Happy Mother's Day...a little early!

Well this Sunday is Mother's Day and I thought it only appropriate to show you the card I sent my own mom to mark the occasion. 

Mother's Day card featuring the Family Reunion (retired) stamp set.

My mom is, among her many other talents, an avid gardener, so I thought it only fitting that I incorporate flowers on her card in some way.  I had been wanting to try this lattice look, done using the Chevron border punch, for a while so I figured there was no time like the present!  I punched the white card stock and then used the punched chevron shapes, inverted, to create the lattice look.  I had a bunch of branches, punched with the Bird Builder punch, left over from another project.  I began weaving them into the lattice and then added the little punched flowers in Raspberry Ripple.  To give the flowers dimension I layed them on my Stampin' Pierce mat and pressed in the middle with the eraser of a pencil...instant petals. 

The DSP I used is from the Sale-a-bration Sweet Sorbet pack (yep, still using that stuff up!) and the little butterflies were die cut using the Beautiful Wings Embosslit.  The sentiment is from the long-retired Family Reunion set and I punched it using the Artisan Label.  I used up some of the my remaining Raspberry Ripple stitched satin ribbon and finished with one of my beloved Antique Brads.
Although this card took a while to put together it was worth the effort for the woman who gave birth to me and allowed me to survive my teen years ( and let me tell you, I'm sure that wasn't easy!).  I love you mom!!

Florets for Grammy

My son is very close to my mother.  She is his only Grandmother and he simply adores her.  For Mother's Day this year I wanted to make a special card for him to send to her so I pulled out the soon-to-be-retired Fabulous Florets stamp set along with some of the out-going In-Colours.  This is what I ended up with:

Mother's Day card featuring the Fabulous Florets stamp set with sentiment from the (retired) Family Reunion set.

Pretty, huh?  I asked me son if he thought Grammy would like it and his response was "Ohhh, yeah!".  This one took a bit of time but was worth the effort.  I stamped the flowers in Versamark, heat embossed in white and then white-washed each flower and leaf with my Aquapainter and Whisper White craft ink.  Then I used a blender pen and Primrose Petals and Raspberry Ripple markers to colour the flowers and a Gumball Green marker for the leaves. 

I layered the Top Note die cut on a background that I left just stamped and heat embossed...I liked the way the coloured flowers contrasted with the plain line-art images.  The sentiment is from the long-retired Family Reunion stamp set.  It is one I will likely keep forever, as it has a stamp for just about every family member you could imagine!  I used Primrose Petals stitched satin ribbon and a vellum butterfly cut with the Beautiful Wings Embosslit.
A pretty card for a beloved Grammy!

TGIF!

I am SO glad today is Friday...I just wish it was going to be a relaxing weekend!  No such luck though!  This weekend my baby boy turns seven!!  Not sure how the heck that happened...he tells me he just can't help growing up.  Wish I could find some way to slow him down a little!  Anyhow, tomorrow is the big Minion-themed birthday bash...more on that later.  Suffice to say spending Saturday with a house-full of 6 and 7 year-old boys isn't my idea of a restful weekend! 
Not sure I'll have much stamping time this weekend...in the hope that you will, here is a little inspiration for you.  It is another project I created from a repurposed leftover kit for my upcoming card buffet. 

Birthday card featuring the Simply Stars and Perfect Pennants stamp sets.

For this one I didn't change much from the original design...I simply changed the stamp set I used for the background and added texture with the Decorative Dots TIEF.  (By the way, did you know that TIEF is going to be in the new Annual Catalogue?  If you missed out on it during Sale-a-bration you can still purchase it beginning June 1st!)

The colour scheme is Coastal Cabana, Basic Gray and Real Red...suitable for just about anyone.  I love having generic cards like this on-hand for those card emergencies!

Inside view with sentiment from the Family Reunion (retired) stamp set

This is another one of the projects that will be available at my Brides, Babies and Birthdays buffet coming up on April 24th and 25th.  The session on the 25th is currently full, but there is still space on the 24th if you haven't yet registered.  Click the Upcoming Classes tab at the top of this page for details.  In the meantime, have a great weekend!

More Sketch Inspiration

Today I have another sample I did using this month's sketch inspiration...check it out:

Father's Day card featuring the You Rule stamp set with sentiment from Family Reunion

I designed this sample for my Spring Fling Card Buffet that is happening this afternoon.  It is likely hard to tell in the photo, but the crown is heat embossed using pewter embossing powder...very shiny and regal-looking...fit for the King of the Household...dear ol' Dad!  I added texture to the background with my Argyle TIEF, as well as a bit of Basic Gray stitched grosgrain ribbon.  I also added interest to the focal point with my piercing template and paper piercer.  I didn't photograph the inside of this one...oops!  It says "You Rule"...and then below it "Happy Father's Day".  If you missed the sketch for Marcch, simply click the Monthly Sketch Inspiration tab at the top of this page to view the sketch and other samples made using it.

This week at CPC...and more!

...You'll find a great new home decor project from fellow designer Chris Galbraith!  Check it out:

Nautical Picture and card set by Chris Galbraith

This nautical picture and matching card are perfect for gift giving or for hanging in a room in your house!  The 8" x 10" frame can be changed to white or brown to match any decor.  Not only is the picture beautiful, but it is quick and simple to make!  This project is also a fun camp, class or club project!  To access the tutorial for this and 9 other fantastic projects, simply subscribe to March over at Craft Project Central.  It is just $10, which is a great value for some wonderful inspiration!

I also want to show you another card I designed for my Spring Fling Card Buffet coming up this weekend.  Check it out:

Mother's Day card featuring the Pleasant Poppies background stamp with sentiment from Family Reunion

 The nice thing about this card is that although I designed it to be a Mother's Day card, it could easily be changed to a birthday card by changing the sentiment. If you haven't registered by the Spring Fling yet hurry!  Seats are filling up quickly...call or email to reserve your spot today 

Now for some REALLY BIG NEWS! 

Click  HERE to learn more about this exciting news!

Stampin' Up has lowered the price on My Digital Studio design software by 75%!!  This isn't just a sale..this is forever!!  If you've ever considered trying this amazing program now is the time to go for it!  As a bonus you'll get a FREE orientation session with me to help you get started.  Visit my online store to purchase your copy today.  Because it is a download there is no shipping cost...just purchase, download and start designing right away!

 

SALE TIME!

Today is the day!!  Stampin' Up's HUGE promotion, the Online Extravaganza, start today!!  To start things off with BANG, there are three "Door Crasher" items that are on sale TODAY ONLY.  Are you ready for this? 

The BIG SHOT IS ON SALE!  

So is the Doctor's Bag and the Simply Scored diagonal plate!!  All three of these fantastic products are on sale for 20% off until midnight tonight.  If you've been conveting a Big Shot, now is the time to finally take the plunge!  In addition to the above items, there is a ton more that is reduced by up to 50%. Click HERE to view the complete list of sale items.

Now, don't be misled by the name of this sale...the sale prices may be had on ANY order type...not just online through my web store, though that is one way you can take advantage of these great deals!

Now for some stamping!  It's time for a little break from Chistmas projects! Today I have the card I designed for my son to give my husband on his birthday. 

Masculine birthday card featuring the World's Greatest a la carte stamp and Family Reunion stamp set.

This stamp is one I have wanted for a long time.  I finally gave in and purchased it during the Spooktacular stamp sale last month.  I love that it works so well as the focal point for a design.  I also really like the World Spectacular DSP...it features rich, bold colours and fantastic images for masculine cards.  My son loved the hat-wearing elephants!  (So do I!!)

Have a great week...and don't forget to take advantage of the sale price on the Big Shot today only!

Froggy Birthday

This weekend I spent a bit of time prepping for an upcoming class I have next weekend.  The hostess asked to do birthday cards...particularly one for a young boy.  She said she always has trouble coming up with designs for that particular demographic.  She's not alone!  Cards for young boys can be a challenge, but, thankfully, I have one (young boy, that is) and he thinks this card is kinda fun.  Check it out!

Birthday card for a young boy featuring the Perfectly Preserved and Moving Forward stamp sets with sentiments from Pennant Parade and Family Reunion.

Inside view with sentiment from the Delightful Dozen set.

Fun, eh?  I love that little froggy from the Moving Forward set...in fact, its the only stamp from that set that has actually seen ink so far!  I liked the idea of the frogs escaping from the jar...how many of us moms of little boys shudder to think about all the critters living in the various jars that find their way into our home over the summer months?   Thankfully, all of our "guests" have moved on the greener pastures and we are, for the moment, critter free.  Anyhow, my son thought it was pretty funny that the frogs were jumping out of the jar on this card.  In fact, he asked if he could give it to the one of this friends that has a birthday.  Nothing like the stamp of approval from a 5-year-old!  (Pardon the pun!!)  I stamped a border using the "happy birthday" stamp from the Family Reunion set and added a little tag from the Pennant Parade set.  The colour scheme is Lucky Limeade, Summer Starfruit and Basic Black.  The only embellishment is a bit of baker's twine to hold the tag on the jar. Simple and boy-friendly.   I hope my class attendees like it!

Another Teacher Thank You

Last week I showed you one of the thank you cards I made for my son's pre-school teachers.  Today I have the second card I made.  He really loved the program he was in and his two teachers were simply wonderful.  They've done a great job preparing him for Kindergarten in the fall!

Teacher Thank You card featuring the Storytime DSP with sentiment from the Family Reunion set

Cute, eh?  I love the Storytime DSP pack!  The images and colours are so retro and fun!  It made this card really easy to put together...the only stamping is the sentiment panel!  Max's teacher loved it!

Now for a photo of my little graduate:

Ready for Big-Kid School!

A salute for Mommy...with one of his terrific teachers.

Congratulations, my big boy...I am so proud of you!!

Just a reminder to be sure and enter my draw for a free month's subscription to Craft Project Central.  Just leave a comment on today's post to be entered.  I'll announce the winner on Sunday, July 8th.  Best of luck!

My Baby's Graduating!

My son is graduating from preschool today...ready for big-kid school in September.  To thank his wonderful teachers I made some cute little gifts (more on those later) and cards for each of them.  Today I have one of the two designs for you.  I based the layout on this week's sketch challenge over at Pals Paper Arts.  First, here is the sketch:



And here is my teacher-thank-you version:

Teacher Thank-you Card for PPA137 featuring the (retired) First Day stamp set, the new Storytime DSP and sentiment from the Family Reunion stamp set.

Fun, eh?  I have had this set since it was in the Summer Mini two years ago...I've been waiting to use it and this was the perfect occasion to ink it up!  I stamped the little bookworm and the apples in Staz-on and coloured them with my markers and blender pen.  I love that little worm...he's so cute!  The A+ is from the same set and looks fantastic stamped with my new edition Real Red ink pad...such awesome coverage!  What makes this card, however, is the DSP!  I fell in love with this paper as soon as I saw it in the catalogue. The images are so retro and fun and remind me of the Readers I had when I was in school.  Of course, the images also speak to the teacher in me, so how could I not snap up a pack with my first new catty order?!  Today I get to attend the little graduation ceremony..can't wait to watch my baby walk the across the stage to get his certificate!  Now to figure out how NOT to cry...*sniff*...

Acrylic Distress for Mom

This month's issue of Stampin' Success, our demonstrator magazine, featured an article on the Acrylic Distress technique.  This is one that  I have often thought "Oh, I should try that" and then never actually did.  Well, that changed last week when I decided to do the technique with one of my monthly groups.  Check out the card we made...

Soft and pretty Mother's Day card featuring the Acrylic Distress technique and the Mixed Bunch stamp set.  Sentiment is from the Family Reunion set.

Pretty, eh?  I love how soft the colours are on this card...a huge change from all the brights I've been using with all the Summer Smooches products of late!  I especially love this technique!  So easy to do!!  Simply paint a piece of card stock with acrylic paint.  I used some white that I had bought at our local dollar store and then tinted it using my baja breeze reinker.  Allow the paint to dry completely and then run the card stock through the Big Shot with an embossing folder.  Using a sanding block, sand the paint off the raised pattern, revealing the original cardstock colour beneath.  For this card I used crumb cake card stock, which shows through the blue where I sanded off the paint.  So cool and such a neat look.  I foresee more of this technique in my future!

...and Something for Mom!

I didn't want the moms among us to feel left out so after designing the Father's Day card I posted yesterday I decided to do one for Mother's Day as well.  For this one I pulled out another of my favourite IBC sets:  Field Flowers (I know, just about every set is my favourite!).  I also drew on an oldie but goodie...Inspired by Nature...have a look:

Something for Mom featuring the Field Flowers and Inspired by Nature stamp sets with sentiment from Family Reunion.

Inside view with sentiment from Teeny Tiny Wishes

Ok, so I'm hoping you all noticed the distinct lack of ANY embellishments on this card!!  If you've been following this blog for a while you likely know that I LOVE embellies...ribbon, buttons, brads...they all make me smile and no card is complete with out at least one of the above.  So when I create something that DOESN'T use any of the above it is a momentous event.  So, why did I leave this card so darned naked?  I was thinking of my own mom when designing it.  She is not a girlie girl by any stretch...how many 69-year-old women do you know who own their own chainsaw?!?  Ribbon and buttons just don't suit her style, so I opted for the naked look.  She is, however, an avid gardener and living in Northern Ontario she often incorporates the natural wildflowers native to the area in her gardens.  The images on this card remind me of a snapshot of her acres (and I'm not exaggerating) of gardens.  So, here is what I did to create this simple mom-worthy card...
Starting with a 4" x 5 1/4" piece of very vanilla cardstock, I stamped the grass image from the Inspired by Nature set in pear pizzazz ink.  I stamped it a couple of times to fill the space.  I then stamped the stems from Field Flowers in garden green ink right over top of the grass.  I stamped the solid flowers in perfect plum and then the line flowers in elegant eggplant...gotta love two-step-stamping!  I added the solid centres in more mustard for contrast.  I then sponged the edges of the stamped cardstock using pear pizzazz, going heavier along the bottom edge and lighter along the top.  To add a little interest I used my paper piercer and mat pack to add the detail in the top left and bottom right corners before adhering the whole thing to a pear pizzazz card base.  For the sentiment, I stamped the "To my" from the Family Reunion set in pear pizzazz on some scrap very vanilla cardstock and then the "Mom" in elegant eggplant.  I punched it out with my large oval punch and layered it on a scalloped oval in elegant eggplant.  It is adhered to the card with dimensionals.
For the inside I stamped the stem and blossom images again, but stamped them off first to give the more faded image.  I omitted the more mustard centres to keep it looking muted and soft.  The sentiment is from Teeny Tiny Wishes and is stamped in elegant eggplant on very vanilla and then punched out with the word window. 
A simple card made quick and easy thanks to SU's Two-Step-Stamping ingenuity.  Sure hope my mom likes it!