{MTSC75} Watercolor Trio From the Heart

Wishing you all a very Happy Tuesday

 and inviting you to play along with

Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge!

Here is this weeks sketch:  

and this is what I created . . .

The flowers and the sentiment are from the new Watercolor Trio set in the Summer Mini Catalog.  I love♥ this set and how versatile it is! 

We sure hope you'll join us in the challenge this week! Simply create a card or scrapbook layout using the sketch above and link your creation on Mercy's blog.  Be sure to use the keyword MTSC75 when uploading to a public gallery.

If you want a little more inspiration,

go see what

Mercy's Muses have created...

Cindy Haffner ~ Cindy Haffner's Corner

Jackie Pedro ~ The Scalloped Edge

Pam Varnell ~ The Stamping Addict

Julie Lacey ~ Stamps and Taxes!

Crystal Birr ~ The Messy Stamper

Jessica Diedrich ~ The Whimsical Butterfly

Mercy Kerin ~ Lord Have Mercy {Queen Muse}

 Torico ~ STAMPARADISE {our May Guest Muse}

I hope your week is getting off to a great start!  As always, it's a pleasure to have you stop by my blog and your comments always brighten my day. 

Happy Stamping & Smiles 2 U!

"Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!"  ~Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Thinks You Can Think!


Supply List ~ All Products are Stampin' Up! Unless Noted
Stamps: Stampin' Up! Watercolor Trio, Vintage Vogue Jumbo Wheel
Ink:  Soft Suede
Paper:  Soft Suede, Naturals White, Regal Rose, designer paper by K & Company
Other:  Regal Rose grosgrain ribbon, linen thread, Sherbet flower button, scalloped border punch, scalloped oval and rectangle dies (Spellbinders), zigzag stitching (Janome Sew Mini)

{SSSC70} Nouveau Chic ~ Say it in Pearls!

You can imagine my surprise when I saw the Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge today and found another way to use my new "Say it in Pearls" *BLING* from my sweet friend, Texas Vicki!

Before I even start my card, I have to look at all the fabulous creations by Karen Giron and her Sweet Sunday Stampers!  They are all incredible works of heart!  And I take borrow little pieces of inspiration from each one of them.

For this card, I've used Basic Grey cardstock as the base and layered it with the beautiful coordinating Nouveau Chic designer series paper from Stampin' Up!   The squares are punched out with the Scalloped Square and 1-1/4" Square punches.  That makes it sooo easy to layer them!   The photo below shows how I finished the inside...all ready for a personal handwritten message.  I used basic grey ink and one of the stamps from the Vintage Vogue set for the corners.

The weather is beautiful today and I really want to get outside and enjoy it!  Thanks so much for stopping by!

Have a SWEET Sunday!

It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see. ~Henry David Thoreau

Showing the *BLING* who's Boss!

Happy Hi, my Friends! 

Sorry my posts have been so sporadic lately, but I think its going to be that way for awhile.  The calendar is full and I like to spend more time outdoors when the weather is nice.

This morning I went "junkin" with my sister Susie and daughter-in-law Jami and we had such a terrific time together.  I found a 2004 Stampin' Up sentiment set for $3 that has never been assembled, some ribbon for $1, a set of 6 wine glasses for $2 and a bunch of other "treasures" I probably didn't need.  :)   We love a bargain and usually find a few each time we venture out.   Such fun it is!

Now on to my card for today!  You're probably wondering about the title of my post.  My dear friend Texas Vicki sent me two packages full of *BLING* and I've been staring at them for over a week trying to figure out if I could do them justice.   I've seen so many lovely cards using the sequin and pearl swirls to embellish, but I've never tried them myself...until this afternoon!

I started off with a 5-1/4" square card of basic black cardstock and layered and stitched on the black and white Night and Day designer series paper from Stampin' Up!  I was quite surprised how easy the rhinestones are to use!  They have a thin, but strong, adhesive strip that holds them together for easy placement and there is no need for glue.  Bonus!

The sentiment is from a clear set by Hero Arts.  I stamped it in black and clear embossed for dimension and to give it a sheen like the rhinestones.  It's a fairly simple card, but I wanted the *BLING* and the sentiment to be the focus.  I hope you like it!!

Thanks so much for dropping by and do come back again soon!   Enjoy your weekend!

Happy Stamping & Smiles 2 U!


A bargain is something you can't use at a price you can't resist. ~Franklin P. Jones

{MTSC74} Chirp Up!

 

Happy Tuesday Peeps!

It's time for another terrific Tuesday sketch challenge at

 Lord Have Mercy!

It's a fun sketch and we hope you'll join us this week! Simply create a card or scrapbook layout using the sketch below, and link your creation on Mercy's blog. Be sure to use the keyword MTSC74 when uploading to a public gallery.

Now, let's go see what

Mercy's Muses have created this week...

Cindy Haffner ~ Cindy Haffner's Corner

Jackie Pedro ~ The Scalloped Edge

Pam Varnell ~ The Stamping Addict

Julie Lacey ~ Stamps and Taxes!

Crystal Birr ~ The Messy Stamper

Jessica Diedrich ~ The Whimsical Butterfly

Mercy Kerin ~ Lord Have Mercy {Queen Muse}
and last, but certainly not least...

 Torico ~ STAMPARADISE {our May Guest Muse}

Isn't this a unique layout?  Mercy always dreams up such wonderful sketches to challenge us.  I used one of my new Pure Innocence digital images, purchased on Etsy from Heather Ellis, the original creator.   I colored the image with Copic markers and was determined to use it, even though she didn't fit in my circle punch.  Well, you'll notice her cute little bench and legs are dangling outside.  hmmm  ;)    The sentiment is from the Very Punny set by Stampin' Up! 

Today was an absolutely gorgeous day here in Nebraska and it sounds as though the rest of the week may be nice as well.  Hallelujah!!  I love this time of year!

Thanks for dropping by and have a HAPPY DAY!  : )

Faith is the bird that sings when the dawn is still dark. ~R. Tagore

Happy Graduation Cards!

Goodness!  Has it really been a week already since I posted last?!  Sometimes life just gets too busy to do the things we really want to do...like stamp it up!  :) 

This was a big graduation weekend in our area and we attended a few open house celebrations yesterday.  I really enjoy seeing how people decorate for the occasion... especially all the photos, awards, scrapbooks, etc of the graduates life.   One of the parties we attended was outdoors and they had rented a huge white tent and put it up on an empty lot next to their home.  They had white lights all around the inside and the tables were decorated in her school colors of royal blue and white.  I wish I had thought to take photos to show you! 

Anyway,  on to the graduation cards...  I've known about these graduations for a month or more and I procrastinated  making the cards until the morning of the open houses! (Have you ever done that? Sheesh! ;)   So, yesterday I was pondering what to make and decided to do what I always do when I need some inspiration... log onto my Google Blog Reader! :)   Would you believe the very first post I saw had the perfect graduation card?!  It was by Traci Gentry at Inkin' Up the Dog! and she used two new Stampin' Up! sets ~ Happy Grad and July 4th (the stars).  I changed the shape and colors, but otherwise this is a total c.a.s.e.  (copy and share everything) of her creation.   Interesting note ...Traci had not posted on her blog for almost two months, until yesterday!  Now, that's a quinky dink!  :)   Be sure to hop on over to her fabulous blog and see her graduation card and all the other Stampin' Up goodies she has created.

All the cards I made were in the graduate's school colors. That cute little "diploma" is just a piece of copy paper rolled up and tied with silver cord.

Cash money is the perfect gift!  :) 
So I made a little pocket to hold the $$.

I know some of my blog readers have sons or daughters graduating this month.  Wishing you all the BEST during this busy and exciting time!  Congratulations!!  

That's all for now, but I'll be back tomorrow with a card for Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge.

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

I hope your dreams take you to the corners of your smiles, to the highest of your hopes, to the windows of your opportunities, and to the most special places your heart has ever known. ~Author Unknown

Those Who Plant Kindness...Harvest Love

This beautiful PSX stamp was a sweet gift from a dear friend of mine who knows I love to stamp and create cards.  It has such a lovely sentiment, and combined with the flowers makes an impact.  Because of this, I kept the layout and design of the card very simple to make the image the focal point.

Creating a card without designer paper and embellishments was a challenge.  I wanted to add some brads in the corners, or some ribbon and a bow,  but try as I did, I still prefer it this way.  

The cardstock is Lavendar Lace and I've stamped it with the retired Filigree background stamp and Veramark ink.  The image was stamped on 80# ultra smooth cardstock with Memento black ink, colored with Copic markers. 

Bow or No Bow, that is the Question!?!

If you have any comments, suggestions, or advice on how to embellish this card, please let me know!

Hey Idol Fans!  What did you think of tonight's performances??!!  I even voted tonight! :) Lee & Crystal ROCKED...especially their duet!  Loved it!   Mike & Casey's duet was great too.   Who's going home tomorrow night??  We'll soon find out!  

Well, it's already past my bedtime, so...nighty night and sweet smiley dreams...    

"Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves." ~James Matthew Barrie

{MTSC73} Just Because I Care...

Happy Tuesday, my friends!
It's time for another spectacular sketch challenge at Lord Have Mercy! 

Would you like to play along this week with Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge?  Simply create a card or scrapbook layout using the sketch above, and link your creation on Mercy's blog. Be sure to use the keyword MTSC73 when uploading to a public gallery, like Splitcoaststampers.

Now, for your blog viewing pleasure,

check out what

Mercy's Muses have created this week...

Cindy Haffner ~ Cindy Haffner's Corner

Jackie Pedro ~ The Scalloped Edge

Pam Varnell ~ The Stamping Addict

Julie Lacey ~ Stamps and Taxes!

Crystal Birr ~ The Messy Stamper

Jessica Diedrich ~ The Whimsical Butterfly

Mercy Kerin ~ Lord Have Mercy {Queen Muse}
and last, but not least...

 Torico ~ STAMPARADISE {our May Guest Muse}

I have fiddled with my photo editor for a half hour trying to get the photos to look like they should!  Taken this evening, my photos are so dark.  When I tried to lighten them, it washed out the bright colors.  The base cardstock is Pacific Point with YoYo Yellow in the center, so you know it's really BRIGHT and cheery in real life!  :)

This adorable image is one that I downloaded from Heather Ellis on Etsy.  I've seen so many wonderful creations with these Pure Innocence sweeties that I simply could not resist any longer!  I've colored with copic markers and as you can see I'm still learning.  I wanted to do some shading around her, but left well enough alone for now.  Do you know of anyone that does online Copic classes?  If so, please let me know!

I worked late today so this evening has really gotten away from me. Time flies when you're having fun and stamping is such FUN, isn't it?  Have a wonderful week and do stop back again soon, ok?   Oh, I want to give a shout out to Debbie, Gail, Dona, Jason and all of you dear friends who are preparing for graduation celebrations this weekend.  Don't stress too much, ok?  Just ENJOY the occasion!   :)  I'll be thinking of you!

Happy Stamping & Smiles 2 U!

"I hope your dreams take you to the corners of your smiles, to the highest of your hopes, to the windows of your opportunities, and to the most special places your heart has ever known." ~Author Unknown

{CTD #91} That's why they call it a Challenge!

Today's Color Throwdown challenge was to use these three vibrant and happy colors in celebration of Cinco de Mayo!

It's been awhile since I've participated in the CTD challenge, but whenever I do, I stop and think "can I handle this?"!  :)  

First, I pull out a sheet of each color cardstock.  This week it was Rose Red, Tempting Turquoise (ouch!) and Kiwi Kiss.  Then I go through my stash of designer paper and see if anything will coordinate and inspire me.   I found this print in a 6 x 6 paper pad by Basic Grey and the blessing in disquise was the coordinating turquoise paper that I could use in place of the 'much too bold for my liking' tempting turquoise. 

 

 and the inside is finished off like this...

Be sure to hop on over to the Color Throwdown blog!  You'll be amazed by each one of the creations!   Maybe Tempting Turquoise isn't so bad after all!  ;)

Thanks for stopping by!  I'm off to watch American Idol now.  We dvr'd it last night so I haven't seen it yet. My friends at work today were all raving about Lee's performance.   Did you see it?  Who are you voting for?  Crystal, Lee and Mike are my favorites, but I can't help but think Aaron has potential too.  The gals at work think Casey is "HOT", but I said they could have him.  hee hee  ;)

Happy Stamping & Smiles 2 U! 

 

"A poor person who is unhappy is in a better position than a rich person who is unhappy.  Because the poor person has hope.  He thinks money would help." ~ Jean Kerr

{SSSC67 & Curtain Call Act 28 } Never More Than a Thought Away

Since I didn't get an opportunity to play along with the Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge this past Sunday, I decided to try it today and combine it with the Curtain Call Color Challenge.  These are two of my favorite challenges and I want to thank Karen and Stacy for all the inspiration week after week!

I'm not sure why my colors don't look as pretty as these!  I did use Stampin' Up! Rose Red and Not Quite Navy, but mine appear to be more of a patriotic red and navy.  The base cardstock is Kraft (soon to be called Crumb Cake!) and I've used the Very Vintage jumbo roller and Sahara Sand ink to create the background. 

Isn't this a fabulous layout?  It's a keeper in my book!

This is a fairly simple card, but it took me forever to make it happen.  Does that ever happen to you?  Sometimes the mojo is there and sometimes it flew the coop!  I've come to rely on designer paper so much that it is difficult for me to create a card without it.  

How's your week going so far?  Tomorrow is Happy Hump Day and then on to the weekend countdown!  Yes, I live for my weekends!  :)

Happy Stamping & Smiles 2 You!

"I like her because she smiles at me and means it."  ~Anonymous

Supply List:  All products are Stampin' Up! unless noted.
Stamps:  Very Vintage jumbo roller, Vintage Vogue, Whimsical Words
Ink:  Rose Red, Not Quite Navy, Sahara Sand, Versafine Vintage Sepia
Paper:  Kraft, Rose Red, Not Quite Navy, Naturals White
Other:  Top Note -Big Shot die cut, Button Latte, antique brass brads, linen thread, polka dot embossing folder (Cuttlebug), stitching with Janome Sew Mini

{MTSC72} Friend to Friend

When I first saw Mercy's Sketch this week I *gasped*!  Look at that beautiful swirl design!  I know they sell the perfect embellishments for this type of design, but I don't happen to have any. : (  Sooo, I did the next best thing and went to my stash of designer paper instead. 

It is going to be so fun to see how everyone else interprets this sketch!

Can I talk you into playing along???

See details below...

The flowers are from the Stampin' Up! Vintage Vogue set and the "friend to friend" sentiment is from Pocket Silhouettes.  You can see how I finished the inside in the photo below...

You are ALL encouraged to play along with Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge.  Simply create a card or scrapbook layout using the sketch above, and link your creation on Mercy's blog. Be sure to use the keyword MTSC72 when uploading to a public gallery, like Splitcoaststampers.

Now, for your blog viewing pleasure,

just hop on over and check out what

Mercy's Muses have created this week...

Cindy Haffner ~ Cindy Haffner's Corner

Jackie Pedro ~ The Scalloped Edge

Pam Varnell ~ The Stamping Addict

Julie Lacey ~ Stamps and Taxes!

Crystal Birr ~ The Messy Stamper

Jessica Diedrich ~ The Whimsical Butterfly

Mercy Kerin ~ Lord Have Mercy {Queen Muse}
and a very warm welcome to

 Torico ~ STAMPARADISE {May Guest Muse}

Thanks so much for sticking with me in spite of my sporadic posts lately.  I enjoy hearing from you and always welcome your comments.   Happy Stamping!

"Oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person, having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but pouring them all out, just as they are, chaff and grain together, certain that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and with a breath of kindness blow the rest away. "  ~Dinah Craik

Supply List:  All suppies are Stampin' Up! unless noted.
Stamps:  Vintage Vogue, Pocket Silhouettes
Ink:  Versafine Vintage Sepia, Blue Bayou
Paper:  Natural Ivory, Blue Bayou, designer paper (K & Company)
Other:  blue corduroy brad, vintage brass brads, Stampin' dimensions, stitching with Janome Sew Mini, mega circle punch and giga scalloped circle punch (Marvy Uchida), polka dot ribbon (M's), scalloped border punch.