Tagged…Pass It On!

I have been tagged by Michelle.  I am supposed to list seven little-known facts about myself so here it goes:

 1.  I love to sing and had the opportunity while in college to perform in Carnegie Hall.

2.  I am named after the French actress Yvette Mimieux.

3.  I hate to get my hands dirty and will avoid yard work at all costs.

4.  I am terrified of bees.  When I was in first grade, I walked into a nest of Yellow Jackets and was stung several times and have been afraid of them ever since.

5.  My favorite snack–Tostitos tortilla chips with melted cheddar cheese and splashes of Tabasco Sauce.

6.  I like to play video games with my family–my favorite games include Super Mario 64, MarioKart Double Dash and most of the Zelda games.

7.  My favorite male actor–Cary Grant–the perfect gentleman and oh-so handsome!

 Now I need to tag seven people.  Here they are:

1. Angie Z. (Quacking Creations)
2. Meg (Waxy’s Whims)
3. Sophia (Moonlight Inker)
4. Lisa (Lvstmpn)
5. Cindy (Stamping Inspirations with Cindy)
6. Tracy (Durcan Designs)
7. Bethany (It’s Not All Black & White)

Happy 4th of July everyone!

Blossoms Abound

I haven’t been able to participate in any of Splitcoast’s challenges for weeks and weeks until today–I have really missed them!  The Color Challenge today called for us to use Barely Banana, Creamy Caramel and Real Red.  I purchased this set, Blossoms Abound, several weeks ago because of this stunning card created by Splitcoast user flowerbugnd1.  If you’re not a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, you will not be able to view her original card, but you can still view her gallery if you click on her name in this post.  I love all of the artwork she creates–she is extremely talented and creative!

The lilacs on this card were created using the Melted Pearls Technique.  First, stamp the Weathered background in Creamy Caramel ink on Very Vanilla cardstock.  Next, stamp the more solid-looking lilac in Real Red ink.  Rub an Embossing Buddy on the panel to remove static and moisture, then stamp the second lilac image in VersaMark ink over the Real Red lilacs.  Emboss with Clear Embossing Powder and then apply Flamingo Pink Pearl Ex Powder with a Q-tip.  Tap the excess powder off and then heat set again.  Wipe off any remaining powder gently with a cottonball. 

The “cracks” in the lilac panel were created by cutting a “v” with a pair of Paper Snips.  The edges of this panel were darkened by using the direct-to-paper method–simply slide your ink pad on the edges of your cardstock to create a weathered look.  To create the Print Pattern background, apply Barely Banana ink to the stamp.  Highlight the edges of each diamond with a Creamy Caramel Marker.  Lightly mist the stamp with a water bottle and stamp off once on scrap paper.  Mist the stamp again and stamp on Barely Banana cardstock.  I think the rest of the card is pretty straightforward to create.  Thanks so much for visiting today!

All materials by Stampin’ Up!

Stamps: Blossoms Abound, Weathered, Print Pattern, Happy Everything.  Paper: Very Vanilla, Real Red, Barely Banana, Creamy Caramel.  Ink: Real Red, Creamy Caramel, VersaMark, Old Olive, Basic Black.  Accessories: Clear Embossing Powder, Flamingo Pink Pearl Ex Powder, Embossing Buddy, Paper Snips, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Sewing Machine & Thread, Pewter Hodgepodge Hardware, Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Caramel Gingham Ribbon, Real Red Brads.  Technique:  Melted Pearls

In Full Bloom

It’s been weeks and weeks since I’ve stamped just for fun!  The idea for this card has been floating around in my head for the last several days and I finally had time to put it together today.

The flowers were stamped in Black StazOn ink on watercolor paper and watercolored with an Aqua Painter and Reinker ink (Rose Red, More Mustard, Chocolate Chip and Old Olive).  I sponged the edges of the panel with Chocolate Chip ink and then stitched around the edges with my sewing machine.  If you want your stitches to remain white, sponge first and then sew last (I learned the hard way once).  It’s hard to see, but I masked the flowers and then stamped the Canvas background stamp in So Saffron ink.  I also used the Color Spritzer Tool with a Chocolate Chip Marker to create some spattering on the panel as well.  I attached the flower panel to a piece of Rose Red cardstock and popped it up on dimensionals on the Confetti Cream card base.  To see the finer details, please click on the photo.  Thanks so much for visiting today!

All materials by Stampin’ Up!

Stamps: In Full Bloom, God’s Blessings, Canvas.  Paper: Watercolor, Rose Red, Confetti Cream.  Ink: Black StazOn, Rose Red, More Mustard, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, So Saffron.  Accessories: Aqua Painter & Reinkers, Sponge, Gold Brads, Dimensionals, Gold Narrow Organdy Ribbon, Sewing Machine & Thread, Color Spritzer Tool.

Lip Balm Holders

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I recently discovered these clever lip balm holders created by Renee O. over on Splitcoast.  Renee graciously gave me permission to post my version of her lip balm holders here on my blog.  Please take a moment to visit her gallery by clicking on her name here in this post.  She has a bunch of truly fabulous and clever 3-D projects, as well as card ideas! 

My holders are a bit smaller than Renee’s.  I revised the dimensions so that you can cut five base pieces out of one 8-½” x 11” sheet of cardstock.  To create the holders, you will need the following:                                                                         

1 – 5-¾” x 2-¾” base piece of Basic Black cardstock scored at 2-½” and 3-¼”

1 – 5-¾” x 2-¾” base piece of Pretty in Pink cardstock scored at 2-½” and 3-¼”

1 – 2” x 2” piece of Whisper White cardstock

1 – 2-1/8” x 2-1/8” piece of Basic Black cardstock

13” piece of Black Gingham Ribbon

ChapStick Tube

To make the strap that holds the ChapStick in place, do the following:

1.  Place the scored piece of Basic Black cardstock on Stampin’ Up!’s Grid Paper down in the bottom left corner as shown.    

2.  Find the center of the cardstock running lengthwise (top to bottom).  The center of this piece is 1-3/8”.  With a pencil, draw a 1-¼” line starting from the top score line (it will go past the bottom score line by one half inch.)                                 

3.  Once you have your center line marked, move your ruler over ¼” to the left of the center line.  Draw a 1-¼” line starting from the top score line.

4.   Now move your ruler over ¼” to the right of the center line.  Draw a 1-¼” line starting from the top score line.

5.  Erase the middle line and use your paper trimmer to cut the two slits by following the two remaining lines.

*

 

 

To decorate the outside of the scored Pretty in Pink base, wheel the Petals Jumbo Wheel in Pretty in Pink ink.  Stamp two flowers from the Polka Dots & Paisley set in Pretty in Pink ink on the 2”x2” piece of Whisper White cardstock.  Stamp the outline of the flower head in Basic Black ink over the top of the two flowers.  Stamp the words “happy” and “summer” in Basic Black ink.  Attach flower piece to Basic Black panel.  Now you can attach the Pretty in Pink base to the Basic Black base by using a strong adhesive (Sticky Strip Tape works great).  Insert the ChapStick in the strap.  Close the holder by wrapping the Black Gingham Ribbon around the outside of the holder and tie in a bow.  Lastly, attach the happy summer panel to the front of the holder.

 

I gave these as gifts to my stamp camp attendees last weekend and they were a huge hit!  I found the Breast Cancer Awareness ChapStick at Walmart.  They came in a package of three and were around $3.00 for one package.

 

Thank You, Bethany!

Look what I received in the mail today from Bethany Paull – an RAK congratulating me on becoming a member of the Dirty Dozen on Splitcoast!  There was a stack of mail in the mailbox, but I could see right away that this was a handmade card because Bethany stamped that lovely Champagne Girl image on the front of the envelope, too.  I wasn’t even inside my house before I had it open and let out an audible gasp.    What a vibrant and fun card!  I love the bright reds and pinks, the beautifully colored Champagne Girl, the doodling and the scalloped circle.  Bethany does a fantastic job of coordinating different patterns and colors on her cards.  Click on her name in this post to see her blog, It’s Not All Black & White, and you’ll see more of the fabulous artwork she creates.

Thank you so much, Bethany, for thinking of me and sending such a wonderful card and note.  I will treasure it always!

 Some images Copyright 1990-2007 Stampin’ Up!

Once Upon a Time…

I’ve been meaning to participate in last week’s Limited Supply Challenge on Splitcoast and finally had the time to put this card together this morning.  We were limited to one flower stamp (or a stamp that had a flower in it), one sentiment, one small background and accessories could include ribbons, brads or flower punches.  I stamped the cake in Black StazOn ink on Whisper White cardstock, watercolored it with an Aqua Painter and Reinkers, overstamped the image in VersaMark ink and embossed with Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder (I used a Stamp-a-ma-jig for perfect placement).  The image was cut out with the CM Circle Cutting System.  The So Saffron piece was punched out with the Giga Scalloped Square Punch and attached to the card with Stampin’ Dimensionals.  The background flowers were stamped in VersaMark ink as well and embossed with Winter White Embossing Powder — I love the soft, subtle effect this added to the card.  And that striped paper is from the Palette O’ Prints Designer Paper Pad.  I absolutely LOVE that paper!

All other materials by Stampin’ Up!

Stamps: Fairy-tale Wedding.  Paper: Palette O’ Prints Designer Paper (So Saffron), So Saffron, Whisper White.  Ink: Black StazOn, So Saffron, Rose Red, Certainly Celery, VersaMark.  Accessories: Aqua Painter & Reinkers, Saffron Brads, Dimensionals, White Grosgrain Ribbon, Winter White & Iridescent Ice Embossing Powders, Stamp-a-ma-jig.

Happy Birthday Kaylee!

I finally made a birthday card for my niece who turned 5 on Monday — I’m just a little bit late!  Over the last three years, I’ve made her birthday cards using kid-friendly sets like Pretty Princess, Unfrogettable and Fishy Friends.  I was pondering what set I could use for her card this year, and finally decided to use my On Board Simon Lower Chipboard that I’ve been hoarding for quite some time now.    The letter “K” was covered with a piece of the new Palette O’ Prints Designer Paper, pressed on a VersaMark ink pad and embossed with Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder.  The corners of the letter were pierced with the Paper Piercing Tool & Mat and stitches were drawn with the White Signo Gel Pen.  The background on the Almost Amethyst card base was created with the Kindness Jumbo Wheel and VersaMark ink and embossed with Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder, too.  The photo doesn’t really show all the shimmer and sparkle this card has.  To get a better look at it, please click on the photo.  Thanks for stopping by today!

All materials by Stampin’ Up!

Stamps: Kindness Jumbo Wheel, Small Sayings.  Paper: Palette O’ Prints Designer Paper (Almost Amethyst & Certainly Celery), Almost Amethyst, Whisper White.  Ink: Basic Black, VersaMark.  Accessories: On Board Simon Lower Chipboard, Dimensionals, White Grosgrain Ribbon, Paper Piercing Tool & Mat, Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder, Linen Thread, Certainly Celery Button, White Signo Gel Pen, Spring Bouquet Flower Punch.

For Shane

The Color Challenge on Splitcoast this week called for Taken With Teal, Cool Caribbean and Marigold Morning.  There was also a special request with the challenge–make and send your card to Shane, a little boy with leukemia whose only wish is to receive 350,000 birthday cards by his birthday on May 30th.  I thought the pick-up truck from Loads of Love with the little guy stamped in the front seat would be an appropriate card for this special little boy.  The Houndstooth background was stamped in VersaMark ink and embossed with Clear Embossing Powder.  The little tab on the side was made with the Key Tag Punch and actually pulls out.  I made a track on the backside of the truck panel with several Stampin’ Dimensionals so that the tab would pull out straight.  I also secured some Linen Thread to the left side of the tab and then to the backside of the truck panel so that the tab wouldn’t pull out all the way, but stops where you see it depicted in the photo (please click on the photo to see the finer details).  I truly hope that Shane gets his wish!

All materials by Stampin’ Up!

Stamps: Loads of Love, Loads of Love Accessories, Houndstooth.  Paper: Taken With Teal, Cool Caribbean, Marigold Morning, Watercolor.  Ink: Black StazOn, Taken With Teal, Cool Caribbean, Marigold Morning, VersaMark.  Accessories: Aqua Painter & Reinkers, Dimensionals, Black Gingham Ribbon, Key Tag Punch, Paper Piercing Tool & Mat, Sewing Machine & Thread, Black Eyelet, More Mustard Brads, Clear Embossing Powder, Linen Thread.

Tiers of Treats

I was finally able to participate in today’s Limited Supply Challenge over on Splitcoast.  We had a pretty detailed list to follow this week.  I ended up having to cheat on one thing–the red grosgrain ribbon.  The supply list called for hemp or fibers and I had red hemp, but it wasn’t the right shade of red.  I’ve also never owned a single strand of fancy fibers, but this card was positively screaming for some type of “fiber” on it, hence the addition of red ribbon.  It was hard deciding on which background stamp to use.  I always reach for Linen, Canvas or Paisley first.  I very rarely use the Aida Cloth background, so I forced myself to use it today.  It might not be the perfect “style” for this card, but it got me out of my comfort zone.   The red and turquoise dots on the Au Chocolat Designer Paper were colored in with markers.  I think the addition of the colored dots helped pull the whole card together.  The stamp, Tiers of Treats, is a true delight to watercolor!  I found it over at Eclectic Paperie.  They have fabulous stuff over there, so you might want to check it out!  Thanks so much for visiting today!

All other materials by Stampin’ Up!

Stamps: Aida Cloth, So Very.  Paper: Tempting Turquoise, Very Vanilla, Au Chocolat Designer Paper, Chocolate Chip, Watercolor.  Ink: Black StazOn, Real Red, Tempting Turquoise, Garden Green, Sahara Sand, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip.  Accessories: Aqua Painter & Reinkers, Sponge, Dimensionals, Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Paper Piercing Tool & Mat.

Bye Bye Balmy Breezes

I will definitely miss this wonderful stamp set!  It has been a great set for making masculine cards, which for me can be difficult to create.  I used the layout from this week’s Sketch Challenge over on Splitcoast.  The original layout is from a fabulous card done by Trudee.  To see more of her awe-inspiring work, click on the link “Follow Your Bliss” under my blogroll.  I very rarely do faux stitching on cards, but I was too lazy to lug out my sewing machine today, so I used my paper piercing tool and mat and a Chocolate Chip marker.  The image was watercolored with an Aqua Painter and Reinkers using Cool Caribbean for the sky, Sahara Sand for the sand , Old Olive for the fronds and Chocolate Chip for the trunk.  Please click on the photo to see the finer details.  Thanks so much for visiting today!

All materials by Stampin’ Up!

Stamps: Balmy Breezes, Linen, Canvas, Take Three.  Paper: Old Olive, Cool Caribbean, Chocolate Chip, Watercolor.  Ink: Black StazOn, Old Olive, Cool Caribbean, Chocolate Chip, Sahara Sand.  Accessories: Aqua Painter & Reinkers, Sponge, Dimensionals, Twill, Pewter Hodgepodge Hardware, Paper Piercing Tool & Mat.