{MTSC41} Razzleberry Lemonade Trendy Trees!

YaY! It's Tuesday and time for

Mercy's Sketch Challenge!

Mercy's Sketch Challenges are such FUN! I love her sketches and it is such an honor to be one of her "Muses"! Seriously! Check out this list . . . how did MY name get on there?!! :) Whatever you do, you really must hop on over to Lord Have Mercy and see what Mercy and all the Muses have created this week! There you'll find all the details if you want to participate and I know you will! Special thanks to Suzy Tyler who has been our Guest Muse for the month of September.

~ Mercy's Muses ~
Suzy Tyler ~ Inky Rubber
Jackie Pedro ~ The Scalloped Edge
Cindy Haffner ~ Cindy Haffner's Corner
Pam Varnell ~ The Stamping Addict
Julie Lacey ~ Stamps and Taxes
Crystal Birr ~ The Messy Stamper
Jessica Diedrich ~ The Whimsical Butterfly
Shannan Tuebner ~ Shannan Tuebner Designs

This is the inside sentiment. I was going to put something on the front and then again it seemed like too much. The designer paper is from the Razzleberry Lemonade collection by Stampin' Up! It coordinates perfectly with the new in-colors Rich Razzleberry, Melon Mambo and Crushed Curry...and I've used Pumpkin Pie too ...since it was an Autumn card and all! ;)

This is a 3 x 6" card (6" square folded in half). I don't go into a lot of detail describing my cards, so if you ever have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask!

Trendy Trees

I thought I would post a photo of the set just in case you haven't seen it yet. My sweet DIL ordered it at our last Stamp Club and I "borrowed" it from her. I wonder if she's missing it yet??? :) Oh, Hi Jami!

I'm glad you blogged by and I hope I've inspired you to join us in Mercy's Sketch Challenge this week! Take Care and Happy Stamping, My Friends!

Smiles 2 U!

~ Quote for Today ~

We can learn a lot from trees: they're always grounded

but never stop reaching heavenward.

Everett Mámor

More Falling Leaves . . . the Remake!

Is this better???

You may have just given me an idea for a new "feature" on my blog! I'll post a card that needs some attention and you can all critique it. I *loved* all your responses I received from last nights post and have taken your suggestions and done a little remake to post tonight. Well, I didn't really remake it, but I added a layer of cardstock and the 3 brads on the left side to balance it out. I'm still not wild about that ribbon doo-hicky, but I punched the hole, so that has to stay on this card. Thanks so much to Janelle and LeAnne for their suggestions. I know the rest of you were just being nice and said you liked it the way it was. ;) Debbie said I should send it to her! LOL Watch your mail, my friend, this one is headed your way!

I'll be back tomorrow with my Trendy Trees card for Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge!
Thanks so much for stopping by! Have a great week, my friends!

Smiles 2 U!

~ Quote for Today ~

Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent

if no birds sang except those that sang best.

Henry van Dyke

More Falling Leaves . . .

This is one of my new favorite sets by Stampin' Up!

~ Falling Leaves ~

{115368 $21.95}

I've been getting ready for my Stampin' Up! Holiday Open House next Saturday and trying a few different ideas for using this set. This one is ok, but not my fav. I figured I may as well show it to you and you can critique it for me. I think it's the layout I'm not happy with. I'm just spoiled by all the incredible sketches I've worked with lately! Thanks to Mercy, Beate, Arlana, Jen and so many others! :)

That's all for now folks! I better get back to cutting cardstock and making sure I have all my ducks in a row!

Smiles 2 U & Happy Stampin' Sunday!

~ Quote for Today ~

Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn.

Elizabeth Lawrence

{WSC99 & PPA9} Autumn Leaves!

I'm feeling GRATEFUL today! :)

Not only is it FRIDAY, but I got off work a little early this afternoon and had some time to create a card using two wonderful challenges! This week's challenge at Pals Paper Arts is an Inspiration Challenge using the beautiful autumn photo below from Pottery Barn to inspire us. We could draw inspiration from the photo's elements, colors, or overall theme.

I've got to admit, that I've become "sketch challenged". Seriously! Lately, almost all my cards have been inspired by various sketches. So, when I was trying to decide what to do for the photo challenge, I needed a sketch to go with it! :) Lucky for me, I thought of Beate's wonderful Weekend Sketch Challenge at Fresh & Fun! Love her sketches and this one was perfect to use with my Falling Leaves set by Stampin' Up!

Just a few details about my card: It is a 6 x 6" piece of Stampin' Up! old olive cardstock folded in half to create a 3 x 6" card. On the bottom is a piece of old olive striped designer paper and there is a smidgeon of crushed curry on the left side. I punched a mega circle of natural ivory and stamped the leaves randomly with old olive, crushed curry, really rust and soft suede. All the edges were distressed with a sponge and soft suede. The center leaf was stamped again on a separate piece of cardstock, cut out and attached with a dimensional. I tied a bow around the stem with linen thread and then added a few random stitches around the circle.
Again, the stamp set is Falling Leaves by Stampin' Up! {I've included a photo below so you can see all the stamps in the set.} If you don't have a SU demonstrator in your area, please don't hesitate to contact me. I would *love* to place and order for you and have it shipped directly to you! :D

Isn't this a "stamptacular" autumn stamp set?! I love it and you'll probably be seeing a lot more of it here on my blog in the next few weeks!

Thanks so much for blogging by! I'm grateful for each and every one of you! Your comments make me SMILE and encourage me to keep on stampin' it up!

Have a wonderful weekend, my friends!

Smiles 2 U!

~ Quote for Today ~

As each day comes to us refreshed and anew, so does my gratitude renew itself daily. The breaking of the sun over the horizon is my grateful heart dawning upon a blessed world. ~Adabella Radici

{MTSC #40} Dasher!

~ Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge #40 ~

Most of you have been making Christmas cards for some time now, but I think this is my first for the year! I've started with one of my favorite new Stampin' Up! stamps, appropriately named "Dasher". He sells alone for just $8.95 (116816). I've stamped Dasher in Versamark and Chocolate Chip and clear embossed. The green pine and snowflake textured background paper is from my stash and I've layered it with Stampin' Up! chocolate chip and certainly celery cardstock. The celery sticks, I mean strips, were put through my Cuttlebug with the snowflake embossing folder. I didn't think this one needed any stitching...just a bow and some brads with anchors to finish it off! Do you think it should have a sentiment on the front? I couldn't decide and left it alone.

Participating in Mercy's Sketch Challenges is the highlight of my week! I love her sketches and it is such a joy to stamp alongside these unbelievably creative gals! If you haven't already, you really must hop on over to Lord Have Mercy and see what her Muses have created today! Remember, you are *all* welcome and encouraged to play along in these challenges! Last week there were over 60 participants and it's just so FUN and inspiring to see how everyone interprets the sketches. :D

~ Mercy's Muses ~

Suzy Tyler ~ Inky Rubber {September Guest Muse}

Jackie Pedro ~ The Scalloped Edge

Cindy Haffner ~ Cindy Haffner's Corner

Pam Varnell ~ The Stamping Addict

Julie Lacey ~ Stamps and Taxes

Crystal Birr ~ The Messy Stamper

Jessica Diedrich ~ The Whimsical Butterfly

Shannan Tuebner ~ Shannan Tuebner Designs

Inside sentiment: "Welcome Christmas into your heart!"

Thanks so much for blogging by! I hope we've inspired you to stamp it up with us this week!

Smiles 2 U!

~ Quote for Today ~

Inspiration and imagination go hand in hand.

(anonymous)

{Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge #36} Twick or Tweet!

This is the first time I've participated in the Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge and as you can see I may be bending the "rules" a bit. I had already decided that I wanted to use this cute new Halloween stamp set "Twick or Tweet" from the Stampin' Up! Holiday Mini Catalog. So . . . with this sketch as my source of inspiration, I switched things up a bit and made it work! What do you think? ;)

The incredibly talented Sweet Sunday Stampers have WOW-ed me with their creations this week! Starting with Karen's blog ~ The Sweetest Thing ~ you really should go see them all!

Today, I have been cleaning and organizing a bit and it feels GOOD! :D I hope you're all having a nice relaxing weekend! Thanks so much for stopping by and do come back again SOON!

Smiles 2 U!

~ Joke for Today ~

What do skeletons eat for lunch?

{ spare ribs } :D

{Color Throwdown #60} Happy Together!

Check it out! Oh yeah, I can handle it!

In fact, I *love* these colors and think they look

bright and HAPPY together! :D

It's such a beautiful autumn day here in Nebraska! The sun is shining and I decided to take the photo of my card out on the deck railing. The colors are brighter and more accurate in direct light, although I noticed now that I'm posting it that there is some shadow by the ribbon and button. Oh well.

This has been a rather stressful week at work so I haven't felt very creative in the evenings, thus my lack of posts this week. I do much better when I can get up and spend the mornings in my craft room. And thankfully, that is exactly what I'm doing today! :D

And even better yet . . . I received some NEW Stampin' Up! stamps yesterday and couldn't wait to ink them up! This card was created with the beautiful new Medallion background stamp (115223) especially for the COLOR THROWDOWN challenge # 60 to use bermuda bay, green galore and barely banana.

First I inked the Medallion stamp up with bermuda bay and stamped the main card front. Then I did the same with the green galore and barely banana, but I cut out those pieces to layer on top. The sentiment is from the Happy Everything set (115235) and since I needed an anniversary card, I chose "Happy Together" as the verse. This set is perfect for so many occasions with 8 stamps. . . Happy Everything, For You, Days, Birthday, Holidays, Life, Together!
I finished off my card off with a little zig zag stitching and a matching button sewn onto a small piece of bermuda bay polka dot ribbon.

Now I'm off to play with a few of my other new stamp sets and make some final plans for my Stampin' Up! Open House on October 3rd!! I think I'll go with a Holiday theme....Halloween, Autumn/Thanksgiving, and Christmas too! There are just so many fabulous stamps in the new Holiday Mini catalog that I want to use them ALL! If you don't have the mini yet, please let me know and I can mail you one...or there is a link to view it online in my sidebar too!

Have a FUN and relaxing weekend, my friends!

Smiles 2 U!

~ Quote for Today ~

Don't marry someone you can live with.

Marry someone you cannot live without.

Josh McDowell

{MTSC #39} Creepy Crawly, Oh My Golly!

It's time for Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge!

Once again, I started out with Mercy's fabulous sketch (see photo below), went to my stamp shelf looking for a circular stamp, and after significant pondering finally selected the stamp set ~ Batty for You ~ by Stampin' Up! I stamped the creepy crawly spidey image with Versamark and emblossed it with black embossing powder. Can you believe I've used 5 different circle punches for this card?! And I snipped the scalloped punches to give them a different look. The Halloween designer paper is from my stash and I've layered it onto Stampin' Up! basic black and pumpkin pie cardstock.

I don't send many Halloween cards, but I really enjoy making them! Truth be told, I've been *bad* about sending out any of my cards lately. I need to work on that!

Now, just click on over to Lord Have Mercy and see what Mercy and her fabulous team of Muses have created to inspire you today! Remember, you are *all* encouraged to play along in these challenges!

~ Mercy's Muses ~
Suzy Tyler ~ Inky Rubber {September Guest Muse}
Jackie Pedro ~ The Scalloped Edge
Cindy Haffner ~ Cindy Haffner's Corner
Pam Varnell ~ The Stamping Addict
Julie Lacey ~ Stamps and Taxes
Crystal Birr ~ The Messy Stamper
Jessica Diedrich ~ The Whimsical Butterfly
Shannan Tuebner ~ Shannan Tuebner Designs

Thanks so much for stopping by! Have a STAMP-tacular week, my friends!

Smiles 2 U!

~ Quote for Today ~

“The artist is a receptacle for the emotions that come from all over the place: from the sky, from the earth, from a scrap of paper, from a passing shape, from a spider's web.”
Pablo Picasso

C.A.S.E.-ing my Favorites Today!

I'm so grateful for others who inspire me

with their unbelievable creativity!

I planned to post this card tomorrow, but I couldn't wait any longer to share it with you and tell you where I c.a.s.e.d the idea! Isn't it AWESOME?! Do you recognize the image? ;) If you don't, there is a reason. In the photo below are the two stamps used to create this gorgeous autumn wreath! Seriously! They are both from the Autumn Days set by Stampin' Up!

Now, before you go thinking it was a stroke of genious on my part, I must give all the credit to my special blog friend LeAnne at Wee Inklings. She is the rubber stampin' wonder woman behind this stamp-tacular idea! I just love, love, love it and wish I could be this creative on my own!! I mean really! Can you look at this stamp set and see a wreath? Not me! Please hop on over and check out LeAnne's fabulous blog...and tell her Hi from me while you're there too, ok?

Autumn Days (115452) $23.95

Images © Stampin’ Up!

I'm getting ready to place a Stampin' Up! order later today. If you think you *need* this set, please let me know, or just click "Shop Now" and get out the plastic! :D

Smiles 2 U!

Supplies: Stampin' Up! Stamps: Autumn Days, Itty Bitty Backgrounds, Small Sayings; Paper: whisper white, crushed curry, dusty durango, old olive; Ink: more mustard, crushed curry, dusty durango, old olive, ruby red, really rust; Other: old olive twill ribbon, large copper eyelet set with the Cropodile; zig zag stitching.

Super Simple 5 Minute Card! Seriously! :D

Thanks so much for blogging by today!

When I was participated in the PPA sketch challenge this week, I found the sketch designer, Margaret Moody's fabulous blog and immediately wanted to c.a.s.e. one of her creations! I just happened to be playing around with the Stampin' Up! Pink Flamingo designer papers and wondered what in the world I would do with all the BIG bold prints. Wa-La! Margaret had the *perfect* idea! See her fabulous card here using real red.

For my card, I've used Stampin' Up! whisper white cardstock for the base and corner punched the front edges. Then I quickly cut and slapped on a 4-1/4 x 3" piece of the Pink (yellow) Flamingo patterned paper. To make my card just a little different than Margaret's, I scalloped the bottom edge of the summer sun cardstock and quickly stitched between the layers. Seriously, this card took all of 5 minutes!! Well, if you include the 5 minutes I fiddled with the knot on the ribbon, it may be 10 minutes, tops!! :D The best thing, is that I can probably make at least 5 or 6 more cards with this one 12 x 12" piece of cardstock! Love it! Thanks to Margaret for this STAMP-tacular idea!! :)

By the way, the polka dot ribbon is the new SU In-color, crushed curry. I don't happen to have any summer sun ribbon and I think this coordinates perfectly anyway! The thank you sentiment is from the Trendy Trees set.

I'm getting ready to place an order for some of those incredible new stamp sets, designer papers and ribbons in the NEW Stampin' Up! Holiday Mini catalog. I wonder if there would be any interest in a paper and ribbon share?? Let me know!

I'll be back later with a post to announce my Serendipity Surprise!!!

Smiles 2 U!

~ Quote for Today ~

At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.

Albert Schweitzer

{PPA7} Think Happy Thoughts!

Today's bright and HAPPY card was created especially for Pals Paper Arts sketch challenge using the design below. It was fun to try a new layout and use my neglected Stampin' Up! set ~ Think Happy Thoughts!

I've stamped the circle sentiment on whisper white cardstock with cameo coral ink and the flower in summer sun. A clear button is tied on top with coral colored embroidery thread. I used three sizes of circle punches: 1-1/4 (white), 1-3/8 (summmer sun) and 1-1/2" (cameo coral).

Do you recognize the designer paper I used for the background? It's from the Pink Flamingo series by Stampin' Up! I just had to have this paper and I've rarely used it. Does that sound familiar? ;) It coordinates perfectly with the cameo coral and summer sun cardstock. The yellow polka dot ribbon is one of the new In-colors - crushed curry.

It was such hectic day at work today that I wasn't feeling very creative tonight . . . but then I saw this sketch and all the fantastic cards created by the PPA Design Team, and I was inspired! That's one of the BEST things about these challenges!

Tomorrow is FRIDAY already and that is one HAPPY THOUGHT! :D I'm still working out the details of the "surprise" and will share it with you this weekend. I promise! ;)

Smiles 2 U!

~ Quote for Today ~

A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery while on a detour.

Author Unknown

Pals Paper Arts "Artist Pick"!

WOW! What a SUPER surprise to find out that my Pick a Petal & Smile card was chosen as one of the Pals Paper Arts artist picks for the week! Cool beans, huh? That just made my day! :D

In case you missed my card, it was posted on September 4th and you can see it by clicking HERE or by blogging on over to the Pals Paper Arts site where you can see the other artist picks too. It was a color challenge to use the Stampin' Up! colors brocade blue, crushed curry and ruby red... a combination I wouldn't normally think to use.

If you haven't tried one of the Pals Paper Arts challenges yet, you might like to know they are hosting a sketch challenge starting tomorrow and you're *all* encouraged to participate! I was so happy to find their blog and read this:

"The Pals Paper Arts Design Team is a passionate group of Stampin’ Up! demonstrators who love to play a variety of paper craft challenges. Dedicated to using primarily Stampin’ Up! products in our own challenge designs, the Pals welcome the use of any brand or product by our participants. It is the goal of the Pals Paper Arts Challenge to inspire our virtual stamping pals, while sharing and having fun! "

I'm hoping to get a card posted yet tonight, but it's getting late so I'm not sure that I will. Also, stay tuned for the "Serendipity Surprise" info coming SOON! :D

Smiles 2 U!

Check Out My New Look!

9-09-09 Edited to Add: Can you see my banner with the title of my blog and the cute little birdie? I've just found out not everyone can see it. Hmm, whatzup with that?! That's the BEST part! :)

Happy Hi, My Friends!


What do you think of my "new look"? :D I've been blogging for nearly 3 years now and felt it was time for a little "makeover"!

Special thanks to Veronica at VK Design Company for giving my blog the fresh and fun new look I was hoping for! She was awesome to work with and very patient with all my silly requests. I think she even went without dinner tonight to finish it up, bless her heart!

To celebrate the "new look" and promote my new Stampin' Up! business, I would like to give away a Serendipity Surprise! I'll be back tomorrow to tell you all about it!!

Smiles 2 U!

{MTSC #38} Hoot Hoot Hooray!

Hoot Hoot Hooray!

It's time for Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge!

I've sure enjoyed the long weekend and having some extra time to stamp! It's such great therapy! :)

Today's card was created using Mercy Kerin's Tuesday Sketch Challenge #38 (see below) and the Owl Together Now stamp set by Stampin' Up!

It's sort of interesting how this card developed. I wasn't sure I could get everything to fit the way I wanted it to with the owl on the branch holding the balloon. Then a lightbulb went off and I thought to stamp and cut out the owl and layer him up on top! Isn't he cute? And ready to par-tay! :)

The stitching I've added is with Stampin' Up linen thread. I pre-pierced the holes using the piercing tool and mat, taped the end to the backside and used a large needle to stitch the X. Just a little something different than stitching with the machine...and I love the look of the linen thread. The designer paper and ribbon are from my stash.

Be sure to blog on over to Lord Have Mercy and see what Mercy and her fabulous team of Muses have created to inspire us today!! Remember, you are *all* encouraged to play along in these challenges!

~ Mercy's Muses ~

Suzy Tyler ~ Inky Rubber {September Guest Muse}

Jackie Pedro ~ The Scalloped Edge
Cindy Haffner ~ Cindy Haffner's Corner

Pam Varnell ~ The Stamping Addict

Julie Lacey ~ Stamps and Taxes

Crystal Birr ~ The Messy Stamper

Jessica Diedrich ~ The Whimsical Butterfly
Shannan Tuebner ~ Shannan Tuebner Designs

Thanks so much for stopping by! Have a wonderful week, my friends!

Smiles 2 U!

Stampin' Up! Products Used:

Stamps: Owl Together Now (111534)

Ink: Basic Black

Cardstock: summer sun, pumpkin pie

Other: linen thread

~ Quote for Today ~

There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want.

Bill Watterson, Calvin and Hobbes

{Curtain Call Color Challenge ~ Act 3} What Can I Say?

YaY! Stacey Schafer is back with her fabulous Curtain Call Color Challenge!

And this one is extra special! ~ the beautiful rose in the photo is the one

she was given when recognized by Stampin' Up! as a RISING STAR!

Congratulations Stacey! You Go Girl! :)

I'm really loving these colors together! And it's FUN to try out another one of the *new* Stampin' Up! In-colors ~ Melon Mambo! Isn't it yummy?

Do you recognize this big flower and can you tell which stamp set it's from? Do you need a hint? ;)

Now before you go thinking that I'm brilliant (ha ha), take a peek at page 120 in the Stampin' Up! 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog. Yes, indeed...that's where I found the inspiration! I've changed up the colors and a few little details, but for the most part this card is a c.a.s.e.! That's just one of the many great things about Stampin' Up! ~ the ideas are endless!

If you want to participate in this super color challenge, just scoot on over to Stacey's Stampin Studio for all the details. You'll be glad you did! :)

Stampin' Up! Products used:
Stamps: Pick a Petal (115042), Stem Sayings (115078)
Ink: Melon Mambo, Certainly Celery
Cardstock: Craft, Melon, Mambo, Certaily Celery, Very Vanilla
Other: Paper Piercing Tool & Mat Pack , Linen Thread, Buttons, Scalloped Edge Punch, Dimensionals.

Happy Labor Day Weekend to all of you! I hope you're finding time to do what you most enjoy! Other than a little laundry and lawn work, I'm spending time in my craft room and lovin' every extra minute! :) Thanks so much for blogging by and for taking the time to leave a little comment. It makes my day!

I'll be back late tonight with a card for Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge! It's all done and ready to post for your viewing pleasure! Hint: it's a HOOT! ;)

Oh Happy Long Weekend & Smiles 2 U! ~ Pam :)