Captain America Birthday

This year I made a goal to send birthday cards to all of our family members.  Grandparents, parents, siblings, and nieces and nephews.  I'm happy to say that so far I'm still on track!  A few of the cards have been a little late :-) but I don't think I've missed anyone yet.  During a year this adds up to just over 40 people, or about 3 or 4 cards per month.  Not really too much to ask a 'card maker' to do when it comes down to it! 

I'm not necessarily sending a unique card to each person, but I am trying to get a good variety and at the very least not send the same card to two people in the same immediate family.  :-)  The hardest cards to design are the ones that are for the brothers and brother-in-laws.  Fortunately this year my husband came up with a great idea!  I showed him THIS card and asked what he thought.  "Sure, but can you change the colors to make it look more like Captain America?"  (He and his brothers are all huge comic book fans--even before the recent Hollywood revival.)  So I asked him to show me a picture of what the Captain America shield looks like and created then the card as closely to that as possible.  Hopefully the guys will notice and appreciate!  :-)

The Pacific Point (blue) layer and the Whisper White circle are up on dimensionals.  The larger Real Red circle is actually the card base showing through the 'window' on the Pacific Point layer.  The sentiment was stamped with Versamark and then heat embossed with White embossing powder.  I distressed the edges of the Pacific Point layer using my Cutter Kit. 

Have a great day!

Stamps:  All Holidays (discontinued)
Ink:  Versamark
Paper:  Pacific Point, Real Red, Whisper White
Accessories:  1" Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, 2 1/2" Circle Punch, Star Punch (random from my kids' collection), Big Shot, Circles #2 Die (for the white circle--2nd largest circle on the die), embossing buddy, heat tool, White Stampin' Emboss Powder, Cutter Kit, dimensionals

Stampin' Celebration Returns!

Yay!  I'm so excited that the Stampin' Celebration blog is up and running again.  Although it was a well-timed break for me, I am ready to get going again.  There are a few changes though. . . instead of weekly challenges they will only be monthly.  But that gives you plenty of time to join with us and make a project inspired by the inspiration piece.  :-) 

Also, instead of posting all of the Design Team's projects on the Stampin' Celebration blog, we will be going blog hop style.  This makes it easy for you to click through and see not only a picture of everyone's project but some creative details too. 

Which means if you are following in order you may have just come from Rochelle's blog--I stamp, I create, I have fun!  What a cute project she had!   

Without further ado, here is my submission for this month's challenge: 

I pulled the green, pink, and blue colors from the inspiration piece as well as the butterflies from the bottom right photo. 

To create the various size butterflies, I used my new Hearts Collection Framelits Dies.  I've had this idea to create butterflies out of the heart framelits for awhile and finally tried it out on a card!  For the butterflies on these projects I used the 3 smallest sized hearts. 

For the butterfly on the this little purse  I used the very smallest heart.  I cut Twitterpated Designer Series Paper (from the Occasions Mini Catalog) and vellum paper to size, folded it in half and then ran in through the Big Shot with the Framelit die with the point of the heart sticking over the edge of the fold.  Then when you open it up you have a butterfly.  :-) 

If you don't recognize this cute little purse, it's because it is brand new!  It is the new Petite Purse Die that's part of the Summer Smooches promotion going on during April.  Isn't it adorable? 

To create the vellum paper butterflies on the cards, I used the same concept, just the next larger size heart die.  To create the butterfly 'window' on the Whisper White layer (since I didn't want to fold the card stock) I ran it through the Big Shot twice.  I placed the heart on one side of the layer, ran it through the Big Shot, placed the heart on the other side with the point of the heart overlapping the point of the previously cut heart, and then ran it through again.  Sounds much more confusing than it is!   

Here's how you can participate... Simply create a card, 3D item, digital item, scrapbook layout, etc. using the inspiration piece above. Leave a comment on the Stampin' Celebration blog with a link to your blog or online gallery so we can see your project. You have until the 25th of the month to create your project. We will choose the "Pick of the Party" at the end of the month. We can't wait to see what Stampin' Celebration inspires you to create!!

All of the Design Team posts for Challenge #53:

Allison Ohran -Sweet Impressions (you are here)
Candace Lawlor - cj lawlor designs
Cori Kozak - Creative Chat
Erica Cerwin - Pink Buckaroo Designs
Erin Gonzales -Hand Stamped Style
Krystal De Leeuw - Krystal's Cards
Marlene Peters - Hands On
Rochelle Gould - I stamp, I create, I have fun!
Stampin Celebration Inspiration Challenge

Last Minute Sale-A-Bration

Just popping in today with a couple more cards made using Sale-A-Bration products.  And just a last minute reminder that if you've still been meaning to take advantage of Sale-A-Bration, now is the time since it ends tomorrow--Saturday the 31st. With each $50 purchase you can choose an item from the Sale-A-Bration Catalog for FREE! 

The first card today uses the Fresh Vintage stamp set.  Although there were some fantastic options this year in the Sale-A-Bration catalog, I think this was my favorite. 

The idea for this card came from Sharon Field.  If you are a demonstrator, you can see her card HERE on Stampin' Connection.  I changed the color and that was about it!  I picked Calypso Coral since I wanted to use the ribbon from the Everyday Enrichment Pack.  I've used almost two sets of the brads, but sadly have barely touched the ribbon.   A very simple card that I'm sure I'll be making some more of soon! 

Stamps:  Fresh Vintage (only available during SAB), Curly Cute
Ink:  Calypso Coral
Paper:  Whisper White
Accessories:  Calypso Coral organdy ribbon (only available during SAB), Whisper White taffeta ribbon (under the other ribbon), dimensionals

The second card is super simple and uses the Outlined Occasions stamp set.  I did heat emboss the sentiment, and then used my Versamarker to color it in.  It makes the sentiment pop just a little more (especially in real life).  The Designer Series Paper is actually the Twitterpated set from the Occasions Mini Catalog--with a thin strip of Riding Hood Red card stock on top.  

Stamps:  Outlined Occasions
Ink:  Versmark and Versamarker
Paper:  Basic Gray, Riding Hood Red, Twitterpated DSP
Accessories:  Embossing Buddy, White Stampin' Emboss Powder, Heat tool, White Baker's Twine

Two last notes: 

I am hosting a Open House and Rubber Rummage Sale tomorrow!  If you are in Houston (Clear Lake area) and would like more info, send me an email as I'd love to have you come. 

And, some fantastic news. . . The Stampin' Celebration Blog is getting started again!!  Come April 1st we will be back with monthly challenges and a new format.  So check back soon.  :-) 

Sale-A-Bration Ending

I can't believe it has been almost 2 months since I last posted!  Where does the time go?  I guess part of it is having a curious crawling baby who gets into everything and keeps me on my toes.  :-) 

I've also been working on organizing my craft room with any spare time I can find. . . a scary and much needed project!  Although I'm not there yet, I am getting very close. 

Anyway, before Sale-A-Bration ends, I thought I would post a couple of my favorite cards that I've made in the last couple months.  Both of these were ones that we made at club in February and were inspired by other people.  The first one uses the Elementary Elegance stamp set and I got the idea from Shelli Gardner (CEO and co-founder of Stampin Up).  You can see her card HERE.  The only thing I changed was the center of the butterfly. 

Stamps:  Elementary Elegance (only available during SAB)
Ink: Elegant Eggplant, Luck Limeade, Elegant Eggplant marker
Paper:  Wisteria Wonder, Lucky Limeade, Very Vanilla, First Edition DSP, Every Day Enchantment DSP (only available during SAB)
Accessories:  Curly Label Punch, Boho Blossoms Punch, Beautiful Butterflies Bigz Die, Big Shot, Wisteria Wonder Ruffled Ribbon, Everyday Enchantment Brads (only available during SAB), Color Spritzer Tool, stapler

The second card uses the Fresh Vintage stamp set and was inspired by Debra Currier.  You can see her card HERE.  The only thing I changed up was that I used my new Labels Collection Framelits to cut out the main image (instead of a circle).   

Stamps:  Fresh Vintage (only available during SAB), Thank You Kindly

Ink: Soft Suede, and Calypso Coral, Lucky Limeade and Pool Party markers

Paper:  Pool Party, Very Vanilla, Every Day Enchantment DSP (only available during SAB)

Accessories:  Framelits Labels Collection, Big Shot, Everyday Enchantment Brads (only available during SAB), pearls, cutter kit, sponge

So if you have still been meaning to take advantage of Sale-A-Bration, now is the time since it ends on Saturday the 31st.  With each $50 purchase you can choose an item from the Sale-A-Bration Catalog for FREE! 

Have a great day.  :-)   

San Antonio Regionals--Part 3

Finally, the last of the samples I had made up for my presentation at the San Antonio Regional Workshop Wow/Demonstrator Booth portion of the day!  The third section of my presentation was showing how you could use Dazzling Diamonds and Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets to create backgrounds. 

 

So for this card, I used my 1" Circle Punch and the circle punch from the Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack to punch out circles from the Multipurpose Adhesive Sheet.  I used my bone folder to burnish the edges (making it easier to peel the back off) and peeled off the backing.  I face planted the sticky side of the adhesive sheet on top of the Whisper White card stock.  I repeated this with all the circles creating the desired pattern.  I used an Embossing Buddy to help cut down on static, and then peeled off the other side of the backing on all the circles.  I poured Dazzling Diamonds Glitter over the top and brush off any excess.  Now you have a fun sparkly background.  :-)  

A side shot: 

And of course the possibilities are endless if you change up the shapes, patterns, and colors of glitter!  

This card is 4 1/4" by 4 1/4" and also shows off the new Mouthwatering stamp set that is found in the new Occasions Mini Catalog and well as some of the 2011-2013 In Colors and coordinating accessories. 

Stamps:  Mouthwatering, Happiest Birthday Wishes (hostess set--for the sentiment)

Ink:  Wisteria Wonder, Lucky Limeade, Calypso Coral, Chocolate Chip

Paper:  Calypso Coral, Whisper White

Accessories:  Designer Printed Brads (In Color Assortment), Wisteria Wonder Ruffled Ribbon, 1" Circle Punch, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets, Dazzling Dimaonds, Cutter Kit, dimensionals

And here is another (Valentine, Anniversary, Wedding) sample I created for the display board.  For this card, I adhered the Multipurpose Adhesive Sheet to the Regal Rose card stock and then ran it through the Big Shot with the Simple Letters Dies to create the l, v, and e letters.  After they went through the Big Shot, then I peeled off the second side of the Adhesive Sheet and added the Dazzling Diamonds. 

To create the heart 'o' letter, I used the new Framelits Hearts Collection.  I used the two smallest hearts, lined them up on top of the Regal Rose card stock + Adhesive Sheet, with the smallest heart centered inside of the slightly larger heart.  Then I ran it through the Big Shot.  

For the base of the card, I used my Color Spritzer Tool and Regal Rose marker to add a little texture.  The 'you' tag uses the Fabulous Phrases stamp set and the Jewelry Tag punch. The letters are up on dimensionals. 

Stamps:  Fabulous Phrases

Ink:  Early Espresso and Regal Rose marker

Paper:  Regal Rose, Early Espresso, Whisper White

Accessories:  Framelits Hearts Collection, Alphabet Simple Letters Die, Big Shot, Jewelry Tag Punch, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border punch, Linen Thread, Early Espresso grosgrain ribbon, Color Spritzer Tool, Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets, Dazzling Diamonds, dimensionals

And the last card to show is a card that I've shown before on my blog--this is one we made as part of a Stamp A Stack class two years ago.  Original with more details is HERE. 

 

Stamps:  Serene Snowflakes, Contempo Christmas (sentiment)

Ink:  Night of Navy

Paper:  Bashful Blue, Night of Navy, Whisper White
Accessories:  Night of Navy 3/8" Taffeta ribbon, Rhinestone Jewels, Big Shot Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets, Dazzling Diamonds, dimensionals

I hope you've enjoyed these samples!   If you haven't tried this technique yet, please do.  I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at how easy it is.  :-)  

San Antonio Regionals--Part 2

Finally back with some more samples from my presentation at the San Antonio Regionals!  I'll do a Part 3 (and final) later this week.  So, the second part of my presentation was showing that you can use the Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets to add Dazzling Diamonds Glitter to just part of a stamped image.  

So for this card, I started by stamping an image from the new Apothecary Art stamp set.  I ran it through the Big Shot using the new Framelits Labels Collection to cut it out and used my markers to color the flowers.  Next I used my 1" Circle Punch to punch out a circle of the Multipurpose Adhesive Sheet.  I used my bone folder to burnish the edges (making it easier to peel the back off) and peeled off the backing.  I face planted the sticky side of the adhesive sheet on top of the circle part of the stamped image.  I used an Embossing Buddy to help cut down on static, and then peeled off the other side of the backing.  Pour the Dazzling Diamonds Glitter over the top and brush off any excess.  Now part of your stamped image is sparkly.  :-)  

This is a 3" by 3" card.  To create the slits that I ran the ribbon through, I used the cutting blade on my Cutter Kit, and for the Whisper White layer I sponged and distressed the edges and used my Color Spritzer tool and Early Espresso marker to add the random 'dots' of color. 

Stamps:  Apothecary Art

Ink:  Early Espresso, and Riding Hood Red, Old Olive and Early Espresso markers

Paper:  Riding Hood Red, Early Espresso, Whisper White

Accessories:  Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon, Linen Thread, Framelits Labels Collection, Big Shot, Cutter Kit, Pearls, Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets, Dazzling Diamonds, Color Spritzer Tool, sponge, dimensionals

This is another sample I had on my board, although it is a 're-do' of a project I've done before.  It's a little Valentine matchbox treat.  My daughter gave these out to her preschool class last year.  You can see more info, as well as cutting measurements HERE.  Pretty much the only difference was that I used my Small Heart punch to punch out a pieces of the Multipurose Adhesive Sheet to add the Pink Stampin' Glitter (from the Fine Supernova collection)--instead of using the Tombow Multipurpose Liquid Glue.  

This actually points out one of the benefits of the Adhesive Sheets--you don't have to wait for anything to dry!  

Stamps:  I {Heart} Hearts, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Ink:  Early Espresso, Pretty in Pink, Soft Suede and Pretty in Pink markers, Versamark

Paper:  Soft Suede, Whisper White

Accessories:  Pretty in Pink taffeta ribbon, Fine Supernova Stampin' Glitter, Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets, Heat Tool, White Stampin' Emboss Powder, stapler, candy

 

 

And another Valentine 're-do. '  :-)  To see the original of this one, click HERE.  The basic difference here is that instead of using the Multipurpose Adhesive Sheet/Dazzling Diamonds on the hearts, I used it on the Designer Paper.  And I used the Designer Paper instead of fabric.  

 

This Designer Paper actually comes from the Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper that is one of the free product options during Sale-A-Bration! 

Stamps:  Tiny Tags

Ink:  Cherry Cobbler

Paper:  Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper

Accessories:  Distressing Essentials Kit, Victoria Crochet Trim ribbon, Antique Brad, Full Heart punch, Heart to Heart punch, Jewelry Tag Medium punch, linen thread, Dazzlig Diamonds, Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets, dimensionals

Thanks for stopping by!  I'll be back again with the last 3 samples I had on my display board.