Paper Dreams

Life is Good!

2012-01-14T12:10:00.000-06:00

Hi Blogger Friends!
I'm sorry I haven't been around much...new job, spending as much time as I can with DD (Dear Daughter) before she goes back to college & lots of get togethers with friends. All is good! Last night was Stamp Club at Karen's, today is my uplines' quarterly gathering & tonight my best friends who craft are getting together. So a real marathon weekend of paper crafting!!

Today I am sharing the easel card I made for my girlfriends as a holiday gift. I had to cancel out of our get together in December due to illness, so I am bringing my gifts tonight. I got the idea of this easel calendar card from CarrollAnn (MrsBoz). She made these a year ago & I loved it so much that I sent away for little pre-printed calendars. My last post was the calendar I made for my office. You can print these little calendars yourself & there are several websites that offer them for free. I did that one year when I made two calendars & it took quite some time to cut and line everything up. So this year I bought in bulk (30) & it was really worth it, even if I don't use them all. I hope to make more for my Stamp Club friends, but I'll cross that bridge later.

The designer paper is from the Paper Studio; it was perfect for my girlfriends as all three lean towards the rich autumn colors in their homes and wardrobe. These three gals are very trendy & keep me up to date on the fashion so I liked the paper for that reason too. I used 110# paper in Solar White from Neenah for my base which makes it sturdy. I purchase this paper in bulk at a local paper distributor. (XPedX) & I also get my regular weight Solar White paper & A2 envelopes there. Bravo Burgundy, Early Espresso and Calypso Coral are the other cardstock colors here (Stampin Up). I embossed the burgundy base using the Elegant Lines embossing folder from SU!. The sentiment stamp is an antique from a Stampin' Up set called Everyday Expressions. I love that set no matter how old it is!! The flower is made from the very cool "Triple Treat Flower" single stamp from Stampin' Up that has the coordinating punches. Lastly, I used the pretty Vintage Brads from Stampin' Up.

That's it for me today...I'm off for a fun day of crafting with friends! Thanks for stopping by & I'll be checking out your blogs tomorrow. Have a great weekend!
Hugs,

Marilyn

Happy New Year!

2012-01-02T19:47:00.000-06:00

Hi blogger friends! Happy New Year! I hope this year has started out great. This evening I have an easel calendar card to share with you. It was made for the Mojo Monday sketch challenge. I actually made it for myself! As you may know, I have a new job & thus a new office. There's no handy wall space for a calendar, so I made one to sit on my desk.I make my appointments in the computer, but I like having a calendar for reference nearby. Below is what it looks like open. I also like a little inspiration so I used this Plain Jane stamp from Verve.
Have a great week!

Supplies:
Stamps: Psalm 51:10 (verve)
Paper: Indigo Island, Black, Vanilla, DSP- Love Letter (retired) (Stampin Up)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Momento)
Accessories: Indigo Island ribbon, black brads, designer brad (Stampin Up), flower & embossing punches (Nellie Snellen)

Hugs, Marilyn

Strickly Stripes

2011-12-28T08:07:00.001-06:00

Hi friends! I hope you are having a great week! My card today was made for the Trigger Tuesday challenge over on the Moxie Fab Blog. I <3 Moxie Fab! So many great inspirations. Here was the picture from the challenge that my card is based upon.

I loved the blue in this picture & I just took it from there. Since it reminded me of Stampin' Up's Pool Party from the 2011-2012 collection, I pulled that out. My striped paper is from My Mind's Eye, the Madison Avenue and Breeze collections. The striped button is also from MME too.
Have a great day!
Hugs,

Marilyn

Supplies:
Stamps: Thank you from Faith in Nature (Stampin Up)
Paper: Pool Party (SU), Designer- Breeze & Madison Avenue (My Mind's Eye)
Ink: Early Espresso (Stampin' Up)
Accessories: Brown Button (Oriental Trading), Striped Button (My Mind's Eye), Flower punch (Stampin' Up)

Christmas Day After

2011-12-26T16:45:00.000-06:00

Hello friends! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas. I really think there should be a name for the day after Christmas similiar to the day before is called "Christmas Eve". My version is "Happy Christmas Day After" , but that doesn't have much of a ring to it. In some of the European countries and in Canada, this day is referred to as "Boxing Day" & the spirit of the day is to thank those who provide us service like housekeepers & postal service workers. If you have another name for the day, please let me know! To my Jewish friends, I hope you are having a great Hanukkah! And for all my friends, a very special early New Years Wish to you.
My card today is for the Victorine Originals blog challenge to use punches.My stamps are from Victorine Originals. I just love the versatility of these stamps...you can use them as I have here as a main image or you can use them for making your own background. I used the very cute Basic Grey paper called "Max and Whiskers" & even though it's been out a while, I love it!
Have a wonderful week!
Hugs,

Marilyn

Traditional Christmas Card

2011-12-07T20:17:00.001-06:00

Another post for me this week~woohoo!. I am enjoying a week of vacation & even though I'm busy with holiday things, I'm making time to play a challenge or two. I am going to have to get busy and mass produce some cards. Anyway. this one was made for the Splitcoaststampers Color Challenge (CC352) from yesterday & today's Sketch challenge (SC362). I used one of my favorite stamp sets, Bells & Boughs. This color combination makes a nice traditional holiday card.

Thanks for stopping, Marilyn

Supplies: All Stampin' Up unless noted
Stamps: Bells & Boughs, Four the Holidays
Ink: Black (momento) Real Red, Wild Wasabi, Daffodil Delight
Paper: Wild Wasabi, Real Red, Very Vanilla, DSP- retired small stack Wild Wasabi
Accessories: Real Red dotted grosgrain ribbon, Square and Lacey Square Nestabilities (Spellbinders)

'Tis the Season

2011-12-06T10:24:00.002-06:00

Hi Blogger Friends! 'Tis the season to...rush. I know we are supposed to slow down and savor, but I so love this season that I tend to cram a lot in. Thus is the case for today. I am in a rush to post this card within the next 10 minutes so I can head off to meet my DH for lunch & I wanted to post this before the PPA noon deadline. So not a lot of words for me. Here's the colors for the PPA122 challenge:

I also used the JUGs sketch shown below.

Hugs! Marilyn

Supplies: All SU! unless indicated
Stamps: Bells & Bows, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, DSP- retired-Deck the Halls 2010
Ink: Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler
Accessories: Cherry Cobbler seam binding, button (always artichoke from Deck the Halls collection 2010), Oval, Scalloped Oval, Labels 14 nestabilities dies (Spellbinders), dot embossing folder (sizzix).

Triple Treat

2011-12-05T20:59:00.000-06:00

Hi friends! I love this Triple Treat flower from SU! There is nothing easier than a stamp that has a matching punch! I made this card for the "Create with Connie and Mary" challenge, CCMC178. This week's challenge was this sketch:

Those ladies are awesome stampers & they have such a wealth of knowledge. I love looking at all their creations. Have a great evening!
Hugs,

Marilyn

Supplies: All Stampin' Up
Stamp: Triple Treat Flower
Paper: Pear Pizzazz, Poppy Parade, White, DSP- Poppy Parade
Ink: Pear Pizzazz, Poppy Parade
Accessories: Punches- Five Petal flower, Fancy FLower, Scallop Trim border; Elegant Lines Embossing folder; Scoring tool; Antique brads.

Designer Knock-off

2011-11-30T08:55:00.036-06:00

Hi friends! I've had some fun evenings in the studio playing challenges. Over the past several months a number of my e-friends have been honored & I didn't get chance to participate in the fun/challenge. I know you understand what I mean when I say I just couldn't let it go without recognition. So my card today is honoring Tenia (the jazzy paper artist). She was chosen as the Moxie Fabber of the week way back in June. More recently, Tenia was chosen as the Featured Stamper (FS250) on SCS on the 20th of this month. It's not a big surprise to me I've know T for a few years now. Not only is she talented in music and art, she is a considerate, fun person. Without further ado, here's my designer knockoff:

Here's Tenia's card (which you can also see on SCS):

Tenia has a cool CAS style that is so challenging for me; keeping the layers and the embellishments to a minimum is not so easy for glitzy girl like me! But I think I did it & captured Tenia's "Jazzy Royal Coolness".
Here's to you, T! Love ya, girly!
Hugs,

Marilyn

Supplies:
Stamps: Elegant double alphabet (Recollections by Michaels)
Ink: Tuxedo black (Momento)
Paper: Solar white (Neenah), Lucky Limeade (SU), DP- Christmas stack (DCWV)
Accessories: Ornament punch (SU), red stickles (Ranger), red embroidery thread, (JP Coats), ribbon & jewels (Michaels), Piercing bug tool (EK Success),bow-easy

VO Ribbon Challenge & Sale

2011-11-28T09:00:00.024-06:00

Hey blogger friends! I hope my US friends had a great Thanksgiving holiday. I loved being off for 4 days in a row. It was such a treat to spend time with family and in my studio. This week is my last week at my current job. I have really enjoyed this job and will miss the people, but I was offered a real exciting opportunity. I am hopeful that I won't have to put in 60 hours a week to keep up & the location is much closer to home which will give me more STAMPING and creating time! I know I will be busy in the beginning trying to learn the business, department and my job, but I am ever hopeful it will be closer to 40 hours a week once I settle in.

Anyway, here is the card I created for the Victorine Originals Challenge to use ribbon. Easy peezy, right?! Check out the VO online catalog while you are at it, because Vicki is offering half-price on all unmounted stamps but just through tonight.

Don't you just love the sentiment?! Cracks me up.I also used the sketch from Clean & Simple FTL168 challenge. It was fun making a non-holiday card for a change even if I love making holiday cards, a little variety is good, right?!

I used my Pink Paislee Bayberry Cottage paper and die cuts. I love this retired collection and I have hardly used it. It just seemed perfect for these two challenges.
Have a great day! Hugs,

Marilyn

Supplies:

Stamps: Secret of Youth- 1244-E (Victorine Originals)

Ink: Tuxedo Black (Momento)

Paper: Lucky Limeade, Basic Black (SU), DP-Bayberry Cottage (Pink Pasilee)

Accessories: Scallop Circle & Fancy Tags 1 (Spellbinders), Black grosgrain ribbon (SU)

Take One and Take Two

2011-11-25T13:33:00.000-06:00

Happy 'day after' Thanksgiving to all my US friends. I hope each of you had a wonderful holiday!

Here's two cards I made today. These are for the SCS Free for All challenge (F4A92) where the challenge was to make a Holiday card using Black as the main color. On my first go around, I missed the word "holiday' & just made a card. So I had to redeem myself since I hardly play the challenges. The second card also qualifies for the Freshly Made Sketches (FSM12) challenge.

Here's the sketch:

I am looking forward to some stamping time this weekend. Hope you get some time to play too!
Hugs,

Marilyn

Card 1

Stamps: Punch Potpourri, Sage Advice (SU)

Ink: Black Craft (SU)

Paper: Textured Black (unknown), Riding Hood Red, Pacific Point (SU), Solar White (Neenah), DP-Mod Retro Stack (DCWV)

Accessories: Heart punches (SU), Black detail embossing powder (SU)

Card2

Stamps: Skating Penguin (Stampendeous), Christmas Wishes-sentiment (Wplus9)

Ink: Black Craft (SU), Tuxedo Black (Momento)

Paper: Textured Black (unknown), Solar White (Neenah), DP- The Christmas Stack (DCWV)

Accessories: Black detail embossing powder (SU), Eyelet circle die (Spellbinders), snowflake punch (MS), Dazzling Details (SU)

Holiday Thank You

2011-11-14T09:00:00.001-06:00

Happy Monday Friends! I made this card for the Victorine Originals Challenge~ make a "thanks" card. While I realize most people are making Thanksgiving cards, I seem to be totally into Christmas already this year. Go figure!

Isn't this the cutest little reindeer? I colored him with copics but his scarf is colored with SU markers because I wanted a more exact match with the cardstock colors.

Have a great day!

Marilyn

Supplies:
Stamps: Rudy (74290-E), Thank You (3953-A) Victorine Originals
Paper: Pear Pizzazz, Real Red (SU), DP- unknown, Solar White (Neenah)
Ink: Black Tuxedo (Momento), Copics: E27, E31, E33, E29; SU Markers: Pear Pizzazz, Real Red
Accessories: Snowflakes EF (Cuttlebug), Corner punch (marvy), Curly Label punch (SU), 3/8 Old Olive taffetta (SU), White ruffled ribbon (American Crafts), twine & button (stash)

Christmas Card Swap

2011-11-12T15:20:00.000-06:00

Last night was Card Club night. This is the card that I made to swap with the Friday night ladies. I had twelve other cards made but they weren't holiday themed. So yesterday afternoon, I left work a bit early, got home and started cutting. I made twelve of this card in 1 hour and forty minutes; that's about 8 minutes apiece. Not bad! It's simple but I like it; I hope you do too.
I really love this Christmas Lodge stamp set so you are likely to see a lot more of it from me. Have a great weekend!

Hugs,

Marilyn

Supplies: All SU! unless noted otherwise
Stamps: Christmas Lodge
Paper: Garden Green, Cherry Cobbler, Frostwood Lodge DSP. Solar White (Neenah)
Ink: Cherry Cobbler
Accessories: Square Lattice EF, Square Gold brads (Making Memories)

Holiday Card Day

2011-11-05T20:36:00.001-05:00

Today was a rather fun day! This morning we made 10 holiday cards at one of the SU demos home. I can't show you those here because they aren't my designs but we did have a fun time. After that I felt in the mood to make more & play a few challenges so this one is for the SCS IC309 challenge. I chose this wallpaper from this week's inspirational website. I love these new Fair-isle stamp sets from Wplus9. I also used the clean and simple sketch FTL165 for my card today. I hope you like it! Here's the sketch. Hugs,Marilyn

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T09:00:00.019-05:00

My life has been occupied with our St. Louis Cardinals. I can't even begin to tell you how much time I've spent helping them win the World Series. At the end of this post, I'm putting a picture of my husband and I at the winning game. It really was an incredible experience!

What is also incredible is that I even made a single Halloween card! This one is for a couple of challenges. First, the Victorine Originals Challenge (VO20) to use Black & Orange. Challenge 2, is the Card Positioning Systems 242 (CPS242) to use the sketch below. As you can tell, I flipped the sketch. It worked perfectly with this fun cat image called Meow.

Supplies:

Stamps: Meow (1242D) and All Occasions Set (10512X) Victorine Originals

Paper: Basic Black, Peach Parfait, So Saffron, Daffodil Delight (SU!); White (Neenah); Designer Paper: Halloween Collection (Echo Park)

Ink: Tuxedo Black (Momento), So Saffron (SU!)

Accessories: Corner rounder and Scalloped Circle punches (SU!), Small flower punch (Nellie Snellen); Pumpkin brads (stash-many years old)

Here were are before Game 7 on Friday night!

Fall Acorn

2011-10-17T09:00:00.006-05:00

Happy Fall! I just love this time of year, don't you? This card was created for the Victorine Originals blog challenge. Stop over & play along for a chance to win free stamps.

Aside from card making, I enjoy decorating for the different holidays throughout the year & making a special meal with little decorative touches. This year for Thanksgiving we will join my husband's clan for dinner & on Friday we will be having a small celebration at our home. So I am starting on the decor for the table with this napkin ring made from the same acorn stamp as the card above. As always, thanks for your comments. Your friendship means more than you know!
Have a great week! Hugs,

Marilyn

Supplies for Card:
Stamp: Large Acorn (Victorine Originals)
Paper: Early Espresso, Old Olive (SU), Solar White (Neenah), DP- Indian Summer (DCWV)
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa (Tsukineko), Old Olive, Close to Cocoa, Creamy Caramel (SU)
Accessories: Labels 3 (Spellbinders)

Supplies for Napkin Ring:
Stamp: Large Acorn (Victorine Originals)
Paper: Crumb Cake (SU), Solar White (Neenah)
Ink: Old Olive, Close to Cocoa, Creamy Caramel, Certainly Celery, More Mustard (SU)

October Best Witches

2011-10-03T08:17:00.004-05:00

Hello friends! Today I have a card for the Victorine Originals Blog Challenge~ Make a Halloween card. Isn't that just perfect for this time of year!?! I love making Halloween cards; I usually send nearly as many Halloween cards as I do Christmas cards. This little cutie has a purple glitter dress & little purple glitter gems on her shoes. I love this paper from Echo Park too~ such great colors! Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs,

Marilyn

Happiness Blooms

2011-10-02T16:20:00.000-05:00

Happy Sunday! The weather has been gorgeous in St. Louis~ mild temperatures (70s) and sunny, blue skies. I've been able to drive the convertible with top down almost every evening this week. That makes me one happy girl!
My card today is for several challenges. The Splitcoaststampers Featured Stamper challenge (FS243) and the Inspirational Challenge (IC304). I chose this card of Dianne's & I chose this wallpaper from the IC site for this week. I also wanted to play along with ColourQ (CQC104). The colors were just delightful.

I mentioned I had been working a lot of hours at my job, and I knew it was impacting my creativity, but it wasn't until today that I realized that I made less than ten cards last month except for the sets for swaps. I think that is an all time low for me! I typically create every evening after dinner at least for a little while. Well, you can be sure I will be getting back to nightly time in the studio. I've had a hard time these past two weeks trying to create because I haven't been active...I get rusty very quickly if I don't create regularly. You may see more cases for a while until I get my mojo back. I so appreciate all your views and comments. Have a great week! Hugs,

Marilyn

"Tea"rific!

2011-09-25T13:59:00.000-05:00

Happy Sunday friends! Today's Featured Stamper on Splitcoaststamper is Bensarmom aka Sue. Sue & I joined Splitcoast around the same time & we have been viewing each other's cards & trading comments for years. She's a fabulous stamper and very nice with her comments. So... I was really happy I could play along today. I chose Sue's Christmas Elements card to case.
I used the SU! set "Morning Cup" and the SU!DSP called Paisley Prints. You know, I love blue, and since I haven't had much stamping time, I chose to play with my favorite color in a bunch of shades. Have a fabulous day!
Hugs,

Marilyn

Challenge Cards

2011-09-19T09:00:00.002-05:00

Hey friends! It has been a while since I posted. It certainly hasn't been my preference. My work has been ultra busy...I've been putting in at least 12 hours a day. My creativity is completely shot when I get home at 7-8pm. I really must find a new job; I mean, really...a girl has gotta' have time for stamping! LOL!

This card is for the Victorine Originals Blog challenge. Today's challenge- make an easel card! How fun. I don't usually do many special folds or techniques so this was just the nudge I needed to finally make an easel card. It was really easy especially after I followed the instructions and video from Beate on Splitcoaststampers. Once I saw the video, my card came together super fast. My base is SU! River Rock, with a layer of white and topped with this cute cloud paper from my huge "Best of K&Company" stack (there's 360 12X12 papers in all colors and styles). I fussy cute the VO branch and owls- the owls were so easy. If you look close you can see what I mean. This little set from Victorine Originals has two additional sentiments- "Owl I always love you" and "Owl be thinking of you". How cute is that!?!

My second card is one from yesterday's Featured Stamper Challenge over on Splitcoaststampers. The FS for the week is Linda (aka Morningsun47). I chose this card of her's to case. I kept her design; changed up the papers, changed the border, kept the Greeting Card kids image. I left off the greeting and kept some of the brads. I chose this one so I could practice my copic coloring.

That's it for me. I'm hoping for a little more studio time so please don't give up on me.
Hugs,

Marilyn

We Will Always Remember

2011-09-11T11:26:00.001-05:00

My heart still aches, my eyes still tear and my hands still pray.

God bless those who lost their life and those who lost loved ones.

Thank you to all who helped directly by providing aid.

Thank you to all who helped indirectly by providing resources.

My heartfelt gratitude to each and every citizen who has courageously protected

our country through civilian and military service.

Now, ten years later, I sleep fearlessly because of you.

A mere thank you seems flippant, but I have no other words to tell you

how grateful I am to you for making our homeland safe again.

Moxie Fab Felt Flowers

2011-09-05T16:57:00.000-05:00

Happy Labor Day, US friends! And here's another post for me today- how crazy is that!?! I made these flowers by using two different colored strips of felt. I put the strips back to back & then twisted while wrapping in a circle. I like the way these turned out. It would be fun to make candy cane mints this way with red and white, don't you think?

I made this card for the Moxie Fab World challenge to use felt in a new, unique way. I don't know if anyone has ever made flowers like this, but I've not seen anything like this anywhere. I just love the Moxie Fab World and PaperCrafts magazine including the special issues. I just picked up the latest special issue Card Ideas for Paper Crafters. There are tons of great sketches, plus my friend Tenia has a card featured on page 85. Congrats, T on another publication & honor! If you haven't seen her work, check her out. She creates awesome CAS cards.

Have a great evening! Hugs,

Marilyn

Hokey Pokey

2011-09-05T08:00:00.049-05:00

Hi Friends! I hope your week is starting out just fine. My card today is for the Victorine Originals Blog challenge (every other Monday). This week- make a card using primary colors. I used the super awesome papers from Echo Park called "For the Record". Love 'em! The yellow base layer of my flower is felt which was cut with a nestie die & then I stitched it black embroidery thread, topped with a nestie cut paper flower & added a red button. The highlight of the card is this fun phrase! I love it because it reminds me to not take myself or life too seriously. Have a super day!

Blue Lace

2011-09-03T16:46:00.001-05:00

Happy Weekend!

Here's a card for the Card Positioning Systems Challenge (CPS233). It's a lovely sketch, don't you think? I had a little trouble getting in the groove with this one. I knew I wanted to use my new lace-y Doily from The Angel Company. I just got this stamp set from the new catalog about a week before they announced their closing their doors. I enjoy their products & they have been making rubber stamps for long time, it's sad to see them go.

Here's the sketch:

I used white craft ink & embossed with Zing Vanilla powder for both the lace and the outlined flower. My designer paper is from K & Company; I've had it for a couple of years, but still love it. It's a huge stack of 360 papers with lots of colors and styles. I can always find something to match the project I'm working on this this stack. My stamp is from Studio g.

Have a great evening! Hugs!!

Honoring Lydia, FS238

2011-08-29T08:57:00.003-05:00

Hello again! Last night I made this card for the Featured Stamper Challenge over on Splitcoaststampers & I'm just getting it uploaded to my gallery. Lydia, aka Understand Blue was chosen...so well deserving! I chose this card to case.

I put my new designer paper, Lost & Found from My Mind's Eye on Blushing Bride cardstock. The circle DP is SU!'s retired Springtime Vintage (from the Occasions Mini catalog). My bird is Pink Paislee's Parisian Anthology corrugated elements that I distressed slightly with Blushing Bride ink. I added the crochet and velvet ribbon & blinged it up a bit with the white and pink pearl hat pin.

Have a great Monday! Hugs!!

Island Dreaming

2011-08-28T10:07:00.001-05:00

Happy Sunday, Friends! This has been a great weekend after a very long & challenging work week for me. I will be glad to start afresh tomorrow after my retail therapy yesterday & today's creative therapy. This is one of the cards I made. I chose the colors for the card based upon the ColourQ challenge (CQC99) to use Crushed Curry, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie and Indigo Island.

I grabbed my DCWV Mango Frost papers and cut down the main panel. It reminds me of Jamaica, thus the title of the card. I used my new Indigo Island ribbon from Stampin Up & some retired SU! felt flowers coupled with some Indigo Island cardstock Boho Blossoms punched flowers. For my sketch I chose the Clean & Simple's Fall to Layout 155 (FTL155).

As you can see, I let the papers do most of the 'talking' on this card. I hope you like it. Have a great Sunday!
Hugs,

Marilyn

Summertime Flowers

2011-08-22T08:40:00.002-05:00

Hello friends! I hope each of you is having a nice start to your week.
My card today is for the Victorine Original Blog Challenge to create something based on the theme "summertime". Check it out- there's a chance to win stamps.
Hugs,

Marilyn

Supplies:
Image: (2716-H- Flower Pot With Birdhouse) Victorine Originals
Paper: (Poppy Parade, Rich Razzleberry) Stamping Up; (Solar White) Neenah
Designer Paper: (Bright Florals) ColorBok
Ink: (Tuxedo Black) Tsukinko; (Rich Razzleberry, Poppy Parade, Gable Green, Crumb Cake markers) Stampin Up
Accessories: (white gel pen) Uniball; (ribbon) Michaels; (Scrapper Floss) Karen Foster; (Button) Oriental Trading

Summer Memories

2011-08-20T16:28:00.000-05:00

Happy Saturday! We have spent the last few days moving youngest DD into an apartment at her college. Boo Hoo-I'm going to miss that young lady! I can't believe that summer is coming to an end. It went by so fast, and thankfully we have lots of wonderful memories. My card today was created using a Victorine Originals image called Children Playing. It was made for three challenges. First, the SCS Inspirational challenge where I chose the yellow wallpaper placemat as my inspiration. My designer paper which is mostly covered up now (eye roll) is from Webster Pages & looks nearly identical. The second challenge was the CPS231 sketch challenge.

I altered my card size to 5.5 X 5.5 inches. The last challenge I used in creating my card for the day was the CR84FN36 challenge. The colors are shown below.

My ribbons are from SU! & I used my Bow-Easy to create the multi-looped bow. The pretty little button is Making Memories Vintage Findings. I really love both of these challenges & now that fall is arriving, I will have more time for challenges. Thanks for stopping! You know how much it means. Have a great evening!
Hugs,

Marilyn

Hogs and Kisses

2011-08-11T22:13:00.000-05:00

I am so totally in love with this stamp set called "Critters on the Farm" from Lawn Fawn. The animals, like this little pig, are just cuter than cute and there's a barn, fence and bale of hay stamps, plus four sentiments. All of the Fawn Lawn stamps are cute and fun! I was recently exposed to them from the PaperCrafts designers and blogs. I just had to have this one. Anyway...about my card...

I made my sentiment using a font called Kurlz because I wanted this particular phrase. My youngest DD will be heading back to college next week & I'm trying to stock up on cards to send her. I like to send a card every week when the kids are away but I didn't do so good last year. I did get a little pouty face from her when she came home for the summer, so I thought I'd try to be a better Mom this year {wink}.

This card was made for two challenges. One of my favorites, the SCS Inspiration Challenge (IC296) & for the Pile it On Challenge to use Farm Images. For SCS IC, I chose these farm hand temporary tatoos from Modern Lola.

Thanks for stopping by!
Hugs,

Marilyn

Supplies:
Stamps: (Critters on the Farm) Fawn Lawn
Paper: (Blushing Bride, Riding Hood Red) Stampin' Up; (Solar White) Neenah
Designer Paper: (Bella Rose-retired, In-Color Paper stacks) Stampin' Up
Accessories: (Computer generated sentiment) Font Curlz

Birthday Mouse

2011-08-09T07:10:00.000-05:00

I made this card for two challenges. First, the Victorine Originals (VO) blog challenge #14 to make a birthday card. I used my VO stamp called "Mouse with Balloon". Stop by & play...you don't have to use VO stamps (of course we'd love it if you did)...we just want everyone to have fun! Anyway, today I chose to make the mouse masculine & I used my Basic Grey Marjolaine plaid paper. (I'm already thinking about a little girl mouse with some feminine colors like pink and yellow). My sentiment is also from VO; you should check out their All Occasions set (10512X)~ it's a super value. There's 38 Occasions and 8 descriptive words like Merry and Happy making a total of 46 stamps for less than $10 when you chose the unmounted rubber option.

The second challenge is the Pals Paper Arts (PPA) #105 challenge where we were to use the colors below.

I just love this new SU! color "Island Indigo". I'll be using a lot of it over the next two years. Yea- it is a blue & you know how I love blue.

Thanks so much for coming over to my place. Have a great week!
Hugs,

Marilyn

Supplies:
Stamps: (Mouse with Balloon & All Occasions Set) Victorine Originals
Ink: (Lucky Limeade, Island Indigo, Daffodil Delight, Basic Grey, Blushing Bride, Not Quite Navy) Stampin' Up; (Tuxedo Black Memento) Tsukineko
Paper: (Lucky Limeade, Island Indigo) Stampin' Up; (Solar White) Neenah
Designer Paper: (Marjolaine) Basic Grey
Punches: (1-1/4 square, 1-3/8 square) Stampin' Up
Accessories: (Blender Pen) Stampin' Up

Eiffel Mojo

2011-07-30T21:09:00.001-05:00

Happy Saturday! It was a busy week at work & as hard as tried last night to stay awake so I could stamp, my eyelids would not cooperate. So today I had a little time to play some of the challenges. This card is for the Mojo Monday sketch challenge.

This card is 4.25 X 4.25. The background is Cherry Cobbler & on the lower half there is a page from a dictionary that I brayered with Daffodil Delight. I stamped the Eiffel tower from the SU! set Artistic Etchings onto white cardstock and then then stamped the motif from the set in Cherry Cobbler and Daffodil Delight. The smaller piece of Cherry Cobbler has the crown and key from the same set. The little tag is also from SU!; a set called Tiny Tags & I used the coordinating punch. My idea for using this set and this color combination was from one of my SU! demo friends, Rochelle Edwards. I just love it. Hope you do too!
Hugs!

Marilyn

Supplies (all SU! unless stated otherwise)
Stamps: Artistic Etchings, Tiny Tags
Paper: Solar white (Neenah), Cherry Cobbler
Ink: Black Tuxedo (Momento), Cherry Cobbler, Daffodil Delight
Accessories: Jewlery Tag punch, 1/4" Basic Black Grosgrain ribbon, Brayer, Bakers Twine (unknown), Old book

Party Hats

2011-07-25T09:00:00.002-05:00

Happy Monday, Friends! I have some very exciting news that I've kept quiet for a little while...I was selected to join the Victorine Originals Design Team! Isn't that cool? I'm super thrilled and honored, to say the least. I waited until today to tell you as today is my first DT challenge card. Hop on over to the Vicotrine Originals blog (aka http://vostamps.blogspot.com/) to check it out. Today our challenge is "Bling".

I used a fun VO stamp called "Party Hats" as my main image. Colored it with SU! markers in Peach Parfait, Poppy Parade, Pear Pizzazz and retired Pixie Pink. Then covered the entire image with Versamark ink and sprinkled with Iridescent Ice for a beautiful sparkle. But you knoiw that it is hard to capture that twinkle on the camera. The card base is Pear Pizzazz that I scored with my Scor-Pal to highlight the image and the gemstones. My sentiment is from VO's All Occasions Set.

Supplies:
Stamps: (Party Hats-2925F; All Occasions Set-10512X) Victorine Originals
Paper: (Pear Pizzazz, Pretty in Pink) Stampin' Up, (Solar White) Neenah
Ink: (Memento-Tuxedo Black) Tsukineko, (Markers- Peach Parfait, Poppy Parade, Pear Pizzazz &retired Pixie Pink) Stampin' Up
Accessories: (Iridescent Ice) Stampin' Up, (Oval and Scallop Punches) Stampin' Up, (Pink Gemstones) Paper Studio

Chocolate Case

2011-07-24T19:20:00.001-05:00

Hello friends! I hope you had a super weekend. I sure have enjoyed mine; some family time & lots of paper crafting time. Here's the template card I made for my stamp club swap in August. We swap every month; and since I work full-time, I can't wait til the last minute to get 12 cards made. As a matter of fact, I hope to get another set of 12 done before our August date so I have one set as a backup.

I made this for two Splitcoaststamper challenges. First, today's Featured Stamper challenge (FS233) where Jennie was honored. I chose to case her Elzy Sneak Peek card. I kept the design, the polkadot paper, and the ribbon. I changed to a white base, moved the ribbon and changed the stamp.

The second challenge was yesterday's Inspirational Challenge where Stef chose Linda Billet's on line glass gallery. I picked Linda's mosaic glass piece entitled True which has a heart shaped box of chocolates (glass mosaic, of course). The colors included chocolate and pinks.

Please consider coming back tomorrow morning. I have an exciting (to me) announcement to share with you.
Hugs,

Marilyn

Supplies:
Stamps: (Eat Chocolate (Stampin' Up)
Paper: (Regal Rose, Pretty in Pink) Stampin' Up, (Solar White) Neenah
Designer Paper: (Sweet Always-retired) Stampin' Up
Ink: (Chocolate Chip) Stampin' Up
Accessories: (Decorative Label punch) Stampin' Up, (Sweet Treat ribbon) Michaels

Pennant Case

2011-07-21T22:30:00.002-05:00

Here's my take on two Splitcoaststamper challenges from earlier this week. First, the Color Challenge (CC332) with the new SU! color Pool Party with Wild Wasabi and Chocolate Chip. I do love Pool Party...after all, it is a blue! And Ya' know I LOVE blue. The second challenge was the Featured Stamper Challenge FS232. This Sunday's FS was Teri Anderson, aka teristampsalot, and one of PaperCrafts Go To Gals. I adore Teri's work. Her cards are so original. She truly is one of my paper artist heroes! I had this card 90% made earlier this week, but I couldn't find my chocolate twine until tonight. And I just had to have that twine.

I picked this card of Teri's to case, not because it is my favorite, all of her cards are my favorite (seriously...there isn't a single one that I don't love!), but because I wanted to use my new SU! Petite Pennants punch. Thank goodness I had some criteria when I strolled through Teri's gallery, otherwise I would have never been able to choose.

I have enjoyed the blogs from those that attended CHA, like PaperCrafts, and Moxie Fab World. Thanks ladies! It is so fun to see all the wonderful new products. Thanks for stopping!

Have a great weekend! Hugs, Marilyn

Supplies:
Stamp: Hello you (SU)
Paper: Pool Party, Wild Wasabi (SU) #110Solar White (Neenah), DP-Marjolaine (Basic Grey)
Ink: Chocolate Chip ink and marker (SU)
Accessories: Petite Pennants punch (SU), Twine (gosh I've forgotten the maker but at least I found it ), white gel pen (signo), button.

Friends are the Sunshine of Life!

2011-07-15T19:45:00.000-05:00

Friends are the Sunshine of Life! Isn't that so true? I have been very blessed to have made friends during all the different phases of my life & I've been even more fortunate to have kept many of those friendships too. My girlfriends and I have laughed and cried together, but mostly laughed & sometimes laughed so hard we cried! I hope you have had the same blessings. I am going to send this card as a 'just because' friendship card to the first friend I met when I moved to St. Louis over 30 years ago Recently she has taken up stamping and card making, so we are having a blast sharing this hobby too.

This card was made these challenges. The Crazy 4 Challenges (C4C95) to make a summer themed card- flowers and bright, fun colors scream summer to me. Plus it is always so much more fun to get out with friends when the weather is nice. The other challenge was today's Splitcoaststampers' Free 4 All (F4A73) to use twine. Not quite twine, but skinny and colorful is my embroidery thread. I tried some blue twine, but it didn't match or blend to my taste.

Thanks so much for stopping by. Your comments make me so happy! Please check back again soon. I have lots of new toys! :)

PS. The studio re-organization is almost done! Pictures soon.

Supplies:
Stamp: Studio g
Ink: Tuxedo Black (momento), SU Markers: Pool Party, Wisteria Wonder, Lucky Limeade, Concord Crush
Paper: Solar White (Neenah), Pool party, Concord Crush (SU), DP- Summer Days (Echo Park)
Accessories: Purple Ribbon (Ribbon Boutique), Embroidery Floss (DMC), Pin (K&Co), Flowers(Making Memories), Rhinestone Circle "fire" Brad (SU), Eyelet Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders).

Hugs,

Marilyn

Perk Up

2011-07-03T03:00:00.000-05:00

Here's my take on the Featured Stamper challenge (FS230) on Splitcoaststampers. Today, Beth picked Cjoy, aka Cindy. I chose this card from CIndy's gallery. It is pretty much a straight case. I changed the papers, ribbon and button. Otherwise it is basically the same. Thanks for stopping!
Supplies: All SU!
Stamps: Morning Cup
Paper: Gray, White, Baja Breeze, DP- A Walk in the Park
Ink: Black; markers- Baja Breeze, Cameo Coral, Gray
Accessories: white striped Taffeta ribbon. gray corduroy button

Kitty, Kitty

2011-07-02T01:05:00.000-05:00

Happy Saturday! To my US friends, Happy 4th of July weekend! I am really going to enjoy having an extra day off this weekend. I hope you do too!

Last night, I made this card for the WT329 challenge on Splitcoaststampers to use something old and something new. My old item is my Basic Grey Max & Whiskers papers; my new is the cat image from SU! Touch of Kindness stamp set in the Summer mini catalog. I just love this cat...the very reason for purchasing the stamp set! I do love cats but I've never had one. :( As a kid, my mom was allergic & now as an adult, my daughters are allergic. I suspect that I probably am too, so I just have to play with my cat stamps. I also made this card for the Inspirational challenge, IC291. I chose this print from the Oopsy Daisy website.

Have a great Saturday! Stay safe out there!
Hugs, Marilyn

Another Ship card

2011-06-30T01:26:00.000-05:00

Hey friends! I have another ship card for your today. It is so similar to one I posted earlier in June that I almost decided to not post at all. But I really liked the sketch of this card so I thought I'd share. I also was trying out the camera on my new phone so my picture isn't my usual quality. On top of it, I gave the card to my Father-in Law & didn't get another shot. Anyway enough excuses...here it is. I hope you like it!

I have lots to post over the weekend as I my holiday plans include almost nothing but stamping. Yahoo!! Have a great Thursday!
Hugs,

Marilyn

Supplies: please follow link to previous card

Bright Birthday

2011-06-26T21:29:00.000-05:00

Happy Sunday, friends! I hope you had a great weekend. I did but it sure did go fast. I'm voting for another day, how about you?
My card was made using the FTL146 challenge layout seen below.There's still plenty of time to play, so head over!

I need a few new birthday cards & I had received a sample of the bright and fun Stampin' Up designer paper. I like these colors and design for a birthday card. It works for just about anyone- young or old, male or female. At least in my humble opinion. {wink, wink}

Have a great week! Hugs,

Marilyn

Supplies- All Stampin' Up
Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Pacific Point, Real Red, White, DP- Celebrations
Ink: Pacific Point
Accessories: Large Star punch, Piercing tool (EK Success)

Dog Gone It

2011-06-21T20:33:00.000-05:00

Hello friends! How's your week going? So far, I'm off to a fab start. This past Friday night and Saturday night, I stamped & cropped with friends. I was pretty proud of myself as I got eight scrapbook pages done or near done. I usually do more visiting than I do creating, but I was pretty prepared with all my pictures sorted and all my supplies. I have to add a few titles (needed my Cricut for that) and a little journaling, but the pictures, embellishments and layouts are done. I'll post when I get the set done.

So today I made the card above for two challenges. The Splitcoaststampers Color Challenge (SC328) to use Night of Navy, Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake and a neutral. The other challenge was the Clean & Simple Fall to Layout (FTL145) to use the sketch below. Don't you just love both?! After I got my card underway, I thought what a great color combo for holiday cards. Have you made any holiday cards yet? I've been thinking about it...oh well, tomorrow is another day!

Hope you have a great rest of your week. Thanks for stopping & see ya soon!

Hugs,

Marilyn

Supplies:

Image: Dog Gone It (The Digi Shack)

Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Night Of Navy, Crumb Cake (SU), White (Neenah)

Ink: Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa (SU retired), Cherry Cobbler, Night of Navy, So Saffron (SU)

Accessories: Square Lattice embossing folder (SU), 1-1/4"Night of Navy striped grosgrain

Delight Yourself

2011-06-17T01:14:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday! I hope you have a nice week; I know I have. And I'm really looking forward to the weekend. Tonight I will be meeting a girlfriend at our Archivers for Scrap Night. My bag is all packed~ a scrap-booking project and a card project. Then on Saturday, it is another monthly crafty girlfriend get together. Two evenings in a row of papercrafting with friends...I am so lucky! Then Sunday is our Father's Day celebration where we will be taking lunch to my FIL and step-MIL's home. They are in their 80's so every family celebration is truly a blessing. I hope you will have time to honor those special men in your lives.

This card was made for two challenges. The Ways to Use IT challenge (WT327) on Splitcoaststampers to use vellum. I used silver vellum. The second challenge is Mojo Monday sketch (MOJO195). Below is the sketch

I love this sketch. I hope you like my version! Since my weekend is busy, I may not be back to blog-land until Sunday night, so...have a fabulous one!

Hugs, Marilyn

Supplies:

Stamps: Psalm 37:4 (Verve)

Paper: Basic Black (SU), Solar White (Neenah), Silver Vellum-scored (Michael's), DP- Meadow Lark (My Mind's Eye)

Ink: Black

Accessories: Scallop circle punches (Marvy), Black bling Swirls (want2scrap), black hem tape (Wrights), white pen(Uniball)

Wedding Bells

2011-06-16T05:51:00.002-05:00

Here is a card I created for our nephew & his bride for their wedding this past Saturday. The stamp is part of a really old Stampin' Up set called Lifetime of Happiness, but despite it's age, I still love it. The image seems classical to me~ not outdated. What do you think? This set was the only wedding stamps I had for the longest time (besides hearts). Here's what is somewhat comical to me~ about six months ago, I purchased another wedding/love acrylic set, but totally forgot I had it. I used one of my 40% off coupons at the local craft store as I knew I needed a refreshing, new wedding set. Geez!! {Big eye roll at self}! Have you ever done that~ bought something and totally forgot you had it? Or what about buying the same thing for the second time because you like it so much? Been there, done that with single stamps and rolls of ribbon.

Anyway about my card...For my background, I dry embossed the DP using my D'vine Swirls embossing folder from Cuttlebug, then I lightly sanded the raised swirls with a white sanding block. This prepped the paper for easy uptake of my Encore silver ink which I lightly tapped & swept the pad across the paper. For the most part, the silver was only picked up on the raised swirls. If I had wanted to be precise about the silver ink placement, I would have inked up the swirls directly on the embossing folder & then ran it through my Big Shot. Depending upon your design & style, this precision can be important especially if you're using a contrasting color but my direct to paper technique worked here and made the clean-up faster than washing the embossing folder.

My ticket corners were created with a 1/2 circle punch. I have an old style SU! punch (the black one with the finger lever). If you have this kind, turn the punch over & look into the hole punch. Mine has two nice perpendicular lines that divide the circle into quarters or four 90 degree angles. I line up my corner with these lines for the ticket corners. I haven't seen other brands of punches to know if they are the same. Ever since I learned this trick, I haven't felt the need to purchase a ticket corner punch. OK...now you're seeing the frugal me...not cheap...as I will spend my stamping money on embellishments or paper. LOL!

Enough gibber-gabber from me. Thanks for stopping! Hugs,

Marilyn

Supplies:
Stamps: Lifetime of Happiness (SU)
Paper: Basic Gray (SU), White (Neenah), DP-Cornflower (We R Memory Keepers)
Ink: Silver (Encore)
Accessories: D'vine embossing folder (ProvoCraft-Cuttlebug), 1/2 inch circle punch (SU) used for ticket corners-see above description, silver brads (Michaels)

Sew Happy

2011-06-14T21:00:00.002-05:00

Hello friends! If you've seen some of my previous postings or my Splitcoaststampers gallery, you know that I really like sewing themed cards. I have a few sewing stamps, however when this set came out in the SU! Occasions Mini catalog, it didn't take much to convince me to purchase it. And I am very happy that I did as I don't think it showed up in the new 2011-2012 SU! catalog and therefore it is no longer available.

One of the reasons, I love sewing themed cards is (& I may have mentioned this before) that both of my grandmothers were seamstresses; one of them helped feed her family during the Depression by mending and making clothes. Until I was in middle school, my mom made all my school dresses (yes- I'm old & had to wear dresses to school! LOL!) My sister is a fabulous seamstress, but I find that it makes me nervous to make clothes. I can do small craft projects & Halloween costumes because they don't have to be perfect & only need to last a night. (LOL!) But despite the fact that I didn't inherit the family "sewing gene" I did inherit several sewing treasures from past generations including my mom's sewing cabinet which my dad made & my maternal grandmother's treadle sewing machine. Anyway...all supplies are SU!

This card works for the Moxie Fab World's Tuesday Trigger. Here's the inspiration photo entitled: Rainbow Bright.

I made fourteen of these cards for my stamp club girlfriends. I think that you can tell that this week I have a pretty literal interpretation of the inspirational photo with the spools of turquoise and orange thread. I just wish the sewing themed trend in cards would continue forever!

This also works for the Moxie Fab "Sew Excited" challenge where we are to make sewing themed cards in honor of the May/June issue of PaperCrafts magazine. I love this publication, don't you? There are so many ideas and styles that it really gets my mojo going. I sure hope it's "legal" that I entered the same card for two Moxie Fab challenges.

Have a great one!
Hugs,

Marilyn

Supplies: All SU!
Stamps: Sew Suite
Paper: White,Real Red, Tempting Turquoise, Pumpkin Pie, DSP-Pumpkin Pie (retired)
Ink: Black, Real Red; Tempting Turquoise, Pumpkin Pie
Accessories: 1/2 circle punch used to ticket punch corners, scallop punch

Cajun Seas

2011-06-13T22:49:00.000-05:00

Here's another card using the Stampin' Up Summer Catalog's "The Open Sea" stamp set. I am having so much fun with this set. And since Father's Day and several male family members birthdays are coming up, this set came at the perfect time for me! I made this card for several challenges. First, the Color Dare 104 (CD104) to use Cajun Craze, Baja Breeze, and Not Quite Navy. When I saw these challenge colors, I knew right away which stamp set I'd be using.

The next challenge is Pals Paper Arts Challenge (PPA97) where you are to show your signature style. My natural style is along the lines of classical, but I do like to create vintage and CAS. Trying new things is one of my favorite parts of stamping so that includes branching outside my comfort zone. Anyway, I almost always use some sort of designer paper & most of my cards have several layers, but not usually more than 2-4 embellishments. I love ribbon and flowers but rarely use it on male cards; thus the reason you don't see them here.

The last challenge is for the Crazy 4 Challenges (C4C91) to make a masculine card.

Everything is pretty self explanatory except the background, designer paper. I started with an indigo colored paisley DP by daisyd. I used the ledger stamp in Not Quite Navy and covered the background both horizontally & vertically & then a couple of random stamps for good measure. (LOL!) Then I used the anchor stamp inked up in Cajun Craze and stamped angled lines of the anchors. So in essence, I created my own DP. Well, that's it for me...

Thanks so much for stopping! Hugs,

Marilyn

Stamps: The Open Sea (SU)

Paper: Not Quite Navy, Cajun Craze, Baja Breeze, Vanilla (SU); DP- Gypsy Paisley(DasiyD)

Ink: Not Quite Navy, Cajun Craze (SU!)

Accessories: Copper loop brads (Oriental Trading), Jute twine (local hardware store)

Another Sunday card~ Life is Sweet!

2011-06-12T20:28:00.004-05:00

Hi again! I made another card today. It was a little reward to myself for my work today. I continued sorting & organizing in my studio & converting my wood stamps. Plus I have started an inventory of my stamps by stamping the images on a 4X6 cards according to categories. One of these days, I'll show you how I converted my stamps...I am so happy with it!

Anyway, my card is for the Fall To Layout challenge(FTL144) over on the Clean & Simple Stamping Blog to use the sketch below. Isn't this a great sketch! I know I will be using it frequently.

In addition, I made this card for the ColorThrowdown challenge (CTD145) to use:

I just love Baja Breeze so, how could I not play?! I did a micro imitation of Kittie's floral sprays and wreaths along the sides of my tag. If you haven't seen her work, you must check it out. She's so kind to put up tutorials & she even personally helped me find the correct punches. How sweet was that?! Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs,

Marilyn

Stamps:Just Believe (SU), Sentiment (SU-unknown set)
Paper: Baja Breeze, So Saffron, Pear Pizzazz, White, DSP- A Walk in the Park (retired)- all SU!
Ink: Craft White, Baja Breeze (SU)
Accessories: Winter White embossing powder (SU), branch and branch 1 punches (MS), trio flower punch (SU-retired), Fancy Tags die (Spellbinders), pearls (stash)

Father's Day card

2011-06-12T01:13:00.000-05:00

Here's a simple card I made for my FIL for Father's Day & for the Splitcoaststamper's Featured Stamper challenge (FS227) where Mary, aka StamperCamper, was selected as the featured artist. I really enjoy Mary's blog and viewing her gallery; so, when the challenge was posted I made this quick card before heading to bed. I cased this card of Mary's.

I kept her boat theme and her sketch; I changed the stamp, colors and papers. I really wanted to more to this card, but kept it simple. It strikes me as too plain though, but I left it alone...We'll see what tomorrow brings. :)

Thanks for stopping!

Marilyn

Supplies: All Stampin Up

Stamps: The Open Sea, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Paper: Early Expresso, Vanilla, DSP- Outlaw (retired)

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Sage Shadow

Accessories: Spritzer Tool

Butterfly Birthday

2011-06-11T13:17:00.000-05:00

Here's my take on the Splitcoaststampers' sketch challenge from Wednesday (SC336). I really love this sketch; it is one that I feel comfortable with making a CAS card, but it can also be dressed up. I made 12 of these cards for my stamp club card swap. They went together very quickly which was great since I needed to make two sets this month as I missed last month.

We really enjoyed our anniversary trip, but it is nice to be home with our daughters, dog and stamps. I'm still working on the studio & there is more decorating to do in our bedroom. Plus with all the things that came back home with the girls, the house is still a bit chaotic but I love every minute of having the girls home!

Have a great day! I'll be back tomorrow and later this week with more creations, so please stop by again. I love seeing you!!

Hugs,

Marilyn

Supplies: All SU except where noted
Stamps: Something to Celebrate, French Script (retired)
Paper: Very Vanilla, Pear Pizzazz, DSP- Springtime Vintage
Ink: Pear Pizzazz
Accessories: Corner rounder punch, Butterfly punch, Felt butterfly from Michael's $1 spot (24/$1)

Beautiful Sedona

2011-06-07T11:43:00.000-05:00

No cards from me today as my husband and I are on a little get away in Sedona Arizona celebrating our 30 year wedding anniversary. We are having a wonderful time seeing the red rocks from all angles, hiking a bit and enjoying the weather. I'll be back this upcoming weekend with some paper crafts. Until then...have a wonderful week!
Hugs, Marilyn

Daisy Power

2011-05-29T07:53:00.000-05:00

Happy Sunday! I've been so lucky to have had lots of time in the studio these past days. As you know, I've been working on re-organizing after the new floor installation at our home. One of my major goals is to remove the wood from my wood stamps in order to make more storage room. I've developed a process that I am very happy with but it is time consuming. Basically I am taking the image sticker off the wood, trimming it to fit the stamp and then painting an acrylic top coat so the stamp sticks to the acrylic blocks. If you're interesting in hearing more, shoot me an email. Enough of me- let's get to cards...

This one was made for two challenges. The Featured Stamper, FS225, where Rosemary is our featured artist. I chose her "True Strength" card to CASE. This card is also for the ColourQ challenge #86. Here are the colors:

Aren't these fun colors?! and what a great picture! So happy and filled with summer. Thanks for taking your precious time to stop by. Have a great day!

Hugs, Marilyn

Supplies:
Stamps: Bold Blossom (SU), B-Day Greeting (Stampin Sensations)
Paper: Early Espresso, Real Red textured, So Saffron (SU), WHite (Neenah), DP-yellow small dots (Making Memories)
Ink: Early Espresso, Real Red (SU)
Accessories: Punches- 3/4" circle, 1" circle (SU); Real Red grosgrain ribbon (SU), eyelets (Paper Studio)

Happy Memorial Day!

2011-05-27T23:12:00.000-05:00

Happy Memorial Day weekend! and Happy Graduation, Ryan! Ryan is a young man in our neighborhood who is graduating from High School. It just so happens that his HS (also where my girls attended) was built in 1976 & the school colors are red, white & blue with the mascot being a Patriot. Can't get much more patriotic than that! I didn't want anything too girly so I went with the school colors and the stars.

And how perfect for me that this card works for three of this week's challenges over on Splitcoaststampers. The Ways to Use It challenge, WT134, to use stars; the Free For All, F4A66, was a literal "free for all" with the catch that something on the card must have been free. My free thing was the small star punch which I got free for being a SU! hostess. The last challenge was the Inspiration Challenge, IC286, to pick something from a paper plates and napkins website to inspire you. I chose this patriotic napkin.

I got this idea for embossing shapes into the cardfront from Karen, my SU! demonstrator. She made this fab card way back in March & I've been anxious to try the technique ever since. And since she showed me this, I've seen lots of this technique. So I don't know where it really originated from, but my credit goes to Karen who always keeps up with the latest and makes the best cards!

Thanks for stopping! Hugs,

Marilyn

Supplies:

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes (SU!)

Ink: Real Red (SU!)

Paper: Brilliant Blue (retired), Real Red (SU!), Solar White (Neenah)

Accessories: Large and small star punches, Modern label punch SU!), Red rhinestones (Michaels), Lattice embossing folder (SU!)

So Sweet

2011-05-26T20:06:00.000-05:00

Isn't this little girl and her kitty just adorable!? Well, I certainly think so. She's from Woodware USA. I got her on line at one of the bargain scrapbooking daily deal sites. I did not have any products from this company, but the price was right especially for the set of cute little girls. And I am very pleased with the quality of the acrylic stamp. I colored her with my copic markers. This card is for three challenges. First the Color Throwdown (CTD143) to use Old Olive, So Saffron, Pink Pirouette, and a few optional colors. I didn't have any Pink Pirouette ribbon so I substituted Pretty ion Pink ribbon. The second challenge is the Card Positioning System (CPS219) using their sketch. Last this qualifies for the Woodware challenge #28 "anything goes".

Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies:
Stamps: Mary & Friends (Woodware USA)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (momento), copic markers
Paper: Old Olive, So Saffron (SU!), White (Neenah- solar white), DSP- Lullaby Lane (Webster Pages)
Accessories: Ribbon: Old Olive grosgrain, Pretty in Pink satin (SU!), bow easy, Nestabilities- Label 4 (Spellbinders), button- stash.

Hello Wednesday

2011-05-25T21:59:00.000-05:00

Hello friends & Happy Wednesday! I made this simple and fast card for two challenges. First the FTL141 challenge or the Fall to Layout challenge. I adore this CAS sketch & I have used a very similar one as one of my 'go to sketches' especially when creating card sets. Maybe I'll make one up soon :) The second challenge is for the CD102 or the ColorDare challenge to use Concord Crush, So Saffron and your choice of a neutral. I am so happy this challenge is back- I love the colors that are chosen. I must confess that I actually didn't even use a neutral, so I hope the challenge police don't come after me. You won't tell will you?! Have a great rest of your week.

All supplies SU!

Stamp: Warmest Regards(retired)

Paper: So Saffron, Concord Crush, DSP-Paper Stack-In Colors-Concord Crush (gotta' love this dsp!)

Ink: Concord Crush

Accessories: Punches- 5-Petal Flower, Boho Blossoms, Modern Label, Scallop Edge Border; Ribbon- 5/8" grosgrain-So Saffron (retired bundle special), 1/8" taffeta-Daffodil Delight; Rhinestone Brad-Square Ice

Happy Hugs,

Marilyn

Virtual Stamp Night

2011-05-21T09:26:00.000-05:00

Happy Weekend, friends! Over on Splitcoaststampers, it's Virtual Stamp Night! I LOVE VSN!! Every hour a challenge is posted; you have 45 minutes to create. The theme this VSN is "Pirate Party". But you don't have to have a loads of pirate stuff; mostly your imagination will do. There were 5 challenges posted last night and another 10 will be posted today starting at 11am CST (12pm EST). I made this card for the MAY11VSNE or the "E' challenge called Sea Dogs and Land Lubbers. Make a project with boat or beach images!

I just got the new SU! stamp set called "The Open Sea" from the new Summer Mini catalog. Love it- great for guy cards!! My card is all SUO except for the DP which I picked up at a discount store as part of a package of 20 double sided papers for $2. I just couldn't pass that up. For the Soft Suede panel, I wadded & crumpled & distressed using the distress tool on the cutter kit; then I stamped it in Soft suede with the background stamp in the new set. I distressed the twill tape with Soft Suede ink directly on the twill. Flag cut the ends and added a couple of retired vintage brads & called it done. Hope you like it!

I won't be able to play all the VSN challenges as we are still busy putting the house back together including my studio. {will this ever be done?!??} But I am sure to play a few more challenges this weekend so please stop by again. I'll be e-around in the evenings with my laptop in my favorite chair with a cup of tea enjoying your blogs.

Have a great weekend,

Marilyn

All Supplies by Stampin’ Up unless noted

Stamps: The Open Sea

Paper: Night of Navy, Very Vanilla, Soft Suede; DP- Dead Men Don’t Tell Lies (Creative Imaginations)

Ink: Night of navy, Soft Suede

Accessories: 3/8” Twill tape, Vintage brads (retired)

Believe

2011-05-15T20:29:00.001-05:00

Another post for me- woohoo~ two days in a row! I made this card for the Featured Stamper Challenge on Splitcoaststampers (FS223). Amy aka Aimes has a fantastic gallery filled with super CAS cards. I love this FS challenge especially when the featured stamper has a different style than mine. I'm not much of a CAS gal, so it was fun to branch out and case one of Amy's cards. I chose her CAS Friend card.

I need to practice this outlining technique a little more. It would have helped if I would have embossed the flowers, but I haven't found my heat tool yet. On the bright side, I know where my embossing powders are! ;) I discovered I need a new white gel pen too- my lines aren't as precise as I'd like. What's a girl to do?! All in all, I do like the way this turned out.

I'm off to do a little shopping and work on the putting back my things in the studio and bedroom. I'll be back later this afternoon or tonight to visit your blog too.

Hugs,

Marilyn

Supplies:
Stamps: Petal Pizazz, Everyday Expressions (retired- I really LUV this set & I finally won it on an eBay auction.)
Ink: Whisper White (craft), Early Expresso marker, white gel pen (Signo-Unibal)
Paper: Soft Suede White (Neenah-solar white)

Finally!!

2011-05-14T15:06:00.003-05:00

Hello! I hope you are doing well. We are still in the midst of the Jones family "somewhat extreme home makeover' but I just couldn't stand not creating any longer. My studio has it's new flooring, and the furniture is back in place, but most of my supplies are still packed away. I am taking the opportunity to evaluate my supplies for what to keep and I'm also re-organizing the space for better accessibility & functionality.

So today, I pulled out a few new things to create this card. It took me forever. When I have a pause in my stamping, my mojo seems to go on vacation. :( The paper and the stamp were a SU! special showcasing new products in the upcoming 2011-2012 catalog. This card was made for several challenges. First for the ColorDare's 100th Challenge (CD100) to use Baja Breeze, Rose Red and Sahara Sand. I LOVE these colors--especially Baja Breeze {yeah- it's a blue}. The second challenge was Splitcoaststampers' Free for All challenge (F4A64) to use a phrase as the focal point. Also I made this card for the Splitcoaststampers' Inspirational Challenge (IC284) where I chose this glass lampwork bead from Doodletart for it's colors and flowers.

Have a Great weekend!

Marilyn

Supplies: All Stampin' Up
Stamps: Four Frames, Sentiment-Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink: Rose Red
Paper: Sahara Sand, Rose Red, Baja Breeze, Very Vanilla, DP-SpringtimeVintage
Accessories: Baja Breeze Seam Binding, Scallop & Decorative Label punches, vintage flower.

I'll be back soon!

2011-05-04T06:12:00.000-05:00

Hello all! Just wanted to let you know all is well & I should be back next week sometime. The studio (and entire) upstairs of our home is getting new flooring. I am about ready to move back all my supplies. It will be a great opportunity to reorganize too. But first this weekend we will have college graduation celebrations for my dear daughter!

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T00:33:00.000-05:00

Happy Easter! I hope you enjoy your day!
I made this card for the SCS color and sketch challenge a few weeks ago. Specifically CC318 and SC328, but I never got it uploaded. I may not post much for a while as we are putting in new hardwood floors in the upstairs of the house. We moved all the furniture except the beds to the main level. This includes a complete dismantle of the studio. I kept a few things handy so I don't go into compete card making withdraws. :)
Supplies:
Stamps: Because I Care, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Pretty in Pink, Pear Pizzazz, So Saffron, White, DP-retired SU from Simply Scrapin Kit
Ink: Pretty in Pink, Pear Pizzazz, touch of Rose Red added with watercolor pen
Accessories: Cuttlebug folder, circle punches, twine.
Happy Easter! Hugs,

Marilyn

Miss you, little one!

2011-04-17T18:20:00.001-05:00

This card was made for the Featured Stamper challenge over on Splitcoaststampers where Sue (aka Coffeestamper) was our honored stamper. I chose this card of her's to case. Sue has a fab gallery & I just love her Splitcoaststamper name. I made this card with my younger daughter in mind. She won't be able to come home from college for Easter but we were fortunate to see both our daughter's this weekend at the older daughter's college. We sent the little one back to her college with her Easter basket wrapped up with instructions to not open until next Sunday. So I wanted to send a non-Easter card to her. It struck me as we were saying goodbye how much I miss those girls. I guess I just suck it up when they aren't home because there isn't anything that can be done about it. But man, life is so sweet when we are all together. The little one is in a 'elephant phase' so I'll send this card to her tomorrow. I hope you have had a great weekend!
Here's a little detai for you

Supplies:
Stamps: Elephant(Studio g); sentiment (SU- retired-all year cheer)
Paper: Rich Razzleberry, Perfect Plum (SU), DP_Green at Heart (Basic Grey), Solar White(Neenah)
Ink: Perfect Plum (SU)
Accessories: Twine (the Twinery), buttons (stash), Green flower (Michaels), Purple flower (Prima)

Have a happy week!

Marilyn

Blue Bird

2011-04-10T00:42:00.001-05:00

Today was such a fabulous day! My crafty girlfriends & I went to the Creating Keepsakes Convention. We took a class together; I went earlier & took one on my own. I have a few more things to do to the scrapbook pages, but I'll post soon. THen we shopped & had a nice dinner together. And to top it off, it was such a nice weather day I drove with the convertible top down. Honestly, in my book, it doesn't get any better than that. I'm still smiling! :)

Here's a card I made tonight after returning home; it was for the Splitcoaststampers Inspiration challenge (IC279). I chose these bird postcards as my inspiration as I have the new SU! Nature Walk stamp set & I've been anxious to ink it up. I started with K & Co's Brenda Walton Flora & Fauna DP. I stamped my bird in Bermuda Bay except the feet; then masked the birds body to add the feet in soft suede. With the bird still masked, I stamped two-thirds of the DP with French Script background stamp in Pumice Stone Distress Ink, I left the background off the floral image. Next I added the to the corner a seal image in Melon Mambo from the retired SU!Travel Post.

I placed the stamped DP on Bermuda Bay & then Craft cardstock. At the top of the Kraft cardstock, I used a stitch template & then zig-zaged with embroidery floss. The crocheted lace is from Making Memories. Last I used some retired SU! hardware & topped it with a Melissa Fraces felt flower with a fabric brad. Then the entire panel was put on an Early Espresso card base.

It was really cool today because I got to meet Melissa Frances. I walked by her booth & she was teaching a make and take...I walked right past & then did a double take & went back to say hello. The felt flower on this card came in a little $1 grab bag with more flowers, bling, ribbon, crocheted flowers and polka dot alphabet. Of course I had to buy more things like glass glitter and crystal chandelier drops.
I hope you had a nice Saturday! Hugs,

Marilyn

Spring Bouquet

2011-04-08T00:29:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday! I am sooo excited for this Saturday as the Creating Keepsakes Convention will be here in the St. Louis area (Collinsville IL to be precise). My three very good 'crafty' girlfriends and I are taking a class together & then going for dinner. I signed up for an earlier class & plan on getting to the convention extra early for some extended shopping time. The convention always has the latest products and plenty of special deals. But most of all, I have such a great time with these girlfriends. Enough blabbering... Here's my take on the Splitcoaststampers Sketch Challenge (SC327) and the CR84FN22 challenge to use craft, green and brown colors.

Supplies:

Stamps: Breath of Spring (JustRite); Teeny TIny Wishes (SU)

Paper: Chocolate Chip, Crumb Cake, Certainly Celery, White, DP- Best of K&Co stack

Ink: Rich Cocoa (Momento), SU Markers- Crumb Cake, Daffodil Delight, Summer Sun, Certainly Celery, Pear Pizzazz, Poppy Parade

Accessories: Embossing folder- Swiss Dots (Cuttlebug), Green Pearls, felt butterfly (Michael's), Oval punches (SU)

Thanks for stopping by,

Marilyn

Blossoms for You

2011-04-07T20:29:00.000-05:00

Hello friends! Here's a card I created for my SU! stamp club friends for our monthly swap. Since I make 12 cards, I try to keep them more on the clean and simple side. I cased this design from Splitcoaststamper 'moster'; her real name is Melissa & she's from St. Louis. Even though that is where I live I don't know her. Isn't it a small world? I used a new set from the SU! Occasions Mini Catalog called Bold Blossoms. I hope you like it & my stamp club friends like it too.
All supplies SU! except the ribbon
Stamps: Bold Blossom
Paper: Pretty in Pink, Basic Black, White, DP- Kaleidoscope (retired)
Ink: Certainly Celery, Pretty in Pink, Basic Black
Accessories: Pearls, Ribbon- Offray

Have a great Friday!
Hugs,

Marilyn

Hi Chickie!

2011-04-03T20:38:00.000-05:00

Hello friends! I took some time today to make a few cards. I have been working on reorganizing, cataloging and consolidating my stamp collection. I've taken the plunge to take all of my wood mounted stamps off the wood. It is taking me quite some time but the downsizing & organizing will be good. I am also putting aside stamp sets that I don't think I'll use again for sale later. I really admire those who have clean out each season...I just can't seem to part with so many of my stamps, but the longer this process of downsizing continues the more likely I'll say 'goodbye' to many more sets. I have a deadline as we are having hardwood floors put in the upstairs rooms including the studio, so that is what has been keeping me away from daily card making and more frequent posting.

This card was a fun one...made in honor of Irene, the Featured Stamper over on Splitcoaststampers. I cased this card of hers. I hope she likes it! I started with a base of white Neenah paper & topped it with three panels of Basic Grey's Offbeat paper mounted on SU! retired YoYo Yellow {I think this is the first time I've used that since it retired!} The bottom nestability is Label 10 in SU! Baja Breeze. The next layer was made using the retired SU Paisley background stamp in YoYo Yellow and then cut with a Scalloped Oval Nestability. The image is one from the Michaels $1 spot. I colored this cute Chickie with SU! markers & sponged the edges with Baja Breeze.

Have a great week,

Marilyn

Sweet Sunday

2011-03-20T19:49:00.001-05:00

Here's another card for me today. This one is for the Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge (SSSC109) and the Color Throwdown Challenge (CTD133). The label is from GinaK Designs Lovely Labels 2 which coordinate with Spellbinder Nestabilities Labels; in this case Labels 14. I am really happy I purchased this set~ I find myself using it all the time.

Stamps: Lovely Labels 2 (GinaK Designs), Spring Mini (Inkadinkado)
Paper: Very Vanilla, Perfect Plum, Wild Wasabi (SU!), Latte Matstack (DCWV)
Ink: Elegant Eggplant, Perfect Plum, More Mustard (SU!)
Accessories: Elegant Eggplant Ribbon, Sheer Ribbon (Horizon Fabrics), Small oval punch (SU!), Labels 14 (Spellbinders), Leaf Stamp & Punch (MS), Yellow Glitter Glue (Studio g).

Thanks for looking!

Marilyn

Button, Button

2011-03-20T11:09:00.000-05:00

I just love the newer sewing theme trend in card making & scrap-booking. This week on the Moxie Fab, the Trigger Tuesday was this cute napkin holder.

As you can see, I took a pretty literal interpretation with this challenge. Here's the link to Moxie Fab blog's Trigger Tuesday challenge. It's a great blog- lots of fun, trendy stuff! I got my button card from The Graphics Fairy; what a great place for free vintage clip art.

About my card~ I printed the button card from The Graphics Fairy on Neenah white cardstock & distressed it using SU! Crumb Cake and Ranger's pumice stone distress ink & then put it on a base of the same Neenah cardstock. Using white thread a straight stitched frame was made on SU! Crumb Cake cardstock. Most of the buttons were from my stash except the flower button in the bottom right is from SU!. The paper flowers are from Oriental Trading; the centers are Paper Studio's pearl brads plus one filigree brad from SU. The base is Gina K 120# pure luxury card stock.

Hope you have a great Sunday and week! Thanks for stopping by!

Marilyn

Happy St. Patty's Day

2011-03-17T04:33:00.000-05:00

Life has been crazy busy and full, but oh, so wonderful. Only one exception, I haven't had a lot of studio time. Here's a little glimpse - Both of my daughters have been home on Spring break, but they did not have the same week off. So for the past two weeks, we've been blessed with one of "the girls" being home. My work has been very busy, but I absolutely love my new job (new as of October). I get excited about going to work & I haven't said that in a very long time. Anyway, I doubt you came here to listen to that, so here's a card from me...finally. :)

This was made for the Splitcoaststampers Ways to Use it challenge (WT314) where Kim Hughes {don't ya just lover her?!} challenged us to incorporate a smile in a card. I used Lucinda Handwriting font in green to generate the Irish blessing about smiles. The smiling leprechaun from the SU! set "Pinch Proof" seemed to fit perfectly too. I used some of my retired SU! Green Galore and Glorious Green cardstock with the Doodlebug DP called "Grasshopper Plaid". I'm almost out of Green Galore & to be perfectly honest, my heart isn't breaking. It was a challenging color to work with but it seemed just right for today. The ribbon was a little steal from Target's $1 bin where I got a pack of 5 yards of 5 different brightly colored stitched ribbon (1 yard each). The corners were punched with Marvy's scalloped corner punch.

Have a blessed St. Patrick's Day!

Marilyn

Masculine Birthday

2011-03-06T14:22:00.000-06:00

Today over on SCS, the Featured Stamper is Neva (FS213). Neva is one of the nicest folks around and she has an amazing ability to combine numerous challenges. Big shout out for Neva! Since DH needed a card for a friend, I chose one of Neva's masculine cards and cased it. I changed the orientation, the theme from tools to baseball, colors, and background; kept the same layout with sentiment in the middle and cutout around it. Hope you like it!
Supplies:
Paper: Crumb Cake, Real Red, Soft Suede (SU)
Stamps: Sporting Goods (SU), sentiment- SU
Ink: Real Red, Crumb Cake
Accessories: Long Rectangles, Spritzer tool.

Life is Sew Wonderful....

2011-02-28T06:00:00.002-06:00

Another VSN challenge card...for the 10pm EST (9pm CST) Friday challenge (FEB11VSNE) to incorporate a red dress in your card in honor of women's heart health. I come from a lineage of women whose major health risk factor is cardiac and vascular disease, so how could I not play?! Plus it gave me a chance to use on of my favorite stamps called 'Make it Yours' by Hero Arts.

Stamp: (Make it Yours) Hero Arts
Paper: Real Red, Night of Navy, Very Vanilla, retired DSP -Autumn Meadows (SU), DP- Material Girl (Cosmo Cricket- I couldn't resist this paper...seriously, I am running out of room in my studio!)

Ink: Barn Door (Ranger distress ink)

Accessories: Twine (sei), buttons (stash), scallop punch, 1/16 circle punch SU)

You Make My Heart Sing!

2011-02-27T14:34:00.001-06:00

You Make My Hear Sing is the theme to the latest Splitcoaststamper's Virtual Stamp Night otherwise know as VSN. I LOVE VSN!! But I don't always get to play. A card challenge every hour starting Friday evening from 5PM (CST) until 9PM, picking back up on Saturday at 12noon & going until 10PM; well that is quite a commitment. I've done it before...twice, but this weekend I only had time for a few cards. This card was for the Friday night 7pm (8pm EST) challenge called Sing, Sing, Sing where a bird was to be incorporated in your card. I just recently purchased this little gal..the "Pure Innocence" girl. I think this line is so cute & since I have two daughters away at college, these images make perfect cards just to say 'hello'.

Supplies:
Image: You're So Tweet (Pure Innocence- MFT)
Paper: White (Gina K pure luxury 120#- my favorite for card base b/c it is so smooth and heavy); Real Red, Only Orange, DSP-retired Summer Picnic for dress paper piecing (SU)
Ink: Rich Cocoa (Momento), Copics
Accessories: Clip (CTMH), White brads (Paper Studio), ribbon- retired Jersey (SU), Embossing folder-Spots & Dots (Cuttlebug)

Have a happy week!

Marilyn

Gray isn't always gloomy....

2011-02-26T07:54:00.000-06:00

Gray isn't always gloomy especially when it is the theme of a card challenge. I had a very fun evening last night despite the fact that DH didn't make it home from his business trip due to air-flight delays. Thankfully he will be home this morning. Anyway...last night I spent the evening in the studio. This card was one of many & made for two Splitcoaststamper's challenges. Friday's Ways to Use It (WT311) to use gray as a neutral. The second challenge was today's Inspirational Challenge (IC273) which I chose this bed from Serena & Lily as my inspiration. I scored my tile scored my background & then sanded it. Gina K has an easy to follow video on the scoring technique. Added two Not Quite Navy circles & topped one with a More Mustard inked chipboard star with a smaller More Mustard star. The other circle was topped with More Mustard DP from a retired SU! Patterns Pack. The Teeny Tiny Wishes sentiment was punched out using the Word Window punch. Have a great weekend!!
Supplies all from SU:
Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: More Mustard, Basic Gray, Not Quite Navy, DP-retired Pattern Packs
Ink: More Mustard, Not Quite Navy
Accessories: chipboard star, sanding block, star punch, circle punch, word window punch.

Hello- I'm back!

2011-02-20T16:08:00.000-06:00

Hello, friends! I'm back after a several week absence...all is well. I've been very busy with my professional work life so I haven't been able to spend much time in the studio. Boy, does it feel good to be creating again! I'm a little rusty...this card took me forever & I fussed over it last night and again this morning. I'm not sure how much I like it but I carried on anyway as I was making it for the Color Throwdown #129 challenge.

The colors this week were ballet blue, light and dark green. The light green is Certainly Celery and the dark green is Wild Wasabi. The sketch is my own & I chose some coordinating Basic Gray DP from the Euthoria collection for my panel. The horizontal strips are Wild Wasabi cardstock that was cut with small scalloped scissors and topped with Marina Mist 1/8 inch taffeta ribbon. The image is from the set Sweet Summer in the SU! Sale-a-bration catalog- a super cute set. I used Nestabilites scalloped circles for the main image and layer. I kept the die in place while I lightly sponged with Ballet Blue the background of the main image.

Thanks for stopping by after so long!

Marilyn

Love Birds

2011-01-29T09:22:00.000-06:00

Good morning & Happy Saturday! I was able to sneak a card in before our busy day today. We're shopping for some new home items and meeting some friends for dinner this evening....so I won't have much time during the day today to preview all the blogs and galleries, but I am looking forward to spending some time on that later tonight!

Enough about me...let's get to cards! I made this one for the Splitcoaststampers Inspirational Challenge today & I chose this as my inspiration. I really love this set from SU! called Aviary. I matched it with some gorgeous shimmery paper from SEI called Love Nest from their Love Birds collection. The base and accent cardstock colors are SU! Baja Breeze, Pretty in Pink & Chocolate Chip. I used the Cuttlebug folder, Swiss Dots to create a little texture. Last, the brads are from Oriental Trading. I don't see many stampers buy from there, but I've had good luck with their accessories (paper flowers, brads, buttons etc) but I prefer other brands of paper and designer paper.

Gotta run! Have a great day!
Hugs,

Marilyn

A Rose is a Rose

2011-01-26T19:32:00.002-06:00

Roses have to be one of the most beautiful flowers in the world. I just love this retired DSP from SU! called Bella Rose- which my stash is almost all gone. As much as I have loved it; it has become an 'old toy' so it's time to move on to something new. For my card, I used different papers for the upper and lower section from the Bella Rose collection. I stamped the rose using the large rose stamps from the retired "A Rose is A Rose" set; first in "Pretty in Pink" followed by "Riding Hood Red ", then I cut the rose out and placed it on a nestie eyelet square die-cut with a "Pretty in Pink" center. The white ribbon is from American Crafts & the pink ribbon from Michaels. I used the Bow-easy to created the double bow. I think this card would work for many occasions- Valentines, sympathy, birthday or 'thinking of you'. It's nice to have a few generic cards like this ready to go. I'll leave the inside blank until I'm ready to send. Thanks for stopping by to see me & I hope you have a great week!

Hugs,

Marilyn

Classic Valentine

2011-01-23T18:06:00.000-06:00

Hello from snowy St. Louis! I hope you all are enjoying your weekend. I've been busy with the usual life activities- work during the week & caring for the household on weekends. Fortunately, I've had some fun time in the studio. Here's one of my creations today. I used my new Gina K Lovely Labels 2 stamps which coordinates with Spellbinders Nestabilities. This one is Labels 14. I made this card for two challenges; Clean & Simple's Fall-to-Layout (FTL124) and Create 4 Fun (CR84FN11) color challenge to use red, craft and brown. The brown paper is retired SU! called Bella Rose. I'm almost out of this designer & I have so enjoyed playing with it's beautiful roses. The flower was made from SU! 5 petal punch & paper flowers from Michael's $1 bin, and a gold heart brad from my stash. The red gemstones came with the Michael's flowers. I added a layer of SU! crystal effects on the gold heart brad. I hope you like it!

Hugs, Marilyn

Vintage Valentine

2011-01-09T18:18:00.000-06:00

This is today's second post, please scroll down.
Yesterday when I was shopping with my youngest daughter, she helped me pick out some new things. Mind you, I don't need a single thing, but I like playing with the fun trends and the new papers, colors, stamps and embellishments. She helped me keep my purchases reasonable. Anyway, I bought Valentine Ephemera (die cut card stock) from K & Company. The vanilla rose is new Stampin Up Mini Occasions catalog embellishments (page 15) called Vintage Flower Adornments; a close-up is below. These flowers gorgeous & more beautiful IRL than in the catalog. The ribbon and lace were purchased in December with plans of using them on holiday cards, but that just didn't work out. It really is a pretty collection from Making Memories called Noel. Now, it's probably on sale somewhere; I got mine at Michaels.

This card was made for several challenges:

Flourishes- use red, pink and white
Sweet Stampin - try something new- Vintage Ephemera cards are new to me.

Supplies:
Image: Valentine Ephemera (K & Company)
Paper: Real Red, Vanilla, Pixie Pink, DP- Bella Rose (SU)
Accessories: Red button from stash, Vintage Flower Adornments (SU), Christmas Red Stickles (Ranger), Crochet ribbon & red sparkle trim (Making Memories).

Thanks for looking at my blog. Scroll down for a second post for today. Have a great week! {{Hugs}}

Darling Valentine

2011-01-09T18:17:00.000-06:00

This is my second post for today...I promised to share some new things with you...but this post mostly has 'new to me' not 'new on the market' products. This little Pure Innocence cutie is from My Favorite Things (MFT) & called Flower Girl. I just love the little hearts on her top and pants. when I was cleaning my studio, I discovered an entire scrap kit with this paper, rub-ons, lots of chipboard tucked away .It's really pretty~ sparkley with the girl-y colors of pink, yellow, peach, soft green & a hint of red. I remember I bought this last April at the CK convention- it was a 'close-out' and it's dated 2008, but it's new to me. I'm embarrassed to say that I bought so much at the convention, I didn't even miss it.

Today I used my Copic markers. I have quite a few, but have never quite got the hang of them. So with this new year, I've made some challenges for myself. I hate calling them resolutions because life is about growing; it's not so much about quitting bad habits or doing what we should, but rather becoming a better person and captivating on our loves & strengths. So for me, these challenges (resolutions) are about becoming a better artist over the next year.

So after all that philosphizing (if you're still with me), my challenges are: First, start using the Copics, a person doesn't get good at anything unless she puts time to it. Second, start playing with PhotoShop. Like the Copics, I haven't done much with it. I kept waiting for big blocks of time to do the tutorials and the classes from Jessica Sprague. Those big blocks of time never materialize so I'm changing my approach and going to play a couple of times a week even if it's just for 15-30 minutes. I'll never give up real paper and embellishments for digital, but I like hybrid scrapbooking. I've promised myself that I'll buy a nice printer that will accomodate 12 X 12 paper if I learn this fun and powerful tool. Have you made any challenges or promises to yourself for this new year?

This card would have been perfect for last week's CR84FN9 challenge to use yellow, peach and light pink, but alas I'm too late for that. So I made this card for these challenges.

My Favorite Things- MFTWSC1- the sketch
C4C69- Be inspired with the picture on their post. There's not as much pink as I thought when dreaming up this card
Simon Says - new beginnings- for my oldest daughter who went back to college yesterday for her NEW & last semester
ODBDSLC43- something old (the nesties & paper & something new (my MFT stamp is new to me)

Supplies:
Stamps: Flower Girl (MFT)
Paper: Pink Pirouette, Peach Pizzaz, So Saffron, Vanilla (SU), DSP- Sundress Sweetness & Sundress Heirloom from Laundry Line collection (MME)
Ink: Rich Cocoa (Momento). Copics: Y11 Pale Yellow, Y13 Lemon Yellow, E00 Skin White, E11 Barely Beige, YR00Powder Pink, YR02 Light Orange, R20 Blush, RV14 Begonia Pink & colorless marker.
Accessories: Nestabilities- Large and Small Scalloped Ovals, Fancy Tags (Spellbinders), Scallop border punch (SU), Pink Pearls (Recollections), Pom-Pom ribbon- Unknown maker-cut by the yard at a Speciality Paper Crafting store.

Thanks for stopping by...

Don't Give Up!

2011-01-09T00:22:00.000-06:00

Beautiful scripture don't you think? I can always use to be reminded not to give up. Today over at SCS is the Featured Stamper challenge, where Julie from the UK is being featured. She puts so much detail in her cards, you ought to hop over to her blog if you've never been. I chose to case this card . I know I promised to show off some of my new Valentine stuff, but then the FS challenge posted so I took a quick break to make this card. But really...the Verve stamp is new to me...Verve was having a nice sale so I purchased quite a few faith oriented stamps & sets. The next post will have some new Valentine things...promise. Don't give up!

Supplies:
Stamps: Galatians 6:9 (Verve)
Paper: Vanilla, River Rock (SU)
Ink: River Rock (SU)
Accessories: Ivory Roses (Prima), frond punch (MS), Labels Four Nestabilities (Spellbinder), Impression plate (Sizzix)

Inspiration Challenge

2011-01-08T22:37:00.001-06:00

Happy Saturday, friends! Hope you are having a good weekend. My oldest daughter left this morning to go back to college. So my youngest daughter (who goes back next week) took me shopping to the craft stores to cheer me up. We bought some fun things with 40% off coupons, but I haven't started playing with the new stuff because I wanted to finish up this IC challenge card for my nephew who is turning sixteen soon. I chose this lunchbox as my inspiration. Please come back tomorrow when I'll have some fun new Valentine toys to share.

Supplies:
Stamps: Classic Convertibles (SU)
Paper: Black, Real Red, Green Galore, Tempting Turquoise (SU), White (Pure Luxury-Gina K)
Ink: Black craft, Red (SU)
Accessories: Black embossing powder (SU), Large and Small Label nestablities (Spellbinders)

Dream Boat Valentine

2011-01-07T23:24:00.000-06:00

Isn't this dream boat image, the bomb? I just love it. It was cut from the K &Co. paper called Sweet Talk Postage Stamps. There are 24 rectangles; all are the same size & have cute little Valentine images and sentiments. Because of the size and the colors, the paper reminds me of the Valentines we sent to classmates when I was in grade school. Although, the graphics certainly weren't this cute. I remember going to K-Mart and agonizing over which box of Valentines to chose, and then the challenge of selecting which Valentine to give to each classmate. Ahhh...the memories.

This card was made for several challenges:
SCS-F4A46- purple, pink and a heart
SCS-SC314- I flipped the sketch
CCEE1101- use checks- my pink ribbon
PIO#1- Brand Spanking New- my Valentine paper

Supplies:
Stamps & Ink: none
Paper: Pretty in Pink, Pale Plum (SU), WHite (pure luxury-Gina K), DP- Sugar Rush (Basic Grey)
Accessories: Wide lace (Michaels), pink checked ribbon (Spring collection-Gina K)

Have a great Saturday!

Swap for Stamp Club

2011-01-06T20:14:00.000-06:00

Here's my card for swapping with my SU! Stamp Club members on Friday evening. We have 11 ladies in the club plus our demonstrator, so I made twelve of these cards. I went on the easy side this month because I wanted to have time to make my February cards too. I'm hoping to take a little 'sunshine' vacation in February & so I wanted to get ahead. I'll post those cards another day. Thanks for dropping by.
Have a great Friday!
Supplies: All SU!
Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes, Polka Dot Punches
Paper: Pink Pirouette, White, DSP- Bella Rose
Ink: Regal Rose
Accessories: Oval, scalloped oval, and heart punches

Another Challenge Card

2011-01-02T19:36:00.000-06:00

Here's another challenge card that I made during the New Year's holiday weekend. This card was for two Splitcoaststampers challenges, specifically the Inspiration and Featured Stamper. For the Inspiration, I chose this stack of black and white kitchen linens from the Neest website my inspiration. The Featured Stamper this week is WhiteRockMama, aka Marisa. I chose this card from her gallery.

Supplies:
Stamps: Bible Verse (B&B Cardstock Co)
Paper: Pure luxury white cardstock (Gina K), Black (SU), DP- Meadow Lark (MME)
Accessories: Black brads (SU), ribbon (Target $1 spot), white flower (Recollections), white scrappers floss (Karen Foster), button (Oriental Trading)

A Note of Thanks

2011-01-02T15:03:00.000-06:00

I have been having a lot of fun in the studio this weekend. I had Friday off from work for the New Year's holiday & with the Christmas shopping and activities behind us, I had lots of time to play. Here's my take on this week's Sketch and Color Challenges over on Splitcoaststampers. The colors were Old Olive, Night of Navy, Daffodil Delight and your choice of neutral. I softened the Daffodil delight flower by sponging on white craft ink & I colored the silver brad with a blue copic marker.
Thanks for looking & I'll be back later with more challenge cards. Hugs & Happy New Year, friends!
Supplies:
Stamps: Thanks (American Crafts)
Paper: Old Olive, Night of Navy, Daffodil Delight (SU), DP-Ancestory Mat Pad (K&Co.)
Ink: Night of Navy, White-craft (SU)
Accessories: 5-petal flower punch (SU), Branch & Hydrangea punches (MS), Filigree brad (SU), copic marker.

Welcome 2011! Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T13:57:00.001-06:00

Happy New Year! I'll be back later this weekend with some creations, but I wanted to send you all the best in 2011!
Hugs, Marilyn

The graphic is from http://graphicsfairy.blogspot.com/

Merry Christmas!!

2010-12-24T23:33:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas!
Have a fabulous day, dear friends!!

Supplies:

Paper: Pure Luxury White (Gina K), DP-retired SU

Ink: Tuxedo Black

Accessories: Labels #10 Nestabilities, Pearls (SU). Red ribbon (SU), grommet

Christmas Eve Blessings to you and yours

2010-12-24T11:56:00.001-06:00

I wish you and yours every blessing this Christmas eve!

Supplies:

Stamps: Bells & Boughs, All Holidays (SU!)

Paper: Always Artichoke, Cajun Craze (SU), White (Neenah), DP- Calisto Christmas (Anna Griffin)

Ink: Old Olive, Cajun Craze (SU)

Accessories: Lace hem tape (Wrights), Red stickles (Ranger)

Christmas Eve's Eve

2010-12-23T17:13:00.000-06:00

Christmas is almost here! I love the preparations as much as I love the actual day. Shopping, wrapping, baking, more shopping, parties, shows, more shopping, seeing family and friends and did I mention shopping?! Here's a card on this day before Christmas Eve. I made this using sketch #95 on CardPatterns.

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy your holidays!

Supplies:
Stamps: Cute Converse (SU!)
Ink: Barn Door Distress Ink (Ranger)
Paper: Certainly Celery, Baja Breeze (SU!), Merry Days of Christmas collection (My MInds's Eye); the trees were cut from this DP.
Accessories: Oval punch (SU!), Snowflakes (scrap from MS border punch), embossing folder, liquid pearls.

Don Your Holiday Plaid

2010-12-19T00:36:00.000-06:00

I haven't had much time in the studio lately, but regardless, life has been wonderful :) I stole away for an hour to make a holiday card...I felt so festive that I couldn't imagine making a birthday card or starting Valentine cards. So here's the card I made for the SCS IC263 challenge that we were to take inspiration from Don Cherry's jackets. I chose this jacket.

I hope you are enjoying the holiday season!

Supplies:
Stamps: Welcome Christmas (SU!)
Paper: Real Red, Certainly Celery (SU), Pajama Plaid & Santa's Forest from "The Merry days of Christmas" collection (MME)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Chipboard flourishes- Yuletide collection (K&Company), Poinsettia punch (Nellie Snellen), Labels Four Nestabilities (Spellbinders), red bling (Michael's), Red stickles (Ranger)

Holiday Snowflake

2010-11-28T12:03:00.001-06:00

Happy Sunday! Here's my take on two challenges. First, the Featured Stamper Challenge on Splitcoaststampers where Kris was chosen as FS199. I chose this card of hers to case. With the FS challenge, you change some things and keep others. Sometimes it happens for me that my project ebs and flows in directions that I really hadn't intended when I started. Thus is the case with this card, but I hope you can see Kris' card in my inspiration. I kept her design, the same number of layers with a coordinating color between the two white pieces of cardstock, the two color base and layer, and lots of open space. I changed the colors, changed the location of the ribbon, and changed the images.

The second challenge is the Etsy Inspired Challenge (EIC116). I chose this from Koniver's shop. I love the blues and the white border. I really like this etsy inspired challenge & I wish I could play more often. It is very fun to see the shops on Etsy; for me it is another way to keep up with trends & experience unique items. I find that studying other art objects and unique things expands my creativity. This card although CAS took me a while as I had to experiment with inks. I ended up using craft ink for the snowflake as my dye ink and hybrid ink did not "take up" well by the acrylic stamp and I could not get even coverage. All of the stamps from this set have "hidden" images and if you look close you can see candles and birds in this one.

Have a great day, friends! Thank you for all your lovely comments. I am inspired and in awe by your art; you help me to strive for the best in me. And although I have not personally met most of you, I am grateful and a richer person because for our friendship. {{Hugs}}

Supplies:
Image: Snowflake from Holiday Silhouettes (Inkadinkado), Sentiment- Swirled Snowflakes (SU!)
Paper: White (Markie's finest paper), Night of Navy, Pacific Point (SU)
Ink: Night of Navy-craft (SU)
Accessories: Ribbon (Michaels)

Guest Designer Honors

2010-11-27T13:43:00.000-06:00

Thanks for stopping by today. I am so thrilled and very honored to be a guest designer at Card Patterns this week! I hope that you will have a chance to play along too & post your card on the Card Patterns website by next Friday for your chance to win a prize or be chosen as a guest designer. Below is this week's sketch #92.

I'm off to make holiday cards and gifts, plus a little shopping and of course play more challenges. Have a great weekend!

Supplies:

Image: Snowmen (The More the Merrier- SU)

Paper: Baja Breeze (SU), white (Gina K pure luxury), DP- Snow from the Wintertime collection (Echo Park)

Ink: Tuxedo Black (Momento), Baja Breeze, Bashful Blue, Marina Mist, Tempting Turquoise, Cherry Cobbler (SU)

Accessories: Labels 10 Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Lace Hem tape (Wrights), white grosgrain ribbon (Offray), Polar White Flower Soft (Flower Soft)

Santa's Coming to Town!

2010-11-21T22:22:00.000-06:00

Here's my card for two challenges. First for Queen for the Day (QFTD36) where Maxill (aka Bev) was chosen as the queen. Bev has always been very supportive & she often comments on my cards. I chose this card of her's to case: Tea for Two. I also made this card for Crazy 4 Challenges (C4C64) where the challenge was to use circles.

Supplies:
Image: Christmas Characters (inadinkado)
Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Baja Breeze (SU), White (Gina K), DP- Figgy (Basic Grey)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Momento); Cherry Cobbler, Baja Breeze (SU)
Accessories: Liquid Applique, Gold pen, Circle & scallop circle Nestablitites(spellbinders), Baja Breeze ribbon.

Very CAS

2010-11-18T06:27:00.000-06:00

Here's my take on the CASwinter10KJ challenge to make a VERY CAS card with the decoration theme, ribbon and bling. The CAS winter10KJ challenge is an oportunity to be selected as a member of the CAS design team. I'm learning and hopefully perfecting the 'clean and simple' style but it is not one that is natural. I'm more of a layer on layer, designer paper, loads of embellishments and ribbon kind of card maker. So I thought I'd give it a try as it's an opportnity to learn from others.
Have a great day...it's almost the weekend, right?!

Supplies:
Stamps: All Holidays
Paper: White (Gina K Pure Luxury), Figgy (Basic Grey)
Ink: Marina Mist
Accessories: glitter- Pixie Stix Berry Blue (Pink Paislee); ribbon-Michaels, glue pad

The Truth

2010-11-14T20:20:00.006-06:00

This card was made for two challenges. The first is Curtain Call 56 which is a color challenge. This week called for So Saffron, Pear Pizazz, Peach Parfait, Chocolate Chip and Whisper White. The second challenge is Card Patterns 90 (a weekly sketch challenge). I am so in love with these new line of papers from SEI called Moonrise.

This card will go in my stash for my sister's Christmas present. She is very active in her church so I am hoping she'll like these. We usually don't buy sibling presents for each other because my brothers, sister and I have more than enough for this lifetime. But gifts from the heart and hands are treasured. I think I only have about four cards made so I think I'll be making some CAS cards too.

I've got a busy work week coming up, so I may not post until next weekend. I am so loving my new job & it feels good to feel that way! Anyway, I'll try to make it to your blogs to see what you're creating. Thanks for stopping! {{{Hugs}}}

Supplies:
Image: Bible Verse (B&B Cardstock Co.)
Papers: So Saffron, Pear Pizazz, Peach Parfait, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White (SU), DP- Moonrise (SEI)
Ink: Chocolate Chip (SU)
Accessories: Scalloped Squares & Label 16 Nestabilities (Spellbinders); Small Poinsettia punch (Nellie Snellen); 1/2" circle punch & corner punch (SU); pearls (SU).

Virtual Stamp Night (VSN) Creations

2010-11-14T12:08:00.019-06:00

This past Friday and Saturday was VSN on Splitcoaststampers. I had the fortunate opportunity to host a challenge. Although, I didn't get as many cards/challenges completed as I would have liked, I was so happy to play most of the day yesterday. The theme was "on Cloud Nine" so all the challenges in some way related to that theme. Since there is a 45 minute time limit to each challenge, there is little time to fuss about your card. And there is little time to list all the supplies used; so I'll do that here now.

The first card and tote was the challenge I hosted. I called it "Cloud 9 Math" (NOV10VSNO). The challenge was to make a 3x3 tote, or a 3x3 notecard box or make 4-3x3 cards. I love how this tote turned out & I made four cards, two in green and two in red.
Supplies:
Image: Bells and Boughs (SU)
Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Mellow Moss, Vanilla (SU), DSP- Figgy Pudding (Basic Grey)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (momento), Cherry Cobbler, Mellow Moss, Soft Suede (SU)
Accessories: Lacey Squares & Classic Squares Nestabilities (Spellbinders); Scallop & Circle punch (SU), Corner punch & embosser (Fiskars); Pearls (SU)

The second card was made late last night for two challenges. The first challenge was the last VSN challenge (NOV10VSNR). to honor or remember angels in your life. I chose three angels- my sister, my mother and my grandmother. My mom and granny are in heaven now, but they were expert seamstresses. My mother made all my dresses when I was a young girl. She and my sister took the scraps from all those dresses and made me a double ring quilt as a wedding present. It is probably one of my most favorite gifts of all time. All three were/are wonderful role models. The challenge also asked that we distressed our card. I'll send this card to my sister whose b-day is later this week.

The second challenge is the FS197. Angela (aka jellybeans74) was chosen. I started with this card: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/ga...;ppuser=106358. But is was late when I made the card & with the 45 minutes time limit for the VSN challenge, I ended up making a lot of modifications to Angela's card. But if you look close you can see the basic sketch.

A little explanation about some of the things that I used for this Sewing Angels card. I purchased for 25cents at an estate sale a retro McCalls pattern {the real deal}. I started with Gina K white paper & cover it with the pattern to give the thin tissue paper pattern some strength. I distressed it with Vintage photo ink because it lost it's crafty color with the white background. I also purchased my Baker's Twine from an Ebay store called A touch of Vintage Chic about two-three months ago when I couldn't find it anywhere in St. Louis. The store has some pretty cool stuff including fabric. Now Michael's carries MS twine, but once I saw it on SCS, I had to have it NOW! I know you know what I mean! LOL!! Last thing to let you know is the Sassfrass Lass Cherry Delicious paper comes with scalloped edges that is different than the rest of the paper. Pretty cute, huh?

Supplies:
Image: Make Your Own (Hero Arts)
Paper: Red Hot, White (Gina K), Marina Mist, Cookie Crumb (SU); DSP-Cherry Delicious-Sapphire (Sassafras Lass)
Ink: Broken China & Vintage Photo Distress Inks (Tim Holtz-Ranger)
Accessories: Real Red & Brocade Blue grosgrain ribbons (SU); Baker's Twine; McCalls pattern; stash red & white buttons; Red flower (Making Memories- embellishment suitcase)

The third card is one of those cards that I am not crazy about, but I ran out of time with the VSN. The challenge was NOV10VSNI to make a floating sentiment. Well, I must have had me head in the clouds because I chose the teeny tiny sentiment to cut up the letters. It took over 20 minutes & when I was done, time was out & I sure didn't like the look. I am planning on changing it out with a nestie label. Probably better to use a bigger sentiment to cut letters apart {Duh-Slaps head}

Supplies:
Image: Harvest Assortment (Inkadinkado), Teeny Tiny Sentiments (SU)
Paper: Really Rust, Vanilla, DSP-Autumn Meadows (SU)
Ink: Really Rust (SU)
Accessories: ScorPal, Brown Bakers Twine, Scalloped Rectangle Nestabilities (Spellbinders)

The fourth card is much more beautiful in real life. This was my take on the NOV10VSNK challenge where we were challenged to make a card based upon "What Puts You in the Clouds?". Besides papercrafting, I love coffee. The paper is SEI & it's gorgeous. I belong to the monthly SEI club where I receive a kit each month. I joined in April when the Creating Keepsakes convention was here in St. Louis. I got some great deals for signing up & the kits are fabulous. I had hoped it would spur me to scrapbook more; it has but only a little bit as I still prefer card-making. But I love the SEI products for card making & paper crafting. If you've never experienced their products, give it a try. Everything is A+ quality. Here is a link to their blog. The paper I used here is gold foiled & it is hard to see the radiance, but it's magnificent. Also I can't even begin to tell you how wonderful it feels! {BTW- I am not reimbursed with their products for blabbering about them. Too bad for me-LOL!} I'll send this card to my youngest daughter who is in college. We share a passion for Starbucks.

Supplies:
Image: My Cuppa Joe (Gina K)
Paper: More Mustard (SU), White (Gina K), DSP-Stillness- Moonrise collection(SEI)
Ink: Rich Cocoa (Momento), More Mustard (SU)
Accessories: Eyelet Circles& Classic Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), oval & oval scallop punch (SU); gold glitter pen (unknown maker)

The last four cards are the blue trio. You may know it's my favorite color & so I was happy it worked out for several of the VSN challenges. Card Five was a lot of fun because I just got these Nestabilities in the mail this past week. I made this for the NOV10VSNL challenge to make a card with blue and white. The card opens at the white panel, so there is a blue scallop on top and a blue scallop when opened (on the inside). I'll likely go back and add a bit more color like orange carrot noses & maybe a little flower soft, but for VSN challenges, I usually can't get all that done in the 45 minute time frame.

Supplies:
Image: Holiday Lineup & Teeny Tiny Wishes (SU)
Paper: Bashful Blue, Marina Mist (SU), White (Gina K)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (momento), Markers- Bashful Blue, Marina Mist, Tempting Turquoise, Pacific Point (SU)
Accessories: Label 14 Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Snowflake punch (MS =Martha Stewart), bling (Michaels)

Card six is one of my favorite of the bunch and very easy. I used a retired (very old) stamp set that I purchased off Ebay for a reasonable price. I loved the snowflakes & love making Christmas cards. I have been buying lots of the retired holiday stamp sets off Ebay almost always under the original price. This card was made for NOV10VSNA challenge to make a Christmas card without red and green. I immediately thought of blue and white and snowflakes!

Supplies:
Image: Snowflakes, Warmest Regards (SU)
Paper: White, Bashful Blue (SU), DSP- unknown name but by SU. I think it is really old; I bought from a demostrator at her year end sale to get rid of retired product.
Ink: Bashful Blue, Marina Mist (SU)
Accessories: Snowflake punch (MS), Bling (Michaels), Brocade Blue grosgrain ribbon (SU)

Card Seven was made for NOV10VSNG2 challenge to create a card with lots of white space. I used my recently purchased Gina K heavy base weight pure Luxury cardstock. Oh my goodness! I now know why it's called Pure Luxury! {I don't get reimbursed for telling you about how I drool over this paper}.

Supplies:
Image: Thanks (American Crafts)- Sentiment
Paper: White (Gina K), Marina Mist (SU); DSP- SU retired (as noted in the above card)
Accessories: Snowflake punch (MS), Bling (Michaels)

The last and eighth card was made for NOV10VSNP challenge where Kelly (aka Schrimcat) challenged us with a sketch. Another fun one for as I just got this DP paper in the mail with a big order from Crop Chocolate. I was excited to get the order as I thought the paper would match great with Baja Breeze but one never know with on-line color matching. It did match wonderfully as you can see. Crop Chocolate is a website that features several specials every day. You can accumulate/hold them in your "la carte" for up to 45 days. My DH calls it a virtual layaway for scrapbookers. The link is in my sidebar to a website with numerous *daily deals*.

Supplies:
Image: Happy Everything (SU); the snowflake is a sticker
Paper: Baja Breeze, Close to Cocoa, Riding Hood Red (SU), White (Gina K), DSP- Falling Snowflakes-Wintertime collection (Echo Park)
Ink: Baja Breeze (SU)
Accessories: Snowflake sticker (Wintertime collection-Echo Park); Eyelet circle & scalloped circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Buttons- white (Stash), Blue (Periphery-Basic Grey), Spritzer tool (SU), Bakers twine; lots and lots of dimensions.

Whew! SO glad you joined me today and all of us over at SCS for the Virtual Stamp Night.

Have a great Sunday! Hugs, Marilyn

Get Ready for the Holidays!

2010-10-31T15:25:00.007-05:00

Even though it's Halloween, I have been busy making cards for the holidays. My SU! monthly club meets next week; and since we won't be meeting in December, we'll be celebrating the holidays. One of the fun things we do every month is a card swap. Out of respect for our demonstrator, we use strictly SU products but it's OK if we use retired products. This is my swap template...only eleven more to go. I cased this card from Iliana Crouse; you can see the original here. While you are there, check out her other creations. If you've not visited her blog, you are in for a real treat. She's a real inspiration for me.!

This card was created for two challenges; Crazy 4 Challenges 61 & FS195. The C4C61 challenge is a sketch challenge hosted by Silke Ledlow. Cheryl is the Featured Stamper this week. She has such a lovely gallery; her copic coloring is awesome. I cased Cheryl's Candy Cane Christmas card. I just love this penguin stamp she used & I've had the same stamp for several years...I think it was one of the first non-SU! stamps I purchased. He's a real cutie, don't you think?

Have a great week! Hugs!

Supplies- Card 1:
All supplies from Stampin' Up
Stamps: Delightful Decorations, Heard from the Heart
Paper: Riding Hood Red, White, DSP- Christmas Cocoa (retired)
Ink: Riding Hood Red
Accessories: RHR 5/8 striped grosgrain ribbon, red hemp twine, rhinestone jewel accents, ornament punch.

Supplies- Card 2:
Stamps: Penguin (Art Impressions)
Paper: Old Olive, Real Red (SU), White (neenah), DP- Christmas Stack (DCWV)
Ink: Black (Memento), SU Markers- Real Red, Old Olive, Summer Sun.
Accessories: MS snowflake punch, red buttons (target), green button (MME)

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-30T07:43:00.003-05:00

Hello Friends! Happy Halloween!
I've been away from Blogland for a while for a wonderful reason...three weeks ago, I started a new job! I've been deeply engrossed in it & have had very little evening time to create or visit your blogs. Weekends have been fabulously busy with family happenings.
So today I leave you with a few of the Halloween cards I created earlier this month. As you can see, they are very similar. The middle one was my favorite until I smudged the front while stamping the inside greeting (UGG!), so now the top one is my favorite. I just adore this stamp set from SU! called Greeting Card Kids. You can go vintage with these images or stay more contemporary. There is a very cute image for Christmas too.
Enjoy your Halloween Holiday!

Supplies:
Stamps: Greeting Card Kids (SU)
Paper: Only Orange, More Mustard, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Rich Razzleberry, Black, Chocolate Chip, White, DSP- Pumpkin Pie (SU)
Ink: More Mustard, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Rich Razzleberry, Black, Chocolate Chip, Blush Blossom, Sahara Sand
Accessories: Old Olive ribbon, gold brad, Scor-Pal

Soft Blue Flower

2010-10-07T09:48:00.005-05:00

Good morning! I wasn't going to play in the studio this morning, but when I saw Julia's Way to Use It challenge to use tissue paper, I was hooked. Luckily, this card only took about twenty minutes. So I can quickly get back to my chores. I start my new job on Monday so I am trying to get caught up on household odds and ends including Halloween & Fall decorating. DD#1 (dear daughter #1) is coming home from college for the weekend & once she get home (around lunchtime), I will want to spend my time with her.

My card was made with Marine Mist as a base which I covered it with white tulle. I like the soft look. I've not made tissue paper flowers before; this was one of the reasons I jumped on the challenge. I was happily surprised at how easy it was. This flower was made with blue tissue paper and cut with the Nestabilities Dahlia die. I added a velvet floral brad.

Supplies:
Stamps: None
Paper: Marine Mist, Black (SU!), DP- B&W Intricate Swirls (the Paper Studio)
Ink: none
Accessories: White wedding tulle (Michaels), Blue lace ribbon (Wyla Inc), Velvet flower brad (Creative Imaginations), Gemstones (the Paper Studio)

Words of Autumn

2010-10-05T18:10:00.003-05:00

A quick post with my Clean and Simple card for the SCS Challenge to use the faux letterpress technique by embossing a cuttlebug folder. I like the way this turned out and it was really simple and fast! Check out the CAS87 gallery as there are fantastic cards that are not only CAS but quick too!

Supplies:
Stamps: None- Yikes!
Paper: Crumb Cake, Really Rust (SU!)
Ink: Tangerine Tango (SU!)
Accessories: Cuttlebug folder-Autumn Type (Provocraft), paper flowers and leaves (Oriental Trading), Brads (making Memories), Ribbon- chocolate chip double stitched grosgrain (SU)

Free Bird

2010-09-29T20:36:00.010-05:00

This lovely stamp from Tim Holtz reminds me of the Maya Angelou poem "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings"...go figure!

I am enjoying creating cards in this altered style which is new to me. It takes me quite a while to put a card together. One thing that I love about paper art is that I become so focused that I forget everything else.

I used the SU! new color coach when picking these colors. Although I am not crazy about the color coach itself (I liked the previous wheeled one better), I do like the color combinations that the SU coach suggests. In the past I doubted the suggested colors, but have found that these color coaches really know color combos. The nice thing about the SU color coach is that it has the exact shades of my cardstock and inks. My favorite 'color coach' is EK Success pictured below. The reason I like it so much is that it gives you five options for each color. You get schemes for two (1), three (2) and four (2) colors both complementary and split complementary. In addition, there are small openings, where you can place your paper to see which color it best matches. And of course you can see the monochromatic options. I'm not a studied artist and color theory alludes me, so I rely on color coaches. But just like most people, I know when colors work well together and when it just isn't right. So my go to coach is the one below and you can pick it up for about $5.

If you haven't already, check out the sketch challenge at Splitcoaststampers. It is #300 and to celebrate, numerous companies have donated prizes.

Have a great day friends!

Supplies:
Stamps: Birdsong (Stampers Anonymous), Composer's Dream (Stampabilities) Baroque Motifs, Artistic Etchings (SU)
Paper: Crumb Cake (aka Craft), Marine Mist, Cajun Craze, Baja Breeze (for flowers) (SU), White (Gina K Pure Luxury)
Ink: Cajun Craze, Crumb Cake, Marine Mist (SU)
Accessories: Flower punch (MS-3 in 1 Hydrangea), brads- vintage ( SU retired), clear embossing powder (SU), spritzer tool (SU), pearls (SU)

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings- Maya Angelou

The free bird leaps
on the back of the wind
and floats downstream
till the current ends
and dips his wings
in the orange sun rays
and dares to claim the sky.

But a bird that stalks
down his narrow cage
can seldom see through
his bars of rage
his wings are clipped and
his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.

The caged bird sings
with fearful trill
of the things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hillfor the caged bird
sings of freedom

The free bird thinks of another breeze
an the trade winds soft through the sighing trees
and the fat worms waiting on a dawn-bright lawn
and he names the sky his own.

But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams
his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing

The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.

Camellias

2010-09-28T07:16:00.003-05:00

Good morning friends! I hope your week has started out wonderfully. We are having great weather in St. Louis- lots of sun and pleasant temperatures. Perfect convertible weather!

My card today was made for two SCS challenges- the CAS challenge was a sketch and the color challenge was to use basic gray, rose red and daffodil delight. I used my new Martha Stewart clear stamps called Camellia. It is one of the things I purchased last week- a $2 bargain that I couldn't pass up. Really - could you walk away from a 10 piece stamp MS set for only two dollars?

I've got lots to accomplish today, but I hope to be back in the studio later tonight. Hugs!

Supplies:
Stamps: Camellia (MS), Sentiment -Fresh Cuts (SU)
Paper: Basic Gray, Daffodil Delight (SU), White (neenah), DP- Cornflower (We R Memory Keepers)
Ink: Rose Red, Daffodil Delight (SU)
Accessories: Rose Red ribbon, basic gray corduroy button (SU)

Halloween Stickers

2010-09-22T10:52:00.004-05:00

A very quick card today for the SCS sketch challenge. I used papers from the DCWV Indian Summer Fall matstack. The images are stickers popped up on dimensionals. The bat from Colorbok was outlined in white & was too stark for the card, so I used my Dusty Durango marker and colored the white outline. The Oct 31 sticker was tucked away in my stash from last year's $1 spot at Target. The ribbon retired SU Jersey.

Remember the vow to start using my stash? Well, I am using it, but I haven't stopped buying. Seriously I have spent the last two days picking up bargains again. Those sale and $1 items get me every time. Jeez...I just love this craft! :)

Have a great day!

Supplies:
Image: no stamps; just stickers
Paper: Dusty Durango, Black (SU); DP- Indian Summer stack (DCWV)
Ink: none; dusty durango marker coloring on bat (outline was white)
Accessories: Ribbon- Jersey (SU), Stickers- bat(colorbok); Oct 31 (Target $1 spot)

Vintage Car

2010-09-20T10:27:00.003-05:00

Hello friends! I created this CAS card for the SCS CAS challenge to use the colors kraft, red, vanilla, and brown. Also created for the QFTD challenge where Darla was honored. Here is the card I cased. For the car's background I used the vintage dictionary I purchased recently from an estate sale ($0.50). The hardware is SU! silver star brads which I copic colored in brown and a touch of red.

Have a great day!

Supplies:
Image: The Journey (Tim Holtz for Stampers Anonymous)
Paper: Real Red, Kraft DP, Chocolate Chip (SU); Vintage dictionary
Ink: Chocolate Chip (SU), Copic markers
Accessories: Star brad (SU), Scor-Pal

Autumn Thanks

2010-09-11T15:42:00.006-05:00

Happy Saturday! Today is a bright sunny day! Hooray!

Here's my take on two challenges. The F4A29 challenge where Wendy presented us with a sketch. The second challenge was today's Inspirational Challenge. Stef gave us the website to World Market for the IC249 challenge. We have several brick and mortar World Market stores in St. Louis and it is so fun to browse there. The website doesn't do it justice as all the textures and smells really add to the experience. Anyway I chose two things that inspired me; I am very much into fall cards and autumn decorating so I gravitated in that direction. I chose two items from the world market: an autumn rug runner and batik table linens .

Nothing fancy to this card, but I enjoyed pulling out last year's fall DSP from SU!. Have a great weekend friends!

Supplies: all from Stampin' Up
Stamp: The More the Merrier
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Creamy Caramel and Really Rust
Paper: Really Rust, Close to Cocoa, Vanilla, DSP- Autumn Meadows
Accessories: Circle Punches- 1 1/4, 1 3/8, spritzer tool