Sunday, March 31, 2013

Happy Easter, Mr. Chocolate Bunny!

It's officially Easter.  I wish everyone a joyous and blessed day.  I just love Spring and Easter.  It makes me so happy.   The air was nice today - 60 degrees!  WOW.  I could get used to this real fast.

We will be heading over to my sister's house for dinner, later today.  It's always a nice time getting together with family and friends.  I made some cute petal cone Easter bunnies to hand out to everyone.  I can't wait to see their faces when I give everyone their Easter basket.  I'll post a picture of the baskets tomorrow, or later today, but first I have to take a picture of them.  In the meantime, here's a cute card I made using the retired Chocolate Bunny stamp.  He's just so cute ...

Card Recipe:
Paper:  lucky limeade, natural, sunshine & sprinkles dsp, chocolate chip
Ink:  pacific point, daffodil delight, lucky limeade, melon mambo, chocolate chip
Stamps:  Easter blossoms (retired), chocolate bunny (retired), daydream medallions
Accessories:  regal rose 1/8" taffeta ribbon, 5/8" vanilla flower trim, lucky limeade 3/8" ruffled ribbon

I hope you like him.  He's peeking out over the Easter eggs, perhaps looking for someone to give one his eggs to.

Happy Easter to you and your family.  Thank you for taking time to stop by to visit me ... and I sure hope to see you back again.

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Another Happy Birthday Card

I wanted to create something fun because it's been a few days since I've made anything.  So I sat down, took out my paper and stamp sets and pondered.  I wanted to make something with butterflies, but couldn't quite figure out what.  Then I got an idea that popped into my head, and it took forever to come up with the card.  I didn't like anything I put together, and tried all sorts of combinations, but just nothing excited me.  So, i settled for what I put together and figured "it's just not my night for creating".  O well, better luck tomorrow.

Here's the card I made - not one of my fav's, but it's ok.

Card Recipe
Paper:  whisper white, primose petals patterned dsp, summer starfruit patterned dsp, basic gray
Ink:  basic gray, summer starfruit
Stamp Sets:  papillon potpourri, happy birthday
Accessories:  basic rhinestones, ribbon border punch, primrose petals 3/8" satin stitched ribbon, large scallop edgelit, apothecary framelit

So there you have it.  Hopefully I'll have more good stuff to share with you this weekend.  Until then, create happy!

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Coloring Down the Lines - Baja Breeze Duo

I certainly had to think hard about this week's blog challenge ... baja breeze and not quite navy duo.  When I think if blues, I automatically think of winter, snowmen, and all that cool stuff.  But since Spring just started and is nipping at our heels, I certainly didn't want to do a "SNOW" scene.  We're expecting between 2 and 6" of snow tomorrow, and I have to say, as much as I love the white stuff, I'm so ready for it to leave until next year.

So I took out the two colors and immediately pulled out the"Regals"  patterned DSP paper because I thought it might spark some ideas.  Well it sure did.  I thought of a blue dress, and off I went creating the card.  as I created one piece, then the next piece, it just ended up exactly like I expected, and actually, better than I expected.  I didn't have to change a thing.  YIPPIEEE!  I'm just loving the dress framelits - and to think I was skeptical about it at first, but boy, I can't stop using it now. 

Well, I hope you arrived here from Carol's blog, and if you didn't, please make sure you head right on over there because I wouldn't want you to miss her awesome card this week, or any week.  And without further ado, here's my sweet little blue dress duo card:

Isn't it cute?  I'm not usually one to rave about my own work, but because of the two colors, I really like it together.  Here's the recipe, should you want to make one yourself:

Paper:  not quite navy, baja blue, patterned dsp in not quite navy polka dot, whisper white
Ink:  not quite navey
Stamp Set:  ciao, baby
Accessories:  stripes EF, fancy fan EF, dress up framelits, petite curly label punch (Spring 2013 sale-a-bration) itty bitty shapes pumnch pack, baja breeze 3/8" pleated satin ribbon (retired), eyelet border punch, metalic silver cord, basic rhinestone jewels.


Well I hope you liked it as much as I do.  And I sure hope you try making some cute dresses with your new dress framelits .. what, you don't have one?   You can order one directly on my SU webpage at:  http://helen0912.stampinup.net.  Once you get there, the item number is (#130101).  If you are interested in the stamp set and the framelits bundle, that item number is:  (#131096 for the wood mount), or (#131095) for the clear-mount).  Either way, you'll be happy to ordered it.  It will ship direct to your door!  So what are you waiting for???

Now, let's check out Ms. Joni's creation for the week.  I'm anxious to see how she put the blue duo to work.  Until tomorrow, happy stamping!!! 


Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Happy 67th Birthday, Chesmont

Last night, we celebrated our Women's Group's 67th birthday.  Chesmont has been part of Business & Professional Women's Organization since 1956, and we are a local club, part of District 10 in the State of Pennsylvania.  I've been a member for 7 years, and I've held many offices:  currently, Treasurer, previously President and Recording Secretary.  I'm Recording Secretary at the District level, however, we're installing our new 2013 officers for District 10, and I will be Assistant Director this year.  WOW, can't believe it.

Anyway, we gathered at our dinner meeting last night and had an expert gardener come and talk to us about container gardening.  It was so enlightening, and there are so many cool things out there today to make gardening fun and rewarding.  After the session, we celebrated with chocolate cake, made with all natural ingredients.  It was sooooo yummy, and of course, I was expecting not to sleep very well eating the chocolate.  Yep, that's exactly what happened.

Well. here's a picture of the cake we had.  I made the Chesmont 67 pennants.  Happy Birthday to Us!

Until tomorrow, happy stamping!

Monday, March 25, 2013

Flowering Flourishes Sympathy

I created some sympathy cards to have on hand, which is not something I enjoy creating, but it is really nice to receive one that is hand made in such a time of sorrow.  

So, I sat down and knew I wanted to make something simple, and trying to select colors for a sympathy card isn't the easiest either, so I thought I would start with something on the masculine side.  Here's the card I created:

You could change the color(s) up a bit for a different look.  Here's the card recipe:

Paper:  Basic Gray, Whisper White, Neutrals Patterned DSP (basic gray polka dots)
Ink:  Basic Gray
Stamp Pads:  Flowering Flourishes, Thoughts and Prayers
Accessories:  Designer Builder Brad, Silver Brads, 1-1/4" two toned basic gray/black ribbon

It's a simple card, but when it comes to cards like these, you don't want to  be too over the top.

Thanks for stopping by. 

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Dress Me Up on Sycamore Street

I'm just loving this dress up stamp set and framelits.  It's so cute and you can do so much with it.  I made this card for a lady in our women's club who just underwent major surgery.  She is a wonderful seamstress - one of the best ever.  So in keeping with that theme, I decided to make her a card using her passion as my inspiration.

I saw a really pretty dress up card by Deb Fearns, and I just loved the colors, so I decided to CASE it, but made it slightly different.  The summer starfruit color worked well with the sentiment I chose inside to cheer Ms. Linda up.  Here's the card I made, and thank you, Deb Fearns, for sharing your pretty card with us.

Card Recipe:

Paper:  basic gray, whisper white, summer starfruit, sycamore street dsp (sale-a-bration)
Ink:  basic gray (inside card)
Stamp Set:  feel goods (inside)
Accessories:  5/8" flower trim, summer starfruit 3/8" stitched satin ribbon, dress up framelits, apothecary accents framelit, paper piercing pack, basic pearls, basic rhinestone, itty bitty shapes punch pack (inside), elegant bouquet EF

I sure hope the card cheers Linda up and gives her all the encouragement she needs to live every day to the fullest.  Here's to you, Linda!

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Team Swap - Happy Birthday Second Bunch

I've posted the second set of swaps we did at our team meeting this past weekend.  There were a total of 10, and I couldn't fit them all in a photo where you could see them well, so I broke them up into three per photo.  So, here's the second wave of swaps ..
Keep watching for the rest of them.  I'll be sure to post them throughout the remainder of the week.

I'm like the "happy" theme for the week, aren't you?  Must be the hope of Spring just right around the corner.  COME ON SPRING!

Friday, March 22, 2013

Team Meeting - Typeset Photopolymer Stamp Set

Did you check out the new photopolymer stamp sets that Stampin' Up just came out with?  At first I wasn't sure if I liked them, but now that I've used them, I love them.  They have some serious "sticking" power on your clear blocks.  I like the fact that you can arrange and re-arrange all the letters to say what you want.  Here's what I mean ...

The pennants above have the words "thank you" inside.  I love the fact that you can customize anything you wish to say just with the letters.  I'm glad I got them ... I know I will have a lot of fun using them.

Thanks for stopping by, and I hope to see you back again!

Thursday, March 21, 2013

My Paper Pumpkin Thank You

At our team meeting this past weekend, we made My Paper Pumpkin Thank Yous.  It's perfect timing since the first My Paper Pumpkin shipments are going out.  Did you sign up to receive it?  If not, you might just want to if you like 30 minute or less projects, all pre-cut!  How cool is that?  And if you're not satisfied, you can cancel your subscription.  If you're interested, email me and I'll be happy to sign you up (hmburn@aol.com).

Here's the card.  It's too cute.

Until tomorrow, have a super, stampin week.

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Coloring Down the Lines - Garden Green (How Green is Your Garden)

This week was a bit of a challenge at first.  The color combination is Garden Green and Wild Wasabi.  Always associating "green" with St. Patrick's Day, I started to wonder what I could possibly do with two greens!  Well, since Spring is coming, and everything turns nice and green, what do I normally think of - flower gardens.  Aha!  That's it.  The Secret Garden stamp set and framelits.  So, I put on my thinking cap and came up with something fairly quick.  WOW!  I was happy about that. 

Carol always has something fun using the duo color combos and it always looks great.  Don't you agree?  Did you check her blog out before you arrived here?  I hope so.  If not, do click back.  You won't be disappointed.

So, now on to my card.  Here it is:

Card Recipe:

Paper:  garden green, wild wasabi, natural
Ink:  garden green
Stamp Sets:  thank you kindly, secret garden
Accessories:  secret garden framelits, ticket corner punch, basic pearls, wild wasabi stitched ribbon

So, let's go take a leap over to Joni's blog and see what she did with the green color combination this week.  

Thanks for stopping by to see me ... I do hope you'll come back. 

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Team Swap - First Bunch

As promised, here's the first bunch of team swaps with the "happy birthday" theme.  They are soooo cute, and check out the "oreo cookie" card.  That was made by my upline, Jill.  It looks so yummy - you just want to take a bite out of it.  Check it out...
I love the cards.  That's mine on the right, if you recall.  Check back tomorrow for some more happy birthday cards.  Oh la la..

Monday, March 18, 2013

Team Swap - Happy Day

This month, at our team meeting, we did a "happy birthday" swap.  Everyone who wants to participate makes a card based on the theme of the month.  Then we swap prior to the start of our meeting.  So I  thought I would share with you the card I made.  I had fun making it, and wanted to do something just a little different.  Here's what I made:

Recipe:

Paper:  calypso coral, whisper white,  2011-13 in-color patterned dsp (calypso coral), pool party
Ink:  pool party, daffodil delight, calypso coral
Shamp Sets:  ciao baby, mixed bunch
Accessories:  sycamore street ribbons / buttons (sale-a-bration), itty bitty shapes punch pack, calypso coral bakers twine, basic rhinestones, argyle EF, petite curly label punch

The card inside the envelope pulls out and you can put anything you wish on it.  Isn't it fun?  It looks really nice in person.  I'll be sure to share the other team swaps with you over the next couple days.  I hope you'll stay tuned for them. 

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Ears to You

I love Easter time, and especially the little bunnies.  I always think of happy colors and new birth at this time of year.  Now, all we need is the Spring air, and we'll have it made.  It snowed today ... can you believe it?  It started out snowing, turned to rain a bit, then sleet and snow and it is cold.  I sure hope this is the end of Winter!!!

Here's the card I made with the sweet little bunnies.  I just love them!

I added the white rosettes (5/8" flower trim) for interest.  Here's my recipe for this card:

Paper:  sycamore street dsp (sale-a-bration),whisper white, daffodil delight, lucky limeade, pacific point
Ink:  pacific point; markers - melon mambo, daffodil delight, lucky limeade
Stamp Set:  ears to you
Accessories:  eyelet border punch (retired), needlepoint border EF, 5/8" flower trim (spring 2013 catalog)

Hope you like it.  Until tomorrow, stay warm and let's see what I can cook up for then.  Thanks for stopping by, and as always, your comments are very special to me.  Thank you!

Saturday, March 16, 2013

Happy Birthday Risa - Dress Me Up

My friend, Risa, is celebrating her 50th birthday today.  She's leaving for the Bahamas on a cruise to celebrate, along with her husband.  How great is that?  Sun and fun!  What a way to spend a milestone birthday.

I wanted to make her something really special for her big birthday, so I thought of a little black dress and whola, I came up with this card.  I just love it.  I sure hope she does too.

Recipe
Paper:   black, blushing bride, whisper white, crumb cake
Ink:  regal rose, black, daffodil delight (markers). black, regal rose, lucky limeade ink
Stamp Sets:  pretty petites, happy hour
Accessories:  artisan embellishment kit (paper flower), dress up framelit, lacy brocade EF, perfect polka dots EF, petite curly label punch. oval framelits

I just love this card.  I think I'll have to make another one just to keep.  Isn't it cute???  Well, I sure hope Risa has a great birthday, and maybe she'll get to wear that little black dress!

Friday, March 15, 2013

Ears to You - Happy Easter

Another stamp I purchased was the single stamp, Ears to You.  I couldn't wait to use it, as I just love bunny rabbits.  And this stamp is oh, so cute!  Take a peek:

Recipe:
Paper:  primrose petals, whisper white, lucky limeade, sunshine & sprinkles dsp
Ink:  primrose petals, chocolate chip
Stamp Sets:  ears to you, teeny tiny wishes
Accessories:  paper doily, fancy fan EF, designer frames folder, itty bitty framelits, 3/8" stitched satin ribbon in primrose petals, basic pearls
I can't wait to make some more cards using this stamp.  I saw some really cute ones on pinterest and the Stampin Connection.  You'll have to stay tuned to see them.  



Thursday, March 14, 2013

Summer Starfruit Dahlias in Print Poetry

I happen to love this pattern in the Print Poetry Paper Pack, and I've been thinking of a card to make using it, and it finally hit me.  Sometimes, if you look at the paper long enough, something will pop in your head and great things happen.  That's what happened with this card.  Although it took a while to put it all together, once I figured it out, it just flowed.  Here it is:

Card Recipe
Paper:  Very Vanilla, Midnight Muse, Print Poetry DSP
Ink:  Midnight Muse
Stamp Sets:  Madison Avenue, Pretty Petites
Accessories:  Vanilla Seam Binding, Scallop Circle Punch, Mini Label Punch, Piercing Essentials Paper Piercing Pack, Vintage Trinket Pin, Summer Starfruit Dahlias

See how cute it turned out?  I like the card, and the seam binding just adds a little touch to the card.  I love the seam binding.  I hope they come out with some other colors, but we'll have to wait and see.

I hope my designs have inspired you, and I'd love to see what you create.  Thanks for stopping by, and most importantly, thank you for your comments.  They truly make my day! 

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Coloring Down the Lines - So Saffron

WELCOME BACK to our blog hop.  I'm so glad you could join us this week.  Our color combo is So Saffron and More Mustard.   When I started the "duo" colors challenge, I was a bit skeptical on how I would be able to come up with a design using two like colors .... and it wasn't as hard as I anticipated.  This week's challenge was a no-brainer for me.  The design came quick, so I made this card in record time. 

So what did you think about Carol's card this week?  Awesome as usual, right?  It's tough to compete.  Well, here's my creation for So Saffron / More Mustard ...

Recipe
Paper:  so saffron, whisper white, regals patterned dsp (more mustard)
Ink:  more mustard
Stamp Sets:  beyond plaid, perfectly preserved
Accessories:  sizzix flower daisy die, designer builder brads, 1/4" white stitched grosgrain ribbon, 3/4" x 15/16" oval punch, vintage trinkets

Well, do you like it?  I had a lot of fun with this card.  I like the way it turned out.  Now, let's check out Joni's creation.  She just got back from Hawaii, so she may have a real surprise for us ... maybe she did something with a Hawaiian flair?  Maybe not ... let's go check it out ...

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Feeling Sentimental - Celebrate

Here's another card I made using the Sale-a-Bration Feeling Sentimental stamp set.  WOW, Sale-a-Bration time is awesome.  You get all this product for free, and the stamp sets are just awesome.   Thank you Stampin' Up!

So for this card, I chose to use the ferris wheel.  It's so old fashioned looking, and it just has a very vintage feel / look to it.  See what you think ...

Recipe:
Paper:  garden green, more mustard, whisper white, chocolate chip, regal patterns dsp (more mustard)
Ink:  chocolate chip
Stamp Set:  feeling sentimental
Accessories:  scallop punch, argyle EF, apothecary accents framelits, essentials paper piercing pack, naturals designer button, twine
 
I'm glad I finally broke out the stamp set and made something with it.  Now I'm on a roll.  
 
Tomorrow is our blog hop.  I do hope you're planning on stopping back to check out our duo colors for the week.   You'll have to wait till tomorrow to see what color we had to work with this week.  Thanks for stopping by.
 
 

Monday, March 11, 2013

Feeling Sentimental

I've had the stamp set, Feeling Sentimental for a little while now an haven't used it yet.  So today, I thought I would get it out and start making some cards.  I love the old tricycle and ferris wheel, so I put on my thinking cap and created a couple cards using the stamp set.

This is the first one I made to share with you:

Card Recipe
Paper:  Summer Starfruit, Black, Whisper White, Sycamore Street DSP (Sale-a-bration)
Ink:  Black, Versamark, Black Embossing Powder
Stamp Sets:   Feeling Sentimental (Sale-a-Bration), That's the Ticket
Accessories:  Ticket Punch, Scallop Border Punch, 1/8" Basic Black Taffeta Ribbon

I got my inspiration for this card from Wendy Wexler.  She made a card similar to this and it was oh, so pretty.  Thanks Wendy for sharing your card with us.

Well that's it for tonight.  See you tomorrow night for another card creation from Blue Dahlia Design's Craft Studio!

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Spring Sampler Soda Pop Top Card

I wanted to try and make a card using Stampin' Up fabrics, so I found the print I wanted, and then I created the card around it.  I wasn't sure what I wanted to do, so I tried to cut the fabric into a circle and didn't like it, so I cut a strip of the Summer Smoochies fabric and went to town.

I love the Spring Sampler stamp set, and since they are tiny, the stamp I selected fit perfectly into the soda pop top.  Cute, cute, cute.  I love it.  Check it out:

Card Recipe
Paper:  Real Red, Whisper White, Crumb Cake
Ink:  Real Red, Crumb Cake
Markers:  Crumb Cake, Real Red, Bashful Blue, So Saffron, Lucky Limeade
Accessories:  Soda Pop Top, Summer Smoochies Fabric, Ticket Punch, Little Labels Punch Pack, Argyle EF, Apothecary Accents Framelits, Basic Pearls

I'd like to do more with fabric, so we'll see what comes about.  I think it adds just a little different touch to the card, and I can just imagine the possibilities.  Hope you like it.  Thanks for stopping by.

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Coloring Down the Lines - Old Olive & Certainly Celery Duo

WOW, sometimes the color duos are hard, but his week, the greens have it - just in time for St. Patrick's Day.  So this a no-brainer for me.  I just had fun putting it together.  I knew what I wanted to use, and putting it together took a little thought, even though when you look at it, it doesn't appear too hard.  I think we crafters are our own worst enemy, striving for the perfect creation.

Did you arrive here from Carol's blog?  As always, she's on top of her game - every week.  Don't you agree?  She's such a sweet person, too!!!!

Well, here's my dynamic duo for this week.  I hope you like it.

Card Recipe
Paper:  Certainly Celery, Brights DSP Patterned Pack, Very Vanilla
Stamps:  Teeny Tiny Wishes, Madison Avenue
Ink:  Certainly Celery, Old Olive
Accessories:  Needlepoint Designer EF, Oval Punch, Basic Pearls, Hearts a Flutter Framelits
I just love making the shamrocks out of hearts.  They look so cute.  I also can't get enough of that Madison Avenue stamp set.  It's funny how you just gravitate to certain stamp sets for a lot of your projects until the next one comes along.  LOL.  Well, let's hop on over to Joni's blog to see what she did with her color duo.  Joni is in Hawaii, but managed to get her creation made before she left.  Oh how I wish I was in Hawaii right about now!
Thanks for visiting me, and especially, leaving your wonderful comments!  Thank you!!!  I read every one and love hearing from you. 


Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Apothecary Accents Thank You

I love the apothecary accents framelits, and so anytime I can make something using them, I'm pretty happy.  But this card wasn't one of my favorites.  I don't know what it is about the card, but some of it I like, and some of it I don't.  Take a peek and decide what you think ....

Card Recipe
Paper:  Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White, Brights DSP Patterned Paper (Rich Razzlebery)
Ink:  Old Olive
Stamp Set:  Perfectly Preserved
Accessories:  Honeycomb EF, Scallop Oval Punch, Apothecary Accents Framelits,  oval punch, Basic Rhinestones, Pumpkin Pie Ribbon

So what did you think?  The card looks ok, and maybe the more I look at it, the more it will grow on me.  O well ... sometimes we strike out a bit, but this one is on the fence.  Better luck tomorrow.


Monday, March 4, 2013

Happy Birthday Wishes Brights

I've been making wedding invitations all weekend for a friend's daughter, but I needed a little break.  So today, I chose to make some cards, as the inspiration just came to me over and over again.  So I thought I would share them with you each day.

First, I wanted to make a "happy" card.   I selected my color pallet, and whola, the design came to me.  It's a simple card, but I love the way it turned out. Take a peek:

Card Recipe
Paper:  Whisper White, Brights DSP Patterned Paper (Rich Razzleberry, Pacific Point, Daffodil Delight)
Ink:  Pacific Point
Stamp Set:  Petite Pairs
Accessories:  Scallop Circle Punches, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Needlepoint EF, Basic Pearls

I hope you like it as much as I do.  I love the needlepoint embossing trim on the top.  It adds just a little pizzaz to the card.

Well, until tomorrow, Happy Stamping!

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Stampin' Up On-Line Classes Are Here!!!

NEW Stampin' Up! Online Class:
The Basics





Learn innovative ways to get the most out of your supplies (from stamps to the Big Shot) with clever tips and all the techniques you need to start creating with success. 
Divided into six sections focused on a variety of topics, this class includes videos, step outs, and supply lists for 30+ projects!

·    Stamping Basics (7 projects)
·    Stamp-a-ma-jig (4 projects, video) 
·    Masking Techniques (4 projects, video)
·    Embossing Techniques (7 projects, 2 videos)
·    Markers and watercoloring Techniques (6 projects, video)
·    Big Shot and punches (6 projects, 2 videos)

*No shipping, no tax!!

Downloading Instructions:
Downloading-op-system
·    Choose PC or MAC
Downloading-Online-Class-n
·    Then select "For Other Applications"
PC Instructions:
The files will be downloaded as archive files that you can then extract and save on your computer. When you click on the download link, an extraction program will automatically launch. Choose the location where you would like to save the files (be sure to note where you save them). Follow the prompts on the extraction program, then navigate to the location where you saved the files. Click on the file and open.

Mac Instructions:
When you click on the download link, the file will be mounted as a drive. Once it is mounted, open the drive and drag and drop the files to the location of your choice on your hard drive. The files can then be opened.


To Order, go to my website at:  www.helen0912.stampinup.net