Sketch Challenge Take Two!

Last Sunday a new sketch challenge posted at Sunday Stamps.  I posted my project for the Design Team on Sunday, but I promised you another take on it.  Here it is...

Birthday card featuring the Celebrate Today stamp set and coordinating Balloon Framelits

For this card I once again used the new Cherry on Top DSP pack (available June 2nd in the new 2015/16 Annual Catalogue) as my starting point.  I chose two different patterns to use and then chose my colour pallette from there.  I used Cucumber Crush to mat the pennant-patterned element and Watermelon Wonder for the horizontal banner.  The card base is Bermuda Bay.  I used the Balloon Framelits to die-cut the balloon, which I stamped using the Celebrate Today stamp set and Bermuda Bay ink.

The horizontal pennant is embossed using the new Boho Chic TIEF and the background panel is embossed using the Large Polka Dot TIEF.  The only embellishments here were a bit of Crushed Curry baker's twine for the string of the balloon and some Bermuda Bay sequin trim for a little bling.

On the inside I stamped the pennant image from the Celebrate Today stamp set using Crushed Curry, Cucumber Crush and Watermelon Wonder inks.  The sentiment, also from the Celebrate Today set, is stamped in Bermuda Bay ink.

If you haven't already done so, be sure to check out the rest of the Design Team's creative ideas and then give it a go yourself...we'd love to see your creation!

Build a {pretty} Birthday

Happy Tuesday! I hope all of my American friends had a wonderful Memorial Day long weekend.  My (regular length) weekend was hectic...lots of gardening going on around here!  There wasn't much time for stamping but I spent some quality time with ink and rubber last night and have a sweet project to show you.  I based my design on the current sketch challenge over at The Paper Players.  It has been a VERY long time since I had a chance to play along over there, but I couldn't resist this versatile sketch:

Here is my take on it using the new Build a Birthday stamp set, which will be available (ONE WEEK FROM TODAY!! {insert party horns here}) in the new 2015/16 Annual Catalogue...

Birthday card featuring the Build a Birthday stamp set...available June 2nd in the new 2015/16 Annual Catalogue

So?  How well do you know the new In-colours yet?  Can you name the soft green I used here?  It is Mint Macaron...such a lovely shade of green with lots of blue in it.  I paired it here with Blushing Bride, Soft Sky and Sahara Sand, along with Whisper White, of course.  I love the soft, girlie look of these colours together.  Of course, I had to add some bling with some silver glimmer hearts, punched with the Itty Bitty Accents pack, and a bit of 1/8" silver metallic ribbon.  As if that weren't girlie enough, I added a Tea Lace doily too!  Sometimes its fun to make a truly feminine card...I don't do many like this, living in a house of boys!

There is lots of texture on this one.  The Blushing Bride layer is embossed using the new Boho Chic TIEF and the background panel is double embossed using the Large Polka Dot TIEF (you can get this look by embossing the card stock once and then flipping it over in the embossing folder and running it through the Big Shot again...kinda cool, no?).

Inside view with sentiment from the Endless Birthday Wishes stamp set.

On the inside I created the sentiment using several stamps from the Endless Birthday Wishes stamp set.  I am SO excited that this set is in the new catalogue.  It was one of my all-time-favourite photopolymer releases!  I used Mint Macaron and Sahara Sand inks to stamp the sentiment and added a little silver glimmer heart.

Now here are your Weekly Deals for this week!  There are some AWESOME products from the Occasions Catalogue here!  Remember, prices are good until Monday at midnight.

Aquamarine Colorbox Chalk Ink Pad Price: $7.25   Sale: $5.44	Birthday Bash Designer Washi Sheets Price: $11.95   Sale: $8.96	Build A Bouquet Project Kit Price: $30.95  Sale:  $23.21
Hello Honey 5/8" (1.6 Cm) Quilted Cotton Ribbon Price: $8.95   Sale: $6.71	Large Kraft Grid Journal Price: $4.95  Sale: $3.71	Painted Blooms Cotton Twine Price: $8.95   Sale: $6.71
Painted Blooms Designer Series Paper Price: $13.50  Sale: $10.13	Sweet Dreams Designer Buttons Price: $7.50   Sale: $5.63	Yellow Citrus Colorbox Chalk Ink Pad Price: $7.25   Sale: $5.44

A new sketch challenge!

Happy Sunday!  I hope you are having a simply fabulous weekend!  I have to say that I am absolutely loving the weather here!  It is simply perfect...bright sunshine, gentle breeze...so beautiful!  I've been spending my time getting my gardens in shape...they're getting there!
Today marks the beginning of a new sketch challenge over at Sunday Stamps.  It is a great one...check it out...

Here is my project for the Design Team...I used more sneak peek products from the new 2015/16 Annual Catalogue:

Birthday card featuring the Sprinkles of Life stamp set...available June 2nd in the new 2015/16 Annual Catalogue

I am so loving the new Sprinkles of Life stamp set and coordinating Tree Builder Punch.  I think I may have mentioned that once or twice before, but it bears repeating.  They are fantastic products AND for every Sprinkles of Life stamp set sold, Stampin' Up! dontates $3 to Ronald McDonald House Charities.  This is a set that needs to be at the top of your new catty Wish List :)
For this card I stamped the ice cream cone on Tip Top Taupe card stock (one of the new In-Colours) and then fussy-cut it out.  The scoops of ice cream are stamped on Watermelon Wonder, Bermuda Bay and Crushed Curry card stock in the coordinating ink colour.  Each one was punched out with the Tree Builder Punch.  The little cherry on top was stamped in Watermelon Wonder ink on card stock of the same colour and also punched using the Tree Builder punch.

The background DSP is from the new Cherry On Top pack...love those little hearts!  I matted the DSP with some Bermuda Bay card stock.  The little pennant element is a piece of Crushed Curry card stock that I embossed using the Decorative Dots TIEF for just a touch of texture.  The sentiment is stamped in Bermuda Bay ink, punched with the 1-3/4" circle punch and layered on a 2" circle in Watermelon Wonder.  The only embellishment this one needed was a bit of Crushed Curry Baker's Twine.

On the inside I stamped a single candle in Watermelon Wonder and Crushed Curry ink.  The sentiment is stamped in Bermuda Bay ink.

I had great fun with this sketch...be sure to check in later in the week for more ideas for how to use it!  In the meantime, give it a go yourself and then be sure to post it over at Sunday Stamps so all of us may marvel at your brilliance!

Silver Lining

Today I have another sneak peek project I made using the Sprinkles of Life stamp set. Check it out:

Encouragement card featuring the Sprinkles of Life stamp set and coordinating Tree Builder punch, along with Cherry On Top DSP...all available on June 2nd in the new 2015/16 Annual Catalogue!

I just can't get enough of the new Sprinkles of Life stamp set!  It is so versatile and uber cute!  For this card I made the top of the tree in to a Smoky Slate cloud and added a few raindrops in Pool Party.  Using the Tree Builder punch, I also punched another cloud from silver foil card stock to represent my silver lining.

The DSP I used is from the Cherry on Top pack.  I love that one side of this stack has fun, bright colourful patterns and the reverse side has calmer, more subdued ones.  So versatile!  I embossed the Whisper White  background layer using the Decorative Dots TIEF.  The only embellishements I used were a small Vintage Faceted button and some Basic Gray baker's twine.  I left the inside of this one blank so that I would have plenty of space to write an encouraging note to the recipient.

Happy Monday :)

It truly is a happy Monday around here...it's along weekend!  We are celebrating Victoria Day here in Canada, which means an extra day to relax...ahhhh :)
Today I have another sneak peek project for you.  This one was designed for a brand new challenge blog called TGIF.  As you likely know, I LOVE participating in challenges to get my creative juices flowing, so I am mucho excited about this new one!  This week's challenge is graduation.  Now, since I don't have anybody graduating from school, I decided to make a project to celebrate my son, who will soon be finishing grade two, and his first year at brand-new school.  It hasn't been an easy transition, so I am expecially proud of him for having such a successful year.

Congratulations card featuring the I Think You're Great stamp set...available June 2nd in the new 2015/16 Annual Catalogue!

I drew my colour scheme from the new Cherry On Top DSP, using Watermelon Wonder, Cucumber Crush, Bermuda Bay and Crushed Curry.  I created the polka dot background using sponge daubers...who needs fancy DSP? (Actually, I do, but that's for another day!).  Once I had created my polka dot background, I ran it through the Big Shot with the Decorative Dots TIEF for added texture. 

The various sized circles were created using the Circles Framelits and punches.  The striped Bermuda Bay circle is actually a piece of a Birthday Bash Designer Washi sheet that I had laying on my desk from another project.  The Watermelon Wonder and Crushed Curry circles are stamped in inks of the same shade with background images from the I Think You're Great set...such an easy way to add pattern and texture.  I added some silver glimmer paper and sequins for some bling because even though he's a boy's boy, my son loves some sparkle!  I call him my little magpie, as he is instantly attracted to anything that shines.

The sentiment is stamped in Watermelon Wonder using the Kissing Technique.  To achieve the look, I simply inked my sentiment stamp, pressed it against the texture background stamp and then stamped the sentiment on card stock...easy-peasy and kinda cool, no?  All of the sentiments in the I Think You're Great set are designed to work with this technique.  I punched the stamped sentiment with the 1-3/4" circle punch and layered it on a 2" Bermuda Bay circle.

Inside view with images from the I Think You're Great stamp set.

On the inside, I stamped one of the textured background images in Watermelon Wonder and then fussy-cut and popped up the sentiment, which I stamped in Bermuda Bay ink.

I hope that where ever you are you are having a fabulous Monday! Be sure to stop by tomorrow for another new catty sneak peek!

Spread the (long weekend) Love

Happy Friday!  We are kicking off the first long-weekend of the summer here in Canada this weekend...woohoo!  While the weather won't be hot, it will be warm and that is just about perfect in my book!  I can't wait to get outside and do some gardening.  I'm also hoping to get some stamping time in, as I still have lots of new catalogue sneak peek products that are crying for my attention. 
To get you excited for the new catty and inspire your weekend crafting, here is another sneak peek project for you.

Any-occasion card featuring the Sprinkles of Life stamp set and Tree Builder punch, available June 2nd in the new 2015/16 Annual Catalogue

This one uses the Sprinkles of Life stamp set and coordinating Tree Builder punch.  I am so loving the versatility of this combo of products!  On this project I stamped the tree trunk in Tip Top Taupe on a scrap of card stock of the same colour and punched it out using the Tree Builder punch.  The leaves are stamped in Cucumber Crush ink on card stock of the same colour and are also punched with the Tree Builder punch.  The tree is adhered to a 2-1/2" Whisper White circle.  The little hearts are punched from Watermelon Wonder card stock using the Confetti Hearts punch.

The DSP is from the new Cherry On Top DSP pack.  I used the Circles Collection Framelits to die-cut the semi-circle.  The card is built on a Bermuda Bay card base.  The only embellishments I added were some Bermuda Bay baker's twine and some heart Itty Bitty Accents Epoxy Stickers.

On the inside I added another sentiment from the Sprinkles of Life set.  What a fantastic stamp set this is...I can't wait for it to be available to all of you!  I know you're going to love it!

Have a fantastic weekend...I hope it is filled with time spent with loved ones doing things you enjoy :)

Sneak Peek Week Continues

So?  Are you getting excited about the launch of the new Annual  2015/16 Catalogue?  I absolutely can't wait to get my hands on some of the fabulous new products!  While our demonstrator pre-order is great, we aren't able to order everything from the catalogue until June 2nd...which can't come soon enough for me!

Today I have another sneak peek for you.  This one uses the same stamp set I did yesterday, called You've Got This.  Check it out:

Encouragement card featuring the new You've Got This stamp set, available June 2nd in the new 2015/16 Annual Catalogue.

I used several new products on this one, starting with the card base, which is one of the new In-colours called Tip Top Taupe.  It is a true gray-brown taupe and unlike any of the other colours in the current Colour Family line-up.  I stamped the card base using ink of the same shade and the cross-hatch background stamp that is included in the You've Got This set.  I stamped some images full-strength and others stamped off once to add depth.  I also stamped the flower image a few times as well, again to add depth.

The focal image is stamped using another of the new In-colours called Mint Macaron.  Many have asked me if it is almost the same shade as Pool Party but it is not even close.  Mint Macaron is much more green than Pool Party...a true mint green.  Here I stamped the cross-hatched background, stamped off once, and then the flower over top full strength.  The lace trim is the new In-colour ribbon, which is available in each of the five In-colours.  It is very light-weight and easy to work with, adding delicate detail to a project without adding a lot of bulk.  The sentiment is heat embossed in silver.

On the inside I stamped the flower image again in Mint Macaron ink and the sentiment, which is one of three that are included in the You've Got This set, in Tip Top Taupe.
The beautiful images in this set, as well as the assortment of unique sentiments made this set a must-have for me.
If you would like a copy of the new Annual Catalogue and do not currently have a demonstrator please email me to request a copy.  There is nothing like holding the hard copy of that magical book of crafty goodness in your hands, trust me!

Another Sneak Peek

Ok...here's your spoiler alert.  I have more new catty goodness to share with you today, so if you are waiting for the big reveal, read no further!  If you do want to get another hint of the awesomeness to come on June 2nd, read on!

This project is the make-n-take I did with my team at our monthly meeting this week.  I wanted them all to get to know the new In-colours and to have a chance to see the new Gift Bag Punch Board, as well as play with a fabulous new stamp set.  Here is what I came up with for them:

Gift Bag made from the new In-colour Envelope Paper, using the Gift Bag Punch Board.  Both are available June 2nd in the new 2015/16 Annual Catalogue.

Inside the gift bag is a set of note cards, one in each of the new In-colours...

Set of In-colour notecards featuring the new You've Got this stamp set, available June 2nd in the new 2015/16 Annual Catalogue.

Mint Macaron

Tip Top Taupe

Delightful Dijon

Watermelon Wonder

Cucumber Crush

I honestly can't decide which of the new In-colours I like best!  They are all fabulous and fill in gaps in the current core colour line-up.  I'm so excited to have these new beauties to work with for the next two years!  Speaking of beauty, isn't that flower image gorgeous?  It, along with the cross-hatched background stamp, is part of the You've Got This stamp set.  In addition to the two image stamps, there are also three beautiful sentiments.  I had some fun playing with this set over the weekend, so be sure to stop by all this week for more sneak peeks!

Now I also have some exciting news to share!  Right now, until June 10th, new subscribers to Paper Pumpkin can receive 50% off their first two months subscription!

That's  two-months-worth of boxes filled with crafty awesomeness for just $12.48/month!  There has never been a better time to check out Paper Pumpkin and see what all the fuss is about!  To take advantage visit Paperpumpkin.com and enter the code SAVE50

Note:  This offer applies to new subscribers only and may only be used on the monthly subscriptions, not prepaid subscriptions. 

Spoiler Alert! Sprinkles of Life Sneak Peek

Happy Tuesday!  I hope your week is off to a great start!  I held my monthly team meeting last night and we all had a great time talking about the new Annual Catalogue, which will launch on June 2nd.  Today I have one of the make-n-takes to show you.  It uses lots of new products, so stop reading now if you don't want to see them!

Here we go...

Any-occasion card featuring the Sprinkles of Life stamp set (available June 2nd in the new 2015/16 Annual Catalogue)

This is a really quick and easy card, made even easier with the new Sprinkles of Life stamp set and coordinating Tree Builder punch.  Yes, you read that right...a new to-die-for-cute punch that has lots of little bits to build the cutest little trees, or cupcakes, or ice cream cones, or clouds...I could go on and on!  The punch coordinates with the stamp set to make creating absolutely adorable projects super quick and easy.  The stamp set has 22 pieces in it and is available in photopolymer, which makes lining up all the elements super easy. Perhaps the best thing about this set is that it is this year's RMHC set, which means a portion of the price of each set sold will go to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities.  It's a win-win!

I also used some fun new DSP called Cherry on Top.  It comes in a 6" x 6" stack and the designs are all fabulous.  Lots of bright colour and pattern.  This particular pattern pairs perfectly with the Decorative Dots TIEF, which is one of the few returning products I used on this project.  The only embellishment I used was a bit of Crushed Curry baker's twine around the base of my cupcake and some heat embossed white sprinkles on the cupcake.

If you're a Stampin' Up addict lover you'll probably also notice a couple of new colours.  I use two of the new In-colours:  Cucumber Crush, which is a fantastic, brilliant green, and Watermelon Wonder, which is a wonderful orange-red-with-a-hint-of-coral.  Of the two, the Watermelon is truly my favourite, as it's shade changes, depending on what other colours it is paired with.  Gotta love a new, versatile red!  Though, I do have to admit, I love the brilliant, true green of Cucumber Crush...is it ok to have two favourites already??

If you live in Canada, do not currently have a Stampin' Up! demonstrator and would like a copy of the new Annual Catalogue I would be happy to send you one.  Simply drop me an email and I will get one in the mail to you this week!  In the meantime, I'll have more sneak peeks tomorrow...be sure to stop by!

Now before you leave, check out the new Weekly Deals.  As always, prices are good until Monday at midnight :)

2014-2016 In Color Stampin' Write Markers Price: $19.95   Sale: $14.96	Fun Frames Textured Impressions Embossing Folder Price: $10.95  Sale:  $8.21	Gold 5/8" Satin Ribbon Price: $9.50   Sale: $7.13
Hexagon Punch Price: $21.95  Sale:  $16.46	Kraft Grid Journal Price: $5.95  Sale:  $4.46	Lullaby Designer Series Paper Price: $13.50   Sale: $10.13
Sticky Strip Price: $8.50   Sale: $6.38	Wild Wasabi 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon Price: $9.50   Sale: $7.13