New Catalog Countdown Day 3 - Tip Top Taupe

The new catalog is just three days away...I am just so excited!  We are spotlighting the new in colors in our countdown and today we have Tip Top Taupe.  This color is so pretty.  At first you might think its like Crumb Cake but it is so different.  I didn't think I needed another neutral but now I can't imagine not having it.  As you check out today's Inkspiration from my page, be sure to check out the rest of the projects by the SSInkspiration Design Team for today!

Here is a card I made with this fabulous color and an awesome new stamp set!  

I just love that flower from the You've Got This stamp set.  You will be seeing me use that one a lot this year.  I paired Tip Top Taupe with Very Vanilla and embossed the background with the new Boho Chic embossing folder.  This card came together so easy.  And I also made a coordinating envelope with the new light weight envelope paper.  There is no liner needed with this pretty double sided paper.  Let's see what everyone else came up with on the SSI Design Team using this fabulous new color!

New Catalog Countdown Day 4 - Mint Macaron

Okay, I know I shouldn't play favorites with these in colors, but this one is mine!  Mint Macaron sounds as yummy as it looks.  It is such a pretty sage green.  I can see it being used for neutral baby cards, vintage style cards, softer masculine cards, sympathy cards...it is just beautiful!  As you check out today's Inkspiration from my page, be sure to check out the rest of the projects by the SSInkspiration Design Team for today!  Here is my card:

I was actually inspired by a card in the new catalog as well but it ended up being a springboard.  I actually ended up being far from it.  Both cards use the Striped Scallop Thinlit die, tone on tone.  I was torn between pairing this color with Whisper White and silver or Very Vanilla and gold.  I went with the latter.  I also used the new banner punch for those perfect banners.  The stamp is also new, it is called Friendly Wishes.  It has great big bold sentiments and little fun accents like that flower. Of course I had to emboss the sentiment in gold.  And I added another bit of the lace trim.  Thanks for looking! 

  

New Catalog Countdown Day 5 - Watermelon Wonder

In just five short days the new Stampin' Up! Annual Catalog is getting released.  At SSI, we are super excited!  We are counting down until the release day giving you a peek at the upcoming new in colors.  They are fun and fabulous.  As you check out today's Inkspiration from my page, be sure to check out the rest of the projects by the SSInkspiration Design Team for today!

Today we are starting off with Watermelon Wonder.  It can take the form of a pink, a red or an orange so I am sure I will be using it a lot this year!  Here is my creation:

I made a little treat bag with our new envelope paper.  This paper is double sided and light weight and comes in our fantastic new in colors.  Along with the mini treat bag (which is being carried over to the annual catalog) I used a coordinating stamp set called You're So Sweet.  I decided to add a little sparkle with some Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer paper.  Also did you notice the touch of lace behind the Just For You sentiment?   That is the new lace trim and it is gorgeous!  Initially I only bought a few of the in colors and then I realized I needed them all!  Thanks so much for looking.  Come back tomorrow for a special look at these new great colors and great products!      

It's So Hard to Say Goodbye #4

I am back with my last tribute to the retiring goodies.  I got a chance to create a very special card for a very good friend who just found out she was having a little girl.  She has two boys and I think had prepared herself for having another boy.  She was just beside herself to find out it was a little girl.  I am happy for her because I know first hand how wonderful it is to have a little girl.  My daughter is such a special part of my life!  Here is the card I made for her:

There are several retiring goodies I used in this card.  The stamp set is called Baby We've Grown and I just love those cute little shoes!  I actually embossed this with the Blushing Bride embossing powder.  I am sad to see all the colored embossing powder retiring.  The patterned paper is from the All Abloom DSP stack.  I also used the Blushing Bride Chevron ribbon and finished it off with a cute heart button from the Sweet Dreams designer series buttons.  Thanks for looking!  Hopefully you have already got all of your favorite retired goodies.  Did you see everyone else's favorites from the design team over at SSI?  

Quick and Easy Masculine Card

Today I have a quick and easy masculine card using the awesome stamp set Guy Greetings which is going to be in the new Annual Catalog.  I can't wait to play with this stamp set all year!  Here is my card:

I used Smoky Slate, Night of Navy and a touch of Daffodil Delight.  I angled the card and the layers below to create some visual interest.  And I embossed the Night of Navy layer to look like tire tread.  This card came together so easily, don't you love it when that happens?  Check out all the other quick and easy cards over at SSI.

Let's Party

What I love about paper crafting is that you can make anything.  It is not just about cards or scrapbooking.  You can make 3-D projects, home decor and party favors.  Today over at SSI we are talking about party favors!  I have a few different ones to share with you that I have made using different tools.  They all use the big shot of course because it is pretty much the centerpiece of my crafting room, I can't imagine creating without it!

First up I have a little treasure chest I made with the retiring Petite Purse Die.  Of course you can make a purse with this but I chose to make something a little different.  I got my daughter's help with the accents so this could totally be a project you make with your child.  It is small but you could probably put a few gold coins in it (with or without chocolate inside).    

Up next is something I saw on Pinterest that I had to try myself using the Curvy Keepsakes Die.  This die is an absolute must have!  You can make all sorts of things with it.  Here is a perfect baby shower favor.  The box can hold about three tealight candles or some candy.  See that pretty minty green, perfect for a gender neutral baby shower, its one of the new in colors called Mint Macaron.  I just LOVE it!  

 Up next is a little treat box I made for my new catalog open house last year but I wanted to show it off again.  The hamburger box die is super cute and though I just put some candy in it, how cut would it be to put some macaroons inside?  This would be cute as a favor for a birthday party, maybe a 16th birthday  (PS, that paper and ribbon is retiring and I think both are on sale!)  

Up next I have two creations  using the brand new gift bag punch board.  I will admit at first, I had a hard time with this punch board.  But once I watched a video, I realized it was quite easy.  Here I used Blackberry Bliss card stock and made a little banner with the Bohemian DSP (as well as the new banner punch).  It was hard to get a picture of this but I made handles for the bag with the new Delightful Dijon lace.  This would be a nice favor for a fall wedding shower with those rich colors.    

Finally I had to share my favors for my new catalog open house on June 6th.  This is a small gift bag made with the gift bag punch board.  I actually made ones with all the new in colors, showing off the colors, lace and little resin flowers.  This one is Cucumber Crush.    The bag itself holds a votive candle.  If you are local and would like one, you gotta come to my open house!  

Thanks so much for looking!  If you want to plan and stamp a handmade party, we have all you need for invites, decor, favors and thank yous.  Did you get a chance to check out all the cute party favors over at SSI?

Sketch Frenzy Friday 5/15

I found another fun sketch that I couldn't wait to try.  I need to check this site more often because they have such awesome sketches and great designers.  Here is the sketch I was inspired by:

I had to use more of the Bohemian DSP, I just love those colors.  Here is my card:  

Along with the Bohemian DSP, I used the Boho Chic embossing folder and the Build a Birthday stamp set.  I just love being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator.  I get to see and try all the new fabulous products first!  I can't wait until this catalog is released and I can order even more goodies!  Thanks for looking!

Freshly Made Sketches #187

Unfortunately it has been awhile since I have entered any online sketch challenges.  Since I received my box of new Stampin' Up! goodies, I have a lot more inspiration!  Here is the a sketch from Freshly Made Sketches.  

I decided to use a mix of new and old products.  Here is my card:

I just love this paper, it is called Bohemian.  The colors are so rich and vibrant.  There is one new in color, the card base and the ink for the sentiment and its called Delightful Dijon.  I love how it pairs with Blackberry Bliss and Bermuda Bay here.  The stamp set is called Lovely Amazing You from the monthly photopolymer releases.  I fussy cut the feathers and added them with dimensionals.  My favorite is the Bermuda Bay sequin trim.  Thanks for looking!  I will be sharing lots more new creations so stay tuned!

CASEing - Copy And Share Everything

CASEing is all the rage.  Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.  CASEing can take the form of trying to replicate a creation or just using the colors, or general sketch.  We are CASEing each other on the SSI Design Team.  This is super easy because we have such a fabulous group of creative and talented gals.  I pin so many of their projects!  Today I am CASEing Bree over at Craft-somnia Momma.  Here is her project:

She made a fabulous card for a two year old boy using the Celebrate Today bundle.  I had recently purchased this bundle (thank goodness it is going into the new Annual Catalog) so I was looking for a chance to use it.  She chose Lost Lagoon, Soft Sky, and Pistachio Pudding for her colors.  I picked a bold color palette of Real Red, Crushed Curry and Basic Black.  Here is my CASE:

I am not so good at masking, but I like the way my card turned out.  Thanks for looking!  And special thanks to Bree for creating such an inkspiring card!  Did you see how the other members of the design team CASEd each other over at SSI?  

American Pride

When the middle of May hit, I pulled out my patriotic decorations.  These stay out until a little bit after the Fourth of July.  I have always loved Americana themed decor.  And of course I have a lot of handmade decor.  Today I am sharing with you a banner I made using all sorts of Stampin' Up! goodies!  

The pinwheels come from a Paper Pumpkin kit from last summer.  Did you know, if you sign up now you can get the first two months of Paper Pumpkin for 50% off?  I love these kits.  Instead of using the pinwheels to attach to treat bags, I used them for this banner and a wreath as well.  This Build a Banner kit is retiring, but (spoiler alert) a new fabulous one will be in the next catalog.  I used the masks for the background of each banner in Real Red, Night of Navy and Smoky Slate.  I then used the star framelits and the stenciled "America" on them.  I actually used versa mark and embossed on the Real Red and NIght of Navy stars in white and Smoky Slate.  

Thanks so much for looking at my project.  I will be sharing more patriotic projects as the summer comes.  Did you see all the other patriotic themed projects over at SSI?  

May Layout Sketch

We have a fabulous layout sketch for you for the month of May.  Check it out!

I decided to use up some of the retiring All Abloom DSP paper stack along with some of the great retiring in colors.  Here is my layout:

I finally picked up the Little Letter Framelits so now I have a way to make any title I want in any color.  I just love those!  I love this silly picture of my daughter and was so excited to make a layout for it.  Thank for looking!  Don't forget to upload your layout over at SSI!    

It's So Hard to Say Goodbye #3

Today I am back with another card featuring some retiring products.  This card features a lot of retiring products; stamps, card stock, accessories, inks and a punch.  So sad.  But let's enjoy them while they are still here:

I used two retiring stamps, the Post Card background and the Postage Due set.  I decided to put them together with the retiring in colors.  I added the in color sequins as well.  Thanks for looking!  How about those other retiring products projects from the gals at SSI?  

Spring Has Sprung Blog Hop

Hello and welcome to the SSI Spring Has Sprung Blog Hop.  I love spring, especially after this long and cold winter here on the East Coast.  I love the leaves on the trees and the flowers blooming and the scent of a freshly mowed lawn.  We all have great projects inspired by this wonderfully lovely season.  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 - Melissa at Stamp Doc. 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.    

Today I have several projects featuring the Painted Blooms DSP.  This paper just screams spring with the pretty colors and flowers, especially the tulips.  First up is a little gift tag and mini purse in Rose Red.  I love the pop of the Wild Wasabi baker's twine.    

Next up is a Happy Spring card I made along with a wreath I made for a friend using the Rosette Die (so sad it's retiring, it's my home decor go to).  I also used the Spiral Rose Die, which I hadn't used in a long time, I forgot how easy it was!

Finally I have a Project Life Layout with pictures from the Mother's Day Tea I did with my mother and grandmother.  It was so nice.

Here is a close up of each page.  I made my own Project Life Cards from a few different stamp sets (From My Heart and Sweet Laughter)

Thanks so much for looking at my spring projects.  Next let's hop over to Cynthia at Ink-a-doodle Creations and check out what she has for us!  

Blog Hop Participant List:

1. Melissa at Stamp Doc
2. Jennifer G. at Jenny G Paper Crafts
3. Cynthia at Ink-A-Doodle Creations
4. Jennifer C. at Happy 2 Scrap 4 Life
5. Bree at Craft-Somnia Momma
6. Kim at Stamping with Kim
7. Donna at Organized Chaos
8. Heidi at Stuck on Stampin'

Hello Life Decor Kit

Today I have a special home decor kit that is in this years Occasion's catalog.  Well it is also going to be in the new annual catalog coming out in June.  So I knew I had to get it and show it off.  Here it is:

Here are some close ups:

I pretty much followed the kit exactly but you can totally personalize it.  I really love the stamp set too!  Thanks for looking!  Did you see the other kit creations over at SSI?

A Goldilicious Wedding Card

I made a wedding card using the Something Lacy background stamp awhile ago that I really liked.  In fact I liked it so much I CASE'd.  You can CASE yourself, right?  I decided to step it up a bit!  

So the photo for this card do not do it justice.  I embossed the background and the Wedded Bliss sentiment with Gold embossing powder.  I layered the sentiment with some Gold Foil punched with the Decorative Label punch.  And I added both Gold Satin Ribbon and the Gold Sequin trim.  Thanks for looking.  How about those other wedding projects over at SSI?

  

May Card Sketch

We have a great sketch for you today at SSI!  Check it out:

 This sketch reminded me of a Paper Pumpkin kit we got so I decided to use the stamps from that kit and make a Shaker Card with the retiring in color sequins!  Here is my card:

I actually used a lot of retired goodies here; the in colors Strawberry Slush and Coastal Cabana, the sequins, the Coastal Cabana Baker's Twine, the On Film Framelits and the Dictionary Background stamp set.  This card was actually made for my daughter's teacher for Teacher Appreciation week.  And here is the gift that went with it.  A little Happy Meal of sorts:

  

My daughter wanted to get her teacher a gift card for McDonald's, but I talked her into going with a nicer restaurant.  Thanks for looking!  Don't forget to upload your creation using this awesome sketch over at SSI!

It's So Hard to Sat Goodbye #2

I am back with the spotlight on some more of those fantastic retiring stamps (but don't worry, I got a peek at the new catalog and there are some great new things coming).  Today I am featuring the From My Heart set along with some other retiring accessories.  

Aside from the stamp set, I used Pistachio Pudding which is retiring along with the Apothecary Accents Framelits and the Darling Doily Thinlit which we will be saying good bye to as well.  Fortunately the Typeset DSP , candy dots and rhinestones are here to stay!  Thanks for looking?  Did you see the other projects featuring retiring products over at SSI?  

Mother's Day

Mother's Day is right around the corner.  I am going to take my mother and grandmother out to a tea room later this week.  I will have to remember to take lots of pictures!  I already have cards made for them but I took some time to make another when I realized that a new stamp set I picked up recently had a perfect sentiment.  Here is the my card:

I used the Corner Garden stamp and colored it in with the retiring in colors.  I added the "best mother ever" sentiment from And Many More.  The butterfly is from the Beautiful Wings Embosslits.  That are one of my favorite dies... it cuts and embossed!  Thanks so much for looking.  I hope you are ready for Mother's Day.  For more card ideas,  check out SSI.





Card in a Box

I love doing fun interactive cards and fancy folds.  The card in a box is a little bit of both and its our feature today at SSI.  There is a great tutorial video from Wendy.  Here is my card:

My card in a box is actually made from a regular card base.  Initially I had wanted to use the balloon stamp and matching framelits but they were too big for my smaller card in a box.  So instead, I made my own balloons from a circle punch and the tree punch (just punched the tip of the tree).  I love using the window sheets to make it look like the balloons are floating!  I used the Painted Blooms DSP because I just love the bright colors and those dots are so fun!  The stamp set I used is Perfect Pennants.  Thanks so much for looking!  Did you get to see everyone's card in a box over at SSI?  

May Color Challenge

This is the last month for those amazing 2013-2015 in colors, so today we are highlighting one of those great colors, Crisp Cantaloupe in our color challenge.  

Here is my card:

I used the stamp set Choose Happiness which is carrying over to the new catalog.  I am so glad because I know there is just so much more I can do with it.  I also added some Gorgeous Grunge dots for a little more texture.  Thanks for looking!  Be sure to upload your creation using these great colors over at SSI!  

It's So Hard to Say Good Bye #1

Through the month of May we will be highlighting our favorite retiring Stampin' Up! products over at SSI.  Today I have decided to focus on my favorite retiring colors...the 2013 - 2015 in colors.  I just love them all...they remind me of sherbert and chocolate and all things yummy.  I made a little thank you note and gift for my daughter's prep class at our church since tonight is the final class for the year.  And I used these fabulous colors of course!

Here is a close up of each.  My main colors for the Curvy Keepsakes box (which holds three tealight candles) were Coastal Cabana and Crisp Cantaloupe.  

I used all of the in colors here it the card along with the Butterfly Basic stamps set.  No word on if that is carrying on to the new catalog, a gal can dream, right?  

The Thank You sentiments in both cards are from the same stamp set, Lots of Thanks and this set is retiring as well.  The only good thing about the retiring items is that it means more great stuff is to come and I can't wait!  Thanks for looking!  Did you see all the other favorite retiring items over at SSI?