffodil Delight, Early Expresso, Rose Red

DSP:  Regal Rose (retired)

Ink:  Early Expresso, Daffodil Delight, More Mustard

Accessories:  Nestabilites scalloped circle die, border punch (non SU), two-step bird punch, oval punches, polka dots and petals-a-plenty embossing folders, Baker's twine, sponge daubers, pearls, rhinestones, dimensionals, eyelets

• This card had a lot of punches and accessories. The only stamp used was the word heartfelt.
• I used sponge daubers and ink pads to create the yellow background behind my bird.
• Before sending this card out, I will make one change.  I will add a piece of Early Expresso for the the birds beak.  

Now it's off to get ready for the day.  We have a big soccer game tonight that I am hoping and praying that we win.  My dream is to see the seniors on this team go out as State Champs again.  We won it last year. 

Have a great day,

Pam~ 

In the dark ...

Literally I've been in the dark for the last five days. We had numerous tornados hit North and Central Alabama last Wednesday. I am very thankful that we did not receive any damage except losing our electricity for the last five days. At 12:30 am our power came back on.

I hope to try and catchup the next few days by checking out your blogs. Thank you to everyone who stopped by my blog or sent an email to see how I was doing. The community of stampers/crafters are the BEST!

Have a great day,
Pam-

All Buttoned Up ...

I'm thrilled to be back designing with the Pals at the Pals Paper Arts. This week we are challenging everyone to break out their buttons and create with us.  I just started using buttons on my cards this year.  I always admired the cards that had buttons on them, but I could never seem to make it work for me.  After a few trial and errors, I have come to love using buttons on my cards.


Here is a photo for some inspiration ...  

I had a lot fun playing with this one.  My inky fingers grabbed some buttons and created this ...

Stamps:  Elegant Thank You

Paper:  Tempting Turquoise, Black, White

DSP:  Tempting Turquoise

Ink:  Tempting Turquoise, Versamark

Accessories:  circle cutter, Finial Press embossing folder, scallop border punch, Real Red ribbon, Real Red and Black buttons, clear embossing powder, dimensionals, glue dots, white thread (non SU), stamp-a-ma-jig, embossing buddy, heat emobssing tool (non SU)

All products are SU unless otherwise noted.

• I used this week's MOJO sketch to get started ...

• My card measures 4 1/2 by 4 1/2 so that it will still fit in an A2 envelope.
• I stamped my thank you first in Tempting Turquoise ink.  Next I inked up the stamp in Versamark and stamped that right on top of the first image using my stamp-a-ma-jig.
• Clear embossing powder was sprinkled over the sentiment and heat embossed.

I hope you will find some time this week to join in the fun of playing with buttons.  I always enjoy looking at what you have made.

Have a great day,

Pam~

It started with a sketch ...

and ended with a card...a graduation card that is.

Stamps:  The Graduate (Stampabilities)

Paper:  Confetti White, Pumpkin Pie, Early Expresso

DSP:  Pumpkin Pie (retired)

Ink:  Memento Black

Accessories:  circle cutter, corner rounder; Non-SU brads, Prisma Markers

All products are SU unless otherwise noted.

The brown and orange that I used for this card are the school colors.  I wanted something that was not bulky to mail and simple to make for mass producing. This sketch was the perfect solution for that!

I tried to make this cute little mouse masculine since I had used the stamp for Bethany's graduation announcement card also.  Sure didn't want Michael to think he was getting a girl mouse on his card. Think it worked???  Below is the card that I made for Bethany's graduation back in 2009.  

I hope you will find some time to play around at the Pals Paper Arts with this great sketch!

Have a great day,

Pam~

Paper Players sketch challenge

I found a few minutes this afternoon to migrate to my craft room.  It felt great to put a stamp and ink in my hands.  Bring on the inky fingers again ... such a great feeling.


Since the stamping desire has not been there for a few weeks, I decided I wanted to do something simple.  The perfect challenge was just waiting to be played with.  This week The Paper Players are hosting a CAS (clean and simple) sketch.  Here it is ...

Below is what I created for my nephew.  I wanted a thank you card to send him for being such a wonderful tour guide at the Master's.  What an awesome experience that was.

Stamps:  Bold & Bright (retired 2000), Happy Moments

Paper:  White, Night of Navy, Brocade Blue, Cherry Cobbler

Ink:  Brocade Blue, Night of Navy

Accessories:  CB embossing folder, circle punch (non SU)

All products are SU unless otherwise noted.

• I rotated the sketch to work with the border stamp.
• CAS is supposed to show lots of white space, but my card just didn't look very good so I added the Night of Navy and embossed it.  Thought it might pass as bubbles in the water.
• I keep thinking it needs a little something extra, but that would defeat the CAS challenge.  So Stanley will get this as is and I hope he enjoys it.

I apologize for the not so great picture.  I took it late this afternoon and the sun had already gone behind the clouds and was determined not to shine again.  

Have a great day,

Pam~