Gretchen Barron

Saturday Sketch Challenge #166

Hello everyone and welcome to a new Saturday Sketch Challenge from the Stamping 411 Operators!

Since the fabulous Summer Mini Catalog only has a few days left, I decided to highlight items from it for my Stamping 411 card this week.

As you can see, I'm using Island Oasis Designer Series Paper and the Tropical Party Stamp set, along with the great standby, Sincere Salutations.

Other accessories and embellishments include the Scallop Border Punch, 5/8" Satin ribbon, Brads and Stampin Dimensionals!

Here's the measurements:

1. Layer One -- Old Olive cardstock cut to 5.5 x 8.5", scored and folded to form the Card Base.
2. Layer Two -- Pumpkin Pie Polka Dot DSP cut to 4 x 5.25"
3. Layer Three -- Old Olive cardstock cut to 2 x 5.25". Punch one side with the Border Punch.
4. Layer Four -- Striped DSP pattern cut to 1.5 x 5.25". Add Satin ribbon across and secure ends on the back of the layer.
5. Layer Five -- Whisper White Oval (cut with the Big Shot and the Ovals Die. Stamp images in Old Olive Ink. Stamp flower images on scraps of Pumpkin Pie Cardstock using Pumpkin Pie and Rose Red Ink. Cut out and attach with SNAIL and Stampin' dimensionals. Add a faux bow off to the side. Before adhering the layers to the Card Base, attach 3 brads in the bottom corner, using the Mat Pack to align and pierce the holes.
6. Layer Six -- Inside of Card -- Whisper White cardstock cut to 4 x 5.25". Stamp images as desired.

That's it -- fairly simple and straight-forward but what a great look and a great way to send end-of-summer wishes to someone you know and love!

Don't forget to check out the Stamping 411 post to see what the other Operators have done with this week's great sketch! And when you're ready to share, visit once again to leave the link to your creation!

Thanks so much for stopping by! I'm so glad you did and hope you come back soon!

A New Saturday Sketch Challenge from Stamping 411!

Hello everyone and welcome to a new Saturday Sketch challenge from the Operators at Stamping 411! We've got a fun sketch for you this week!!!

When I first saw this pattern from the Elegant Soiree Designer Series Paper collection, it reminded me of a quilt and so, of course, I had to add some embossing to give it that "quilted" look! I just love these colors together -- Baja Breeze, Marina Mist, Soft Suede, Crumb Cake and Very Vanilla! Yummy!!!

I dusted off my Priceless Stamp set (now why don't I use that more often?) and stamped the happy butterflies using Marina Mist ink. The swirls are stamped with Soft Suede! I used the Circle Scissor Plus to cut the ring and the tiny little flower punch from Itty Bitty Shapes for the little flowers. Of course my newest favorite accessory, Basic Pearls, needed to find their way on this card somewhere!

Okay, here's the measurements ...

1. Layer One -- Soft Suede cut at 5.5 x 8.5", scored and folded to form the Card Base
2. Layer Two -- Marina Mist cut at 4 x 5.25"
3. Layer Three -- DSP cut at 3.75 x 5". Adhere layers two and three together and run through the Big Shot using the Vintage Wallpaper Impressions Folder. Attach a length of 3/8" Taffeta ribbon in Marina Mist, securing the ends to the back of the cardstock with SNAIL adhesive.
4. Layer Four -- the Ring -- cut the inner circle first at 2 7/8" and then the outer circle at 3 1/8". I used Soft Suede Cardstock.
5. Layer Five -- Marina Mist cut at 2.5 x 3.75"
6. Layer Six -- Soft Suede cut at 2.25 x 3.5"
7. Layer Seven -- Very Vanilla cut at 2 x 3.25". Stamp and embellish. I stamped the butterflies on scrap paper, cut them out and attached with Stampin' dimensionals. Adhere layers 5,6,and 7 together with snail. Stamp the sentiment from Teeny Tiny Wishes and punch out with the Curly Label Punch. Attach this to the bottom of layer 5 so that just a portion shows. Attach Stampin' Dimensionals to Layer Five and adhere to the card. Add the flower punchies, pearls and a faux bow.
8. Layer Eight -- Don't forget the inside! I added some more swirls and butterflies on an inside layer of Very Vanilla, cut at 4 x 5.25"

That's it! A few more layers than our usual Stamping 411 cards perhaps, but not difficult, especially when you break it down!

I do hope you'll take a few minutes to visit Stamping 411and see what the other Operators have created this week. And when you've completed your masterpiece, be sure and go back to leave us a link so we can all admire your creativity!

That will do it for now! I'm so glad you stopped by and I hope you found some inspiration here. Please come back soon!

Welcome to the August Control Freaks Blog Tour!

Hello everyone and welcome to the Control Freaks August 2010 Blog Tour. This month we are focusing on new Stamp Sets and products from the amazing Stampin' Up! Holiday Mini Catalog! This newest catalog will be available for customers on September 1st and it is filled with the most wonderful new stamp sets, papers, embellishments and so much more for Halloween, Fall, Thanksgiving and of course, Christmas! Contact your demonstrator to reserve your copy - you won't want to miss it.  And just to make you drool and get you excited about the great new things to come, hop on the bus, put up your feet and enjoy the ride on this tour!

If you're already taking the tour, you must have arrived here from Janine Tinklengberg's amazing blog. I know you enjoyed her fabulous projects! She always has a surprise up her sleeve!!!

I am absolutely ga-ga in love with the new Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper that you will find in the new catalog and so I decided to make all my projects for this tour highlighting this wonderful new double-sided paper. Coordinating with the colors of Cherry Cobbler, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, Early Espresso, Always Artichoke and Crumb Cake, it is perfect for beautiful, traditional and victorian holiday cards and projects.

Look at this centerpiece I created, perfect for your holiday table or as the focal point on a mantle or other display! The darling 3-D bird is made entirely of the Deck The Halls Designer Series Paper. This is the same pattern for the birds that I shared with you a week or so ago and guess what, I have a FREE tutorial and pattern for you. Click HERE for the original post or click on the image in my right side-bar!

To make this festive holiday bird, I embellished him with a bit of Cherry Cobbler 1/2" Seam Binding and some Basic Adhesive Pearls for his eyes. He's also spritzed with a bit of Gold Glow Smooch Spritz for a touch of extra shimmer and bling!

The candle is easily decorated by cutting out just a portion of the DSP and attaching it to a common pillar candle using Sticky Strip Adhesive. Again, I embellished with a Seam Binding Bow and spritzed it as well for a little extra something.

Immersed in a stylish glass dish, surrounded by color coordinated glass marbles and sitting on an inexpensive charger plate, this dynamic duo looks like a million bucks. It's guaranteed to bring you complements at all your holiday gatherings!

Last, but not least, I have an equally glimmery card for you. This could be used as a Christmas Card or an invitation to the stylish holiday gatherings that you're going to have!

I used a card base of Always Artichoke with a layer of Cherry Cobbler and then another with DSP. This is embossed with the Petals A Plenty Impressions Folder and the Big Shot and once again, spritzed with the Smooch Spritz for extra glimmer and glow. I created the gold poinsettias using the 5 Petal Flower Punch and Cherry Cobbler Cardstock along with Metallic Gold Waffle Paper. The centers are new 3/8" Gold Glimmer Brads. Again, the bow was created with 1/2" Seam Binding. The sentiment is embossed with Versamark Ink and Gold Embossing Powder and is from the All Holidays Stamp Set. The frame around the sentiment is punched from Brushed Gold Cardstock and punched with the new Decorative Label Extra Large Punch.

So what do you think? I think it's going to be a fabulous Christmas with Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper and all the great new products from the Stampin' Up! Holiday Mini Catalog!

It's time to move on to the next tour stop and hold on to your hats because the fabulous Dawn Olchfeske is next! Have fun and enjoy the ride!

 

 

Thanks so much for stopping by on the tour today! I hope I've inspired you!

It's Almost Time to Hop on the Bus for another Freaky Tour!

Hello everyone! Just a heads-up that you'll want to make sure and stop by tomorrow, August 20th, to take the Control Freaks Blog Tour. This group of stampers have been doing a Blog Tour on the 20th of each month for more than a year now and we'll have some great projects for your inspiration, using new stamp sets and products from the soon to be 2010 Stampin' Up! Holiday Mini Catalog! We'll be featuring halloween, thanksgiving and Christmas cards and projects. Make sure and come back this weekend and save some time to hop on the bus. You won't be disappointed!

No time this weekend to enjoy all we have planned for you! No problem -- we keep our links up so that you can revisit the tour whenever you want! In fact, if you want to see some past Control Freak inspiration, you can click HERE to revisit past tours!

Thanks for stopping by!

Bright & Cheery with Curly Cute

Hello stamping friends! I've got some bright & cheery cards for you today made with the Curly Cute Sentiment Stamp Set and some color blocking stripes!

The cards were so much fun to make and guess what? They are made with scraps! Yes, I said Scraps!!!! I always end up with strips of cardstock left over from various projects that are between 1/2 inch and 2" wide. I just took several of those strips of various widths and SNAILED them onto a sheet of cardstock, butting up the edges so there were in gaps in-between the various strips.

Next, I cut them into sections that are 2 3/4 x 5" wide (if you start with 11" long cardstock, you can cut 4 of these from each piece). To give them a little texture and interest, I ran them through the Big Shot using the Square Lattice Impressions Folder. Attach them to various colors of cardstock and then mount on different colored card bases. I used the sentiments from the absolutely adorable Curly Cute stamp set, stamping on each card with Black Stazon Ink. Add a little trim (I cut these adorable shapes using the new Tasteful Trim Die (available on September 1st in the Holiday Mini Catalog) and the Big Shot and some colorful ribbon and viola ... instant cuteness!

And just think, they are primarily made of scraps! How great is that!!!

 

I'm taking orders now for a new batch of ribbon and DSP samplers -- supplies will be ordered on Friday so get your order in soon to make the deadline! More information can be found HERE.

 

Also, the Test Tube Gift Card Holders have been very popular and I continue to send out kits as quickly as I can put them together. Have you ordered yours yet?

 

Thanks so much for stopping by today! I hope you found some ideas and inspiration here and I hope you come back again soon!

Saturday Sketch Challenge #164 from Stamping 411

Hello everyone! Another week has come and gone. I need something to help me feel cooler during this 95+ degree heat-wave we've had in Central Illinois for the past few weeks! How about Christmas in August! I created this week's card using the new Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper and and new Level 2 Hostess Set, Peaceful Season -- both available beginning September 1st in the Holiday Mini Catalog. Aren't they both fabulous?

 

Cardstock colors are Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler and Whisper White. I also used some of the new Cherry Cobbler 1/2" Seam Binding and the Petals A Plenty Impressions Folder with the Big Shot for that great texture on the DSP layer!

 

Here's the details:

1. Layer One -- Always Artichoke cut at 5.5 x 8.5", scored and folded in half to make the card base.
2. Layer Two -- Cherry Cobbler cut at 4 x 5.25"
3. Layer Three -- DSP cut at 3.75 x 5". Adhere layers two and three together and run through the Big Shot with the Impressions folder for texture.
4. Layer Four -- DSP cut at 3 x 3.5". I used the Scallop Trim Border Punch to punch along the left side. Adhere to Layer Three with Stampin' Dimensionals!
5. Cut out holly leaves and berries from the DSP and adhere to top-right and bottom-left hand corners. Stamp the Sentiment on Whisper White with Versamark Ink. Heat Emboss with Gold Embossing Powder and the Heat Tool. Cut out Oval shape (I didn't have a die for this so did it free-hand). Attach ribbon and sentiment on top wit Stampin' Dimensionals. Attach bow.

That's it. It really looks much more complicated than it is! And look what I did to embellish the inside of the card? A narrow strip of DSP layered with Cherry Cobbler Scallop Trim and some more of that yummy Seam Binding! It's all ready for a Christmas greeting! Okay, 1 Christmas card down and ... how many to go? LOL.

Okay, now it's your turn! Check out what the other operators have created this week on Stamping 411 and then get busy with your own creation. Don't forget to stop back and leave your link to your card using this week's fabulous sketch!

Thanks for stopping by, everyone! I hope you'll come back soon for more ideas and inspiration!

***NEW*** Sets of Inspirational Cards

Hello everyone! I've got some new card sets for sale -- Inspirational Card Sets in four different color themes. Each set comes boxed (with envelopes) in a clear acrylic box and is suitable for gift-giving! Each set is created using a current Designer Series Paper collection (DSP patterns on individual cards may vary from what is pictured) and the retired stamp set, Elegant Inspirations. The cards are embellished with embossing, coordinating ribbon and pearls. Whether ordering these to use for yourself or to give as gifts, I know they will be appreciated by all who receive them! Card sets are $14.50 which includes envelopes and S&H. Shipping to the US only, please! Preferred ordering through PayPal. Contact me for other options.

Blueberry Crisp DSP Inspirational Card Set -- 4 cards, 4 different scriptures. Various shades of Blue, sand and White with Whisper White envelopes. Packaged in clear acrylic gift box.

 

 

Greenhouse Gala DSP Inspirational Card Set -- 4 cards, 4 different scriptures. Shades of Green, Brown, Orange, Red, Blue and White with Whisper White envelopes. Packaged in clear acrylic gift box.

 

 

  Lap of Luxury DSP Inspirational Card Set -- 4 cards, 4 different scriptures. Various shades of Purple, Pink, Blue, Green and Vanilla with Very Vanilla envelopes. Packaged in clear acrylic gift box.

 

 

Sunny Garden DSP Inspirational Card Set -- 4 cards, 4 different scriptures. Various shades of Poppy, peach, yellow and White with Whisper White envelopes. Packaged in clear acrylic gift box.

Choose Color Theme:

Blueberry Crisp -- Shades of blue, sand and white $14.50 Greenhouse Gala -- shades of red, brown, orange, green and white $14.50 Lap of Luxury -- shades of purple, pink, blue, vanilla $14.50 Sunny Garden -- Shades of Poppy, Peach, Yellow and White $14.50

thanks for stopping!

Pearls and Lace

Good morning, everyone! I've been playing around with the new Just Believe Stamp set and so love the images and sentiments that come with it.

For this card I used one of my favorite color combinations -- Old Olive and Elegant Eggplant. I stamped the floral image on Whisper White cardstock and then ran it through the Big Shot, using the Finial Press Impressions Folder. Punching just the top two corners with the Scallop Trim Corner Punch adds a beautifully lacy look without a lot of bother or fuss!

I added Basic Pears to the flowers and butterfly and even to the corners of the new Label Punch (available September 1st in the Holiday Mini Catalog). The sentiment is punched out with the Wide Oval Punch.

A bit of Old Olive 5/8" Satin ribbon and a little stamping on the inside finish off the card beautifully! It's definitely a happy card!

I'm taking orders now for a new batch of ribbon and DSP samplers -- supplies will be ordered on Friday so get your order in soon to make the deadline! More information can be found HERE.

Also, the Test Tube Gift Card Holders have been very popular and I continue to send out kits as quickly as I can put them together. Have you ordered yours yet?

Thanks so much for stopping by today! I enjoyed your visit and hope you did as well!

Decorative DSP Bird -- Free Tutorial!!!

Hello everyone! I've been promising you a tutorial for those fabulous Designer Series Paper Birds that you can see on page 173 of the Stampin' Up! 2010-2011 Idea Book and Catalog and here they are! What's more, to help celebrate One Million Hits on my blog (yeah!!!!!) I'm posting this tutorial as a FREE gift for EVERYONE!!!!!!! It's my gift to all of you for being such faithful and loyal blog supporters and filling my life with such richness! I am truly blessed!!!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

So, without further delay, you can download both the tutorial and the template by clicking on the links below!

Decorative DSP Bird Template

Decorative DSP Bird Tutorial

Have fun creating these delightful birds! Thanks for stopping by!

Saturday Sketch Challenge #163 with Stamping 411!

Hello friends! Another week has come and gone and here we are with another Sketch Challenge from the Stamping 411 Operators!

As you can see, I decided to flip this sketch on it's side this week with a beautiful card created with the Thoughts & Prayers Stamp Set and the beautiful new Elegant Soiree Designer Series Paper. The colors are Marina Mist, Crumb Cake and Very Vanilla. I colored directly on the rubber stamp with Stampin' Write Markers for the focal image.

 

Here's the Measurements:

1. Layer One -- Cardbase of Crumb Cake cut at 5.5 x 8.5", scored and folded.
2. Layer Two -- Marina Mist cut at 5 3/8 x 4 1/8"
3. Layer Three -- DSP cut at 5 1/4 x 4". I did a little paper piercing on the bottom right-hand corner after I attachd the next layers.
4. Layer Four -- Marina Mist cut at 2 3/4 x 3 3/4"
5. Layer Five -- Crumb Cake cut at 2 5/8 x 3 5/8
6. Layer Six -- Very Vanilla cut at 2 1/2 x 3 1/2". Stamp images. Once assembled (but before attached to the card base), run 5/8" Marina Mist Satin ribbon from top to bottom, adhering on the back of the card. Attach bow.
7. Inside of Card -- Very Vanilla cut at 4 x 5 1/4". Stamp additional image in the corner.

That's it for this week. I'm so glad you visited today. I hope you'll take a few minutes to check out Stamping 411 and see what the other Operators have created with this sketch. When you've finished your own creation, link back to us on Stamping 411 so we can all enjoy your creativity!