"MAKE-IT-SNAPPY-MONDAY"

Since this is the last project to share in my Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer punch series, I saved my favorite techniques for this post.  There's nothing exactly special or unique about these two uses for the punched blossoms, but I think they pack a visual punch for any card or project.  As you can see, this is a very simple card that can be made from designer paper scraps that you have lying around.  I used Stampin' Up!'s Patterns Pack (level 1 hostess choice) for my card, and I just cut the "gift box" to a size appropriate for the card.  For the sentiment, I made "v" cuts to a strip of card stock to weave under the left side of the blossom outline and added white dots with a gel pen.  Such a very simple addition, but I liked how the white dots accentuated the embossed dots on the white card stock layer.  The punched blossom outline seems to be the piece that I use the least  from this punch, so I got kind of excited when I came up with this way to use those pieces!  The sentiment is from the "Teeny Tiny Wishes" stamp set, which I use all the time, and other Stampin' Up! products used include Pear Pizzazz card stock, small oval punch, and rhinestone jewels.  I haven't decided yet if I will feature another series during MISM, but I'm certainly open to suggestions!

CARE FOR A LATTE?

Earlier this week, I ordered a brand new Cricut cartridge (Love You a Latte) and paid more for it than I normally am willing to spend, but you know how it is when you think you MUST have a certain something.  I watched the FedEx guy saunter (verb: walk in a slow, relaxed manner, without hurry or effort)  to the porch, and I thought, "Man!  Hurry!  You've got my cartridge!!!"  So, of course, after having to wait with anticipation for the package to finally land on the porch, I was anxious to create something.  I chose a cup image and used the Gypsy to design this shaped card, and it turned out almost perfect--I cut the card stock for the card too short, so the bottom of the back panel (which was supposed to be the front of the card) isn't as long as the front, and it doesn't have the rounded bottom but was useable.  Stampin' Up! products used on this project include "Morning Cup" stamp set, Neutrals designer button, linen thread, and Square Lattice embossing folder.  I think it turned out quite cute, and it's definitely a design that I will use again and again.

"FABULOUS FRIEND"

I have a quick and easy little dilly to share today.  I reached into my stash of card stock that needs to be sorted and filed (not gonna happen), and I found this Pear Pizzazz card.  I used the Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer punch on a strip of Tempting Turquoise card stock, and cut apart the two borders for my card, which were adhered to the back of a strip of Whisper White card stock.  I lightly sponged Tempting Turquoise ink on some of the paper daisies, which are held together with a glimmer brad.  The sentiment is from Stampin' Up!'s "Oval All" stamp set, and I used an aqua painter to color it with Pear Pizzazz and Tempting Turquoise ink.  The daisies and sentiment were adhered to a strip of "Square Lattice" embossed Pear Pizzazz card stock, and the card was finished off with ribbon.  The inspiration for this card comes from the box sample on page 17 (top left) in the brand new Idea Book & Catalog.  Stampin' Up! did a great job with the project ideas in the new catalog, and there are many great layouts and color combos to inspire!

"FREESTYLE FRIDAYS"

It's FRIDAY!!!!!!  And that means it's time for Freestyle Fridays.  This week, Julie has designed an inspiring project for us and, best of all, she's used one of the brand new stamp sets in Stampin' Up!'s new catalog!  This happens to be one of the sets that caught my attention, is on order, and should be at my house on Monday.  You'll want to hop on over to Julie's blog to see the whole project because you know it's better than the sneak peek!  If you should happen to visit Julie's blog before this project is posted there, please check back after she's had time to wash the sleep from her Canadian eyes and get it posted.  While you're there, how about leaving her a comment?  Bloggers love to get comments--it's how we know what you liked when you visited. 

IT FINALLY BLOOMED!!!!

Of course, when I am ready to post this picture to my blog, I cannot recall the name of these flowers.  Just look at how huge those leaves are!  You certainly can't tell from the picture, but this flower/plant/whatever you call it is more than 4' tall--and it is shading the daylight at the bay window in my dining room.  I've lived in my house for nearly 16 years and, for the first time, this bulb flower sprang into growth.  Since I'm not used to having this flower at the window, I sometimes think someone is outside looking in when I catch a glimpse of it.  Ha!  Watching it grow has been like watching a time-lapse recording, and it finally bloomed today.  Sadly, before long, the weight of the flowers will pull it to the ground and break the stalk if I don't get out there and tie it to something.  I love these flowers!! 

A TALE OF TWO DIGIS

It was the best of times.  It was the worst of times.  Actually, it was a rainy day, and all I could make myself do was laundry . . . and play with Stampin' Up!'s My Digital Studio software and some new (to me) digital downloads.  I designed both of these cards and then printed them onto card stock and added a layer between the printed design and the actual card.  The first card features "Puns from the Past" stamp brush set, vintage overlays, brads, Top Note shape, button, stitching, crochet trim, "Torn Edges" stamp brush set, and digital paper designs.  The second card features the "Tres Chic" stamp brush set, which is a LOT of fun because of the option to make the large image of words any size.  On the Very Vanilla panel, I repeated the words image tone-on-tone with a drop-shadow effect to create a barely-there design.  Other digital products used on this card include the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border, Modern Label, and Spiral Border punches, antique brad, vintage trinkets (button brads), crochet trim, and "Springtime Vintage" designer paper.  Besides the fact that designing with My Digital Studio is a quick and easy way to create a project, the printed designs actually are a great color match to the actual products used during the design process.  Each Tuesday, Stampin' Up! offers new digital downloads, so there is always something new and, best of all, the downloads are VERY reasonably priced!  I think everyone should own My Digital Studio!  Even if you don't like the look of one-dimensional cards, there are times when we all need a quick card to drop in the mail.  Also, from the two cards pictured here, I think you can see for yourself how easy it would be to design a decorative element for a scrapbook page, mini album, tag, etc.  There are many creative ways to use My Digital Studio, and you certainly are NOT limited in the many ways to use your designs!  ETA:  Crap!  I just realized that I forgot to flip the spiral punched edge, so go ahead and call me a goober! 

GRUNGY VINTAGE RETIREMENT CARD

I needed to make a "happy retirement" card for a lady whom I've known all of my life.  Do you ever think about that when you say it . . . "all of my life"?  Of course, you've known your immediate family all of your life, and you've maybe used Duke's mayonnaise all of your life but, through the years, you normally lose touch with many of the people (non-family members) that you've actually known all of your life.  So, for this special card, I wanted to use a stamp set that I've not used in a long time (or ever), so I pulled Stampin' Up!'s "Asian Artistry" off the shelf.  The idea for the sponged circle (behind the flowers) was actually found on a swap that I had in my stash, but the remainder of the card design is all mine.  Stampin' Up! products used to create this card include Naturals Ivory, Soft Suede, and Cherry Cobbler card stock, crochet trim, Neutrals button, linen thread, and "Newsprint" designer paper.  I haven't decided if this is the card that I'll send to the lady whom I've known all of my life, but it's in the running.

MORNING CUP A LA NEUTRAL

The card that I'm sharing today has several of my favorite things . . . a neutral color palette, texture, button, and just enough lace.  I love Stampin' Up!'s "Morning Cup" stamp set, although I never drink coffee or hot tea.  To create the lace, I used the brand new Lace Ribbon Border punch (soon to be available) with a strip of 3/4" card stock.  For the decorative photo corners, I used the Curly Label punch, cut in half, and then used a craft knife to cut a slit to slip the card stock through.  All products used are from Stampin' Up! and include Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Whisper White, and Crumb Cake card stock, Square Lattice embossing folder, linen thread, Neutrals button, and striped grosgrain ribbon (from the Clearance Rack).

"MAKE-IT-SNAPPY-MONDAY"

It's time for my snappy Monday share . . . the third installment in my series featuring Stampin' Up!'s Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer punch . . . and this time I use the punched blossom as an end cap for the sentiment label on my card.  The blossom could be adhered to the top of the label or used as a "buckle" for the label, as on the card pictured in this post.  Stampin' Up! products used to create this 4.25" square card include a Sizzix Circle die, Square Lattice embossing folder, natural hemp twine, rhinestone jewel, Crumb Cake, Elegant Eggplant, Whisper White, and Pear Pizzazz card stock, "Pocket Silhouettes" and "Tiny Tags" stamp sets, and the following punches - Modern Label, Jewelry Tag, 1-3/8" Square, Postage Stamp, and Itty Bitty Shapes.  

"COUNTRYSIDE" FATHER'S DAY CARD

Since it's Father's Day, I thought I'd share the card that I made for my dad.  He's a "pick-up" man, so the truck image from Stampin' Up!'s "Countryside" stamp set seemed like a perfect choice for his card.  Other Stampin' Up! products used include the Square Lattice embossing folder, "So Many Sayings" (retired) stamp set, linen thread, and a button from the Neutrals collection. 

A JUMBO TAG FOR "FREESTYLE FRIDAYS"

With her Freestyle Fridays project last week, Julie issued a mission for me to use three different colors of designer paper to create a project for this week.  If you're having trouble finding the three different colors of designer paper, it's because I didn't follow the mission completely.  I did, however, take the inspiration for this oversized tag from the floral project that Julie shared with us last week.  It's been a crazy week for me (and it's not over yet) and, as I was cleaning in the stamp room, I was trying to think of how I could combine Julie's mission with one of the tasks on my "to do" list.  It just so happens that I have a birthday gift for my mother that I can't wrap, but it needed some kind of festive decoration.  That's when I came up with the idea of an oversized tag!  This tag is slightly smaller than 8" x 12".  To begin my project, I adhered the designer paper to a thin piece of cardboard.  I used the Sizzix "Flower Folds" die for all of the flower layers, and the "Swirly" decorative strip die was use for the decorative accents on the tag.  The birthday greeting was cut with the Cricut and accented with rhinestone jewels.  I finished off the tag with a piece of striped grosgrain ribbon, and a big button (and hemp twine) in the center of the flower layers.  I can't remember the name of the designer paper collection, but all products are from Stampin' Up!, with the exception of the Cricut cuts.  Have a great weekend, and don't forget to visit me on Monday for the third project in my "Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch" series.

HAPPY "BIRD" DAY

On Sunday, we'll celebrate my son's 20th birthday, and this is the card that I made for him yesterday afternoon.  It's hard to believe that he's already 20--officially out of the teen years.  Since he has a renewed interest in golf these days, this seemed like a perfect card.  I think it's interesting that whatever he and his friends decide to get into, they all seem to have "the goods" . . . whether it's paintball, guitar, bowling, shooting, etc.  I used the Cricut "Wrap It Up" cartridge for all of the cuts.  To make this shaped card, I cut two of the "bag with clubs" images, cut the clubs off of the back image, adhered the two pieces at the top of the bag, and created a scored line so the card would open and close.  While pulling retired/retiring stamp sets off of my shelves recently, I discovered the "Picture This" stamp set from Stampin' Up! that I had never used.  As a matter of fact, the stamps had not been mounted onto the wood blocks!  Other Stampin' Up! products used were the Word Window and Modern Label punches and linen thread.  FYI:  If there is a retired or retiring stamp set that you're interested in, let me know and I will check to see if I have it!  Once the retiring sets are officially retired, I'll be having a HUGE stamp sale!

FABRIC, WOOD, OR PAPER . . . ONE QUILT LEADS TO ANOTHER

Today is my sweet mother's birthday, and this is the card that I made for her . . . all quilted and buttoned!  The inspiration for this card came from a barn quilt that my parents recently had made for the detached garage/storage building on their property.  The barn quilt was inspired by an actual quilt that my grandmother made for my dad, so I guess you could say that my grandmother started all of the inspiration and has shared her love of quilting and the "how-to" with my mother and sister, who both enjoy quilting.  Personally, I have never had the patience for a needle and thread or the amount of time it takes to start and (much, much later) finish a gorgeous quilt.  However, I have recently made a barn quilt of my own (from wood, to hang on our not-so-pretty storage building), and I will post it to my blog soon after I get the sealant on it and have it hanging in place.  But, back to the quilt card . . . Stampin' Up! products used to create this card include:  So Saffron, Pear Pizzazz, Whisper White, and Poppy Parade card stock, "So Many Sayings" (retired) stamp set, "Sunny Garden" designer paper, Wild Wasabi marker for the stitching, Eyelet Border, Butterfly, and Corner Rounder punches, Baker's twine, BUTTONS!!!!!!!, and fabric brad from the "Sweet Stitches" designer collection.  My original plan was to use the Square Lattice embossing folder for the Inlaid Embossing technique, but my card came together too large for that folder.  Instead, I used Cuttlebug's 5x7 "Clockworks" embossing folder.  Mother, I wish you a HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! 

A QUICK DIGITAL CREATION

Today has felt so much like Saturday to me.  It's been a "home" day--a day for doing laundry, putting things where they go, breaking down boxes, etc., and I had to take a few minutes this evening to do a little digital designing with Stampin'  Up!'s My Digital Studio software.  This card features the following digital images: 

Designer Paper:  Greenhouse Gala

Stamp Brush Sets:  Music Notes, Green Tea, Thoughts & Prayers

Embellishments:  Staples & Stitching, Baker's twine, antique brad, Vintage Trinkets, satin ribbon

Punches:  Square, Scallop Edge

And now when I need a pretty "thinking of you" card, I can just print this one onto card stock!

"MAKE-IT-SNAPPY-MONDAY"

For the second installment of my Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch series, I have two projects to share with you today.  The first is a card where I have used punched blossoms to create a doily-type border around the focal point.  Other Stampin' Up! products used to create this card include Marina Mist, Elegant Eggplant, Whisper White, and Certainly Celery card stock, flower brad, 2-3/8" Scallop Circle punch, 1-3/4" Circle punch, Eyelet Border punch, "Vintage Vogue" and "Happy Greetings" stamp sets, and the Square Lattice embossing folder.  My second project is a hexagon box which features punched blossoms on each side of the box and also as adornments for the handle on the box lid.  The stamped images are from the "Vintage Vogue" stamp set.  Other Stampin' Up! products used to decorate this box include the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border, Itty Bitty Shapes (heart), and Modern Label punches and Baker's twine.  The box, which has a hinged lid, is from the "Life's a Party" cartridge and was cut with the Cricut.  I hope my series of projects featuring the Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer punch are inspiring you!  There really are some very clever ways to use this punch!  If you'd like to order this punch (and any other Stampin' Up! products), please visit my web site at www.regina.stampinup.net.

"BEYOND THE GARDEN" COASTERS

Last week, I shared a set of coasters that I made with Stampin' Up!'s "Sunny Garden" designer paper, but I was thinking that coasters don't have to be one-dimensional.  I used My Digital Studio software to design these four coasters with punches, ribbon, stamps, brads, and buttons--all digital, of course, and then printed them onto card stock so that I could make coasters with them!  While each of them appears to have layers and embellishments, they're perfectly flat.  Each coaster features Stampin' Up!'s "Beyond the Garden" (digital) designer paper.  After printing the designs, I cut them into 4" squares, adhered the paper to a blank coaster, and then adhered a window sheet on top.  I used the Sizzix 3" Circle die to cut the coasters and . . . voila!!!! . . . they're ready to use!  I absolutely LOVE how dimensional they appear and, with My Digital Studio, design abilities are only limited by your imagination!  While I was making coasters, I decided to try a PHOTO coaster and used a photo of my sister and her oldest granddaughter.  I forgot to put card stock in the printer, so the picture is on copy paper but, as you can see, it turned out okay.  Now, if you have been talking yourself out of purchasing My Digital Studio, you can go ahead and talk yourself back into it!  Each time I use the software, I feel sorry for anyone who doesn't own it, and I don't want to keep feeling sorry for you!  You can get it HERE.  What are you waiting for?



TRASH TO TREASURE

I love a fun trash-to-treasure discovery, and I had one of those moments during the wee hours this a.m.  While re-organizing some things in my stamp room, I glanced in the trash can at two pieces of cardboard that had been used as protective coverings for the ends of a small white shelf, and it occurred to me that I could use them for storage boxes.  What a great find this was, and I'll probably get more use from the boxes than the shelf!  I've got both of the boxes made, but the second one still needs some decorative touches.  I used a favored retired designer paper collection from Stampin' Up! to decorate the boxes, as well as the soon-to-be-retired "Newsprint" designer paper.  Both boxes feature a hardware label--one from the Antique Brass set, and the other label is from the Styled Vanilla set, which is retiring and on sale at the moment!  There are some great deals among the retiring products and, as always, some steals in Stampin' Up!'s Clearance Rack.  Be sure to check 'em out, order a few items, and be ready for your next project.  It might just be a handy dandy trash-to-treasure restoration.

IT'S TIME FOR "FREESTYLE FRIDAYS"

It's time for Freestyle Fridays, and it's Julie's turn to inspire us this week.  She has used some fun dies and a punch to create a gorgeous layered flower, and look at the center of the flower . . . it's a die-cut and embossed card stock button!  Of course, you'll find the complete project photo on Julie's blog, so hop on over there now.  I'm sure she'd love it if you leave a comment for her.

"SUNNY GARDEN" COASTER SET

I have been wanting to make a cute set of coasters, but the only window sheets that I had were the black polka dot which, I think, came from Stampin' Up!'s Night & Day designer paper collection.  They worked perfectly, but I would have preferred plain sheets.  I made my four coasters several days ago, but I just completed the box for this set today.  I used Stampin' Up!'s 3" Circle die to cut my coasters, but my Inkerbelles are going to make a larger one at class this month.  We won't make this entire ensemble, but I think they're going to love this gift idea, which makes a quick and cute "little something" for a hostess, bride, housewarming, etc.  Stampin' Up! products used to create this project include:

Card Stock:  So Saffron textured (for the box), Pear Pizzazz, Whisper White

Designer Paper:  Sunny Garden, Night & Day (retired)

Stamp Set:  Tiny Tags

Ink:  Poppy Parade

Punches:  Small and Large Tag, Jewelry Tag, Eyelet Border, Scallop Trim Border, Scallop Edge Border, Corner Rounder

Sizzix Dies:  3" Circle, Floral Fusion, Box #2

Accessories:  Glitter brad, Pear Pizzazz ribbon, Big Shot Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets, Cork Sheets

AND IT SHALL BE CALLED "NOTABLY ARTISTIC"

I can't remember posting this card before and, during a quick scan of my blog, I didn't see where I had.  I hope it's new to your eyes!  This card was relatively quick and simple to make, and it uses what I think are two of Stampin' Up!'s best vintage-y stamp sets . . . "Notably Ornate" and "Artistic Etchings."  The color palette is quite simple, too--Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso, and Very Vanilla card stock.  I began this card by using the Sizzix Scallop Square die to cut the Very Vanilla card stock, stamped the images, and then cut the card stock and adhered the smaller squares to a piece of Early Espresso card stock.  The scallop square makes it super easy to create a grid card, but the card will be larger than standard A2 size.  Although I don't actually make a lot of "grid" cards, I love the look of a grid design!  It ranks almost as high on my love-it-meter as square cards and buttons, and a design with a grid layout is always eye-catching.  My scrapbook club would probably say that there is such a thing as too many grid layouts, but . . . really?  Other Stampin' Up! products used include "Happy Greetings" stamp set, Cherry Cobbler seam binding, and Wide Oval punch.