Name that Tune

The CAS-ual Fridays Challenge (CFC46) this week REALLY made me think. The challenge: to make a CAS based on a song. I went though my stamps quite a few times before deciding on a song, "You've Got a Friend" by James Taylor.

I started by stamping the sentiment in the center of my card base. I die cut my frame, stamped it in Crumb Cake ink and adhered it on dimensionals. Then I did the same with the flowers, however I used liquid glue to adhere them. I really fussed over the finishing touches. I debated calling the card finished with just the frame, but decided that I needed something near the bottom of the card for balance. The Crumb Cake Scallop border & Linen Thread added just that!

I linked "You've Got a Friend" above if you'd like to listen :) Happy Friday!

Stamps: Defining Words (Wplus9), Simply Jane (PTI)
Ink: Crumb Cake, Calypso Coral, Peach Parfait, Old Olive, Early Espresso
Paper: Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake
Accessories: Simply Jane Dies (PTI), Linen Thread, Scallop die,

Happy Birthday Doug

Hello there!

Sorry for the lack of posting, I have been having some computer issues. I also had my youngest home on Tuesday, it seems some kind of cold is going around our house. He likes to get crafty and after resting all morning, he wanted to play in my stamp room. We were both supposed to make cards for Doug, but the little man started with a card which turned into a big project that involved LOTS of paper and tape and eventually wound up on his bedroom wall (ugh).

Since Doug is the outdoorsy type, I usually use images inspired by nature. This time though, I wanted the nature feel to be a bit more subtle. Rather than the normal shades of green, I went with neutrals & a pop of color. I did some tone-on-tone stamping with a leaf image on Pumpkin Pie cardstock and die cut the leaves from the Folk Art Florals die. Then I paired that with some background stamping & houndstooth embossing. After layering the different pieces together and adhering my focal panel on dimensionals, I decided that the card needed one more finishing touch...paper piercing!

I hope he likes it. He'll get it tonight when he gets home from work. Hopefully he doesn't stop by my blog today!!!

Happy birthday hunny!

*I'll be back later with my supply list!

StampNation PJ Party

We've been partying at StampNation!
Our week long PJ Party has been extended another week :)
All of the chit chat and fun has brought back so many fun memories.

We were talking music the other day and now we are talking movies.
I created a layout based on the movies I grew up on!

Isn't this fun!!!

I didn't even use pictures on my layout and it's still filled with so many memories.
The thing about this layout that excites me so much is the popcorn,
I created it myself (WOOT!)

Check it out:

To make the popcorn holder, I just layered strips of paper and ran the top portion through my Big Shot using the Tasteful Trim Die.

Now for the popcorn, are you ready?

It was made using the Fun Flowers Die & a circle punch.

Step 1:

Step 2:

Step 3:

Once I had a bunch of popcorn pieces punched, I sponged them with Daffodil Delight ink.
Because my paper has an aged look to it, I then sponged with Crumb Cake and crumpled each piece, then sponged again.

If you don't have the Fun Flowers Die, I think you can use the Cupcake Punch (the icing part) and get a similar look, maybe even a cloud die would work.
Play with your supplies and see what you come up with.

Warm & Fuzzy

I hope you are having a fabulous weekend. I'm popping in this morning with The Outlawz CAS Challenge:

With the arrival of Spring, it's just about time to put away the sweaters, throw blankets & scarves. But before you do, use them as inspiration for your card this week.

This weeks challenge is to create a CAS card that uses something warm & fuzzy.

(Think felt, pompom trim, yarn...)

I combined the fuzziness of felt with the bright colors of Spring on my card for this challenge. See my "flower"? It is actually not a flower die, it's the coordinating die for the lion image from Sweet Baby. I love using supplies in unexpected ways!

I hope you'll play along with us this week! As always, the DT created some amazing samples and our generous sponsors are offering up fabulous prizes too. Head over and join in the fun.

Stamps: Very Vintage Greetings, Spring Tags (Wplus9)
Ink: Pool Party, Melon Mambo, Lucky Limeade
Paper: Naturals White, Brights dsp, Luck Limeade
Accessories: Felt, Button, Linen Thread, Label Layers 3 die

CAS Friday!

I love Friday!
Not only does it mean we made it through another week,
but two of my favorite challenges get posted on Friday too.

Today I combined the CAS-ual Friday challenge...
to use black & pastel colors.

with the Clean & Simple Sketch Challenge (FTL183)

To make my card I started with a Basic Black card base. I die cut a large scallop circle from Blushing Bride cardstock, then cut two circles from Whisper White cardstock. I stamped the script background in Basic Black ink on the smaller of the two circles using Wplus9 Defining Words. The circles & scallops were layered, the smallest on dimesionals, and placed off the side of the card base. I trimmed the excess with scissors. I wanted to keep this card very crisp and clean. The only embellishments I added were the butterfly in two shades of pink and the single pearl.

I love the striking contrast of the black card base & the pink accents. What fun challenges today, thanks for the inspiration!

Stamps: Wplus9 Defining Words
Ink: Basic Black
Paper: Basic Black, Whisper White, Blushing Bride, Pink Pirouette
Accessories: Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Scallop Circle Die, Basic Rhinestone, Circle Scissors Plus

Thought of you...

I made some time for myself this morning so I could play with some of my new Wplus9 stamps. Aren't they adorable?! I know my card is a bit Valentine-ish, but I couldn't resist the clothesline, I'm imagining all of the fun things I can hang from it or have sit on it. Plan on seeing a lot of this stamp in the near future! I think this card is perfect for a new couple OR to put in your hubby's briefcase before he goes to work. That's where mine is going :)

My card was inspired by today's CASE Study Challenge (#83). I'm loving the inspirations by this month's muse Laura Bassen, clean, simple and right up my alley!

Thanks for stopping in!

Stamps: Wplus9 Defining Words, Heartfelt Mix
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Pool Party
Paper: Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler
Accessories: Hearts & Clouds Die

Happy Spring

It's here, Spring is here!!!! I thought this card was fitting for the first day of Spring, don't you?!
Unfortunately, the first day of Spring here in PA is pretty dreary, but you can smell it in the air, buds are appearing on the trees and we even saw daffodils in bloom while hiking this weekend! Hiking, in March, in PA...have you ever heard such a thing? I certainly never thought I'd see the day...I have to say, I LOVE it!!!

So, Happy Spring to you! I hope the sun is shining where you are today!

Stamps: A Pocketful, Spring Tags (Wplus9)
Ink: Lucky Limeade, Daffodil Delight, Island Indigo
Paper: Whisper White, Lucky Limeade
Accessories: Bakers Twine, Stripes Embossing Folder

Scrapbook News & Review Magazine

Drum roll please......

I've recently joined the staff of Scrapbook News & Review Magazine. I'm super excited and honored to have gotten the position. My first deadline is only a few days away and my creative mind is in a bit of a whirlwind!!!

I just couldn't wait to share the news here with my stamping friends though! Thanks for your support, encouragement & comments. I appreciate each and every one of you, you bring a smile to my face :)

Maureen

Interactive Cards

Hello stamping friends!

Today I have my card for this weeks CAS challenge at The Outlawz. The challenge is to make an interactive card. I have to say, this challenge scared me, it's waaaaay outside my comfort zone. I had a hard time imagining how to make an interactive card while keeping the design CAS. I turned to StampNation for inspiration. There I found a video on how to make this Accordian Tag and knew it be perfect for the interactive challenge. Just untie the ribbon to reveal an accordian where you can stamp a sentiment and write messages to the recipient. I had a hard time photographing the card while the tag was untied, so you'll have to use your imagination :)

Or, you can always join us at StampNation and watch the exclusive video on how to make this tag and 160 more!! Speaking of StampNation, we are starting a week long party there today, woohoo!!! Check it out...


Stamps: Perfectly Penned, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink: Soft Suede, Poppy Parade
Paper: Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake, Everyday Enchantment dsp
Accessories: Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Everyday Enchantment Organdy Ribbon, Modern Label Punch, Basic Pearls

Oh my!

I can't believe I forgot to post my sample from The Outlawz CAS Challenge this week!!!!! I don't know where my head is??! I used some new goodies from Wplus9!

I hope you are having a fabulous weekend!

Maureen

Fair Isle Rainbow

I love finding new uses for my stamps. The fun chevron-like rainbow on my card is actually from a winter set (Fair Isle Backgrounds) by Wplus9. With temperatures in the 70's yesterday,(YIPEE) I'm not really in the mood to make winter cards anymore. However, finding a new use for this set, I can use it all year long!!

This card came together quite quickly. It was inspired by the CAS-ual Friday Challenge (CFC43), to make your sentiment the focal point and the Paper Crafts March Gallery Challenge, a spectrum of color. I stamped the rainbow stripes first, then heat embossed the sentiment to make it really pop.

**It would be fun to make this card using shades of the same color too!!!

Have a great hump day!

Stamps: Fair Isle Backgrounds (Wplus9), Think Big Favorites #5 (PTI)
Ink: SU! Cherry Cobbler, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight, Wild Wasabi, Indigo Island, Elegant Eggplant, Versamark
Paper: Whisper White
Accessories: Black Embossing Powder, Heat tool

St. Patty's Day Tradition

We've had lots of chatter going on at StampNation about scrapbooking. I know I mentioned it before, but a few months ago Catherine had challenged us to "Tell a Story" and it really struck a cord with me. My layouts have been much more meaningful and I know that one day my kids will look back and REALLY know what their childhood was like. I'm not just scrapping the best photos anymore, I'm now telling the story behind the photo.

I also think it's important to scrapbook traditions, what they are, how they started etc. Since St. Patrick's Day is almost here, I thought I'd scrap our St. Patty's Day tradition. No, I don't eat Corned Beef & Cabbage (blah!), very un-Irish of me I know. While the boys are at school the Leprechauns come to our house and mess up the kids room. Each year the mess gets bigger & bigger. My younger son has been dreaming of ways to trap those naughty leprechauns so HE doesn't have to clean up the mess :)

I think it's a fun page and a great way to document our St. Patty's Day tradition!

White with Shades of Blue

It's been a while since I've done a color challenge. Honestly, of all of the challenges out there, I participate in color challenges the least. They are by far the hardest for me, but that's what a challenge is, right?! Going outside your comfort zone & trying something new...so, today I am playing along with the SCS CAS challenge: White with Shades of Blue. I know, not a huge challenge, but I'm making baby steps people :)

I love how this turned out, it's so clean and crisp! All of that white space just makes me happy :)

I started by masking off the top part of my card base with a piece of scrap computer paper.

**When choosing paper to mask with, use something thin rather than heavy cardstock.
You will get a crisper image this way.

Next I stamped the image 3 times, turning it slightly each time to fill in the bottom portion of the card. I trimmed a 1/4 x 4 1/4 inch strip of Indigo Island cardstock and adhered it to the cardbase just above the stamped area. Then I stamped the focal image and embellished it with a tiny tag tied with a sweet little bow.

This card, stamped in several different colors, would make a great gift set!!!

I just updated my Stamps For Sale page, check out what's new and what prices have been lower!!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Fresh Vintage, Tiny Tags
Ink: Indigo Island
Paper: Whisper White, Indigo Island
Accessories: Whisper White Bakers Twine, Jewelry Tag Punch

Stamps for Sale Update

A quick update:
I just added some more stamps to my Stamps for Sale page, as well as a Cuttlebug!
Some prices were lowered too, happy shopping :)

Oval Punch for Banners

I'm loving the banner trend, what about you? I've seen them in all shapes & sizes and love them any way they come. So, I was excited to see the Clean & Simple Sketch today.


Cute, right?!

I wanted to try something new with my banner. I decided to use the oval punch, then cut it in half. I stamped each piece with the adorable little images from Elementary Elegance, then popped them on dimensionals. I ran a thin line of liquid glue along the top of the banner and then laid my bakers twine over it. I trimmed the edges and added a bow to each end. Sticking with the oval theme, I stamped my sentiment and punched it with an oval punch, then layered it over the Modern Label Punch. To add just a little more interest, I finished the card off with faux stitching on the card base.

What other fun punches have you used to make a banner?

Stamps: Elementary Elegance. Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink: Pool Party, Luck Limeade, Indigo Island, Calypso Coral, Wisteria Wonder
Paper: Whisper White, Crumb Cake, Indigo Island
Accessories: Oval Punch, Modern Label Punch, Bakers Twine, Basic Rhinestones, White gel pen

Sentiment-less

It's not often that I finish a card without adding a sentiment. Today, however, I just couldn't find one that would work. Since this set doesn't come with sentiments (why do they do that??) I usually use "I miss you", "Happy Retirement", "Happy Anniversary" or "Thinking of You", they all go well with the empty chair. I just couldn't find the right font, size etc., so my card remains sentiment-less. I'll have to stamp the inside when this card is ready to be sent!

**My card was inspired by this weeks CASE Study Challenge #82.

Stamp: Have a Seat, Tiny Tags
Ink: Basic Black, Cherry Cobbler
Paper: Naturals White, Crumb Cake
Accessories: Neutrals Buttons, Linen Thread, Circle Scissors Plus, Top Note Die

Monogram Cards

Monogrammed card sets are my go-to gift for teachers. I make each set different and special, usually having my kids give me input about their teacher, like what their favorite color is (kids pay attention to & remember this type of information). Teachers seem to love them, so I keep making them. My youngest has a male teacher this year. I'm not so sure he'd love a monogrammed set, what do you think? Any other ideas?

I was inspired to get started when I saw the SCS CAS challenge (CAS160) this week is Monogrammed cards. I also used the JUGS126-sketch to inspire my design. The above card will be the first in a set, I love having such an early start on my end of the year gifts, woohoo.

Stamp: Just Rite Monogram Stamper
Ink: Early Espressp
Paper: Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Everyday Enchantment dsp
Accessories: 1 1/4, 1 3/8, scallop circle punches, Early Espresso Taffeta Ribbon, Pearls

All Mixed Up!

Time for an Outlawz CAS Challenge...

This week we are bringing you an "All Mixed Up" challenge.

Here in the U.S., March can be a crazy, mixed up month weather wise. Will Spring come early, or even on time, this year? Or will Old Man Winter continue to have a tight grip on us? One must wear layers so that they are covered for any situation.

This week's challenge is to layer at least 2 different patterns of paper, while keeping true to the CAS style.
You can use store bought patterned paper or make your own.
It's your choice, so let's MIX IT UP!!!

Hop on over & join us. I'd love to see you there!

Masculine Thank You

I've been on a masculine card making kick lately. Although I normally wouldn't use this particular set for masculine cards, I think it works. The color combo of Crumb Cake, Old Olive, Not Quite Navy and Early Espresso and the accents I chose, which are more suited for men, make a set like this work perfectly. As always, I kept the basic card layout CAS. I added faux stitching to the top portion of the card and houndstooth embossing to the bottom. Two techniques I often fall back on with masculine cards.

Below is the sketch I drew inspiration from. Clean & Simple Sketch Challenges (FTL180).


Stamps: The Simple Things (Ippity), Sentiment Very Vintage Greetings (Wplus9)
Ink: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Old Olive, Not Quite Navy
Paper: Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake, Not Quite Navy
Accessories: Houndstooth Embossing Folder, Paper Piercer & Mat Pack, Linen Thread

Hey Baby!

Happy Friday to you!

My sister asked me to make a card for her friend who recently had a baby girl. She described the new Mom as liking all things modern & graphic, yet girly. Besides that, she gave me free creative license over the design. I started by drawing faint lines on the onesie die cut with a ruler and pencil, this was to ensure perfect placement of my images. I stamped the black outline of the polka dots from Polka Dot Basics, then filled them in with a rainbow of colors. Next, I stamped the outline & solid hearts, as well as the sentiment, in basic black ink. Once all of the stamping was complete, I erased my pencil marks. To finish off my card I added a single rhinestone because, well, what girly girl doesn't love a little bit of bling?!

I entered this card in the CAS-ual Friday Challenge, "Hey, Baby!".

Thanks for coming by! Have a great one :)

Stamps: PTI Polka Dot Basics, Bundle of Love, Sweet Baby
Ink: Basic Black, Cherry Cobbler, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight, Wild Wasabi, Island Indigo, Elegant Eggplant
Paper: Whisper White
Accessories: Basic Rhinestone, Onesie Die

Birthday Butterflies

I stamped today, finally :) I cleaned bathrooms, did laundry & went grocery shopping too, but YAY, I got to make a card!!!! I'm finally feeling better and so ready to get back to my stamp room.

My inspiration today came from the CASE Study Challenge #80 (CSC80), a fabulous CAS design by Laura Bassen. I loved how she layered several die cuts of the same color family and the arrangement of them. My card went in a bit of a different direction than I had planned. The butterflies were a bit bigger than I anticipated and I couldn't place them like I had wanted. Oh well...

I made this card is for my friend Dana, she's a stamper too, so I tried to make something I thought she would like. She adds a bit more "stuff" to her cards than I usually do and she loves sponging, so I kept that in mind while I created. I do plan to give this challenge another whirl, keeping closer to the inspiration.

Thanks for stopping in, hopefully I'll be blogging a bit more regularly now.

Stamp: Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink: Poppy Parade, Crumb Cake
Paper: Pool Party. Very Vanilla, Everyday Enchantment dsp
Accessories: Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Everyday Enchantment Ribbon, Oval & Oval Scallop Punch