Classic Happy Anniversary

I get alot of demand for anniversary cards and I think that's great!  While we often hear statistics of marriages that fail, there are many, many that flourish for a lifetime and that is something to be honored and celebrated!  One of my favorite new paper collections is called "Timeless Elegance" and is made up of Black, Very Vanilla and Sahara Sand color tones. It is modern, classic, vintage and contemporary all at once!  My first impulse was to make an anniversary card out of it:

Of course, I used new stamps as well and if you look really close, I added a little bit of Soft Sky ink flowers on the background of the sentiment piece. This font is fabulous too!  Here's the stamp set I used "Timeless Love":



And here's a picture of the papers included in this pack:


Crafting doesn't have to be complicated, fussy and over-the-top. Sometimes simple and classic speaks volumes!  Thanks for checking out my blog!

Happy stampin'!
Sarah

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Thank you!

I'm enjoying exploring some of the new paper offered in the new catalog.  While the stamp sets are so fun to look at and think about what you could do with them, the colorful paper really inspires me!  I recently got the "English Garden" designer series paper. It features a watercolor technique look, but each piece is very different than the others so several styles come to mind. The paper I chose caught my eye because of the color scheme... a couple of rich gold tones, some pink and rose and our new Mint Macaron.   Here's the card:

This card was made to play with alot of accessories including 4 punches, lace trim and pearls.  It was fun to design and I was happy with the results.

Guess what?  I'm going to have some classes in July!  I'm planning on  my 3 cards for $10 class on Thursday, July 9th at 6:30 p.m.; Friday, July 10th at 9:00 a.m. and Saturday, July 11 at 9:00 a.m. The Saturday class is a little earlier than usual as I have a wedding to get to at noon!  I'll have some great cards to make featuring many of the new products that have come out in June. I also have more catalogs to hand out if you haven't received one yet.   I'm hoping many of you can take a quick crafting break from a busy summer and join the fun! You can RSVP through the calendar link.

Happy Stampin'
Sarah

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Happy New Home!

I have been looking for some good images/ideas for cards to congratulate someone on a new home!  For most of us, it's a big deal to buy our own home and in some cases, we waited a long time before that finally happened. What a great moment for a congratulatory card!  The new "Happy Notes" set in the new annual catalog has just the ticket!  Here's my card:

I used some new paper as well, but reverted to some favorite retired stamps and framelits, "Holiday Home".  This was a fun card that I whipped out quickly and can't wait to use it!

Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek!  Remember, the new catalog is up and running! Order online anytime or contact me if you would like to order some things for your next projects!

Happy Stampin'!
Sarah

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

A magnificent elk!

Now that my first order has arrived, I'm diving in and playing with some new stamps and paper. The first stamp set on my "have to have" list was "The Wilderness Awaits". I live in Montana so that's kinda a no-brainer. My quality control wildlife expert (Jeff) said this was a good lookin' elk, so I knew it would be popular then!  This is a very simple card, designed for a guy, so of course, no frills, bows, bling or otherwise.

It features the new In-color Mint Macaron and just a peak of Designer Series Paper from the Pretty Petals 6 x 6" stack.  It is gorgeous and I can't wait to make more with this paper! Making masculine-themed cards is easy when you have such inspiring stamp sets to work with! Supplies are listed below in case you would like to make this card yourself!

Have a great weekend!
Sarah

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Shake things up a little with some new color!

Have you ever been in a creative rut?  The ideas are just not flowing easily and what you finish looks boring or stale?  One favorite technique I use to get me out of that rut is trying some new colors. I have my favorites and there are the ones that are neglected all year. Then there are the ones that are brand new, like the 2015-2016 In Colors, just released!  This is an inexpensive way to switch things up!  You can get a combo pack of the ink pads and selection of the paper for $32.50!  You can use the stamps and accessories you already have, you are just freshening up your color palate a little! In case you haven't seen these new colors yet, here's a simple card I made featuring them:

And, here's a snapshot of a magazine I got yesterday featuring them all!

As you can see, they are fresh, summery and just what you need to use together or combine with other colors!

If you're in a rut, or even if you just need a creative push, switch up your colors today!

See these products and many more at the Stampin'Up Store, featured on my SU website, listed in the right tab bar!

Happy Stampin'!
Sarah

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Father's Day!

I actually had to google when Father's Day was because I wasn't sure, but I knew it was in June. It's actually the 21st in case you are wondering!  I love to make cards for guys because it stretches my creativity, especially when I rule out flowers and frills and bling!  Here's some cards that were part of a card buffet I held in May. I've been saving them to show you when it was closer to the holiday!

This first one features embossing on silver foil duct tape... a favorite technique!

As you can see, I got alot of mileage out of my "Guy Greetings" stamp set!  I'm so glad this did not retire and is in the new catalog!

I hope you've had a chance to look through the new catalog and drool over some new stamps and papers. I'm trying to be strategic in what I buy, but there is plenty I want!

I hope your summer will allow some free time for crafting!  It's a simple pleasure that is so fun!!
Sarah

Bohemian Rhapsody

Hey there! It's bright and early this morning, the sun is shining, it's finally June and it's a great day to spend some time on doing what you like to do. At least that is what I told myself when I got up!

I said yesterday I would be back with more details about the card and I am. First, thanks to those of you who stopped by to my Open House, grabbed a catalog and ordered some fun stuff to add to your creative adventures.  Hopefully we won't have to wait tooooo long before that box arrives!

The new paper in the catalog is so pretty, fresh and inspiring. I love to use Designer Series Paper to inspire me, especially with color themes. I preordered "Bohemian DSP" and played with it for a little while. the colors are very vivid, bold and rich, a little out of my box but still fun. Here are some cards I made with it, including the one from yesterday.

And here's a peak at the paper.. so gorgeous!

Big patterns are sometimes harder to use on a small scale project like a card, but as you can see, if you combine it with more solid papers or feature it by itself, it works. Fortunately, if you are not able to use the big pattern, the reverse side of these papers is more monochromatic and smaller print.  I'm sure I'll be diving back into this paper soon!

The new catalog is on line for your viewing pleasure!  You can go to the store and browse through the products, organized via category. You can also contact me for a catalog if you prefer the paper version.  

I'm also excited about the kits that Stampin'Up! has now including several card kits, a 3-D birthday cake, a wall art/photo piece, a perpetual calendar and more. I'll be hosting some kit classes in the upcoming months and these are perfect for those of you who aren't that in to cards but still like to DIY when you can. So many possibilities!

Yay for new catalogs!

Sarah

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

You are the Sprinkles... on the cupcake of life!

Quick post today!  I'm getting ready for my Open House which is from 10 to 12 and 5 to 7 at my home. Stop by and see some of the new products in our fabulous new 2015-2016 Annual Catalog that goes live TODAY!  I'm offering some freebies, some prizes for ordering and free Class passes to future classes if you bring a friend new to me!

Here's a sneak peak at one of my favorites in the new catalog. I'll feature this more soon, but wanted to show you a card a recently made. Isn't it cute?

I'll be back tomorrow with the details!  You can come and see it and other new stuff at the Open House today!

Sarah