Chalk Inks

In the Occasions Catalog, they have some great Chalk Inks in three fun colors.  I decided to use them in conjunction with the Chalkboard paper to make a Thank You card for Teacher Appreciation.  This isn't until May I think so I am well ahead of the game!  Now the trick is not to lose track of the card before then.  Here is my card:

Thanks for looking!  Did you get to see all the other creations from the design team at SSI?  

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Gift Card Holders

Over at SSI we are creating gift card holders.  If you stamp, you should make your own cards, as well as tags, and gift card holders for sure!  It's so easy and that handmade touch really adds a lot to what might otherwise be an impersonal gift of a gift card.  Here is my creation:

I took the easy way out and used the Gift Card Enclosures that we sell!  For a complete supply list, see below.  Thanks for looking and don't forget to check out the other creations from that team at SSI!

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

March Color Challenge

Happy Monday!  We have a great color challenge for you today over at SSI.  Here is the color palette:

Here is my card:

Thanks for looking!  Be sure to check out all the other cards over at SSI and link up your creation! 

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

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!

  

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

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.  

  

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog