Jar of Love

If you are a regular here to my blog, you know I have an obsession with jars. I collect antique canning jars and own probably every jar stamp and die that is out there. Well, not really . . . but probably more than what I need. A jar is a jar right?! Noooooo! Lol!

Jar of Love from Stampin Up is my favorite set of jar stamps and dies. I love the sizes, sentiments, and the little touches you can add from this set. The possibilities are endless.

Supplies:

Stamps - Jar of Love Stampin Up, Watercolor Trio Stampin Up
Ink - Basic Black, Pool Party, Certainly Celery, Rose Red, Pink Pirouette - Stampin Up
Patterned Paper - Dear Lizzy Neapolitan American Crafts
Cardstock - Whisper White Stampin Up
Dies: Jar of Love Stampin Up

Happy stamping!

St. Patrick's Day

Just dropping by to wish you a Happy St. Patricks's Day!  I'm not a bit Irish, but who needs to be to celebrate. 😊

Have a great day and happy stamping!

** All supplies for the card pictured above are from Stampin' Up. The shamrock stamp is from the Leaf Lines set which is now retired (may still find it on ebay). Sentiment is from Teeny Tiny Wishes. 

Just A Note . . . Mama Elephant

Welcome back to my blog!  I've been MIA for awhile due to some unforeseen life circumstances. I'm glad to be back though to share my ideas, thoughts, and creations with you.

Just A Note . . . stamp set by Mama Elephant . . . love this set!  I like to keep blank note cards on hand for no special occasion at all. In a pinch, I could put a sentiment inside for any occasion. I often though just like to send a note to someone who may need encouragement or just to let them know I'm thinking about them.

I had my husband in mind for this card which is why you see so many hearts. I punched out different sized hearts out of cardstock and then applied Glossy Accents to make them raised and shiny.

Just a simple, elegant, lovey dovey style note card.

Thanks for visiting my blog today and happy stamping!

Supplies:
Stamp Set - Just A Note Mama Elephant
Patterned Paper - Retired Stampin Up
Cardstock - Whisper White, Pool Party Stampin Up
Die: Die-namics Stitched Rectangle Scallop Frames My Favorite Things
Punches: Hearts Martha Stewart
Other: Glossy Accents

Sponging On Embossed Images

 

There is an easy way to add color to an embossed image . . . sponging!  I dabbed a sponge on a Tim Holtz Distress ink pad and lightly stroked it over the embossed image. The sponge deposits the color in various intensities which  I think make it look more natural.

 

You're In My Prayers Card Supplies:

Darcie Leafy Tree Trunk Embossing Folder

Simon Says Stamp Prayers Stamp Set

Tim Holtz Distress Inks - Gathered Twigs, Mowed Lawn

Stampin Up Ink - Basic Gray

Stampin Up Card Stock - Basic Gray, Whisper White

 

Like sponging? Have a better idea to add color to an embossed image? Leave me a comment below with your suggestions.

 

Happy stamping!

Paper Smooches April Challenge

I love Paper Smooches!  Their April Challenge is black & white with a pop of color!  Love it!

This simple Miss You card was created using the following products:

Paper Smooches Sentiment Sampler Stamp Set 

Paper Smooches Dots & Dashes Die Set

Paper Smooches Hearts Die set

Stampin Up White Ink and embossing powder

Stampin Up Whisper White and Basic Black Cardstock

My son went on a class trip to Philadelphia a couple weeks ago. He was gone 3 days, 2 nights. Now you understand how I got inspired to make this card. He is only 10 years old. It was torture for me . . . exciting and fun for him! LOL! He did tell me he missed me when he got home and that brought a tear to my eye. He is a sweetie!

Enjoy your day and happy stamping!

 

Mini Misti Product Review

I was skeptical, let me tell you . . . very skeptical about buying the Mini Misti. When it arrived, it sat on my craft table for a few days. I was hesitant, and hoping I didn't waste my money. You'll be glad to know it was worth every penny!

Here is the write-up about the product:

The Mini MISTI stamping tool is named the Most Incredible Stamp Tool Invented and it lives up to its name. MISTI's simple hinge design provides consistent stamping for beginner, novice or experienced cardmaker and it makes stamping easier than ever before. The MINI MISTI, like it's larger counterpart, can be used with clear stamps and red rubber cling mount stamps and the included foam pad raises your cardstock/paper to facilitate stamping with clear stamps.

You can use the MISTI for repeated stamp positioning, lining up die cuts and stamps, registration, etc. The two included magnets help to quickly and easily position your cardstock or paper and hold it in place. The included positioning grid paper helps you find just the right positioning for your stamp before you put ink to paper.
The Mini MISTI is a tool you will treasure and enjoy for years to come. Use it for your personal scrapbook pages, cards and other paper crafting projects or use it for assembly-line stamping on cards or invitations. The MISTI is laser etched, saw cut, and hand assembled to stand the test of time. 

How does it work? Let me break it down for you step by step.

Below is a piece of white cardstock I embossed ahead of time. It is secured in place on the foam pad with two round silver magnets provided with the Misti. I place my un-inked stamp right where I wanted it on the card.

I closed the door and pressed down a little to adhere the stamp to the door.

I lifted the door back open and inked up the stamp. I closed the door to stamp my image on the cardstock pressing down a little on the stamp.

So easy! 

I didn't ink up my stamp enough. Ever get a partial impression? All I had to do was open the door again and add some more ink and press down again. Perfection! No stressing out over matching up the stamped image exactly because it's still in the same place. 

I just love how you can get accurate placement results of your stamps with this tool. I'm going to enjoy this even more when I'm mass producing Christmas cards. It will make it so much easier. It's great for layering on colors too or having to line up multiple images. You can even put multiple stamps all on at once on the Mini Misti to save time as well.

Card Supplies: Papertrey Ink Friendly Flowers, Darice Daisy Embossing Folder, Martha Stewart Glitter Markers, Stampin Up! Whisper White & Daffodil Delight Card Stock.

I give the Mini Misti 5 stars!  Please let me know if you have any questions or comments about it by leaving a comment at the end of this post. I'd love to hear what YOU think.

Happy stamping!

hello

Hello everyone! I’m back from a little blogging break. I hope you enjoyed your Easter holiday and Spring Break!

Although it doesn’t feel like Spring here, it feels like it in my craft room. I am enjoying some new papers and tools that I’ve recently purchased. My favorite new item is Lawn Fawn Perfectly Plaid paper pack. It is so colorful for your spring cards. I used it in the background of the card pictured above. My other favorite new product is My Favorite Things Stitched Scallop Frames. I also used this in the card pictured above. These dies are so stinking cute and come in rectangles, circles, ovals, and squares. Do you need them all? YES! Well, I’m not a fan of ovals . . . so maybe not that one.

hello Card Supplies:

Stampin Up

Card Stock: Whisper White and Pool Party

Die: Hello You

Embossing Folder: Spring Flowers

Lawn Fawn Patterned Paper: Perfectly Plaid

MFT Die: Stitched Rectangles Scallop Frames

My birthday was last month so I bought myself a birthday present I wasn’t sure I’d like  . . . the Mini Misti. I’ll share my thoughts on that in the next post. Stay tuned!!!! If you have one already, I’d love to hear what you think about it. Leave me a comment at the end of this post.

Happy stamping!

Love You

 

I am obsessed with Mason Jars. I don't know what it is, but I just love them! I love the old kind, with rusty tops. I have a collection of them I keep in my kitchen on top the cupboards.

My obsession carries over into stamps with jars. Oh yes! I probably have every stamp and punch that that resembles a Mason Jar. Is there a Mason Jars Anonymous? Lol.

The cute little jar in my Valentine today is Best Buds from Paper Smooches. I was so mad at myself for not buying the coordinating dies. I made a bunch of these and was sitting on the couch cutting it out carefully. It took so long that my husband even questioned me as to what I was doing! I CASED this card from the Paper Smooches blog post here. Mines a little different, but wanted to give credit where it's due for the design of it.

I really like how the water in the jar turned out. I debated using a colored pencil or marker. I went for the marker. If I would have stamped it on watercolor paper, I could have tried watercolors. Now that might have turned out even better! Maybe next time. Do you have any ideas for coloring in water? I'd love to hear them. Just e-mail me HERE or leave me a comment at the end of this post.

Happy stamping!

Supplies:

InLinkz.com
Not Pictured: Stampin Up Real Red card stock, Stampin Up Markers - Real Red, Regal Rose, Wild Wasabi, Bashful Blue, Stampin Up Crazy about You stamp set, Pebbles Inc Patterned Paper, Recollections Heart Tags.

Lovebirds - Paper Smooches Valentine

Paper Smooches released near the end of last year these darling Birds and Fused Frame dies. I thought they were great to make a cute little Valentine with for my husband. After I made the card pictured above, I looked at it the next day and thought it might look better with a brown background behind the birds. Which one do you like better? I can't decide.

I used a woodgrain embossing folder from Tim Holtz for the background of this card. After embossing the card stock, I sponged the raised surface very lightly with Chocolate Chip ink from Stampin Up. The subtle color really makes those grains pop. You could also ink up the inside of the embossing folder before embossing if you wanted something more prominent.

Lovebirds Card Supplies:
Card Stock: Stampin Up Chocolate Chip, Crumb Cake, Real Red
Ink: Stampin Up Chocolate Chip, Basic Black
Dies: Paper Smooches Birds, Fused Frame
Punch: Martha Stewart Hearts
Embossing Folder: Tim Holtz Woodgrain

As you can see in the pictures, I have my Valentines Day decorations out. Typically when I put Christmas away, the Valentines come out to keep some color in the house.

Happy stamping!

** I entered this card in the Paper Smooches January Challenge - 4 colors. I've got Stampin Up Chocolate Chip, Crumb Cake, Real Red, and Basic Black. Wish me luck!

Painted Blooms Birthday Card

 

 

Happy New Year!  Sorry I haven't posted since November. December is a crazy busy month for me between all the birthdays in my family and Christmas. I'm back though! Hopefully you missed me. LOL!

One of my New Years resolutions was to be more aware of birthdays outside my immediate family and friends. I work with many people and have regular contact with some on a daily basis. I feel bad sometimes when I don't give them a card and just send an e-mail. I guess I'm looking to give a more personal touch to others this year. Hopefully that makes sense.

Sooooo . . . in order to keep this resolution, I need a stockpile of cards. Right? Right! I made a bunch of the birthday card pictured above. Simple design, easy to duplicate, and pretty. The patterned paper is Painted Blooms from Stampin Up. It truly looks like a watercolor painting. Each design in the pack is as gorgeous as the next.

If you've made any New Year's resolutions, I'd love to hear what they are . . . especially if it's craft-related. Please leave a comment or send me an e-mail. I may share some of those ideas in another post!

Happy Birthday Card - All Supplies from Stampin Up:
Stamps: Happiest Birthday Wishes
Patterned Paper: Painted Petals
Card Stock: Whisper White, Pacific Point
Ink: Pacific Point
Other: Banner Triple Punch

Keep warm and happy stamping!

Warm Wishes

TTo the right here . . . not a nice picture!  That was the view out my dining room window Sunday morning. Snow? Mid-October . . . really? I can't complain too much. It was gone by lunch and today it's sunny and in the 60's. Now that's more like it!

It seemed like the appropriate time to make a "Warm Wishes" card, don't you think? LOL! I combined Paper Smooches and Lawn Fawn stamps. I think both companies make really cute and simple styles of stamps, which makes it easier to create a card. I never seem at a loss of what to create when I pick up these brands.






Warm Wishes Card Supplies:

Stamps: Paper Smooches Freezy Fellas,
              Lawn Fawn Argyle Backdrops

Stampin Up Ink:  Soft Sky, Night of Navy,
                            Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black

Stampin Up Cardstock: Soft Sky, Whisper White

Other:  Simon Says Stamp Moonshine Sequins,
            Doodlebug Bubble Blue Twine

 

Warm Wishes and happy stamping!

Halloween Card Made Simple

In my last post, I indicated I made a purchase from a company I never ordered from before. The company is called Reverse Confetti and I love it! I purchased this darling little Double Scallop Garland Confetti Cuts die and couldn't be happier with the results. I'm going to be using this for birthday cards, Christmas, baby cards . . . anything really festive. Love it!  I can tell you that the item arrived quickly and packaged well. I highly recommend Reverse Confetti products and will be ordering again from them.

 

"Happy Halloween" Card Supplies:

Stampin Up Cardstock: Whisper White, Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie

Reverse Confetti Dies: Double Scallop Garland

Other: Doodlebug stickers (happy halloween), Recollections Enamel Dot Stickers

 

October is here!  I am a big fan of the fall season. How about you?

 

Enjoy your day and happy stamping!

 

A Flowery Thank You

Love those big flower stamps and coordinating punches/dies many of the companies out there are selling? What a bold embellishment they can be. 

I used Stampin' Up! products from this past year Spring Occasions Catalog to create this card. 

Card Supplies - Thank you for your kindness:

Stamp Sets: Stampin Up - Petal Potpourri (retired - but still sold on ebay), Simon Says Stamp - Handwritten Greetings 

SU! Ink: Basic Black, Sahara Sand

SU! Cardstock: Whisper White, Sahara Sand

SU! Patterned Paper: Something Borrowed (retired)

SU! Punches: Flower Medallion, Ribbon Border (retired)

Other: Pearls, pop dots

I embellished the flower with a few pearls just to add a little more elegance. You can find all different size pearls at your local craft store. I like to keep a stock of these on-hand. I will tell you though that Stampin Up has a sale this week on the perfect set of pearls in ever size for just $3.75. Click HERE to view!

I made a purchase this week from a stamp company I never ordered from before! They recently had a release of new products and one particular product just put me over the edge. LOL!  Stay tuned . . . I will share my purchase with you once it arrives!

Happy stamping! 

Happy Thoughts

 

My husband sometimes has to travel without me, so I like to tuck in his bag some cards to open each day we are apart. So sappy, right?!  This design could be used for a wedding, anniversary, Valentine, etc. I hope you like it!

 

Happy Thoughts Card Supplies - All Supplies from Stampin Up:

Stamps: Field Flowers (retired, but can be found on Ebay) 

Cardstock: Whisper White, Pink Pirouette, Marina Mist, Chocolate Chip

Ink: Marina Mist

Punch: Heart from Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, 1" Circle Punch

Tools: Paper Piercing

 

Enjoy your day and happy stamping!

 

Sunflower Card

 

Yikes!  Time flies. My son sprained his foot, and well let me say . . . it can't heal up fast enough. He made it through two football seasons with no injuries and then got hurt in a playground. Go figure!

 

I haven't had a lot of time to craft lately, but I'll get back in the swing of things here. I'm in the mood for some bright summery cards like this one. I just love that Sunflower die from My Favorite Things!

 

Card Supplies - thinking of you:

MFT Stamp: Wood Plank Background

SU! Ink: Basic Black

SU! Cardstock: Daffodil Delight, Basic Gray, Garden Green, Chocolate Chip

MFT Dies: Sunflower, Large Leaf-Filled Flourish

Accessories: Pebbles Rub-Ons

 

Lots of new products have hit the market recently. . .

 

 - Stampin' Up! 2015-2016 Catalog is out! 

 - Lawn Fawn has some adorable new stamps sets out . . . watch my blog for a Fintastic post. 

 - My Favorite Things recently had a release of new products too.

 - Simon Says Stamp June Card Kit arrived in my mail this week. Very bright and summer looking! 

 

Enjoy the warm weather and happy stamping!

 

Winter Trees

We had our first official snow fall last week . . . and let me tell you, it was huge! About 1ft of snow fell. It was crazy. It really made me feel like it was Christmas. I actually thought about putting up my tree.

 

My Christmas card marathon is on!  I am just lovin' this little Winter Trees die from Simon Says Stamp. I first die cut it in Brushed Silver card stock for the outline of the trees and then used green glitter paper to die cut once more for inside the outline. See picture below to get the full effect of the trees from a side view. It's so much prettier in person. I am making of bunch of these to send out!

 

 

I must add, the glitter paper I used from DCWV is like no other glitter paper I have used. It's called Glitzy Glitter Paper Stack. It has a smooth texture, not too thick, and best of all the glitter doesn't rub off on your fingers!  It is a delight to work with and looks so pretty and delicate. The stack comes with 6 different colors, 24 sheets in all. Well worth every penny!

 

Merry Christmas Card Supplies:

Stamp Sets: Stampin Up Four the Holidays

Ink: Tsukineko Silvery Shimmer Ink Pad

Stampin Up Cardstock: Brushed Silver, Garden Green, Whisper White
DCWV Glitzy Glitter Paper Stack
Tools: Big Shot, Simon Says Stamp Winter Trees Die, Stampin Up Filigree Embossing Folder

Enjoy and happy stamping!

Sweetest Birthday

This past weekend my son & I were invited to a 3 year old birthday party for a friend of ours. Lucky me . . . I got to shop for little girl presents! With only having a son, this was a treat for me. I also had the opportunity to make a fun, girly card. I didn't have a lot of time, so Doodlebug Design products were the way to go!  Fun paper and stickers to match . . .  what's not to love? 

 

I stumbled across the perfect saying for the inside of the card from the Stampin Up set Crazy for Cupcakes, and a simple "happy birthday" from And Many More set.

I hope you are having the sweetest day ever!

Happy stamping!

Ornamental Pine

 

Today was a GORGEOUS day in Pennsylvania! I had to use that natural sunlight today to take a picture of this card. We don't have too many warm & sunny days here in November.

 

I stamped this card using the new Ornamental Pine set from the Stampin' Up! Holiday Catalog. I just love the natural feel of this set and the simplicity of it. You'll see some holiday cards I made using this set in the upcoming month. This one was really simple, but if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask! The supply list is at the end of the post.

 

This weekend I started my Christmas card making marathon. I make about 50 cards every year. It gets tiring, but I just love being creative. I'll be posting them all . . . so you'll be seeing some regular activity from me.  Hopefully you'll be inspired to make your own holiday cards this season!

 

You're in my prayers Card Supplies:

Stamp Sets: Stampin Up Ornamental Pine, Simon Says Stamp Handwritten Greetings

Stampin Up Ink: Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Basic Black
Stampin Up Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Crumb Cake, Whisper White
Accessories: Chocolate Chip Ribbon, Studio Calico Hearts Die-Cut Wood Pieces

 

Enjoy and happy stamping!

Love you a latte

 

It's a cold day here in Pennsylvania!  I'm heading to my son's football game shortly and will be grabbing a cup of latte to keep me warm.  Speaking of latte, I had a little time today to play with one of Lawn Fawn's newest sets love you a latte. Love the little coffee beans and coffee cup! You'll see more cards I made with this set over the coming months.

 

Love you a latte Card Supplies:

Lawn Fawn Stamp & Die Set: Love You A Latte

Stampin Up Ink: Chocolate Chip, Real Red, Pear Pizzazz

Stampin Up Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla
Accessories: Twine

Tools: Big Shot paper crimper

 

Keep warm and happy stamping!

  

Happy Fall

What do I love most about fall? EVERYTHING!!!!

 

I love the cooler temperature, the gorgeous color of the leaves, bright orange pumpkins adorning my doorstep, and the fragrance of a cinnamon pumpkin spice candle lingering throughout my home. I also feel very crafty this time of year. Not sure why?

 

 

Lawn Fawn has not let me down with their latest fall release. Sweater Weather is the perfect stamp set for your autumn themed cards. With cute little leaves, acorn, apple, heart, and flowers . . . you can use this set year-round. Don't forget about the matching die set too. I used the tree from the die set and stamped the tiniest leaves in the set all around the tree in different colors. I distressed the edges of the Very Vanilla cardstock using the Ranger Mini Ink Blending Tool with Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Walnut Stain.

 

Happy Fall Card Supplies:

Lawn Fawn Stamp & Die Set: Sweater Weather
Stampin Up Ink: Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie, More Mustard, Pool Party

Tim Holtz Distress Ink: Walnut Stain

Stampin Up Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla

My Mind's Eye Patterned Paper: Fine & Dandy
Tools: Ranger Mini Ink Blending Tool

What do you like best about the fall season?  Let me know by leaving a comment below. I'd love to hear from you!!!

Happy fall and happy stamping!