Easy-peasey Christmas Trees!

Sometimes you need to whip up something in a hurry with a minimal amount of fuss. What are one of the best go-to solutions? Punches!  Punches are fast and friendly especially when you need to make more than one of anything.  Here's a perfect card to show off some punches and celebrate Christmas !

I used our tree punch with some Designer Series Paper and then some glimmer paper to create the snow ( I free-hand cut that). I used some diamonds for my tree tops but you could easily punch out some stars.  This card came together in no time and is a great way to use up some scraps... scrap paper, scrap bling, scrap washi tape!

We are a week away from Christmas Eve!  With a fresh batch of alot of snow here in Montana, things look pretty Christmas-y! I hope you are enjoying your days during this wonderful season...
Happy Stampin,
Sarah

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Tri-fold Winter sports birthday!

I have another card for you today from my recent class last week!  We really had fun with this one and bonus, used every single stamp in a stamp set. My frugal spirit loves when I get the most for my money !!  Here's the card :

It's a little hard to photograph a tri-fold card and do it justice, but I hope you get the idea!  The first picture is the front flap, 2nd one is the first inside flap and 3rd one is the inside of the card. We stuck with very traditional colors, 2 shades of brown and a great evergreen color.  We made this a birthday card, but any type of sentiment would be appropriate.  We also used a little bit of stiff twine for our rope on the front, just for interest. Sorry bling fans, no bling here!

In case your are interested in the specifics, the card paper dimension was 11 x 5-1/2" overall. I scored  (from the left) at 3" and 8".   You can get one card out of a regular 8-1/2 x 11 sheet of paper or two cards out of a 12 x 12 sheet of paper.

See below for specific details on products used!  This stamp set is only available through January 4th so if you like it, get it now!! ;)

Happy  Stampin,
Sarah

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

And lo, there were shepherds....

Have you ever thought about what that first Christmas would have been like for all the different participants, from their perspective? I have a very favorite Christmas CD, probably almost 20 years old now, that is by Michael Card and each song is sung from the perspective of a different participant, i.e. Joseph, Mary, the angels, the shepherds, Simeon, etc.  It's such a meaningful way to contemplate the birth of Jesus and all that it means.  Like music, art is from a perspective too and even rubber stamps!  Stampin'Up! came up with a great stamp this year featuring the shepherds. I love the simplicity of the silhouette style and the holy and reverent posture of the shepherds as they are told the good news of great joy.   Here's my card:

I did something sneaky on this design. The original stamp comes with a different, smaller star on it. I cut that part of the rubber away so I could use the shepherd part without the star. I then searched through my stamps for the most spectacular star-like image I could find and found it with this starburst from the Kinda Eclectic stamp set. I heat embossed gold glitter on there and loved the much bigger statement it made. I have to remind myself it's okay to adapt things and switch them up to fit my style. Contrary to how some of us joke about it, there are no "stampin' police", at least in Montana!

Have a great weekend!
Sarah

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Up on the Housetop...

How many of you remember the Christmas song that starts  with "Up on the Housetop..."  It's a favorite of young kids and as a funny aside, it was one of the first Christmas songs my youngest piano students could play! It's cheery, whimsical and fun.  I recently made a card that reminded me of that song:

I used alot of Big Shot product to make this, plus some old fashioned scissors to fussy cut the Santa. You might be wondering about the icicles/snow... it's our Dazzling Details glitter glue!  I've listed the rest of the products below to make this very fun card. Note: The snowflake background and "be very merry" stamp are retired products and no longer available.

Also, a bunch more products landed in the Clearance Rack, now officially known as the "Year End Sale". Be sure to check it out and shop early as items are only available while supplies last!  Here's a link:

SU Year End Sale

Hope you are enjoying your Christmas prep and season so far!  I know it's busy but there are also moments of cheer, magic, joy and fun!
Happy Stampin!
Sarah

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Another sneak peek... "Peace"

I wanted to show another sneak peek from my card class coming up next week. We will be making a great card which features a very simple color palette... white, silver and Mint Macaron.  I wanted this card to really sparkle so I used some Iridescent Ice embossing powder on the window scene and adhered it with a craft spray after I had stamped my trees. I loved the effect. There's still room at the table if you would like to make this card and two others. Contact me for all the details!

Overall, this is a hopeful card for something we all wish for... peace in our world, our lives and our hearts.

Have a great weekend!
Sarah

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

O Come All Ye Faithful

I've been in a big cleaning-out-the room mode for the last week or so and am finding lots of things... things I forgot I had, things I thought were lost, things I thought I finished and things I have no clue how they got there. I'm sure you can relate with at least one closet or drawer in your home, if not a whole room!  Happily, I came across a card from a class a while back that I forgot to post about, so it's today's feature card!  A while back a centered a whole class around the theme of Black, Gold and White, featuring the Wonderland suite in the Holiday catalog. Here's another card from that class:

I cheated a bit and used some purple as well. We have a color called "Elegant Eggplant" that rarely gets any attention, so I pulled it out for this card.  I used the Designer Series Paper as a background, gold glitter embossing and glimmer paper and the Wonderland Vellum stack. This was another fun card to make and have to send!  Details are below!

Yay, it's Wednesday!
Sarah

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Saving the best for last!

When I first saw the new Holiday catalog back in August, two bundles immediately stood out as my "favorites"!  I had to have them and couldn't wait to start creating cards with them. As it turns out, they were my favorites!  I have made several cards, but have saved the best for my December card classes.  I am never sure whether it is a good thing to give you a sneak peek or surprise you on the day of the class, but I decided to go with the sneak peeks this time. Here's today's card:

This card features the Sleigh Ride Edgelits and is so fun to make!   I really like any type is silhouette image whether through cutting or stamping. Leaves more to the imagination, I think!  We will be making this card and you will have some options for the sentiment, such as "Merry Christmas" or "Silent Night" besides what I used.

My classes will be next week and will be the last ones for the year. If you need a break from the holiday bustle, I hope you can stop by! Times and dates:

Tuesday, Dec 8th    6:30 p.m.
Friday, Dec 11th     9:00 a.m.
Saturday, Dec 12th     9:30 a.m.

Please RSVP so I can plan on you!  You can comment on this post or email me at scade403@hotmail.com

Hope your week is off to a great start!
Sarah

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Blessed and Grateful!

I want to use today's post to thank you... those of you who have taken a peak at my blog over the past year or so. I've not always been consistent, but have tried to regularly post a bit of what I'm up to on my creative journey, especially with Stampin'Up!  It continues to be fun, challenging, rewarding and fulfilling, especially as life gets a little harder with other responsibilities.   To those of you who have come to some of my classes, bought some product or just commented about my ideas, thank you!  Your encouragement keeps me going!!  I'm looking forward to more of it all in the year head.

Speaking of the year head, what's coming up?
***  Occasions Catalog 2016 and Sale-A-Bration!!  That time of year when for 3 months, every $50 you spend gets you a free product choice from the SAB brochure! (starts January 5th)

***  More classes!  I plan to continue my monthly class of 3 cards for $10. This is the opportunity to learn new techniques, play with new product and build your stash of cards to give to others.

***  More blog posts!  My plan is to coordinate my posts a little better including have one a week that features a specific technique with paper crafting, a throwback Thursday post featuring well loved product from the past and more.

*** Introduction of some "Stamp-a-Stack" events where you can make as many cards as you want for a set fee, featuring a specific theme. The first one will be Cards for Guys~all ages!

Again, thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart!  Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

Happy Stampin!
Sarah

Christmas Card Buffet!

My annual Christmas Card buffet is this week!  I have a Friday morning and Saturday morning session left and all are welcome!  The times are 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. You can make as many cards as you want, enjoy a snack and some chatting and be on your way. The cost is $3 per card which includes an envelope.  Here are some of the featured cards! Hope you can come!

And many more!  Have a great weekend and Go CATS!  BEAT the GRIZ!!!

Sarah

Snowflake flurry

I've learned from some customers that one of the most loved "motifs" of Christmas is the snowflake!  They love all the paper, stamps and embellishments that feature this unique, one of a kind creation... no two are alike!  My card today features  the "Flurry of Wishes" stamp set. I stamped with our new archival gray ink and then used the white gel pen to color in some of the areas of the snowflake.

 I really like the way this turned out!  I also dusted off my paper piercer and mat which I had forgotten about and pierced around the edges of the gray oval.

This card and many more are available to make at my Christmas Card Buffet next week!  It will be happening on Wed night from 5 to 8:30; Friday morning from 9 to 1 and Saturday morning from 9 to 1. I hope you can come and make some cards!  I will also have some tag, gift bag and gift card options to help you with your Christmas planning.

Have a great weekend!
Sarah

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Words for the Season

This card style has been around awhile, but I have not made very many. For some reason, the design popped into my head as perfect for this paper and stamp set. I wanted to feature alot of both and when your design area is only 5-1/2" by 4-1/4", it gets tricky!  This is a card inside a card. the outer one is on blue card stock and features the ornament paper and glimmer paper. The smaller one opens the opposite direction and is partially tucked inside.

Here's a picture of it opened... still sort of hard to show in pictures how this card really looks!

Anyway, it was fun to make and the stamp set is especially versatile with many words and phrases.

I hope you have a great weekend planned!  Go Bobcats!
Sarah

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Cozy Christmas

I'm still playing with the "Home for Christmas" paper and the Sleigh Ride Edgelits!  I think there are so many fun things to do with these products!  I particularly love the color scheme of this card with the mellow Mint Macaron and bright, true RED!  Here's my card:

I have seen some more fun ideas with these houses and churches on Pinterest so will be coming back to this paper. (Hint:  Any of you collect those Christmas village pieces?)

Life is certainly busy for all of us. I hope among all the "have to do", "need to do" and "hope to do" lists you have in your head, you can find a little creative time. Let me know if I can help!  

Happy Stampin'!

Sarah

Skating Santa

Just a quick post today.... and just in time for the snow we have in the Gallatin Valley, a Santa card!  This is another example of the fun and gorgeous "Home for Christmas" paper!  We will be making this card as well in my classes at the end of the week... there's still some room at the table!

There's alot going on here!  You could try almost every technique in this card from embossing, punching, Big-shotting, fussy cutting, stamping, etc!

Happy Hump Day!
Sarah

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Tradition and nostalgia

I suspect it is because of my extensive quilting background that I love color, pattern and design. Fabric is eye candy, lovely to behold and even better to touch. I have discovered that paper is the same way!  An even more pleasant surprise is when it evokes strong memories that bring warm fuzzies to my heart.  One of Stampin'Up!'s Christmas paper packs does just that. I do remember the 60's and 70's and was fortunate to be young enough to be fairly untouched by the chaos in our country at that time. All I remember is very traditional childhood, which I am grateful for.

I couldn't wait to dive into this paper and start creating!  I'm having a card class this week featuring 5 cards made from this paper, "Home for Christmas".  I'll be featuring the cards the rest of the week on my blog. There are still openings in the classes if you are interested, Thursday evening and Friday morning. Just give me a holler!

I did have to use scissors to cut out Rudolph, but other than that, this card was easy peasey!  If you look really closely, you will see a dot of red glitter glue on his nose. It's important to be accurate, don't you think?  Here's a quick look at this fabulous paper that is providing my inspiration:

We just got our first snowfall last night so winter is very close!
Happy Stampin'!
Sarah

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

I've Got My Eye on You!

I'm taking a day off of Christmas posts to show you a card we made in my October card classes!  Most of you were not able to be there, so hardly anyone has seen this! I thought it was a cute concept, using some of the fall paper and stamp set, but not really for a fall-ish reason.  This could easily serve as a birthday card, encouragement/friendship card, little kid card, etc.

We popped up the wood design paper with dimensionals to make it seem like the bear was actually in the tree (probably not realistic haha)  and added the cute sign for him to hold in his paw (even more unrealistic).  I'm trying to warm up to the new green in our color lineup, Cucumber Crush. It is really GREEN!!!

I'll be back tomorrow with some sneak peeks for my Old Fashioned Christmas Card class which is this week, Thurs evening and Friday morning. Let me know if you want to check it out!
Sarah

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Elegant Ornaments

This week, I finally got to try some new framelits that I had purchased from the Holiday catalog, the "Delicate Ornament Thinlits". They are a little tricky to use as far as getting all the "hanging chads" out of their holes, but they were fun nonetheless. I decided to order the Precision Base plate and see if that makes the process easier. I will report back!  Here's another card from the Black, Gold and White class I have been hosting this week.

This card oozes with elegance and style. I just love it!  If you think you could never do something like this, I would love to show you how easy it is!  I have another class series coming up next week featuring an "Old Fashioned Christmas".  Watch for details!

Have a great weekend!
Sarah

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

The true reason for the Season!

I have to admit I like just about everything about this time of year. I even like cold weather and snow which is convenient since I live in Montana!  All of the Christmas imagery speaks to my heart and you will see much of it in my work as I'm drawn to those stamps that evoke strong tradition, memories and faith. I love it when we get new stamps reflecting the true Reason for the Season, the birth of Jesus Christ. Two of the cards we will be making this week use these new stamps sets and I am so excited to share them with you!  Here's one for today:

Lots of things are wonderful about the products I used, but how I altered them makes this card!  The music paper is part of a new Designer Series Paper called "Home for Christmas". For you musicians out there, this is legit sheet music that can be played on a piano. I know, because I tried it!  I stamped directly on the DSP paper with our wonderful new dark black archival ink.  Secondly, I used a wooden snowflake embellishment as a "star". Before I adhered it, I inked it up directly on the ink pad with some shiny gold ink.  This was a fun and easy card to make that also speaks the greatest truth of all.

Have a great Thursday!
Sarah

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

So many possibilities!

Ever since I decided to do a Black, Gold and White card class for Christmas, I am coming up with soooooo many possibilities that it's hard to narrow down my choices!  I love color in general, so this is a stretch to limit myself and stick to the theme.  Today I will be finalizing my choices, but here's another one in the running to make the class:

This features the same edgelits as yesterday, only the tree motif. The gold cord is a new product, the velum gold snowflake paper is a new product and I used some heat embossing with gold embossing powder for the sentiment.

I still have a few seats left in all three sessions, so if you are interested, let me know!  The details:
Thursday, 10/29, 6:00 p.m.
Friday, 10/30, 9:00 a.m.
Saturday, 10/31, 9:30 a.m.

The cost is $20 and we will be making 5 cards plus 2 gift enclosure cards. Come and join the fun!

Happy Stampin'!
Sarah

Oh what fun!

Dashing through the snow, in a one horse open sleigh, o'er the fields we go, laughing all the way...

Now, does that bring some Christmas spirit into your heart?  Even if you despite the Christmas decorations in the stores in August, you gotta admit, Jingle Bells is a favorite song!  I combined this very phrase "Oh, what fun"  with  the Sleigh Edgelits to create this Black, Gold and White Card. What do you think?

There are all kinds of things to love about this card and you can make it at my class this week!  See yesterday's post for details regarding times and dates!  I can't wait!

Have a great Tuesday!
Sarah

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Black, Gold and White

Okay, I'm officially moving on to Christmas!  I have purchased some of my favorite Christmas goodies from the Holiday Catalog and am ready to play!  I'm hosting a Christmas Card class this week featuring Black, Gold and White!  This was inspired by a Designer Series Paper product and vellum paper product in our catalog, Winter Wonderland!  They are gorgeous!  The DSP paper has somewhat of a glossy sheen to it and just screams "classy"!!  Here is one of the cards I've come up with so far:

The class will be focused on this color scheme and all things Christmas!  Dates and times are:
Thursday, 10/29     6:00 p.m.
Friday, 10/30       9:00 a.m.
Saturday, 10/31      9:30 a.m.

We will be making 5 cards and 2 gift enclosure cards (3 x 3") for $20.  I do need reservations for this class and seating will be limited to 7 participants per session.  I hope you can come!  Check back on the blog as I will feature cards from this class all week!  Also, see the supply list below for a closer look at this gorgeous paper!

have a great day!
Sarah

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

More custom ink pad cards

I'll have to admit that I was a little surprised after making my custom ink pad with felt and reinkers, that the ink kept lasting!  I made quite a few cards and eventually sealed the homemade ink pad in a ziploc bag to use again another day. See yesterday's post for more details about that process! We will see if that works!  Here are some more cards I made. I used a retired stamp set on the "Thanks" card and some retired paper on the other.  Here they are:

I love the gorgeous fall colors captured with just four different ink colors and then combined on paper.

Remember today is the last day to order stamps at 15% off!  What a great deal and perfect time to pick up some standard sentiment stamps like "Teeny Tiny Wishes" or "Any Many More", or some everyday well used ones covering birthdays, new babies, weddings or sympathy.  Check out the store for all the options and order online. It will be at your door before you know it!

Always glad it's Friday!
Sarah

Lovely Fall Birthday

There's a technique I was introduced to awhile back that I hadn't had a chance to try yet, until now!  It's making your own ink pad using regular white felt sheets from the fabric store and reinkers!  I chose some fall colors and added drops of ink to 4 layers of white felt. I tried to add the ink blots next to each other, but not overlapping so my colors wouldn't run together. I think chose some stamps featuring leaves and went to town!  Here's the result:

I love the leaves!  This looks just like the mountain scenery I see every day and boy was it fun to make. The other fun technique I did was to use an embossing folder as a stamp. You'll have to look really close, but I used my honeycomb embossing folder, inked it up with Sahara Sand and placed my card into the folder and just rubbed it with my hand.  I wanted a very faint look, but not plain background. It's a great way to get more mileage out of an embossing folder.

We are making this card and more at my class tonight (6:30 to 8:30 p.m.) and tomorrow (9:00 to 11:00 a.m.). I still have some seats at the table so let me know if you want to come!  You'll love it!

Happy Stampin'!
Sarah

Four years... today!

It has been four years since I signed up as a Stampin'Up! demonstrator!  I originally just signed up for the discount I could get on products. I loved so much of it and was completely smitten with this new hobby and of course, funds are always limited. I figured out I could earn more free stuff if I hosted classes and people ordered stuff. Well, what I didn't expect was to make so many new friends, learn so many new techniques and have so much fun!  I look forward to each opportunity I have to stamp with some old friends and some new friends.  My personal circumstances and life have changed quite a bit in the past four years (caring for my parents while giving up many of the previous activities I was involved in) but my little Stampin'Up! business has been a refuge for me. It's a place to go to create, relax, think, make and pass on to others. It's fed that part of me that likes to be productive and make things for others.

If you've ever thought about becoming a Stampin'Up! demonstrator, I'd love to talk to you! There are lots of good reasons to join, but you'll have your very own that work for you.

To those of you who have come to my classes and/or bought some things, THANK YOU!  I have been able to expand my supplies and stamp collection and even take in some conventions and classes because of your support!  I hope to keep on going for many years to come!   Here's a thank you card, just for all of you wonderful people:

There is still room in my Thursday evening monthly card class (3 cards for $10) and my Friday morning class. Let me know if you can come!

Truly Grateful,
Sarah

Sponging and Daubing

One favorite technique of the ladies in my classes is always sponging and daubing!  It's often a final touch that we add to the edge of a piece of paper, often in a brown, to make the paper look "distressed" or even burned or worn. It's super easy and provides that last element that steps a project up to the next level.  For this card, we did the daubing first!  I chose some gorgeous rose patterned Designer Series Paper and then used a dauber and Blushing Bride pink ink. With gentle, circular motions, I "daubed" all the roses pink.   Here's the card:

I chose to stop there, but you could certainly daub on some green leaves and even another color background. With this particular technique, the key is choosing a light enough colored ink that doesn't cover up the printed detail of the flower design.  One other thing about this card I want to point out is the black glimmer paper!  that's a new product in the Holiday catalog, under the Halloween suite. I just used a tad as the bottom layer of my sentiment piece, but I love the sparkle! My supplies are listed below if you want to try some daubing of your own!

SALE**SALE**SALE**  Just an FYI, all stamps are 15% off this week!  That includes both catalogs so if you have a wish list, now is a good time to get some more stamps!  Check out the shop now link to the right!

Happy stampin'!
Sarah

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Cheers to the new Mr. and Mrs.

Time for another wedding card! Although the vast majority of weddings seem to happen in the summer here in Montana, there are other times of the year that people "get hitched".  It's fun to make wedding cards and especially experiment with different color schemes. Here's my card:

I resorted to some retired and non-Stampin'Up! items to make this card but you can still get the floral paper (#138440) and the embossing folder (#133520) !  This is a fun design if you have some patterned paper that you would like to show off, as well as feature your sentiment front and center. 

I've just updated my calendar again with TONS of classes in October and November!  Take a look at it on my SU website and be sure to RSVP if you would like to come to any of them. We are going to have a blast!

Happy Stampin'!

Sarah

Some guys are just classic, right?!!

For about a year now, the "Guy Greetings" stamp set has been a favorite of mine. I used many of the stamps for Valentine's Day and Father's Day last year and many birthday cards.  I love it!  It appeals to my quirky sense of humor and fits several guys in my life. Guys are guys... aren't they?  Here's my latest card using this versatile set:

While the stamped images are what you are drawn to, I hope you notice the brick wall behind it all!  We have a new brick wall embossing folder and man is that fun to use!  It's a big one, 6 x 6" so you can use it vertically or horizontally on a card. To get the look of grout between the bricks, I used the edge of a dauber and some white craft ink... very light touch. I actually had to use scissors to cut out the guy, but that's good practice for me. Don't want to forget my scissor skills with all the fabulous tools we have to avoid fussy cutting with scissors!

This card and more are available to make on my card buffet! Hours are 9 to 1 today and tomorrow! Hope you can swing by my house and have a creative time out!
TGIF,
Sarah

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Thanks for Thanksgiving

My Fall Card Buffet starts today! I hope you are able to come and make a card or even a few! It's a great opportunity to spend some "me" time, bring a friend if you want, and create a handmade card to share with others who will treasure it because it is handmade and it came from you! I have 25 options of cards including all sorts of occasions. The hours today are 5=8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, the hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Here's an exampled of what awaits!

Hope to see you today!

Happy stampin'!

Sarah

Cheers for Beers ??

One of the images that caught my eye and imagination in the new Holiday Catalog from Stampin'Up! was the antler motif!  My theory is that it is the new "mustache" -like motif that has been around the past few years. I'm not sure what stampers in Hawaii will do with antlers, but I had an idea right off the bat. Why not be ridiculous and put antlers on a bear!  A neighbor told me that others have done that and it's called a "beer". Okay... so I'm not original with the concept, but my card is original!

I used several stamp sets for this card and some great paper from the Winter Wonderland Specialty Designer Series paper featuring antlers.  I thought this would make a great card for  a birthday or any other reason to celebrate and would make a guy chuckle or roll their eyes, depending on how serious they are about hunting... haha!

Don't forget my buffet is tomorrow, Friday and Saturday!  This cheers for beer card is one of your choices!  Hours:  Thurs 5 to 8 pm., Fri  9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sat  9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Hope you can make it!

Cheers,
Sarah

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

New Baby cards!

Guess what one of the best reasons to send a card is... a brand new baby!  What a special joy to new parents and family and what a great way to commemorate it!  There's a great new baby stamp set in the Annual Catalog called "Sweet Li'l One" and it is just that... SWEET!  Here are some cards I recently made:

These cards are basically the same, with a different color scheme for the boy and girl. I also got to use my new star shaped punch... bonus!  Tags are hot design elements and this card went together in the blink of any eye.  What do you think? (Note:  I used up some retired and non-SU supplies. I picked some close choices for my supply list below!)

Happy Stampin'
Sarah

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Playing with Paper Pumpkin

I'm a big fan of the Paper Pumpkin kits!  I have found that if I don't care for the planned project, I can easily use the "parts" to do something creative that I do like!  August's kit was fine, but I wanted to add a little something to the cards that were part of the kit. I added some washi tape and a brad, and then cut the cards in half  and mounted them on my own card stock, thus getting twice as many cards!  Here are some samples!

Chalkboard art is all the rage and it's easy with stamping to get that look. I used black paper and a white craft ink. I even smeared it just a tad to make it look really chalky!  Here's one more card, I think from the May or June kit where I adapted some of the parts and added some of my own.

If you are interested, Paper Pumpkin is a monthly subscription kit that is $19.95 and that includes shipping. There will be a project inside with all the supplies including unique stamps and ink.  I've got quite a collection of stamps and ink that I have saved from my kits and find myself going back to them quite often!  Check out this link if you are interested:

Paper Pumpkin info

Well, I have more prep to do for my card buffet, coming up in just 3 more days!  Hope you can come!

Sarah

Dropping by to say "Hi"

Here's the final card we did at my September card class... using the "Acorny Thank You" stamp set and coordinating punch. Acorns are hot for fall decor and themes!  This set is a must have if you like them!  Here's the card:

There are several stamp options for the acorns as well as more sentiments. Here's the stamp set:



When you have a fun set like this, the ideas practically jump off the ink and onto the paper themselves!  All supplies for my card are listed below in case you are interested.

I'm busy with preparing for my upcoming fall Card Buffet next week!  I hope you can come. It will be Thursday from 5-8 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  As of last night, I'm up to 14 card boxes that are ready for you. It's a fun event where you come and make the cards you need/want at the pace that suits you. All cards are $3 each and you can make as many as you want!  There are some Halloween, Thanksgiving, general fall/blessing, baby, birthday, wedding, anniversary, sympathy and more!  I will have a special offer for all orders placed during the buffet and other treats and fun. Don't miss it!

Yay... it's Friday!
Sarah

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Fun Fold Fall card

I'm sure there is a name for this type of fun fold card, I just don't happen to know it. I didn't really invent it as I've seen others like this, but I didn't have directions and figured it out myself, so that counts for something, right?  My first attempt was badly asymmetrical and I was not happy with it at all. I then had some 10th grade geometry float to the forefront of my brain and remembered something about 90 degrees and equal sides of a triangle. I won't even attempt to explain any of that, but I did figure out what I wanted!  This fold allows the stamped image to be on the front of the card or inside. Here are a couple of pictures to demonstrate what I mean:

This was a fun card to make and it features some beautiful fall-themed paper as well as the "Lighthearted Leaves" stamp set!  This set has endless possibilities including coloring with a permanent ink stamped image (Stazon or our new Archival Black ink) and heat embossing with gold or silver or white!  I'm not done playing with this set. Even better, the stamped leaves match the Leaflits Framelits!  Lots to love!

This is an example of what we do at my monthly card classes!  Come and check them out. Watch this blog for details and you can always check my calendar. 

Happy Stampin'!

Sarah

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Pretty fall view out the window!

You are probably going to be seeing me use this new window framelit set alot!  There is also a coordinating stamp set to create lovely scenes outside, perfect for fall, Christmas and winter! I've already shown you some others in a former post here:

more windows

Here's a card we made recently in my September card class, taking full advantage of this fun set!

It shouldn't take too much effort to spot the wallpaper, wainscoting and chair rail for my background "wall"!  We had alot of fun making this card and of course, the possibilities are endless!  I've listed the supplies below in case you want to get this bundle!

Happy Hump Day!

Sarah 

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Fall is in the air

I love autumn!  I love it all; the scents, the colors, the tastes, the views and even football. It's a great time of year to reset, especially after a summer of fun and non-routine. I'm gearing up for my Fall Card Buffet which will be next week! Keep watching this blog for more details, including times. It's a chance for you to drop by, Open House style, make a card or 10 and be on your way!  I'm getting my boxes ready this week and plan to have at least 20 choices for you to pick from. Hope you can come!

Here's a card using the very versatile Woodland Embossing folder. I have used this a ton already!  This time I used it on brushed gold card stock and then used the new leaves stamps and framelits!  I love how it turned out!

I hope this stirs some creative juices your way!  

Happy Stampin'!

Sarah

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Back to the Holidays!

I apologize for being AWOL for a couple of weeks. As with many of you, life got in the way. You might think that all that matters to me is making cards, if you only knew about my blog and Stampin'Up! business, but in reality, that's a small part of who I am. My biggest challenge right now is honoring my parents as I care for them in their golden years. The details are just that... details, but I'm busy, to say the least!

Anyway, I continue to make cards and create and have classes!  I need this outlet more than ever some days!  I want to share a fun card today that features a gorgeous cardinal image. It's from the "Joyful Season" stamp set, featured in the holiday catalog. Here's my card....

I actually stamped the bird, branches and sentiment on vellum card stock. It' was a great way to be able to "see through" the paper and use the Designer Series Paper on the background. One word of caution, you can't use this technique if you are in a hurry!  It takes a long time for the ink to set on vellum. A heat gun helps a little, but you can easily burn your vellum, so be careful!  I set my vellum stamped piece aside for the day and finished the card the next day.  What do you think?

There's an icon to the right that you can click on to see all the great new products in the Holiday catalog and order if you like!

Happy Stampin'!

Sarah

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog