CASE Study #164

It's our last week with Elena Roussakis as our Muse at CASE Study :(
I've really enjoyed the inspiration she's brought to us this month.

We are lucky to be able to squeeze in once more week with Elena.

It looks like a pretty little tea party to me.
I drew inspiration from the tea cups & striped background.


How about a Holiday Tea Party?
It's hard for me to think about anything but Christmas cards this time of year.
I paper pieced the tea cups from FSS's Hot, Hot, Hot set and then stamped a snowflake in the center of each one.  I added just a bit of striped patterned paper and tied it all up with Bakers Twine.

My card design was inspired by Seize the Sketch :)


Make sure your stop by each of the DT's blog to see how they were inspired!
Then head to your craft room and link up to CASE Study.  I can't wait to see what you make!




Posted by at 14 comments:

CASology - BLACK

It's time for a new CASology Cue Card!!!


With Halloween coming in just a few days, I'm pretty sure that is where my creative juices should have been going with the Cue Card BLACK.  Instead I've created a very simple Christmas card.


I'm really excited about how this turned out.  The CASology Cue Cards always push me to think outside the box.  I don't think I would have ever thought to make a black & white Christmas card! 
This is a first, but I don't think it is going to be my last!

I added some red rhinestones for a little bit of pop!

Now, it's your turn!
How are you inspired by BLACK?

Click on each of the DT names below to see how they were inspired!!

 Melissa Chipperfield
Maureen Merritt...you are here!
Meghan McMillan

Guest Designers:  Kristie

**My Stamps for Sale Page has been updated with LOTS of stamps!  Check it out here!!  
Design Team call for StampNation is ON!  Click here to learn more!


Stamps:  Masculine Motifs (PTI) Modern Christmas (Clearly Besotted Stamps)
Ink:  True Black (PTI)
Paper:  Whisper White (SU!) Basic Black (SU!)
Accessories:  Red Rhinestones
Posted by at 12 comments:

StampNation Design Team Call


 I've been designing at StampNation since the day the website launched.  I have seen it change, grow and evolve over the past 2 1/2 years.  I'm so excited for our announcement today, our first Design Team Call!  StampNation has always pulled DT members from the community, today we are looking outside the community!  Read on to find out more!!!!

StampNation Design Team Call - (Term December 1st - February 28th)

StampNation is a premier paper crafting community, a place to share inspiration and knowledge with members from around the world.  StampNation embraces products from all companies and all styles of design.

For the first time ever, we are looking outside of the community for 2 new Design Team Members. DT responsibilities include: Weekly Challenges, Weekly Blog Posts & commenting and participating in conversations around StampNation as well as welcoming our new Sistahs.

New DT members will receive free membership for the length of their term.

Applicants must have an active blog (4 or more posts per week) and be passionate about papercrafting!!!

If you’d like to join the StampNation Design Team, please send us 3 samples of your best work, as well as a little bit about yourself and why you think you’d be a great fit for our team. Also include current/past design team work and recognitions or publications (these are not requirements to be on the DT).

Please send applications to maureenlmerritt@mac.com with the Subject line “SN Design Team Applicant” by Monday, November 11th. Chosen applicants will be contacted by November 15th.

We are constantly looking at ways to improve StampNation to make it the very best site on the internet for education, fun and sisterhood. We are looking forward to bringing fresh and fun ideas and designs to StampNation and we are looking forward to hearing from you!

*Before applying please click here to learn more about StampNation and to see if this is the place for you!

Please let me know if you have any questions!
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Winter Wreath


I think that the Winter Wreath stamp set from Avery Elle is my favorite new set released for this holiday season.  I find myself reaching for it time and time again!  Today's card is a really CAS card, perfect for mass producing.  I added some subtle distressing and a twine bow for a bit of a rustic look.

Did I tell you that I finished my cards for this year?  All 60 done on October 17th, but I just keep making them anyway.  I think I'll be giving some away as gifts this year!

This card was inspired by this weeks Festive Friday Challenge...


Thanks for stopping by :)

Stamps:  Winter Wreath (Avery Elle)
Ink:  Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake (SU!)
Paper:  Very Vanilla (SU!)
Accessories:  Linen Thread (SU!)
 
Posted by at 15 comments:

Peace on Earth


I'm popping in quick to share a card I made for last weeks Less is More Challenge, "TREES".  I never got a chance to post it there though before the challenge ended.  It's been a long crazy week here.  I figured it was worth sharing here anyway :)

This card is so sparkly and beautiful in real life, it's hard to capture that sometimes on white on white cards.

Have a great weekend everyone!

PS- I've updated my Stamps for Sale page, check them out here & don't forget to comment to win a spot into A Very Trendy Holiday Card Class here!



Posted by at 14 comments:

A Very Trendy Holiday Card Class


Today is a very exciting day!  I've been working with my friend, Catherine Pooler on a very special project,  A Very Trendy Holiday.  This class is eye catching and fun.  It incorporates all of the current trends in paper crafting into cards and tags for the upcoming holiday season. 

Here's a sample of some of the projects...


Lucky for you, I have two free class registrations to give away here on my blog.  Leave me a comment by noon on Sunday, October 27th telling me your favorite paper crafting trend and you'll be entered into the giveaway.  (If you have already purchased the class you will receive a full refund!)

Click here to find out more about A Very Trendy Holiday Class!!!

My Stamps for Sale Page has been updated with LOTS of stamps!  Check it out here!!
Posted by at 22 comments:

CASE Study #163


The inspiration continues this week at CASE Study with our muse,

I was drawn to the colors and the leaping (stretching?) ballerina...
Please forgive me, I have little knowledge of dance.  I am a mom of two boys ;)


How are you inspired? 
Head on over to CASE Study to see how the rest of the Design Teams was inspired!! 
As well as our Guest Designer,
Michelle Williams!

**My Stamps for Sale Page has been updated with LOTS of stamps!  Check it out here!! 

Stamps:  Merry & Happy (Penny Black), Starry Christmas, Cheerful Christmas Greetings (MFT) Folk Art Flurries (Wp9)
Ink:  Crumb Cake,  Early Espresso, Versamark (SU!)
Paper:  Whisper White, Pink Pirouette, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake (SU!)
Accessories:  Starry Christmas Die (MFT), Pearls (Martha Stewart), White Embossing Powder (Inkadinkadoo)
Posted by at 9 comments:

CASology - Country

It's time for a new CASology Cue Card!!!


COUNTRY can be taken in so many directions.
My immediate thought was the style, a country Christmas. 


Now, it's your turn!
How are you inspired by COUNTRY?

Click on each of the DT names below to see how they were inspired!!

 Melissa Chipperfield
Maureen Merritt...you are here!
Meghan McMillan

Guest Designers:  Hannelie & Lori 

**My Stamps for Sale Page has been updated with LOTS of stamps!  Check it out here!! 

Stamps:  Holiday Sentiments (Clearly Besotted)
Ink:  Real Red, Always Artichoke (SU!)
Paper:  Very Vanilla (SU!) pp (Simple Stories)
Accessories:  Quilt Cuts 2 & Snowflake (Wplus9),  Linen Thread (SU!) Enamel Dots (MME)
Posted by at 16 comments:

Fall Treats


I'm enjoying a fabulous stamping weekend with my StampNation friends Kristie, Elsa and Michelle.  I wanted to bring them a little something to snack on but I'm not such of a baker and we've recently gone gluten free, which is a real bummer.  When I saw this recipe on Pinterest, I knew I could handle it AND I can eat it which is a bonus :) 

Being a crafter, I had to make a pretty package for my treats.  I kept it really simple by tying each bag up with burlap ribbon and hanging a die cut leaf.  I made more than I needed so that the boys could give their teachers a treat too!  Who doesn't love a sweet surprise every once in a while :)

I hope you are having a great weekend!
Posted by at 10 comments:

Friends are like Stars


It's finally here!  Happy Friday!

I'm getting ready for a full weekend of stamping.  In a few hours I'll be meeting up with Kristie near Boston.   I've been looking forward to this for a long time :)  I heard a rumor that we are meeting up with Suzanne from Freshly Noted for dinner.  I can't wait to meet her too!  Then Elsa and Michelle join us Saturday.  It's going to be a great weekend!

Before I hit the road, I wanted to share my card for this weeks Watercolor Challenge at StampNation.

To make my card I first heart embossed my sentiment on Watercolor paper, then colored over it with Distress Markers.  To make the colors bleed and blend I used water and my aquapainter.  I have better luck dipping my aquapainter in water rather than filling it, I seem to have better control that way!  Lastly I wiped the excess ink off of my sentiment. 

Easy, peasy!

Have a fabulous weekend, thanks for stopping by!




Posted by at 11 comments:

CASE Study #162

Are you ready for another fabulous week at CASE Study with
Elena Roussakis?!

This may very well be my favorite inspiration ever on CASE Study.


There was just so much to pull from this photo.
I love the woodland feel & the gingham print!


How are you inspired? 
Head on over to CASE Study to see how the rest of the Design Teams was inspired!! 
As well as our Guest Designer,

Stamps:  Winter Wreath (Avery Elle), Heartfelt Mix (Wplus9), Cheerful Christmas Greetings (MFT)
Ink:  Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso (SU!)
Paper:  Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler (SU!)
Accessories:  Heart Die (Wplus9)
Posted by at 7 comments:

Holiday Blessings


My new Christmas stamps have arrived and I am having a blast with them.  For this card I used the new Starry Christmas stamp set from MFT.  I'm completely in love with it!!!  I combined two challenges when designing my card.

The Muse Card Challenge #39 - I drew inspiration from the inlaid bird, the graphic stripes (I used diamonds) and the basic card layout with the panel to the right.

and

The JUGS Die Cut Inlay Technique Challenge.

Thanks for stopping in!

Posted by at 16 comments:

CASology - Pumpkin

It's time for a new CASology Cue Card!!!


Fitting for this time of year.
My kids may no longer want to celebrate Halloween, but
I'm sure they will each still like to get a card and a little treat :)


Now, it's your turn!
How are you inspired by PUMPKIN?

Click on each of the DT names below to see how they were inspired !!

 Melissa Chipperfield
Maureen Merritt...you are here!

Stamps:  Primitive Pumpkins (MFT)
Ink:  Pumpkin Pie, Soft Suede (SU!)
Paper:  Very Vanilla (SU!)
Accessories:  Primitive Pumpkins Die (MFT) Linen Thread (SU!)
Posted by at 17 comments:

Stitches & Sketches

As I was browsing some of my favorite challenge blogs this morning, I found that I have some cards in my stash that I haven't shared here on my blog that fit into current challenges.  I love when that happens. 

Is that cheating?  I sure hope not ;)

Both of my cards were made for the StampNation WCMD Celebration.  This first card was my card for Japan.


Inspired by this photo...





And just so happens to fit this weeks CAS(E) this Sketch challenge.

 


Next is my card for Canada.


Inspired by the Canadian flag and this photo.


Which just so happens to fit in with the CAS-ual Fridays challenge


As you can see we have a ton o' fun at StampNation!!  You should most definitely check it out...over 350 video tutorials, Bimonthly Trends Articles, Written Tutorials, Weekly Challenges and a CAS Classroom taught by yours truly with over 20 lessons in CAS design.

Stamps: Rosie Posie (PTI), Fresh Cut Florals (Wplus9)
Ink: Hibiscus Burst, True Black (PTI) Melon Mambo, Real Red, Cherry Cobbler, Pumpkin Pie, Cajun Craze, Lucky Limeade & Old Olive (SU!)
Paper: Whisper White (SU!)
Accessories: Rosie Posie Dies (PTI), Sequins

Stamps: Peaceful Poinsettia (PTI)
Ink: Real Red, Old Olive (SU!)
Paper: Real Red, Whisper White (SU!)
Accessories: Peaceful Poinsettia Dies (PTI), Rhinestone
Posted by at 14 comments:

Peace, Love, Joy & a Winner


I come across a lot of stamp sets that I love, but every once in a while I find one that jumps out at me and just about slaps me in the face, like this Winter Wreath set from Avery Elle.  Goodness, I just love everything about it.  Not only do I love all of the images, but the sentiments, THAT FONT!  Sigh!  Yup, I'm absolutely head over heels for this one.  So get used to seeing it, very used to seeing it for the next few months :)

This is another card that I made on WCMD.  It was inspired by Erin Lincoln's Joy Pinecone Basket on page 48 of the Holiday Cards & More issue of Paper Crafts Magazine.

Speaking of WCMD, I have a winner for the StampNation Design Team Blog Hop!


Drum Roll Please...

Lee was correct, my inspirational photo was from South Africa!

Congratulations Lee, you've won a 3 month subscription to StampNation!  Please contact Catherine and let her know you were a winner on my blog!  She will get you all set up on StampNation!

Be sure to hop on over to each of the Design Team blogs to see if you won there! 

Maureen Merritt  (You are here!)
Monica Weaver (Guest Designer)

*I'm linking my card up to Simon Says Stamps for the "Use a Clear or Rubber Stamp Challenge"

Stamps:  Winter Wreath (Avery Elle)
Ink:  Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso (SU!)
Paper:  Very Vanilla, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake (SU!)
Accessories:  Woodgrain Embossing Folder (Tim Holtz), Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details (SU!)
Posted by at 7 comments:

CASE Study #161

Are you ready for another fabulous week at CASE Study with



This adorable inspiration made me want to pull out my patterned paper and do some paper piecing!


How are you inspired? 
Head on over to CASE Study to see how the rest of the Design Teams was inspired!! 
As well as our Guest Designer,
Michelle Williams!

Posted by at 5 comments:

WCMD creations


Happy Hump Day!  I hope you are having a great week.  I'm popping in today to share some of the cards I made on WCMD.  This first card was inspired by a card made by Susan Opel on page 34 of the Holiday Cards & More Issue from Paper Crafts Magazine.  This fabulous stamp was a gift from my friend Catherine for my birthday last month :)

To make my card, I first stamped my image and colored it with Copic markers.  Then I trimmed out just the globe part of the ornament.  I used the Faux Diamonds Technique by pressing it into Versamark and then covering the globe with Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder and heat setting.  It is so sparkly in real life.  I cut my white cardstock to 3 x 5 1/2 and stamped the ornament again, this time not coloring it, but adhering the globe with dimensionals.  I think the rest is self explanatory :)

My next card was inspied by the current sketch over at CAS(E) this Sketch!.  I went with a nontraditional color combo, Wisteria Wonder & Elegant Eggplant.  A bit of a different look for the holidays :)


Inspired by this sketch...


I'm getting closer and closer to my Christmas card goal...43 of 60 complete!!  I can't even believe it.  The new holiday releases are just coming out and I've ordered a bunch.  I imagine I will have WAY more than I need.  I'll also be tired of making Christmas cards BEFORE Thanksgiving :)

Thanks for stopping in!  Have a great one!
Posted by at 12 comments:

CASology - CRISP

It's time for a new CASology Cue Card!!!


For some crazy reason I had the hardest time with this weeks cue!
I literally made 5 different cards, lots of pulling apart of completed cards, starting over, scraps everywhere, hair pulling (kidding)...You get the idea!

I think I just had too many ideas, is that possible?

5th times a charm?
Went with a crisp, cool day to head to the pumpkin patch.


I used Wplus9 Pretty Patches: Pumpkin set & paired it with sentiments from Paper Smooches & SU!

After all of my failed attempts, I'm still not in love with this card. 
What/how would you change it to make it better?
I'd LOVE your suggestions!

Now, it's your turn!
How are you inspired by CRISP?

Click on each of the DT names below to see how they were inspired !!

 Melissa Chipperfield
Maureen Merritt...you are here!
Guest Designer: Valerie

SPONSOR: Uniko Studio

Posted by at 11 comments:

More WCMD cards...

Just popping in quick to share a few more cards that I made for the WCMD event at StampNation.



Inspired by this photo...


I loved the graphic nature of the costumes worn here!



Inspired by this photo...


I thought of things you see up in the sky, and of course the rainbow inspired me as well!

I don't want to give away the countries these photos are from because the StampNation DT Blog Hop is still going on.  Click here to view the original post.  There's still a few more days to participate in the hop, so make sure you check it out!


Posted by at 3 comments:

World Card Making Day 2013

This is my second post today.  
Please scroll down or click here to view my StampNation Blog Hop post.


I hope you have had a chance to celebrate World Card Making Day!
If you have, add your creations here.  There is a ton of inspiration there!

I have the house to myself right now and I am cranking out the cards.

Did you know that World Card Making Day is the official start of the holiday card making season?
I've been making holiday cards for a couple of months now, but now is the time when I switch over completely to holiday cards!

My November/December issue of Paper Crafts Magazine showed up the other day and I felt so inspired to CASE some of the cards.

Here's my CASE of Cecilia Hsieh's card on page 23...


No stamping, can you believe it?

I'll be back throughout the week to share more CASE'd cards from the Nov/Dec isssue, as well as the Holiday Cards & More issue!

Thanks for taking the time to visit me on WCMD!

Posted by at 6 comments:

Celebrate World Card Making Day with the StampNation Design Team


Welcome to the StampNation Design Team Blog Hop 
where we are busy stamping around the world!!  

At midnight we started traveling to each of the 16 countries we have represented in StampNation.  At each stop we learn a bit about the culture and how they celebrate holidays. Then we are inspired by a photo inspiration that represents that holiday.

Fun, right?!

That is where the Blog Hop comes in. We want to share this journey with YOU too!

Each DT member picked their favorite photo inspiration and card to post on their blog.

Here's mine...


Beautiful right?!!!
The intertwining of fingers seem to blend into one!
This made me think of watercolors and how the colors run together and become one.


Here's where you come in.  We are asking you to guess the country the photo comes from, then to leave a comment telling what country you think I've chosen.
One lucky commenter from each blog will win a 3 month subscription to StampNation.

Then, one Grand Prize Winner will win a 3 month subscription as well as all of the cards Catherine made for the event as well as cards from the other DT members!

Remember to hop along to each DT member leaving comments along the way to increase your chance of winning!!!


Maureen Merritt  (You are here!)




Monica Weaver (Guest Designer)

Have fun!

*Please Note: To be eligible to win the Grand Prize, you must comment on all Design Team blogs. You do not have to answer the question correctly to be eligible to win. Comments will close on Thursday, October 10th at 11:59 pm Eastern Time. Design Team will announce winners on StampNation and their personal blogs on Friday, October 11th.

Posted by at 84 comments:

Just Be Happy & WCMD

I made it for this weeks StampNation challenge, Inspired by Fall.  
Making your sentiment a focal point and having your images frame it is a great technique for CAS cards. 


I love this sentiment!  Isn't it the truth?!  There's so much to be happy about, we just need to slow down and enjoy them all.  I'm trying to do that more often.  I seem to always be rushing on to the nest thing.  In between errands yesterday I pulled over by the lake down the street and sat for a while, taking in the beauty.  The fall colors are about a week from peak, I love this time of year!


I'll also be taking the time to stop, slow down, and just be happy tomorrow for WORLD CARD MAKING DAY!!!  A day where card makers from around the world celebrate our passion together.  What could be better and more happy than that?

I've been busy with the rest of the team at StampNation to make our WCMD event bigger & better than last year!  This has been months in the making, so I'm thrilled that it is finally here!  Be sure to stop by my blog tomorrow.  I'll have several posts going up, one being the StampNation DT Blog Hop!  If you haven't checked out StampNation, now is definitely the time...over 350 Video Tutorials, 20+  CAS lessons taught by yours truely :), Bimonthly Trends Articles and SO much more.  Click HERE to learn more.

See you tomorrow!

Posted by at 4 comments:

CASE Study #160

Today we welcome our October muse at CASE Study,
The images for this month are a bit different than the norm, but oh, so much fun!
 You are in for a treat :)

We also have a new Guest Designer,
Michelle Williams!

Why don't we get on with the challenge...



Boy, would I ever love to be at THAT party :)
I love cherry pie!


The blue & red stripes on the banner spoke to me.  I started there with my card!

To make my border, I cut 1/4 inch strips of Real Red & Pool Party card stock (varying lengths) and adhered them to a lightweight piece of scrap paper, laying each piece on a diagonal.
Then I trimmed up the edges and adhered it to my card base. 

I thought this design was perfect for a monogrammed note card for my son to send out for his birthday thank you's.

How are you inspired? 
Head on over to CASE Study to see how the rest of the Design Teams was inspired!!

Stamps:  Monogrammed (Wplus9)
Ink:  Real Red, Pool Party (SU!)
Paper:  Whisper White, Real Red, Pool Party (SU!)
Accessories:  Circle Stackers (Wplus9)
Posted by at 7 comments:
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