Eat Chocolate

Hello, hello! Happy Monday to ya! I have a cute card today and it uses a new set from the occasions Mini catalog along with an older set which you have probably seen before. Wanna see?

The sentiment and the little list are from Eat Chocolate and I paper pieced the bon-bons from images included in On a Pedestal. I added the flowers just for a little oomph. This new set could be used on a variety of card types. It includes some really cute images!

Since I think this card is pretty self explanatory and I am in a huge hurry again today, I will leave you with a fond wish for a great Monday and a reminder that I am always just a phone call or an email away if you have any questions. Please let me know if I can help! :)

With Deepest Sympathy

Hola! Today's card is one of those that we make but we wish we never needed them. I'm talking about sympathy cards. There is a new stamp set in the Occasions Mini catalog, called Thanks for Caring, that is perfect for sympathy cards. It has 6 images that all work together for other types of cards too. Take a look...
And from another angle:
I have used this combo of papers together before. I love the whole Springtime Vintage DSP but these 2 together are so pretty to me! I may have to order another pack just for these 2 patterns. The solids I chose to use are Always Artichoke, Very Vanilla, and Baja Breeze. I stamped the butterfly in Baja and the sentiment in the Artichoke. The butterfly is popped up on Dimensionals to give it more definition. I added a Designer button ( Marina Mist from the Subtles assortment) as a finishing touch over the Scalloped Ribbon Border punch strip.

That does it for me today. The weekend is in full swing at our house so that means B-U-S-Y. Have a great one!

First Easter Card of the Season!

Hi guys! I have to hustle with some muscle today but I just had to show you a card I made recently. I am excited about it for 3 reasons: (1)It is the first Easter card of the year, (2) I tried a new technique, (3) and it uses a very favorite set of mine that I finally bought for myself. Wanna see?
And a little bit from the side so you can see more texture:
See that cute little flower? Well, I decided to try my hand at using SU tools and materials to create a few of these fabulous dimensional flowers that are everywhere. This little guy actually uses the Itty Bitty Punch Pack flower image along with 2 "candle" shapes punched with the new Build A Cupcake punch (for leaves) and a (non-SU) 1/8" hole punch. I trimmed a freehand spiral into the middle of the shape and then cupped it slightly with tweezers. It is secured with a mini glue dot. It was really tiny to work with but not impossible if you wanted extra detail on a project.

The 3 precious chicks are stamped from A Good Egg which is a perennial fav from the regular catalog. I stamped them in Basic Gray ink onto both Whisper White and a piece of DSP from the Pawsitively Prints assortment. After a little trimming and reassembly, they get even cuter, huh? Their beaks were added by stamping the face part of the image onto scraps of Pumpkin Pie CS and then trimming. This technique is called paper piecing and is an excellent alternative to coloring your images. It gives texture and dimension as well as introduces pattern into the project where coloring and stamping alone would not. The grass was cut freehand but you could also use the egg stripe image in the set to get a good outline guide too.

I added a quick sentiment, from the same set and we are done! Pretty simple and just waiting for Easter to roll around. Have a wonderful weekend and check back in for more springtime cards using new and exciting materials. I can't wait to share!

Blow Out Your Candles One by One!

Hi guys! I have a cute card to show you but first I just have to say that it has been some week! One or all of us have been sick at my house for over a week now and it has been a real drag. Oh my gosh, I can't wait to get everyone well again! Just to get today's card photographed was a comedy of errors. I took the photos 3 different times but twice, they were way too dark and I didn't edit the photos until after sundown so it was too late to do anything. Anywho, wanna see?
And a side shot for detail:
I combined the Celebrations DSP with the new Build a Cupcake punch for a simple but fun birthday card that would be fine for any age or gender. That sentiment is from the new Bring on the Cake set featured in the Occasions Mini catalog. Isn't that cute? The set comes in 2 cases with a whopping 13 images at your disposal. That's a lot of birthday cards!

The colors I used here are Pear Pizazz, Real Red, and Bashful Blue along with classic Whisper White which are all coordinates of this DSP assortment. The focal point image is set off in a 2 3/8" Scalloped circle punch trimmed with a 2 1/2" Circle punch. I embossed the blue panel with my Big Shot and the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder. A little bit of Real Red 5/8" Grosgrain ribbon and a white Designer button tied with Linen Thread complete my greeting. I hope you like this card. I have a couple more coming up that I think you'll like too. I have several new stamp sets and accessories I have been playing with this week so check back to see them used. Bye!

Make a Monster Mash

Today's card is inspired by one I saw on the gorgeous blog by Teneale Williams, an SU demonstrator in Australia. Her cards are always lovely but this one really caught my eye. I liked it so much, I decided to copy it pretty close and this is what I came up with...
And a shot from the side:
When I saw hers, I loved the color combo and the sketch as well as the adorable focal point image. I was lucky enough to have just purchased this set recently so I pulled it out and gave it my best shot. The cute little creature is from the set called Make a Monster. I accented him/her with a little Pear Pizazz Designer (Polka Dot) DSP which is part of the In Colors Designer Patterns Assortment. The marina Mist strip across the middle was embossed with my Square lattice embossing folder and then trimmed with a strip of Whisper White CS which I punched with my Pinking Hearts border punch.

I stamped a couple balloons from the Crazy for Cupcakes set onto Marina Mist and cut them out so I could pop them up on Dimensionals. If you don't like to fussy cut, you could always stamp them directly onto the white and color them with markers too. I added a little white 3/8" Taffeta ribbon and a sentiment from the So Happy for You set featured in the SAB catalog right now. You can earn this set for FREE with any $50 purchase from now until March 31st.

I am off to my day. Have a great one!

Springtime Vintage Easter Bonnet

Hello gals! I have an adorable project to share today. I am very excited to show you. I saw it somewhere online and once again, can't remember who and can't find my notes. So, if you recognize this project, please fill me in and I will gladly give credit. Wanna see?
Isn't that too cute? Here is a close-up of the flower which I will explain below:
You wanna see what can be done with this darling little creation? Take a look:
I filled it with whatever candy I had on hand but it would be precious with some M&Ms in a matching color or even a handful of those pastel mint drops. These could be used as shower favors, table decorations, or even little gifties on Easter and Mother's Day. Have you identified the core container yet? It is just one of those clear plastic cups that hold SU embellishments. If you ever order buttons, brads, etc then you probably have a few laying around. SU also sells empty ones too.

All the materials I used are SU. That bottom scalloped circle is the Clear Circle Sizzix die which I cut with my Big Shot. Next, I wrapped a length of 5/8" Vanilla Grosgrain ribbon around the cup and secured with glue dots. I topped that with Marina Mist 1/4" Grosgrain ribbon. The top of the bonnet is made with a 2 1/2" circle Punch and the 2 3/8" Scalloped Circle punch. The patterned paper is from Springtime Vintage DSP featured in the new Occasions Mini catalog. I cut 2 extra lengths of the ribbon to create the tails which hang off the brim. They are attached separately rather than trying to wrap the whole ribbon to drape that way.

The flower looks like a lot more than it really is or took to make. I started by punching 8-5 petal flowers from Baja Breeze (5) and Not Quite Navy (3) CS (using the 5 Petal Flower punch). Then you crumble them up rather small and dampen them all over with a spray bottle of water. Let it soak in a bit and then uncrumple each flower. At this point, you should be able to pull the layers of CS apart on each petal.

While they are damp, pile them up and very carefully run your piercer through the middle of the stack. This hole is for a brad to secure the flower. I used an Antique Brass one from the Metallic Assortment but it doesn't show so you could use whatever you have. After the flower is all in a brad, you can shape it forwards...like a cup. Attach a glue dt to the back and stick it down to your bonnet, along the brim.

That tiny bud-like center of the flower is made by first punching a 1/2" circle which you set aside. Next, punch a 1 3/8" circle and then directly over the hole made by that, punch a scalloped circle (1 3/4"). This will give you a piece that is not much more than the scallops themselves. If you snip it, between 2 scallops, you can then straighten the piece out to a long strip. Gently roll this strip in your fingers until it is tightly coiled. Put a glue dot in the center of the reserved 1/2" circle and stick your coil to it. This holds the coil from unrolling. Another glue dot to the back and you are ready to drop it down in the flower. I will look into possibly making a tutorial for this flower as soon as possible.

The 2 leaves of the flower were first stamped with the Build A Blossom stamp set in Old Olive ink onto Pear Pizazz CS. Next, I punched them with the Create A Blossom punch. I attached them with glue dots. I embellished the hat with pearls from the Basic Jewel Pearls Assortment and a few 1/16" inch dots.

I hope you enjoy this project. I think it has many possibilities! :)

Bliss

Hi folks! I am running low on time today so I will be quick. Today's card is not too complicated so let's move right along.
Pretty, huh? Those images are to die for, IMO. I was happy with the results. I used one of my favorite color combos and paired them with the brand new SAB set called Bliss. Isn't this set just gorgeous? It didn't jump out at me when I first saw it in the SAB catalog but I started seeing people use it and it grew on me until I had to own it. I can see myself using this set for years to come. It is so versatile!

The word "BLISS" is part of the stamp set of course but the other sentiment I added, "Happy Anniversary", is an image from the new Level 2 Hostess set, Something to Celebrate, which is featured in the Occasions Mini. You can earn this set very easily by booking a qualifying workshop of your own. I stamped both of these in Basic Gray ink for better contrast with the rest of the card.

The finishing touches of embellishment are ribbon and pearls. The ribbon is Concord Crush 1/2" Stitched Poly Ribbon and the pearls are from the Basic Jewel Pearls assortment. Both can give your cards that added oomph that takes them over the top.

Have a great day!

Caffiene is a vitamin?

Is caffeine a vitamin? If not, it should be! I have been so busy lately and even after burning my candle at both ends, there still have not been enough hours in my day to keep up here. Sorry to leave everyone hanging! Today's card answers my question above in a very cute way. I used the Morning Cup set (SU, of course) to make it and I used a new and very cute embellishment that you are really going to want for yourself. Take a look...
And I even decorated the inside this time...
I hope you like it. I have had that set for a while and despite how cute it is, I just haven't pulled it out very often. I need to change that because it applies to my life these days in a BIG way. I think this set would make cute encouragement cards for friends having a rough time. It would also be good for just a friendly hello. A little laugh is always welcome when I open my mailbox anyway!

The embellishment is a combo of the ribbon and buttons included in the new SAB offering called the Ice Cream Parlor Ribbon and Button pack. These colors just scream SPRINGTIME to me. I love how dainty the ribbon looks with all the little flowers too. And the great thing about it is that these "flowers" are somewhat abstract so you could include this ribbon on cards of all kinds.

The scalloped Melon Mambo border is just half of the Scallop Ribbon Border punch. I laid the ribbon over one edge. Also, the little flower in the center is from a retired punch but you could easily duplicate it with the very similar option, Bojo Blossoms punch.

I think that does it for me today. I promise to be back tomorrow. I already have my card photographed and ready to post. I swear! It features another brand new set from the SAB catalog so check back for a peek. Have a great day!

Sorry to keep you waiting!

Hi guys! I am so sorry for not popping in for 3 days! On Friday, I had to go and have a crown put on the root canal from last week. I was trying to wait until our new insurance kicks in but the tooth broke and it was a must all of a sudden. Then yesterday, I was lucky enough to attend a stamping show so I went and decided to just do my blog last night. Well, I was just pooped so it was early to bed for me. Here I am, with the card I have had on my desk for days now. I hope you like it!
And a side shot...
This was a super simple card but does not look especially simple so IMO, you get a lot of bang for your buck. We all have times we have to hurry a card, right? I used the oldie but goodie Season of Friendship to stamp the tree in Pear Pizazz and Crumb Cake. Then, I used my Small Heart Punch to cut 10 hearts out of Melon Mambo and Pink Pirouette CS. They are added and topped off with tiny pearls from the Basic Jewel Pearls set. The sentiment is from the new Level 2 Hostess set called Something to Celebrate which I LOVE. This set is featured in the new Occasions Mini Catalog. This is a set worth trying to earn, It includes 9 all occasion and spring holiday sentiments. This will now be my go-to set for spring cards. I punched the sentiment with the Modern Label punch and then trimmed the next outer layer by hand.

I think that sums it up. Short and sweet! Have a wonderful rest of the weekend!

For You

Hi guys and gals! Well, in all probability I am speaking to just gals but just in case... ;) I have a card for you today and it is super simple. It is one of those cards that you make quickly when you need a last minute greeting for someone special but you are short on time. Take a look!
I apologize for my blurry photo here. I took it quickly before sunset and by the time I went in to edit it for my blog, it was too late to retake it because I had lost the good light outside. The close-up side shot gives a little more clarity:
I have to hurry off but just a few details about this card first:

*The card base is stamped in Crumb Cake ink on Sahara Sand CS. I used the Woodgrain background stamp for a little texture. The edges are sponged with more Crumb Cake ink.

*For color, I chose to use So Saffron, Pear Pizazz, and Baja Breeze. The edges of the leaves, which were punched using the new Build a Blossom punch, were sponged with Old Olive ink.

*The flower image is inspired by the a la carte stamp called For You Flower. Rather than stamp the whole flower, I punched the Saffron part using the coordinating XL Fancy Flower punch. Then, I stamped the image in Baja Breeze, on Very Vanilla CS and punched the middle out using a 1 1/4" circle punch.

* A Marina Mist Designer button and a length of Baja Breeze Seam Binding (Occasions Mini Catalog) finish the card. The button is tied off with a bit of crochet cotton but I could have easily used linen thread as well.

As always, please contact me with any questions about this card or other projects you see here. Have a wonderful day!

Black Tie Optional Thank You Note- SU only card

Hello folks! I have a card for you today that uses tons of supplies but it is much easier than it looks. It is one of those projects that you might look t and decide that it is way too complicated but it only looks that way. It is in reality a card that gives a lot of bang for the buck...the kind that a recipient thinks you slaved over but in fact, you moved on to watching more TV sooner than they think. Check it out!
And my customary side shot for extra detail:
This is a card that I designed years ago, using non-SU materials. I may have even blogged about it before I became a demo for SU. Well, it has always been a fav and I kept the sketch in my card journal. I came across it the other day and knew that it could be reworked, using SU products and give an equally dramatic result. The Love Letter DSP has not let me down yet! This paper pack is so versatile despite the fact that it only coordinates with 3 colors. I have used it on fun/whimsical cards as well as more formal projects and I just love it. Here, it is combined with Chantilly Lace Trim, Basic Pearls, and Distressed Paper Daisies for a vintage look. I sponged the edges of the various layers with Tea dye ink (included in this year's brand new Distress Kit) to further age the materials. The focal point image is cut with my Big Shot and the Sizzlet Little Leaves die. I stamped the sentiment with the thanks tag included in the Perfect Punches stamp set and then punched it out with the coordinating Scallop Oval punch.

This card is a perfect example of how a little embellishment can bring a relatively simple project up to a whole new level, huh? Sometimes I quit at just the basics when just a little more effort gives it the WOW factor. For more info on this card or the products I used, please ask! I would be glad to help. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Just For You- SU only card

Hi guys! We made it to the weekend! My endless week of doctor's appointments, root canals, and school obligations is OVER. I am looking forward to spending the weekend resting and playing in my scramp room. Today's card is perfect to kick this weekend off too since we are expecting warm, springish weather. I think a few spring flowers are just what I need! Take a look...
And since I think it is easier to picture a project online when you can gain a little depth perception...
This card uses my new favorite paper pack, the Springtime Vintage DSP, and one of my favorite color combos, green and blue. The flower images are from the new SAB set called Sweet Summer. I colored them with my blender pens and reinkers which is still very difficult with my hand in a brace. The sentiment I chose to use is from the Level 1 Hostess set called Afterthoughts.

I wanted to showcase the gorgeous print paper as much as the images so I wanted an arrangement that gave me both. I finally decided on the Sizzix Oval Scallop Frame die cut with my Big Shot machine. For embellishment I added a length of Very Vanilla 5/8" grosgrain ribbon along with a couple Certainly Celery Designer buttons (included in the Subtles assortment.) Even though the assortments of buttons and ribbon color choices don't include all 45 colors, the selections are carefully chosen to give you the most versatile colors in the palette. The leaves were colored with Old Olive but they harmonize well with Celery buttons. You get tons of combinations for your projects this way!

I think that about sums it up for today. I have several other cards made ahead so check back for lots of fresh ideas to come. Have a great weekend!

Spring Friendship Greeting- SU only

Hello everyone! Can you believe it is finally Thursday? We are in the home stretch of this grueling week. For us, it has been a week filled with doctor's appointments and events at the schools with the kids. I am pooped! I have a cute card for you today though. To me, it is a reminder that pretty springtime will be here before we know it. Here ya go!
And a detail shot:
This is one of those cards that I changed 406 times before I finally nailed it down. Do you ever start out with an idea and when you get it started with actual paper, some part of it is just not right and you know it needs to be changed but you can't figure out what to change? Well, this was it. I started out with Concord Crush and another image from one set I used here, Just Believe.

Now that it is in its final state, I can tell you about it though. ;) I stamped the Old Olive background with the tiny butterfly image from Sweet Summer. This is a new Sale A Bration set that I love. I will be using several more images from this very versatile set. Next I embossed a strip of Whisper White with the Square Lattice embossing folder and my Big Shot machine. The top edge is trimmed with a punched (Scallop Border Punch) strip of Daffodil Delight Designer Patterns DSP. The image is from Just Believe, as I mentioned above. I hand coloredthe stamp itself with my Olive and Daffodil markers before stamping onto Whisper White CS. This little image has a double line border so I carefully cut between the 2 lines with my Paper Snips which are perfect for fussy cutting like this. I stamped another copy of the image in Daffodil ink onto CS of the same color and trimmed it by hand too. This time, I trimmed around the outside of both line borders. Before attaching it to the card, I added a little Linen thread and an Old Olive Designer button which is included in the Brights button assortment. The sentiment is a separate image from the floral tag image so you could customize this card to any occasion. The final touch is 3 little Pearls from the Basic Jewels collection.

Hope you like it and it inspires you to get creating with some of the fabulous new items available from Stampin' Up! As if the regular Idea Book and Catalog wasn't enough! They come out with so many new pretties in the Mini and the Sale A Bration catalogs too! That sweet little butterfly image as well as many others can be yours for FREE when you order just $50 worth of Stampin' Up! merchandise. You can also earn FREE stuff by hosting a qualifying workshop. Contact me to learn more!

Springtime Vintage Get Well Soon- SU only

Hi guys! Super quick post because I have a dental appointment in less than an hour so I have to fly but I wanted to pop in with something for you to see. I will post the photo and give an update later on the details. OK? Also, I wanted to mention that Sale A Bration has begun! The biggest savings of the year can be yours! With every $50 purchase, you earn one free item from the SAB catalog.

Now for the card...
And a shot from the side for more detail:
I will tell you all about it as soon as I can. Have a great day and think of me as I get my first root canal! ;)

Edit: I am back from the dentist and had a nap to let my poor tooth calm down a bit. Now I can tell you about the card. I will start at the back and work forward.
-Crumb Cake background is embossed with the new Framed Tulips embossing folder (Occasions Mini) and my Big Shot machine.
-The center panel is a layer of Pink Pirouette CS topped with Always Artichoke CS and then a piece of the new Springtime Vintage DSP.
-I made the flower with the new Blossom Petals punch. Each petal is punched from Pink Pirouette CS and then sponged with Rich Razzleberry ink. The leaves are the same petal shape but turned in the opposite direction.
-The center of the flower is a Crumb Cake Designer button which is included in the Neutrals set of buttons. I tied it off with a length of (non-SU) DMC #739 Pearl embroidery cotton and attached it with a glue dot for stability.
-The sentiment, which is part of the Sincere Salutations stamp set, is stamped with Rich Razzleberry ink onto Very Vanilla CS. I trimmed the tag with more Pink Pirouette CS and then it sits on a punched piece of Always Artichoke CS which has been punched with the Scallop Ribbon Border punch.

Hope you like it! Ask any questions you may have if I didn't explain enough for you. I am always glad to help. :)

Cupcake Birthday Wishes- SU only

Hello folks! Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend. Mine was busy but nice. I got a little time to work on cards as well as the pile of "to-do" on my desk. I am certainly ready to have my hand back. This broken wrist business is for the BIRDS. I miss teaching and preparing classes. I miss making cards all by myself. And most of all, I miss cooking for my family. My fabulous husband is doing a bang up job but I know he is ready to get back to our routine too. Double duty can't be all that fun for him either. Anywho, enough whining! I have an adorable card to show you today and it was an easy one to make too. Wanna see?
And a shot from the side to show you more of the texture:
I saw this general idea on a blog somewhere but when I sketched it out in my journal, I somehow missed making a note of whose idea it was. If anyone knows where it came from, please let me know and I will gladly give credit. I have searched all the blogs in my bookmark list and no luck. Help me if you can!

Back to the card once again...the card background was run through my Big Shot with the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder and the cupcakes were punched with the new SU Build A Cupcake punch. The bottoms of the cupcakes are also stamped using the new Create A Cupcake stamp set. I added the "sprinkles" image but the tops overall are not stamped. I made the tower by punching a strip of Melon Mambo with the Eyelet edge punch. Then, I cut just a plain strip for the center post. The decorative little swirl base was cut with my Big Shot and the Swirls and Scribble Sizzlet die. I ran it through twice to get 2 of the same swirl portion.

My color scheme is Melon Mambo, Pink Pirouette, Crumb Cake, and Whisper White. That cute little tag that says, "birthday wishes" was made by coloring just a portion of a sentiment from the Longfellows hostess set (with an Early Espresso marker) and then punching it out with my Word Window punch. I just trimmed off one end and matted the remainder on Crumb Cake CS. It is attached with a white brad which comes in the Neutrals brad set. So simple but so cute! By changing the color scheme, you could make this card appropriate for either gender and the sentiment could be changed to fit the occasion as well.

That's it for me today. I will be working on preparing the Hostess Club order to go in tomorrow, the first day of Sale A Bration. The biggest SU sale of the year is almost here! I can't wait to earn a few SAB goodies myself. Remember, for every $50 you spend until March 31st, you get to chose an item from the SAB catalog. You can also earn an item by hosting a qualifying workshop. Ask me more if you interested in earning FREE stuff for yourself. Who doesn't like free?

Last Filled with Love Card- SU only

Hi folks! It has been crazy busy around here so today will be another quick post. My card today was inspired by a design on Andrea Walford's blog. I loved her card so I decided to incorporate the elements I loved and adapt my design to the materials I had on hand. Blogger is acting a little nuts so I am unable to link to her site to give credit but I certainly have a photo of my card to share with you. I felt like it was a perfect choice since the Filled with Love Bundle promo ends tomorrow. Here ya go!

And a detail shot so you can a little bit more of the embellishment:
I used Filled with Love to stamp the heart flowers in Poppy Parade ink and then the leaves were stamped with Petal Pizazz in Pear Pizazz ink. Each little heart blossom is accented with a Bitty Button. I lightly sponged my Whisper White background with Bashful Blue ink and then just a touch of Tempting Turquoise around the very edge for definition. The "grass" was created by punching 2 strips of Pear Pizazz with the Scallop Trim Border punch and then inking the top edges with Pear Pizazz ink. I stamped the sentiment (also from Filled with Love) in Basic Black ink. I punched the wording out with my large oval punch and lightly sponged with more Bashful Blue ink around the edge. A few of the hearts and leaves are popped up on Dimensionals too.

I skipped the links to certain products in the interest of time but all the productsI used can be found in my online store. Items included in the Filled with Love bundle can be ordered until close of business on the 24th. You may order online or contact me to order.

I have an adorable new card to show you so check back in tomorrow to see another use for the new Create a Cupcake stamp set along with the Build a Cupcake punch. Have a great day!

Hello, Hello!

Hi guys! Yesterday got away from me and before I knew it, it was too late to blog or even keep my eyes open for that matter so I waited for today to show you my cute little card. I also have a few photos of a project I made to show my hostess club girls. I'll show the card first. Here goes...
This is just a simple "hello" card...one of those all occasion friendship cards that are great to have on hand. I made it because that owl is just too cute and I couldn't resist making him with a cute little red vest. The tree branch he is on comes from Season of Friendship and the sentiment is from Hello Again. Both are regular catalog merchandise. I am going to skip the links today but all items can be found in my online store. The color scheme is a fav of mine and I have it listed in my color coach which includes several blank pages for keeping your own color combos. The colors are Concord Crush, Poppy Parade, So Saffron, and Old Olive.

Next up are my little Valentine's treat jars. I had lots of scraps left from all my Filled with Love bundle projects so I trimmed a couple glass jars left over from my husband's lab at work. Take a look...
Here is a close-up of the top so you can see the little tag (from Birthday Bakery stamp set):
And then a close up of the taller one so you can read the tag on the front:
Aren't they darling? They both were so easy to make too. Even though you probably can't duplicate the exact containers, I wanted to show you that just about anything can be made cuter with a little bit of embellishment. These are ready to add a little bit of candy and I have 2 precious Valentine's Day treats.

That's it for me today. Check back this weekend because I will have some new projects to share as soon as I photograph my work. Happy weekend!

Create A Cupcake Card

Hi folks! Here we are at Wednesday and the week is at the half way mark. Where does the time go? The week is flying by! Tonight is the last Hostess Club meeting for the first half of the catalog year. We have had lots of fun and I hope they choose to go another round. I will probably try to come up with a simple project, despite my hand limitations. I get lots of help from my family to make and photograph cards as well as getting this blog done every day so I am little leary of trying to teach a project without their help. We'll see I guess!

For today though, I have a new card featuring a brand new punch and stamp set from the Occasions Mini catalog. These 2 together are way too much fun and may just be my new favorite products to use. Wanna see?
I have mentioned recently how I needed more gender neutral birthday cards so I have been on a mission to think of new man-safe cards. This one works, IMO. The stamp is from Create A Cupcake and I punched the top and the cherry with the punch called Build A Cupcake. The punch has several options. I could have cut a candle, or sprinkles, or even the cupcake bottom too.

I kept the color scheme simple. The image is stamped on Very Vanilla CS. The card base is Crumb Cake with some polka dots (from the Confetti stamp set) stamped on in the same color. I used Early Espresso to trim the various panels and give definition. That gorgeous red grid paper comes from the Love Letter DSP. A button, some ribbon, and a little punched trim finish it up. Another card made and ready to go!

You know the drill...call me/mail me if you need me. Have a great day!

Last Week for Filled with Love Bundle!

Hey guys and gals! Well, gals I am pretty sure but not so much on the guys part but anywho...We have one week left to take advantage of the SU Filled with Love Bundle of goodies. Today's project uses an image from the Filled with Love set so I thought it was a perfect reminder that you don't want to miss that cute set and papers. And don't forget about the freebie package of Bitty Buttons! To learn more or to place an order, you can click on the Filled with Love button in the left sidebar here or just contact me. Now, for the project? Here ya go...

This was really hard to photograph but I hope you can see that it is made from punching 4 Decorative Labels and then making a very simple box platform to hold them upright. A length of Real Red 1/4" grosgrain ribbon gives it extra stability. I decorated it with a little circular image from Filled with Love and then added a handle (made with the Dotted Scallop Ribbon border punch) and a tag. The sentiment comes from a new set in the Mini catalog called XOXO. You can't see it in the photo but the handle is glued down with Tombow Multi Purpose Adhesive and then topped with a small heart punch and then the back has another embellishment like the front. So easy and so cute! It took less than 20 minutes so if I make several for my kids' teachers, it won't take me days. LOL!

That's it for me today. It is my first day of everyone being back to school and work so I have bunches to do. Have a great day!

New Bold Blossom Card!

I love using new stamps and materials! I know it is silly but I always remember how I used something the first time too. I look at a card or project and know that when I made it, I was using such and such for the very first time. Goofy, I know. Breaking open new stamps is especially fun. The images never look quite as good in a catalog or on the package. Inking them up in a color of your choice makes them yours. LOL!

Today's card uses a brand new set from the Occasions Mini called Bold Blossom. It is one of those sets that I can see myself using for years...a go-to set that becomes a must in your collection. It is simple but still a lot of fun and I simply love sets that make the flower separate from the stem. I am not a huge fan of masking so when I can ink up the stem/leaves in a lovely green and make the flowers another color easily, I am sold! So, take a look and I will explain in a minute.
My color combo here was inspired by my Color Coach which may just be the most underutilized tool in the SU catalog. I have been a fan of the new changes (made in July for the new catalog) since it premiered. I love the little blank cards to keep track of personal fav combos too. If you haven't taken a look at that thing lately, check it out here.

The colors I used on this card are Pear Pizazz, Real Red, Concord Crush, and Marina Mist. And can I just say I love the In-Colors this year? I use Pear and Concord together a lot. The sentiment here is also included in the Bold Blossom set making it an all in one deal...no searching for another stamp for your wording, right? I drew the flight pattern for the butterfly with a black marker. The centers of the flowers were punched with a standard 1/4" hole punch and then topped with Crystal Effects. Very simple! And another thank you note is made for a rainy day!