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Same Card, Different Colors!

Last Sunday I made this card, which was inspired by a gift card envelope that Cambria made. The original envelope, and my card last week, can be seen here. I am absolutely in love with everything about this – how fun it is to make, the bright colors, and the possibility for variations. So this morning I decided to try one – same card, different colors.

The first card is almost exactly the same as last week’s (with a couple minor changes). The base is Pink Passion, the first layer is Green Galore, and the top layer is Whisper White. It is stamped with two flowers from the Office Accoutrement set — the large flower is stamped in Pixie Pink and the small one in Green Galore. One large flower has a crystal brad with a pink center; the others have smaller silver brads. I tied pink and white polka dotted organdy ribbon around the center. Because of the brads, I mounted the Whipser White layer on dimensionals.

For the second card, I decided to go with another favorite color combo – Cool Caribbean and Cameo Coral. The focal flower on this card has a crystal brad with a turquoise center. And since I don’t have polka dotted ribbon in the right shade of either coral or blue, I just used plain white organdy. But I absolutely love this one too!!!

It is very interesting to me how, by changing something as minor as the color scheme, the whole card can take on a different feel. While the pink looks to me to be fun and funky, the blue one seems more reserved (but still fun!).

I’m working on some other color schemes for this layout – suggestions are welcome!

More Goodies For My Mom

My mom asked for some more monogrammed cards with a beach theme. So I threw this one together while DH was watching the NBA draft tonight. I started with a base of Whisper White, because it is so crisp and clean. I added a layer of Cool Caribbean, a layer of Cameo Coral, and this floral paper from Hobby Lobby.

My mom isn’t really a flower person, so I’m a little nervous about how she will react to this one. But I like it (and really, that’s all that matters – just kidding!!!)! The colors are still in the “beachy” color family she asked for, so I’m hoping that does the trick.

 The focal point of the card is the double diamond in the center. The Cameo Coral piece is 2.5″ square, with paper piercing around the edges. The Cool Caribbean piece is 2″ square, and for once I left something plain. The shell is stamped in Cool Caribbean Classic ink (inked up the stamp, stamped off on scratch paper first) on Whisper White. I used the “N” from Whimsical Upper again, because I know she likes that one. It is stamped in Cameo Coral Classic ink. I clear embossed the shell 3 times, for a super glossy finish on it. To add a little more flower ooomph to the card (I mean hey, why not go for broke, right?) I topped the whole thing off with a turquoise Prima attached with a silver brad.

Crossing my fingers she doesn’t hate it. I don’t know anyone else that I can give the card to if she doesn’t want it!!!

QuickieBellas for my Mom!!

I finally made some Bella cards!! And oh man are they fun! I’ve always loved looking at the adorable chics that other people come up with – I’ve just never been ready to make the leap. My mom came to visit and ran across some of the images people have mailed me, and she had to have some. So here are a couple of the quickies I came up with.

The first one is Cosmobella, and the second is Beachabella. They are both mounted on Cool Caribbean bases. The dp is Basic Grey’s new line, Phoebe. I love every single design in all four of their new lines – scrumptious. Awesome colors and patterns!! The panel behind the dp is Pretty in Pink, and the bellas themselves are mounted on Chocolate Chip. Each Bella has a tab (PiP) with “N” from Whimsical Alphabet Upper stamped on it, and secured with a staple. My mom wanted them to be personalized.

Each one is colored using blender pens and ink pools made by squeezing the ink pad before i open it. I figured it was the quickest way. The colors I used were Tempting Turquoise, Cool Caribbean, Pretty in Pink, Green Galore, and Blush Blossom, and Apricot Appeal. Oh! And Summer Sun and Creamy Caramel for their hair! Both of the girls have Close to Cocoa sponged around the edges of their panels.

I couldn’t be more pleased with how quickly the cards came together, and how cute I think they are! No wonder people are crazy about them — too much darn fun!! I guess I will have to break down and buy some after all. When I find some spare change in the couch cushions!

Patriotic Cards

Ok, so I am on a quest to make some patriotic cards – that’s what my mom has requested to give to my uncle. But do I have any patriotic stamps? Nope. Nada. Know what that means? I must buy more!!!! Hahahaha!

I asked around for some suggestions, and Laura (laurakj, Inky Dinky Doo) gave me a great one – use a vintage color combo. So I chose a Kraft base, and layers of Cranberry Crisp and Buckaroo Blue.  To make this fit in with this week’s Limited Supply Challenge (details) I reached for yet another unused set – Office Accoutrement. I forgot how much I love this one!

I adhered the Buckaroo Blue to the Cranberry Crisp, and ran them through my Cuttlebug. Can’t remember the name of the folder — oops! Then I used the too cute little spiral punch from the Spring Mini to punch down the side of a bit more Kraft paper. I sponged the edges with Cranberry Crisp and stamped a sentiment from Warm Words on the bottom (also in CC). I stamped two large flowers from the Office Accoutrement set on Naturals Ivory paper – one in Buckaroo Blue and one in Cranberry Crisp.  The Cranberry one I swirled around on the ink pad to get a distressed, older feel to it. Cut them out, punched a hole with my Crop-a-dile, and put them together with a big nickel-finish brad. Both the Kraft layer and the flowers are on dimensionals.

So while not technically patriotic, I think this one will work! I like it, anyway!

Angel Wings

This was the first card I made for today’s Limited Supply Challenge, hosted by Jen (jen70). Details for the challenge can be found here– the nitty gritty is that you are supposed to use stamps you haven’t used in quite some time. I don’t think I’ve ever even used Fashion Statements at all, so I figured it counted!

I went with a base of Vintage Violet – I love that color. I ran just the top through my Cuttlebug, using the D’Vine Swirls folder. I chose Certainly Celery as my other color, and grabbed a piece of the designer paper that came in the SAB Simply Scrappin’ Kit. I stamped the armoire in Basic Black Classic ink on a piece of Celery, and cut it out using my Cutter Bee scissors. To get the doors to open, I used my hobby blade and cut down the middle, the top, and the bottom of each door. I ran the small edge of my stylus down the side where each door should open, to help the fold. I stamped the armoire again on a scrap of Kraft cardstock, and cut out the center section, to be the inside of my armoire.

Next I stamped the angel wings on Glossy White cardstock. Again, I cut them with my Cutter Bee scissors, and used the hobby blade on the small inside part. I adhered them straight to the Kraft layer. I put the whole armoire onto the designer paper, which I had placed on a Celery panel. I also stamped the sentiment (which is so sweet, I think) onto some dp, and put it on Celery as well. Before I placed the sentiment panel onto the card, I tied white polka dot organdy ribbon around the panel with the armoire. I added the smaller layer (on dimensionals) and put two green spiral clips on either side. To those I tied more ribbon.

A Little Christmas Note

Ok. The first time I wrote this, I somehow managed to delete my post. I’m a technological wonder. So here I go again…..

I was inspired by Julia Stainton’s (Belle Papier) fantastic Ways To Use It challenge this week. It was to make square cards! I don’t usually do anything but the regular size, so this was an interesting one for me.

The card is 4.25″ square. I chose this size because it will still fit in the envelopes I already have, without the postage going all wonky!

I started with a base of Cameo Coral. My next layer, which I mounted on dimensionals, is Cool Caribbean. On my top layer of Whisper White I stamped the ornament image from Oh My Word in Cool Caribbean, its hanger in Encore Silver, and a sentiment from Warm Words in Cameo Coral. In the corner is velvet ribbon I bought at Jacksonbelle’s store. It looks reddish in the picture but is actually quite coral irl.

I love it!! The whole card took maybe 5 minutes to make. So I can crank out plenty of these little cuties in no time! I have several non traditional color schemes worked out – I’ll post the lot of them when I’m done! As a bonus, it fits in with my whole “simple is good” quest. Yippee!!

Peaceful Trees

What a week! I’ve stamped two whole days in a row – wowza!!!! My poor stamp room is a mess, though. I’ve just got no desire or energy to clean it. If I don’t do it soon I’ll be buried in scraps!

This card is for the sketch challenge from Rox71 this week. You can find details here. This sketch is most definitely one of my favorites; I am sure I will use it quite often. So easy to work with, so many possibilities to very the type of card – fun, serene, sympathy, congratulations….endless possibilities!

I started with a base of Cameo Coral cardstock. I added a small panel of Sage Shadow, and to that piece a bit of Basic Grey’s new Blush paper.  My larger scalloped circle is Chocolate Chip, and was punched with a Marvy Giga punch – it was a RAK from my friend Laura (laurakj). On top of that circle, I layered a Very Vanilla scalloped circle I cut out using my Cricut (Mini Monograms cartridge). I used two pieces of ribbon at the bottom of the rectangular panel – a creamy fancy edged ribbon and a blue polka dot organdy one.

I sponged Chocolate Chip Classic Ink on the edges of all pieces. On the Very Vanilla circle I started by stamping part of the multi-tree image from Lovely As A Tree (I love that set!!) in Chocolate Chip, then I added some Real Red ink, to highlight the darker red on the dp. Both circles are mounted on dimensionals. It is difficult to see in the picture, but I used my paper piercer to punch small holes on both the Cameo Coral and the Chocolate Chip (just half of the circles, in the “valleys”) and accented them with a white gel pen.

Another Father’s Day Card

This is the card I made for DH’s grandfather. Believe it or not, I’ve made it this long without EVER using my Very Punny set. What was I thinking?? These little critters are too darn cute!

The card itself is pretty darn easy and straightforward. Rounded all the edges, and used a Kraft base. I used Buckaroo Blue as my main panel, and ran it through my Cuttlebug. In the lower corner, I used my 1 3/8″ circle punch to make a frame for my cow. I used a small piece of Bordering Blue behind it, punched with the 1 1/4″ punch to make a mat. I adhered them together before Cuttlebugging.

I stamped the cow on Confetti Cream cardstock using Creamy Caramel Classic Ink, and colored him with WWC. I cut him out and put him on a dimensional. For the saying, I used the same color combo and distressed the edges, placing it on dimensionals as well. I also sponged the ink around the edges. I happened to have two spiral clips that were a great complement to the blues I was using, so I attached my ribbon to them and voila – all done!

My First Gate-Fold Card!

I was checking out Beate’s blog (Fresh and Fun, link at left) and she has a GREAT tutorial for making gate-fold card. The one she made uses all new goodies, and is simply gorgeous. I wanted to make one a bit more masculine, and still a little fun. This one is for DH’s dad.

Since my focal image wasn’t square, I decided it would look better to orient that card horizontally rather than vertically. I also chose to slightly overlap my sides, rather than have them meet exactly in the middle.  My color scheme was limited (by me) to my scrap pile. I’m trying not to cut into any new cardstock until I’ve used up some of the bits I have strewn about!

I started with a base of Buckaroo Blue. On the inside of the card, and the two outer flaps, I stamped a swirl from Rhonna Farrar’s Swirls v. 1 in Buckaroo Classic Ink. I also stamped the swirl in Creamy Caramel Classic Ink on the outer Creamy Caramel Panel, as well as the edges of the panel I placed inside. On the Bordering Blue panels I adhered to the outer flaps I also used the same swirl and ink. I stamped the truck from Loads of Love in Creamy Caramel ink onto Confetti Cream paper. It is colored with WWC and colored pencils, and blended with a blender pen. The little guy driving is from the Loads of Love Accerssories set. The hubcaps on the truck are giant brads; the window and windshield are covered with Crystal Effects. I put the truck up on dimensionals, and put the hearts in the back.

To keep the card closed, I used the 1 1/4″ circle punch and a saying from LOL stamped on Confetti Cream. I sponged Creamy Caramel ink around the edges. It is mounted on a 1 3/8″ circle of Bordering Blue. I put both circles on a dimensional. When closed, the square panel tucks just under the circular one.

Inspired by seewah

So, I did the Sunday Featured Stamper challenge this past weekend. The featured stamper was seewah (Sarah Vrolyk) (view her amazing gallery here). Wow, does she have some amazing stuff. Striking, simple, and gorgeous.

I chose to borrow from this card, which she named With Gratitude. Although, I changed quite a bit. I don’t have a bold image like she does, which looks so great against her background. So instead I used this image from Simple Florals.

I stamped the image in Vintage Violet Classic Ink, on Naturals Ivory cardstock. Just below it I stamped “wonderful” from the Warm Words set in Basic Black Classic Ink.  Around the edges of the cardstock I sponged on the Vintage Violet. I put the panel on a Vintage Violet base.

My card didn’t turn out anything like Sarah’s, but I love it. So simple and easy, and still elegant, I think. It’s a quick card to make so I am planning to make quite a few gift sets for people.

Adventures with my hobby blade

Continuing with my “simplicity” quest, I made this card for yesterday’s color combination challenge. In my mind, cutting out this image from the set Long Time Friend would be no big deal. Ummm, hello! What was I thinking!?

The colors for the challenge were Cameo Coral (used as my base), Chocolate Chip (next layer), and Certainly Celery (next layer).  I thought that a panel using Basic Grey’s new Scarlett’s letter line would be nice too, so I cut this beautiful paper down to size.

 I loved the paper so much that I really wanted it to be the focus of the card. Once I finished cutting out the watering can image (which, I am proud to say, did not cause me any cuts or nicks from the hobby blade!), I colored it with my WWC and used a blender pen to soften. I mounted it on dimensionals to give a bit of depth, and just layered all the panels on top of eachother. I added some brown stitched grosgrain (from Starlit Studio, link at left) in two corners.

Even though it took me awhile, I still feel like this card is pretty soothing and simple. I love the softness of the paper!

Musical Themes

I’m working on finding a theme I love. For now, this one is it. But don’t be surprised if it changes again in the near future, and thanks for bearing with me while I change it!!

But seriously, I think this one is the one!

Summertime Giggles – A Great Sound!

I finally got some stamping done this weekend. I’m spending the next few days concentrating on some fun, simple, easy cards – not too many layers, not too many embellishments. Just cards that make me smile.

Here’s the first one of my little experiments – loosely based on my wonderful DD. She’s been laughing all weekend, loving the outdors, the pool, the hot summer days. And watching that is so fabulous for the soul, I swear!

I started this card with a base of Pretty in Pink. I added a layer of Green Galore, and on top of that a Whisper White panel.  I stamped three squares form the Shape-Ups set in the middle, using Pixie Pink classic ink. I did not use my stamp-a-ma-jig on purpose, because I wanted it to be a little off. Somehow it seemes more casual and sweet that way. After stamping the squares, I got out this circular image from Big Pieces and stamped it on top of them in Green Galore classic ink, again not using my stamp-a-ma-jig. I stamped “giggle” from Warm Words at the bottom, also on Green Galore ink. On each corner I used the double slit punch to punch two holes, and knotted some pink and white polka dot grosgrain ribbon through it.

All together, the card took MAYBE 15 minutes to make. And I love it!!! Something about it says “carefree” to me, which is excatly what I set out to do. Too often I get caught up in making a fabulous creation, with tons of layers and primas and brads and just the right dp. DD reminded me this weekend that those things aren’t important – it’s the simple things that are. So I’m having some fun with my stamping for a while!

Soothing Yellows!

This was the second challenge card I did for last week’s sketch challenge (see post below for links).  I really love this one, too. I used the same basics and color scheme that I used in one of my VSN cards, because I am on a mission to use up some scraps. I can’t remember the last time I used this lovely image from the set “A Quiet Life” so I figured it was time to bring her out again!! I like the tranquility of this card – something about this mix of yellow and rusts really does it for me!!!

The two tone ribbon is a much closer match irl – I don’t know why the picture makes it look so odd. I even took it outdoors!

Hopefully, I will have some time in the very near future to get some stamping in – last week was super busy, and we were out of town all weekend. I need some ink on my fingers!