Gretchen Barron

Tutorial -- Sponged Sky/Clouds Template

What is this, you say? No, it's not some kind of new funky card design. It's not a very poor attempt at creating a lop-sided turtle made of punches! It's a template that YOU can make to create realistic sky and cloud effects on your cards and scrapbook pages! I made this template using a large Scallop Circle Die Cut and 5 Scallop Circles Punchies (out of scrap cardstock, obviously). Using scotch tape (you can see the back in the smaller photo), I attached the scallop Circle punchies at varying depths and spacing around the Die Cut. The idea is to get a variety of scallop configurations so that as you sponge ink on your project, nothing will line up, giving you a random cloud-like effect.

Okay, here's how you use it once you create it. Using ink and a Stamping Sponge (I used Ballet Blue Ink and I cut my sponges in quarters), begin at the top of your cardstock, lightly sponge ink over the template. Working from the top to the bottom, move the template down and rotate it, each time apply a little more sponged ink. Keep working until you get to the bottom of the cardstock. If you like, go back over areas of the sky and add touches of yellow, pink, purple or any other color you want your sky to be, again, turning and rotating the template to give a random (rather than a uniform) effect. That's it! It's pretty simple really and so easy to make the template. The template can be used hundreds of times until it gets so saturated with ink that it's falling apart. Then simply pull out your punches and scraps and make a new one. This would be a great project to do with a Stamp club and each member would have a template to take home and use!

Okay, now for a couple of ideas of what to do with a sponged sky and clouds! Here's my first one (click on the image to view as larger). The sky is sponged with Ballet Blue, So Saffron and just a touch of Almost Amethyst. I stamped the bold flower image from Inspired by Nature directly over the sponged sky, added a book plate, ribbon and sentiment and you have a quick and beautiful card, ready to send to someone you care about!

And here's another idea using the Cheap Talk Stamp Set. The sky here is sponged with Bermuda Bay and So Saffron. I put some texture on the Bermuda Bay cardstock using the Big Shot and a Texturz Plate. The polka-dot paper is Thoroughly Modern Designer Series Paper and the ribbon is 5/8" Polka-Dot Grosgrain. Cute, don't you think!

Okay, now for a little contest. I want to see what you create with your own cloud and sky templates! So, once you've posted on your blog or other public site, come back here and link your creation back to me, using the Mr. Linky widget below. Make sure and link directly to your specific blog post, not just to your blog address (that way anyone can click on your link and go directly to your cloud and sky project). The deadline for playing along is next Sunday evening, September 6th, at 6 p.m. Central time. I'll choose one of your creations to win a little BLOG candy -- a package of 3 Stamping Sponges and a Brilliant Blue Ink Pad ... and I'll feature your creation on my Blog! Okay, get busy now -- I can't wait to see what you create!

Blessings, Gretchen 

If you don't have a Stampin' Up! demonstrator and would like to order any of the items I've shown on this post, simply CLICK HERE to order Stampin' Up! Products 24-7! (and then click on "Shop Now")

Stamp Sets:

• 111656, Inspired by Nature, $23.95
• 116511, Grateful Greetings, $36.95
• 113204, Cheep Talk, $26.95

Classic Stampin' Pads, $5.95 Each:

• 100907, Ballet Blue
• 105213, So Saffron
• 115655, Bermuda Bay
• 115657, Soft Suede

Accessories:

• 109043, Scallop Circle Punch, $15.95
• 113468, Scallop Circle Sizzix Die, $19.95
• 101610, Stamping Sponges, $3.50 for 3
• 111325, Styled Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware, $29.95 for 200 pieces
• 115609, 5/8" Dusty Durango Polka-Dot Ribbon, $9.95 for 15 yards
• 115610, 5/8" Bermuda Bay Polka-Dot Ribbon, $9.95 for 15 yards
• 104430, Stampin' Dimensionals, $3.95
• 115673, Thoroughly Modern Designer Series Paper, $9.95
• 114512, Stampin' Up! Backgrounds I Texturz Plates, $11.95 for 6 patterns

New Sweet Treat Cups and Cards -- a Sneak Peek at the Holiday Mini Catalog!

Another Holiday Mini Sneak Peek for you this afternoon -- this time with the Sweet Treat Cups! Oh my goodness, these little treat cups are too much fun! What a great way to add a little something special to your cards and projects! Although I've used candy in all my projects for this post -- think of the possibilities! I've seen Snow Globes, mini games, shaker cards and all kinds of projects used with these little cups! They are sure to be a HUGE hit!

Okay, I stood in front of the candy aisle at the grocery store and couldn't decide what to try -- so many choices! So I had to do a little of this and a little of that and before you knew it, I brought home four different kinds of candy - much to my daughter's delight!

How about Gummy Worms and the Bugs & Kisses Stamp Set! I chose the colors to match the Gummi Worms -- Gable Green, Regal Rose, Tempting Turquoise and Apricot Appeal. I sponged the colors onto the worm stamp with Sponge Daubbers, stamped on scraps of Whisper White Cardstock, covered with two-way glue and then dipped them in Dazzling Diamonds Glitter to make them look all yummy and sugary like the actual worms. The sentiment was punched out with the Large Tag Punch and then I adhered it to Gable Green cardstock and trimmed around the edges to make an even bigger tag. I used 1/4" Grosgrain ribbon in Tempting Turquoise and Apricot Appeal. Now, I've read about all kinds of complicated ways to get the candy out of the cup without ruining the card -- making a perforated "x" on the back, designing a sliding door, etc., etc. All great ideas but I go for the simple whenever I can! I simply backed each candy cup (after I filled it) with a 2 1/2" Circle (cut with the Circle Scissor Plus) of Whisper White Cardstock. Before I adhered the cup, I stamped an image in the hole, on the inside of the card, so that when the candy cup is removed, there is still something interesting to look at through the hole (click on the smaller photos to see a larger image). To attach the cups, I placed 3 Mini Glue Dots on the rim and then put it through the hole in the front of the card, pressing to adhere the Glue Dots. When the recipient opens the card, they can easily pull the candy cup out and enjoy the contents, without destroying the card itself. It's super simple and seems like a great solution to me!

Here's my next candy selection -- Gummi Bears -- and what better stamp set to use than the new Beary Best Friends from the new Build-a-Bear Collection (also available beginning next week in the Holiday Mini Catalog). How Cute is this? These little guys are able ready to be carried away by a balloon that is twice as big as they are! I used reinkers and Blender Pens to color in the bears and then cut them out, adhering them to the card with SNAIL adhesive. A little bit of Glorious Green Cardstock, punched with the Scallop Edge punches, resembles grass and I sponged on some clouds, using a large scallop circle as a template. Here's the view of the card once the candy cup is removed! I used the Stamp-a-ma-jig to position all of the images on the inside of the cards. I also found that the 1 3/4" Circle Punch (this is the right size for punching out the cup hole) will easily punch through 2 layers of cardstock, but not three. So, if you're using more than 2 layers, you need to punch out the pieces in stages.

Next up, a favorite for fall, is Candy Corn! And what better set to use with this choice than Tasty Sweet which features ... Candy Corn! To make the candy corn pieces, I colored directly on the rubber with Pumpkin Pie and Summer Sun Markers, coated them with Versamark Ink, and embossed with Clear Embossing Powder and the Heat Tool, before cutting them out with paper Snips. The Designer Series Paper is Cast-A-Spell and I used some 1/4" Black Grosgrain Ribbon.  The sentiment is stamped with Black Stazon Ink and the candy corns are attached with Stampin' Dimensionals!.

Okay, one more tasty treat card for today with my personal favorites - Skittles! I decided to use the Hot Air Balloon Stamp from the Sweet Centers Stamp Set (the Stamp Set that is designed to be used with the Sweet Treat Cups). I again sponged on clouds using my home-made cloud template and some Ballet Blue ink and then I stamped the balloon basket image with Black Craft Ink and Embossed it with Clear Embossing Powder and the Heat Tool. The sentiment is from Hope Happens. Now, what to do on the inside for this image! The Circle Circus Set, of course. I stamped this scallop circle image three times on a scrap of Whisper White Cardstock, using Tempting Turquoise, Ballet Blue and Orchid Opulence Inks. I punched them out with a variety of punches -- Scallop Circle, 1 1/4" Circle, 1" and 1/2" Circle Punches. And then just put them all back together to make a bright and cheery "balloon" for the inside of the card. I really like the way it turned out, and again, the whole idea is to design the card so that it will still be interesting when the candy cup is removed. As you can see, I did a little cloud sponging on the inside of the card as well!

Well, there you go -- a sneak peek at the Sweet Treat Cups and a couple of the new stamp sets from the Holiday Mini. Remember, you can begin ordering from this fabulous new Mini Catalog beginning September 1st -- only a few days away!

Thanks so much for stopping by today! I hope you'll come back soon for more ideas and inspiration!

Blessings, Gretchen

If you don't have a Stampin' Up! demonstrator and would like to order any of the items I've shown on this post, simply CLICK HERE to order Stampin' Up! Products 24-7! (and then click on "Shop Now")

Stamp Sets:

• 116521, Sweet Centers, $29.95
• 118052, Beary Best Friends, $18.95
• 118050, Beary Nice Wishes, $16.95
• 116580, Bugs & Kisses, $26.95
• 111698, Tasty Sweet, $19.95
• 115778, Circle Circus, $28.95

Accessories:

• 116802, Sweet Treat Cups ($2.95 for 12)
• 112091, Scallop Edge Punch, $15.95
• 104827, 1/4" Red Gingham Ribbon, $7.50 for 15 yards
• 109038, 1/4" Tempting Turquoise Grosgrain Ribbon, $4.95 for 15 yards
• 109040, 1/4" Apricot Appeal Grosgrain Ribbon, $4.95 for 15 yards
• 109027, 1/4" Black Grosgrain Ribbon, $4.95 for 15 yards
• 109130, Clear Embossing Powder, $4.75
• 100005, Heat Tool, $29.95
• 104430, Stampin' Dimensionals, $3.95
• 100425, 2-way Glue Pen, $3.50
• 102023, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, $4.50
• 103683, Mini Glue Dots, $4.95
• 105934, Large Tag Punch, $15.95
• 104401, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, $15.95

A New Saturday Sketch Challenge from Stamping 411!

Hello everyone! It's Saturday morning (well, Friday night) and that can only mean one thing -- a new Stamping 411 Sketch and Challenge from the Operators! It's hard to believe that we started this project 14 weeks ago. Stamping 411, for those of you who haven't visited there, is a special website designed with the beginning and inexperienced stamper in mind. We have weekly challenges, lot of inspiration and helps on the site, and a great group of "Operators" that want to share our love of all things stamping! We invite you to visit frequently. And if you're up for the challenge, we hope you'll make a card this week using our sketch, post it to your blog or other online site (like Splitcoaststampers), and then link it back to us using Mr. Linky. On Wednesday each week, we choose our favorites from among those submitted and sometimes we even send out prizes!

Okay, on to the card that I created for this week's sketch! I'm using some of the new items from the Holiday Mini Catalog for this (it's fabulous, by the way ... and YOU can begin ordering from it on September 1st! Let me know if you need a copy and I'll put one in the mail for you!). I'm using Autumn Meadows Designer Series Paper, and the Autumn Splendor and Grateful Greetings Stamp sets. The colors are Taken with Teal, Chocolate Chip and Very Vanilla. I also used a bit of 1/4" Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon and a Ribbon Pull from the Very Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware Set.

Okay, now for the details:

1. Layer One is the cardbase of Taken With Teal, cut at 8.5 x 5.5" and folded in half to form the card.
2. Layer Two is Chocolate Chip, cut at 4 x 5.25"
3. Layer Three is the Designer Series Paper, cut 3.75" wide. The top piece (brown leaves) was cut 4" long. The bottom piece (woodgrain) was cut about 2" long and then I tore the upper edge. Adhere both pieces of DSP to the Chocolate Chip (layer 2) with SNAIL adhesive. I cut two pieces of Ribbon, attached one end of each to the back of Layer Two and then threaded the ends through the ribbon pull. Cinch them up tight and then tie a simple over-hand knot.
4. Layer Four is Taken with Teal, cut at 3" Square.
5. Layer Five is Very Vanilla cut at 2.75" square. I stamped the sentiment and inked around the edges with Chocolate Chip Ink.
6. I stamped the leaf image with Chocolate Chip Ink onto Taken with Teal cardstock and cut carefully around the edges. Remember when cutting out that you move your paper, not your scissors! I left a small border around the edge but if you rather, you can cut right on the line. I also inked around the edges with a little more Chocolate Chip ink and then attached the leaf to the card with Stampin' Dimensionals!
7. And don't think that I ignored the inside of the card. I stamped a leaf image in the corner and again sponged around the edges on the inside layer of Very Vanilla!

Well, that's it for this week's sketch! Please visit Stamping 411 to see what the other Operators have created using this great sketch!

We can't wait to see where your creativity takes you this week!

Blessings, Gretchen

• 116503, Autumn Splendor Stamp Set, $20.95
• 116511, Grateful Greetings Stamp Set, $36.95
• 116769, Autumn Meadows Designer Series Paper, $9.95
• 111367, Chocolate Chip 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, $4.95 for 15 yards
• 112454, Styled Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware, $29.95 (200 pieces)
• 100908, Chocolate Chip Classic Stampin' Pad, $5.95
• 101650, Very Vanilla Cardstock ($7.50 for 40 sheets)
• 102128, Chocolate Chip Cardstock ($5.50 for 24 sheets)
• 101584, Taken with Teal Cardstock ($5.50 for 24 sheets)
• 101610, Stamping Sponges (set of 3 for $3.50)
• 104430, Stampin' Dimensionals ($3.95)

Bride Paper Resist

Hello everyone! Oh my gosh, if you haven't yet tried the new Bride Specialty Paper, you definitely must do so ASAP! It is so gorgeous when you see it. Of course, it's perfect for wedding and anniversary and other elegant cards, but I just had to try sponging other colors of ink onto it, and look at the results! The foiled design in the paper naturally resists the ink that you sponge on and the shimmer that you get when the design is contrasted with other colors is absolutely phenomenal and so beautiful! I think it shows up fairly well in the photos but you can image that the effect in real life is truly fabulous!

For demonstration purposes, I tried four different color combinations, using the same card design and dimensions for each. This first one (above) uses Soft Suede, Rich Razzleberry and Whisper White - one of my favorite color combinations for the new In Colors! Be sure and click on the smaller photos to view the pictures at full size! The second card uses Certainly Celery, Tempting Turquoise, Lavender Lace and Whisper White. The third combination I tried uses Ballet Blue, Apricot Appeal and Lavender Lace. And the final one is Melon Mambo, Certainly Celery and Apricot Appeal! I think they all turned out beautifully and it's such a fun, easy and fast technique which definitely produces a "wow" from those who try it and receive the card! Such fun!!!

Have fun with the Bride Paper Resist!

Blessings, Gretchen

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-line, 24-7, CLICK HERE! (and then click on "Shop Now")

• 115669, Bride Specialty Paper ($13.95)
• 113692, Eyelet Border Punch ($15.95)
• 115068, Sincere Salutations Stamp Set, $23.95
• 115613, Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon in Rich Razzleberry ($9.95 for 15 yards)
• 115611, Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon in Melon Mambo ($9.95 for 15 yards)
• 114616, 5/8" White Satin Ribbon ($8.95 for 15 yards)
• 109038, 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon in Tempting Turquoise ($4.95 for 15 yards)
• 101610, Stamping Sponges ($3.50 for 3)
• 100730, Whisper White Cardstock ($7.50 for 40 sheets)
• Colored Cardstocks, $5.50 each for 24 sheets -- Soft Suede (115318), Rich Razzleberry (115316), Certainly Celery (105125), Tempting Turquoise (102067), Lavender Lace (101614), Melon Mambo (115320), Apricot Appeal (105124), Ballet Blue (100613).

A Sneak-Peek at Delightful Decorations

Good morning, everyone! WARNING -- Sneak Peek alert this morning! I decided to get out one of my newest Stamp Sets -- Delightful Decorations -- and it's coordinating new punch for my card this morning. Both of these fabulous new products are in the Holiday Mini Catalog which will soon be available. In fact, customers should begin receiving the catalog in the mail this week and you can begin ordering from it on September 1st! It is jam-packed with so many fabulous new stamp sets, products, embellishments, accessories and tools -- I cannot say enough good things about it. If you would like to receive your own copy and don't have a demonstrator to work with, let me know and I'll gladly put one in the mail for you! Anyway, I wanted to do a card with punches for the Late Night Stampers Punch Challenge this week, and this is the one that immediately came to mind!

I used the Holiday Lounge Designer Series Paper along with Taken with Teal, Ruby Red and Sahara Sand Cardstocks. I embossed the ornament images with Versamark Ink and Gold Embossing Powder, punched them with the new coordinating Ornament Punch, and then "hung" them using Gold Metallic Elastic Cord. The sentiment is from Many Merry Messages and the ribbon is 5/8" Whisper White Satin. I added another embossed ornament on the inside of the card. This is such a fun set to use and made so easy with the new punch!

Stay tuned all these week for more Sneak Peeks from this fabulous new Holiday Mini Catalog that is about to be revealed! I guarantee there is something for everyone!

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you'll come back soon!

Blessings, Gretchen

One Week Remains To Take Advantage of this Great Special and Become a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator!

Of course, you can become a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator anytime! But for just one more week, you have an opportunity to join the Stampin' Up! Family at a HUGE discount on the Starter Kit!

Have you ever thought about becoming a demonstrator?
You have nothing to lose and so much to gain. You can do it for the discount or to earn extra income. If, at any time, you decide it's not for you, you simply keep everything that you received in your kit and go back to being a customer. Like I said...Nothing to lose but so much to gain.

While anytime is a great time to join the Stampin' Up! family as a demonstrator, joining before August 31st is especially sweet! Starting your own Stampin' Up! business means free and discounted products, plus a little extra cash--and who couldn't use that, especially during these times? For the next week only, you can become a Stampin' Up! demonstrator for only $85!

The special, limited-time Mini Starter Kit contains many of the items you need to get started in your new business, including:

• For All You Do stamp set
• In Color Classic Stampin' Pads (6)
• Whisper White card stock (8-1/2" x 11")
• In Color assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11")
• Business forms and tools

Or if you want to buy the standard $199 Starter Kit, in addition to the supplies listed below, you'll get all six of the new In Color Classic Stampin' Pads and one pack of In Color assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11")--a $43 value! The standard Starter Kit (already a $350 value) includes:

• Four stamp sets of your choice (within certain price-points)
• A Stampin' Around wheel, handle, and ink cartridge
• Stampin' Pastels
• Card stock
• Eastern Blooms Décor Elements and applicator tool
• Five Classic Stampin' Pads (again, you choose the colors)
• VersaMark Pad
• Stampin' Scrub and Mist
• Blender pens
• Business forms and tools

These special offers--the Mini Starter Kit and the In Color add-on to the standard Starter Kit--are only available for a limited time, so you must act fast!

Benefits of Becoming a Demonstrator
Whether you just love to stamp, or you want to grow a successful, thriving business, the Stampin' Up! opportunity is the right fit for you. Stampin' Up! demonstrators enjoy many benefits, with just a few listed below:

• Product discount. Demonstrators get a 20 percent discount on all Stampin' Up! products, including stamp sets, paper, and accessories. It's a great way to support your love of stamping and paper crafting.
• Extra income. You'll earn extra income based on your sales and recruiting--how much extra income is up to you. Maybe you just want enough income to pay the electric bill every month, or maybe your goal is bigger--the monthly payment for your new car--it's your decision!
• Flexible schedule. This is your business, so you can put in as much (or as little) time as you'd like.
• Support from Stampin' Up! We love our demonstrators and it shows through our demonstrator support materials, including a monthly magazine, workshop ideas, and audio and video trainings on all kinds of topics available on our Demonstrator Web Site.

Are you ready to take that next step? Go to my Stampin' Up! Website and click on the 'join now' button in the left side-bar. The password is inspiration_in_action. I would love to welcome you to my growing team of Stampin' Up! Demonstrators -- the Inspiration in Action Team. Join my team before August 31st and receive a special gift from me -- a set of New In Color Markers to go with all the new In Color products in your Starter Kit!

Call or e-mail for more details! I would love to speak with you about the possibilities!

Blessings, Gretchen

One Sketch ... three Cards!

Hello everyone! Did you know that MoJo Monday has been running daily Sketch Challenges all week to celebrate their birthday? I decided to use today's sketch for One Sketch ... Three Cards!

Now I must tell you that this color combination -- Perfect Plumb, Barely Banana, Sage Shadow and Orchid Opulence -- has been noted on a Post-It note on my desk for weeks and I finally decided to try it out today! What do you think? Looks like spring, doesn't it? I used the Great Friend Stamp Set, Scallop Border Punch, 5/8" Satin Ribbon, 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, the Curly Label Punch and Die Cut (with the Movers & Shapers Die), Versamark Ink, Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder, the Heat Tool and Stampin' Dimensionals! Oh, and also a bit of Perfect Plumb Patterns Designer Series Paper. Of course, just had to stamp a bit on the inside of the card as well!

Ready for Card Number Two! It's my first Halloween Card of the Year. It's still the same sketch, I promise! Just flipped on it's side. I used Cast-A-Spell Designer Series Paper along with Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, Perfect Plumb and Whisper White Cardstocks. Also used are the Tasty Sweet and Batty for You Stamp Sets, the Eyelet Border Punch, 5/8" Basic Black Grosgrain Ribbon, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Scallop Circle Punch and 1 3/4" Circle Punch, Versamark Ink, Iridescent Ice Embossing powder and the Heat Tool and stampin' Dimensionals! The Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder really adds some sparkle to the candy pieces. It almost looks as if they are covered in sugar! (click on the image to view as larger).

And finally a little fantasy and fun with Kaleidoscope Designer Series Paper! I used the Season of Friendship and Think Happy Thoughts Stamp Sets, Regal Rose 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, 1 1/4" and 1 3/8" Circle Punches, Scallop Circle Punch, the Scallop Border Punch, a flower Brad and Stampin' Dimensionals! Colors are Regal Rose, Pretty In Pink, Apricot Appeal, Certainly Celery and Whisper White (not the recommended colors for the DSP but I think they work very well together). And of course, a little stamping on the inside for an extra smile!

There you go! Check out the MoJo Monday site for more great sketches and beautiful ideas from their designers!

And have a great weekend!

Blessings, Gretchen

SSC113 -- Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge

Can it be possible that another week has flown by and it's time again for the Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge? Amazing!!!! Amazing as well is this fabulous Kaleidoscope Designer Series Paper! I can't believe that I didn't really like it that much the first time I saw it. I thought it was loud, bold and busy -- goodness, what was wrong with me? I mean, look at these beautiful colors. They are truly amazing together! I've found that the trick when using bold, busy, loud patterns is to use them in moderation and in such a way that you play-up their positive attributes while toning-down the busyness. At least, that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

So, for today's sketch card, I used the big, bold Green Galore and Tempting Turquoise print from the Kaleidoscope DSP. I actually used Certainly Celery for the base of my card. While working well with the Green Galore, it does help to tone down the brightness just a bit and I wanted to use 5/8" Certainly Celery Grosgrain Ribbon. I think the colors looks just great together. In addition, I used 1/4" Tempting Turquoise Grosgrain Ribbon; 2-way Glue Pen; Dazzling Diamonds Glitter; The Modern Label Punch and Modern Label die (used with the Movers & Shapers Die); Tempting Turquoise Brads; the Kind & Caring Thoughts Stamp Set (a Level 3 Hostess Set); and a Filigree Brad (tied to the ribbon and hung like a charm).

Okay -- here's all the measurements:

1. Layer One -- Card Base of Certainly Celery Cardstock is cut at 8.5 x 5.5" and folded in-half to make a card that is 4.25 x 5.5".
2. Layer Two -- Tempting Turquoise cut at 5.25 x 4"
3. Layer Three -- DSP -- two coordinating patterns cut at 3.75" wide and 3.5" and 1.5" tall. Wrap the ribbon around the assembled layers 2 & 3 before adhering to the Card Base. Tie a bow with 1/4" Tempting Turquoise Grosgrain and tie-on the Charm (Filigree Brad)
4. Layer four -- Tempting Turquoise cut at 3.5 x 2.5"
5. Layer Five -- Whisper White cut at 3.25 x 2.25". Stamp the image on the Whisper White and apply Dazzling Diamonds Glitter using a two-way glue pen. Adhere Layer Five to Layer Four with SNAIL adhesive and adhere to Card with Stampin' Dimensionals.
6. Stamp the Greeting on a scrap of Certainly Celery cardstock with Black Stazon Ink and Punch-out with the Modern Label Punch. Adhere to the matching Modern Label Die Cut. Pierce holes and insert brads.
7. And don't forget the inside -- a little stamping inside guarantees an extra smile when your card is opened!

I do hope you'll visit our Stamping 411 site to see what the other Operators have created with this week's sketch! Remember, Stamping 411 is designed especially with the Beginning stamper in mind! And if you're up for a challenge, show us what you've created this week using our sketch. Just link your creation back to us using Mr. Linky! We can't wait to see what everyone creates!

Thanks so much for stopping by today! I do hope you'll come back soon!

Blessings, Gretchen

It's Freaky Tour Time Again!

Can you believe it? It's the 20th of the month and that means another funky, freaky, fantabulous Control Freaks Blog Tour! If you're already taking the tour, you probably just arrived here by way of Melanie Schulenberg's blog. If you're just starting, jump on the bus here and then enjoy a great ride as you visit a total of 13 Great Control Freak Blogs, each one filled with amazing projects using the New 2009-2010 Stampin' Up! In Colors! I've taken the tour and believe me, you won't be disappointed!

So, what are you favorite new In Colors? Without a doubt, mine are Rich Razzleberry and Soft Suede. And when you combine the two colors together... well, all I can say is "WOW" -- I LOVE this color combination. In fact, both my projects for this tour use that combination. Here's the first -- this lovely card made with the Greenhouse Garden Stamp Set. Colors are Rich Razzleberry, Soft Suede, Pale Plumb and Very Vanilla. I used Thoroughly Modern Designer Series Paper and 5/8" Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, along with the Big Shot and Scallop Circle #2 Die and the Circle Scissor Plus. Of course, no card would be complete without a little somethin' on the inside as well!

Now this next project is the one I'm really excited about! Aren't those leaves just geoergeous? The stamp set is Autumn Splendor from the new Holiday Mini Catalog (available for orders from beginning September 1st). I stamped them with Versamark Ink on Very vanilla Cardstock and then heat embossed with Gold Embossing Powder. I sponged on some ink -- Rich Razzleberry, Soft Suede and just a little Dusty Durango, and then cut them out. I gave them a little shape with my fingers and mounted them with Stampin' Dimensionals, trying to maintain their curvy, flowing shapes. The little scrapbook is made using Small On Board Book Basics, Thoroughly Modern and Rich Razzleberry Patterns Designer Series Papers, and 5/8" Rich Razzleberry Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon. The tag is created using the Holiday Best Stamp Set (a Level 1 Hostess set) and the Wide Oval Punch. The inside sheets are cut from Very Vanilla Cardstock, with a 1" strip of DSP on the end of each page and the corners rounded with the Corner Rounder Punch. I used my Bind-it-All to put it all together. I'm so thrilled about the way these leaves turned out! You will probably see some more of these in my future!

Well, that's it for this stop. Thanks for stopping and staying awhile but you really need to move on to the next stop now. There's some fantastic, freaky surprises awaiting you. Click on the image below to go to the next stop, the blog of the stupendous Patty Bennett!

Blessings, Gretchen

A New Stamping 411 Sketch Challenge -- SSC112

Hello everyone! It's Friday already and that means we're getting ready for a new Sketch Challenge on Stamping 411! Here's the great sketch for today!

And here's my take on it! I used the yummy color combination of Mellow Moss and Cameo Coral, along with some Whisper White and touches of Regal Rose (added with marker to the flowers). The Designer Series Paper is Pink Flamingo. Also used are the Scalllop Border Punch, 3/8" Mellow Moss Taffeta Ribbon and a ribbon slide from the Very Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware Collection. You can see a peek of the image that I also stamped inside the card!

Okay... now for the nitty-gritty.

1. Layer One -- Cut your cardbase from Mellow Moss Cardstock at 8.5x5.5" and then fold in half, creasing with your Bone Folder for a nice, smooth fold.
2. Layer Two is 4 x 5.25" cut from Cameo Coral.
3. Layer Three is is 2.75 x 5.25, cut from Mellow Moss and then edged with the Scallop Border Punch.
4. Layer Fouris 2x5.25" from the DSP.
5. Layer Five is a 2 2.5" square cut from Mellow Moss.
6. Layer Six is a 2" square from Whisper White. Stamp the image from Embrace Life with Black Stazon Ink and then color in with Mellow Moss, Cameo Coral and Regal Rose Stampin' Write Markers.
7. I punched a hole for the ribbon to come through and then just tied it onto a ribbon slide. Trim the ends to the length desired.
8. the sentiment was stamped with Black Stazon Ink.

That's pretty much it for this card! Please make sure to check out what the other Operators on Stamping 411 have created with this week's sketch. And if you get creative, remember to link it back to us using Mr. Linky. We are looking forward to seeing some of your creativity this week!

Thanks so much for looking! Stop back soon for more ideas and inspiration!

Blessings, Gretchen