Friday Favorites - This and That Books

I love This and That Books from Stampin' Up!  I have made quite a few of them.  Last year I made one with a list of goals and a place to record my results.  I called it Forty before 40.  And I have made a pretty good dent in that list (I still have a few years left).  I also made a book to jot down all things creative; blog post ideas, wish lists, card class ideas, etc.  But today I am sharing an extra special one.  It is a maternity book I made for my very best friend who will be welcoming her first child in August.  I had to keep this project under wraps until her exciting news was made public and since it has been, I am excited to share this.  Here is the cover:

This and That books come in three different types.  I chose the Documented one because I felt my friend would like it the most.  It also coordinated well with the new baby DSP, Sweet Dreams.  I divided the book into sections with various subjects for her to jot down plans, idea and special memories.  The best things about these books is that the inside pages are already decorated with great DSP.  I decided to use the File Tabs to create dividers in coordinating card stock.  Here is a look at each section:

This was probably my favorite page...I got the idea for the little swaddled baby from a card made by Stampin'Up!'s founder, Shellie Gardner.  

The Baby's First stamp and framelits were perfect for this section!

I love the idea of using the "Hello my name is ______" stamp from Starburst Sayings for a new baby page.  I did that for my son's album!  

And finally we needed a section for the special memories or maybe funny pregnancy stories.  I know there was a lot of that for me!  

I was also sure to include the matching stickers and washi tape for my friend to add as she fills this book.  Although I used it to make a maternity book, with all the different stamps and embellishments available, you could make a book for any occasion!  Thanks for looking!  Be sure to check out the favorites of the other SSI designers!  

  

  

Big On You

Over at SSI we are spotlighting the stamp set Big On You which can be found in the Occasions catalog.  This set has four big bold sentiments perfect for cards or titles for a layout!  Here is a card I made using a stamp from this set embossed on vellum and layered on a rainbow background I created from the dots in the Painted Petals stamp set.  

Thanks for looking!  For more ideas, check out the other creations over at SSI!

Pinterest Inspired

Pinterest is the home of so much inspiration, from sketches, color palettes, themes and techniques.  Today I am showcasing a creative use for he large butterfly thinlit die.  As beautiful as this butterfly is, I was worried that it either didn't fit on a traditional card or that it would overwhelm it.  And then I saw this card on Pinterest from Regina Andari.

How adorable right?  It looks like like the butterfly is just taking a break from flight on those flowers.  I love how it pops off the page.  Here is the card I created that was inspired by that.

I decided to use some tools that I hadn't played with very much and of course now I want to use them even more!  This card is actually an easel card.  Here it is popped up:

Thanks so much for looking!  Have you seen all of the other Pinterest inspired projects over at SSI?  Go check them out!

  

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Masculine Monday

January is the biggest month for birthdays for my family and friends but I do have a few in February that usually sneak up on me.  I am happy that I remembered, made cards and sent them both on time.  The first is perfect to share with you for Masculine Monday!  This card was inspired by a card by Alvina Cook.  I changed up the background and the color scheme.

It is hard to see, but I added a vellum as the glass part of the monocle.  I also stamped the hats from Guy Greetings to create my background.  I added those hats to the inside as well.  

Thanks so much for looking.  Be sure to check out all the other Masculine Monday cards over at SSI.  

  

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Beat the Winter Blues!

Today at SSI, we are trying to bring some happiness into the bleak winter and help snap out of the blues!  I created a fun card using some of my favorite bright colors and picked a perfect fun inspiring sentiment.  Oh and I added some sequins and shimmer, because sparkle and shine always makes me happy!    

Remember these fabulous in-colors will retire in May, so stock up on the card stock and ink refills now!  Don't forget to check back at SSI for some more doses of happy!

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CASE-ing the Occasions Catalog

I love our Stampin' Up! catalogs.  I flip through them all the time and I always find something that I had missed the last time.  The Occasions Catalog has so many great projects.  Today we are taking our inspiration from this great catalog.  I chose to CASE (Copy And Share Everything) this card:

I decided to use a different set of thinlits and a different color palette.  

I actually used the All Abloom DSP Stack to figure out my colors, Pistachio Pudding, Lost Lagoon and Whisper White.  I also tried my hand at the baker's twine curled underneath.  I have seen so many projects that use this technique.  Here is a close up:

Thanks so much for looking.  Go check out the other CASE'd projects over at SSI.  

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February Layout Sketch

We have a perfect layout sketch for all your sweet Valentine's Day pictures over at SSI.  And I have a particularly perfect sweet photo of my son from last year when he was exactly six months old.  First of all here is the sketch:

I cut out my own mask and sponged the large heart because I didn't have a die cut big enough.  

Here is my layout:

Super adorable right?  He was such a chubby little baby, we knew he would make a perfect cupid!  Here is a close up:

I can't wait to use this picture in his yearbook when he is a senior in high school!!!!

Thanks for looking!  We can't wait to see what you come up with.  Don't forget to upload your creation over at SSI!

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A Very Special Card

Today I am helping to set up and then later attending the Red Door Early Learning Center's 50th Birthday Party.  My daughter attended Red Door preschool for two years.  To say that she was prepared for kindergarten would be an understatement.  At Red Door she not only mastered the fundamental preschool skills but she developed a love of learning.  The teachers are so caring and helpful and quickly became role models to my daugher.  I had lots of opportunities to volunteer and eventually became a substitute teacher where I was welcomed into the Red Door Family with open arms.  I truly miss going there now but am looking forward to sending my son there.  

A birthday party is a great opportunity to make a card and this one is more of a "thanks for all you do!"  As a gift I am giving the school copies of these fantastic books that my cousin wrote and illustrated.  Here is the special card I made:

I am addicted to the bokeh attempt.  It is so easy.  I chose a fun bright color palette; Pacific Point, Red Red and Pumpkin Pie.  Here is a close up of the sentiment.  I stamped in once with Pacific Point on Whisper White and the stamped it with versamark on Real Red and embossed with white on the "world" banner and cut it out to add some extra color.  

The card is actually and easel card...I do love those fancy folds, and these are so easy to make!  

Here is a close up of the inside quote from a retired stamp set...I thought it was perfect for those great preschool teachers!  

I added a personal message inside that is a little bit hidden, mostly because I have awful handwriting!   

Thanks for looking!

Blendabilities

I just LOVE these alcohol based markers from Stampin' Up!  I love to sit and color, I find it so relaxing.  I am still working on my shading and blending but for now I am loving all my creations.  And I love that you can earn a set of Blendabilites free for Sale-A-Bration.  Here are a few of my recent creations using these fabulous markers.  

I just love this lemon from A Happy Thing.  I actually used lots of Sale-A-Bration items in this card.  Here is a close up of the coloring:

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Here is a card I made using the gorgeous peacock from the Annual Catalog:

Here are a few close ups, one of the coloring and the other of the sponged Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer paper.  

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Thanks for looking!  Be sure to check out all the great samples from the designers over at SSI!

Hearts Blog Hop

Welcome to the SSI Hearts Blog Hop.  We have created lots of fabulous projects that are made with LOVE and hearts of course!  As you hop along, please be sure to comment and show some love on every blog! We are always excited to hear from our followers! You should have just left stop number 1 on the Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Blog Hop - Jennifer C at Happy 2 Scrap 4 Life. If so, you are in the right spot. If a link doesn't work or you get off track, you will find the full blog hop lineup below.

I have created two projects using all sorts of hearts to get ready for Valentine's Day.  First up is a wreath:

I love creating home decor pieces.  Usually I do rosettes on my wreaths, but I thought I would try something a little different.  This did not take long, I just used the Stacked With Love Designer Series Paper Stack and my heart framelits.  I finished it off with just the LOVE YOU part of the I DO LOVE YOU stamp from Big on You.  I used a little bit of Real Red Cotton ribbon to hang my wreath on my closet door.  So easy, so quick, and so fun!

Next up is a little card for my honey.

This was a quick and easy card.  I just used that great paper stack again and paired it with the sweetheart punch and the You Plus Me stamp set.  I finished it off with some more of the Real Red cotton ribbon.  

Thanks for looking!  Now let's see what Laura has to share with us.  

Blog Hop Participant List:

1. Jennifer C. at Happy 2 Scrap 4 Life
2. Jennifer G. at Jenny G Paper Crafts
3. Laura at Crafty Chicks Creating
4. Diana at Stampin Fun with Diana
5. Kathy at Katrina P's Creative Corner
6. Darcy at Dj's Stampin Place
7. Cynthia at Ink-A-Doodle Creations
8. Melissa at Stamp Doc
9. Shellie at Craft Smashup
10. Breelin at Craft-Somnia Momma
11. Heidi at Stuck on Stampin'
12. Kim at Stamping with Kim
13. Tonya at Stampin' with Tonya  

Night of Navy and Calypso Coral

Inspiration can come from anywhere.  Sometimes I use a color scheme for a layout from a cute outfit my kids are wearing.  I might plan a birthday card all around someone's favorite flower.  I have created banners and wreaths using the fantastic colors from great DSP.  That is what I love about creating, I draw from all sorts of inspiration around me.  Today at SSI, we are drawing our inspiration from this photo.

For me, what jumped out was the colors Navy and Coral.  I also love the ombre artwork on the wall.  From that photo, I was inspired to create this card:

It might be hard to see in the photo but I tried to create an ombre effect with the background paper.  It is the Irresistibly Yours DSP colored with the Calypso Coral Blendabilities.  The card is actually an easel card:

I love this color combo, its just seems very elegant to me.  Calypso Coral has been my go to color recently.  And I absolutely adore this stamp set and thinlit bunde.  For more inspiration, check and see what the other designers have come up with over at SSI.

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SSI February Card Sketch

I have a super cute sketch from the gals at SSI here for you today.  I managed to make a quick and easy card that came together so quick and easy.  This is something I tend to struggle with because I just love my embellishments!  Here is the sketch:

Here is my take on it:

I just love butterflies and thought the little one from the Butterfly Basics would be perfect to create a little rainbow.  I finished the card off with some rhinestones and that perfect sentiment.  Thanks for looking.  Be sure to play along with us this week at SSI! 

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The Friday Mashup #196 and Freshly Made Sketches #172

It has been awhile since I have entered any challenges.  I have been busy creating for other reasons, some which I am not at liberty to say just yet.  But I have finally gotten off my butt and tried the Bokeh technique.  Oh my goodness this is so fun.  I tried it while creating a card for two challenges; The Friday Mashup and Freshly Made Sketches.  Here were the challenges:

Here is my card:

I chose Real Red and Blushing Bride for this card, a very red red and a pretty pinky pink.  I was so happy how easy the Bokeh technique was!  I used a great tutorial from Dawn Olchefske.  Thanks for looking!

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Occasions Bundles

I just love the bundled products in the Occasions Catalog.  I am embarrassed to admit how many of them I have.  I just love the versatility of the bundles and saving money is great too (15% off)!  Today I am sharing some creations with my favorite bundle the Butterfly Basics bundle.  First up we have a simple card in some pretty spring colors.  I guess I was hoping the groundhog would be wrong and spring will be here soon.

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Up next I have another card using a brighter color palette and some different stamps along with the blender pens.  

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This bundle is a little on the pricier side, but it brings you that much closer to a free Sale-A-Bration item.  Below I am using the Irresistibly Yours DSP sponged in Wild Wasabi.  

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And finally I have a little pocket card made with the Treat Bag Dies and the Painted Blooms DSP.  I also tried my hand at making a tassel with the Soft Sky Bakers Twine.

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If you are thinking of getting this fantastic bundle, don't forget to add pearls and rhinestones for the butterflies.  Check back with the other designers at SSI for more bundles!  Thanks for looking!

Snuggles and Smooches

Stampin' Up! puts out some super cute Photopolymer stamps each month.  I just wish I could get them all.  Fortunately for me, my upline got the Snuggles and Smooches set so I got to play with it.  The only problem is, now I think that I need to order this one for myself!  :)  Here is a quick and easy card I made using this adorable stamp set.  I created the Strawberry Slush heart confetti using one of the dies from the Treat Bags.    

Thanks for looking!  Be sure to check back at SSI for more great creations using this super cute set!

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Floating Window

I love trying new techniques.  Today I am sharing a card I made using the floating window technique.  

Be sure to check out more cards featuring this fantastic technique over at SSI.

Thanks for looking!

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February Color Challenge

Happy Monday!  We are starting the day off with a fun bright color challenge to get you inspired!  Here is the color palette for this challenge.

If you are having some winter blue's hopefully this will snap you out of it!  Here is my take:  

I colored the Irresistibly Yours DSP with the Coastal Cabana Blendabilities.  Here is a complete supply list.  I hope you play along with this cheerful color challenge!  Check out the other projects at SSI.    

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