Gretchen Barron

Sending a Little Love!

Hello everyone! Happy Friday night to you all! You know that Friday means a new Sketch Challenge from the Stamping 411 Operators.

 

I'm so excited to share tonight's card with you! I used the Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper (FREE with a qualifying Sale-a-Bration order). I just love this paper and the colors it has!

 

I decided to flip the sketch on it's side and to use the Big Shot and the Scallop Envelope Die for the rectangular focal piece. Didn't it turn out darling! Tucked into the envelope is a double-layer heart created with the new Hearts Collection Framelets Dies (it's a sweet little surprise that can be easily removed).

 

Embellishments include Self-adhesive Basic Pearls, Sale-a-Bration 1/8" Organza Ribbon, the Boho Blossoms Punch, the Elegant Bouquet Textured Impressions Folder and Stampin' Dimensionals. The bow is attached using Crystal Effects. I used two stamp sets -- Language of Friendship and Grateful Greetings.

 

 

 

Here's the measurements for this card, in case you want to use it as inspiration for your own!

1. Layer One -- Lucky Limeade Cardstock cut at 5.5 x 8.5", scored and folded to make the Card Base.
2. Layer Two -- Pool Party Cardstock cut at 4 x 5.25"
3. Layer Three -- DSP cut at 5 1/8" x 1 7/8"
4. Layer Four -- DSP cut at 5 1/8" x  7/8" -- attach the envelope with Stampin' Dimensionals

 

I forgot to take a picture of the inside of the card but you can see a peek of it in this photo. I embellished it with a flourish stamped with Lucky Limeade ink and popped up a couple more of the flowers with pearl embellishments and then attached another tiny little bow. This very think organza ribbon is so think that you can even add these bows to the inside of the cards without adding a lot of bulk!

 

 

Well, that's all for tonight! I hope you have a wonderful weekend and that it includes some creative time! When you've got a few minutes, remember to stop by the Stamping 411 website to see what all the other Operators have done this week! Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you'll be back soon for more ideas and inspiration!

Take It To Heart

Hello everyone! Can you believe that another week has flown by and it's Friday night already? Amazing! Well, you know what Friday Nights mean around here! It means it's time for another Weekend Sketch Challenge from the Stamping 411 Operators! Look at the Sketch we have for you this week -- such fun!

 

I decided to break open my package of Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper. Isn't this DSP yummy? I love, love, love it. It uses all of the new InColors -- Lucky Limeade, Pool Party, Peach Parfait, Calypso Coral and Poppy Parade, along with Very Vanilla and Soft Suede. And do you know what is the most absolutely fabulous thing about this DSP? IT'S FREE! Yes, this is one of the Sale-A-Bration gifts that will be FREE with every $50 order beginning next Tuesday, January 24th! Make sure and see your demonstrator for a Sale-a-Bration brochure!

 

Okay, I digress!!! Now, on to this card! I used the Take It To Heart Stamp Set, Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper, 1/8" Organdy Ribbon (another SAB offering), The Big Shot, the Hearts Collection Framelets Dies, the Fashionable Hearts Embosslet Die and Stampin' Dimensionals!

 

Here's some measurements if you want to create this card:

1. Layer One -- Lucky Limeade Cardstock cut at 5.5 x 8.5", scored and folded to make the Card Base.
2. Layer Two -- Poppy Parade Cardstock cut at 4 x 5.25"
3. Layer Three -- DSP cut at 3.75" Square -- add the two larger hearts
4. Layer Four -- DSP (coordinate print - I used the stripes) cut at 1.5 x 3.75" -- add the embosslet hearts and tie off with the ribbon.
5. I added an additional piece of cardstock to the inside of the card for writing -- cut at 4 x 5.25"

 

Well, that's it for now. I told you this was a simple card to put together! I hope you have fun with this week's sketch and with your own version of this card! For more inspiration using this sketch, be sure and check out the other Operators projects on Stamping 411!

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you have a great weekend! Happy Stamping! Blessings, Gretchen

Bouquet of Hearts

Hello everyone and welcome to the Control Freaks January Blog Tour! Our theme this month is "Love is in the Air -- Cards and Projects for Your Valentine". There's nothing like Valentines Day to bring out the cuteness factor and this year Stampin' Up! has made it even easier with all the wonderful new Die Cuts, Embosslets and other fabulous products for Valentine's Day and so much more! Just wait until you see what's waiting for you on this month's tour! If you've already begun the tour, then you are probably arriving here from Deb Currier's Blog. I loved her cards and that last fabric project was just too adorable!

Well, here's what I have for you today -- I'm calling it my Bouquet of Hearts! It's easily created using the Little Leaves Sizzlet and the new Fashionable Hearts Embosslet Die. Adorable, aren't they? I used Pink Pirouette, Real Red, Regal Rose and Whisper White cardstocks with Lucky Limeade for the Leaves.

For the card, I used a Card Base of Real Red and the first layer of Peach Parfait. I cut out the three larger hearts using the Hearts Collection Framelets Die and then just adhered the leaves and heart "flowers" on top. I shaded the edges of everything with Real Red Classic Ink. The sentiment is from the Short & Sweet Stamp Set. A tiny bow created from 1/8" Real Red Taffeta Ribbon and a single Basic Pearl adds the perfect finishing touch.



The darling little treat box is quickly and easily created using the Fancy Favor Die and the Big Shot. I used one of the Heart Framelets to cut out the opening and attached a piece of clear plastic to keep the treats in. When I attached the Tiny Leaves Embosslet, I was delighted to find that the curve of the stem perfectly mirrors the curve of the heart -- gotta love it when things like that happen (okay, I know ... I'm easily amused!). Again, I just attached the embossed hearts with Stampin' Dimensionals, adding a bow and a final Basic Pearl for embellishment. The bag of candy finishes it off nicely. This little treat box went together so quickly, it would be a great project if you are making mulitples for gift-giving. And what a sweet little treat for Valentine's Day!

 

 Well, I think that about does it for this stop! I hope that I've helped get you in the mood for Valentine's Day and inspired you with some cute and quick projects. Just wait until you see what's waiting for you on the rest of the tour! Talk about inspiration!

 

It's easy enough to move on through the tour. Just click on the button below to go to the blog of Sandy Mathis, one of our newest members! Thanks for joining us on the tour today! Happy traveling, Happy Stamping and Happy Valentine's Day!

 

Well, here's what I have for you today -- I'm calling it my Bouquet of Hearts! It's easily created using the Little Leaves Sizzlet and the new Fashionable Hearts Embosslet Die. Adorable, aren't they? I used Pink Pirouette, Real Red, Regal Rose and Whisper White cardstocks with Lucky Limeade for the Leaves.

It's easy enough to move on through the tour. Just click on the button below to go to the blog of Sandy Mathis, one of our newest members! Thanks for joining us on the tour today! Happy traveling, Happy Stamping and Happy Valentine's Day!

It's easy enough to move on through the tour. Just click on the button below to go to the blog of Sandy Mathis, one of our newest members! Thanks for joining us on the tour today! Happy traveling, Happy Stamping and Happy Valentine's Day!

 

 

Thoughts of You

Hello everyone and welcome to a new stamping challenge from the Stamping 411 Operators!

 

This week's sketch features a large background area (think pattern and texture) with a smaller focal image, tied off with a bow!

 

 

For my card, I've used Twitterpated Designer Series Paper, Pleated Satin Ribbon in Baja Breeze, Baja Breeze Seam Tape Ribbon (for that luscious double tow), Bordering on Romance and Loving Thoughts stamp sets (both from the Occasions Mini Catalog), the Scallop Border Punch and Basic Pearls. I did the watercoloring with Stampin' Write Markers and a Blender Pen.

 

 

Are you ready for some measurements? Here you go ...

1. Layer One -- Blushing Bride Cardstock cut at 5.5 x 8.5", scored and folded in the middle to make the Card Base.
2. Layer Two -- Baja Breeze Cardstock cut at 4 x 5.25"
3. Layer Three -- DSP cut at 3 7/8 x 5 1/8". Add ribbon across on the halfway mark
4. Layer Four -- Baja Breeze Cardstock cut at 3 x 3.25". Use the Border Punch on the left side and add Pearls in each Scallop.
5. Layer Five - Lucky Limeade Cardstock cut at 2 7/8" square.
6. Layer Six -- Whisper White cut at 2.75" square. Stamp image with Black Stazon Ink and watercolor. Add pearls and bow.

 

That's it for tonight! I hope you enjoyed this card. For more inspiration, be sure and check out the other Stamping 411 Operator Cards!  Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you'll be back soon for more ideas and inspiration!

A Sweet Seasonal Favorite -- The Valentine Train!

 
Hello, everyone! I'm bringing back a seasonal favorite -- The Love Express Valentine Train! Isn't this adorable? This particular version is constructed from (the retired) Sending Love Specialty Designer Series Paper, Heart Shaped Treat Cups and Epoxy Brads. This little train is ready to chug-chug-chug some definite cuteness into your holiday decorations and festivities. Each little car can be filled with special treats or tiny gifts, making this a great centerpiece or party favors for the little ones. Imagine sending each child home with their own train car filled to the brim with goodies! Limited Kits are available (with this style of paper) for $17.95 each which include all the die-cuts, punch-outs, brads and everything else you need to create the engine, caboose and two train cars. All you need are your own adhesives, stamps and tools (see the list below). Tutorials are available for $5 each and can easily be adapted for use with other papers and themes. Shipping to the United States only, please. Tutorials can be e-mailed around the world!

If purchasing the kit, the entire project should be able to be completed within 2 hours. You can order kits and tutorials by selecting your option and clicking on the PayPal Button below. E-mail me if you have questions!

Options:

Love Express Kit (includes supplies and tutorial) $17.95 Love Express tutorial Only $5.00

Supplies and Tools needed to complete the kit include: SNAIL adhesive, Sticky Strip, Stampin' Dimensionals, Crop-a-dile or Hole Puncher, Pinking Hearts Border Punch (or any other border punch), Bone Folder, Paper Snips, paper scorer, Piercing Tool, Sweetheart Stamp Set (optional, but nice) and the Stamp-a-ma-Jig (again, Optional but helpful). The Tutorial includes a complete list of all needed supplies and tools. The kit contains Box #2 and Mini Milk Carton Die Cuts. For Tutorial purchasers who who do not have the Big Shot Dies needed (and for our friends overseas where the dies are not available), instructions are included in the tutorial for alternate boxes which will work with this project.

If you've purchased Inspiration in Action kits and tutorials in the past, you know you won't be disappointed by this latest offering! You can read what others have said by clicking HERE.

Tutorial can easily be adapted for different seasons and occasions -- imagine a circus or birthday train, a patriotic theme or Christmas or Halloween train? The possibilities are endless!

I hope you have fun with the Love Express! I know I have!!!

Ahhhh! Sweet Baby!

When I first saw the adorable new Baby Stamp set called Baby Prints in the Occasions Mini Catalog, I knew that I had to have it. It has such adorable little hand and footprints -- how cute! It's hard to believe that my little baby girl turned 12 years old just a week before Christmas! Where does the time go? These adorable images are perfect for scrapbook pages, baby cards, baby announcements, shower invitations ... anything baby!

 

And I thought this was the perfect set to use for this week's Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge!

 

Here's all the supplies I used for this card: Pear Pizzazz and Whisper White Cardstocks, Nursery Nest Designer Series Paper, Designer Button, Calypso Coral Baker's Twine, 3/8" Satin Pleated Ribbon in Pink Pirouette, 1 1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Eyelet Border Punch, Pretty in Pink Classic Ink and Stampin' Dimensionals.

 

Here's my measurements for this card:

1. Layer One -- Pear Pizzazz Cardstock cut at 5.5 x 8.5", scored and folded to make the Card Base
2. Layer Two -- DSP cut at 1.5 x 4" (on the bottom)
3. Layer Three -- Whisper White cut at 1 x 4" -- punch bottom edge with Border Punch
4. Layer Four -- DSP (coordinating pattern) cut at 4" square (on the top)
5. Layer Five -- Pear Pizzazz Cardstock cut at 2.75" Square
6. Layer Six -- Whisper White Cardstock cut at 2 5/8" Square
7. Inside of Card -- Whisper White Cardstock cut at 4 x 5.25" - stamp as desired (I stamped part of the footprint image in the bottom corner)

 

 

Well, that will do it for today. I hope you enjoy using this adorable new stamp set, Baby Prints! Don't forget to visit the Stamping 411 Website to see what the other Operators have been up to this week. I guarantee it will be time well spent! Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you'll come back soon!

It's Mouthwatering!

Hello everyone! Look at this fun card I have for you today ... another using some of the fabulous new products from the Occasions Mini Catalog!

 

For this fun card I've used Sweet Shop Specialty Designer Series Paper, the Mouthwatering and Sweet Cake Stamp Sets, The Fashionable Hearts Embosslet (along with the Big Shot), Jelly Bean Brads, a Designer Button, Pleated Satin Ribbon, Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details and Stampin Dimensionals!

 

I applied ink from Stampin' Write Markers directly on the rubber to stamp the Ice Cream Cone (yum) and used the Dazzling Details glitter for the cherry on top! Don't you just love this adorable Sweet Shop DSP -- too, too cute!

 

Time Saving Tip:Here's a little tip when working with the New Fashionable Hearts Embosslet or any Embosslet that has tiny little shapes (like Beautiful Wings or Sweet Buttons)! Sometimes it's difficult to tell on this little pieces which side is the embossed side and which size is the debossed size. And even when you can tell, these little pieces have a way of getting away from you, making it difficult to put adhesive on them. If you're planning on using Stampin' Dimensionals anyway, put the foam adhesive on the back of each tiny die cut BEFORE you punch them out of the cardstock. This way, there is no question about which side is which and when you store them in a tiny container, they are ready to use quickly on any project which calls their name! Cool, eh?

 

That will do it for today. It's time for my nap -- LOL (only partially kidding). Again, thank you for all your messages, well wishes, cards and notes -- each one means so much to me as I continue to heal and get stronger each day! Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you'll come back soon for more ideas and inspiration!

Twitterpated Hearts

Hello everyone and welcome to a new year! I know, I know ... it's already January 4th! It seems I've lost a few days, actually almost an entire week! As many of you know, I had surgery last week. So I've spent most of these past few days sleeping -- LOL! What a way to bring in a new year! Actually, I'm so grateful for all that has been done and for my many wonderful friends, online and in-person, who have helped me get through this. Since sometime in October, I had been experiencing excruciating pain in my left leg. An MRI revealed that I had a large cyst putting pressure on my spinal nerve and my sciatic nerve. Hence the pain! As week after week went by, the pain was getting much more intense to the point that I was barely able to walk before I had the surgery last week. I'm so delighted to report that almost all the leg pain has gone -- what a miracle! I'm really tired and sleeping lots but feel that I'm getting stronger every day. I want to thank so many of you who have sent me messages, thoughts and prayers. And thanks to so many local friends who are running errands, bringing meals and taking good care of me, including my mom who has come to stay for awhile and help with my daughter! I feel very loved and fortunate ... thank you so much!

I promised that I would share a project with you tonight using products from the fabulous, new Occasions Mini Catalog. This fabulous new publication is now available for customers. You can see the online version HEREbut you really need to have one of this in your hot little hands. If you haven't already received one, e-mail and let me know and I'll pop one in the mail to you quicker than you can say Twitterpated!

And Twitterpated is exactly what I used on this whimsical heart-shaped card .... Twitterpated Designer Series Paper, that is! Also used are the new Hearts Collection Framelits Dies (6 graduated sizes of Heart-shaped dies with the largest one scalloped); new 3/8" Pleated Satin Ribbon, the new Fashionable Hearts Embosslet Die and the P.S. I Love You Stamp Set. Additional supplies used include the Full Heart Punch, the Scalloped Heart of Hearts Embosslet, Glimmer Brads, 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon in Pretty in Pink, the Eyelet Border Punch, the Big Shot, the Square Lattice Textured Impressions Embossing Folder and Stampin Dimensionals. Whew ... that's a lot of product in one little heart card! They are fun to make though ... and fun to receive. I made 30 of these for a recent SWAP that I participated in. It's one fo the few things I was able to complete before Christmas and my surgery!

I hope you enjoyed this first look at some of the amazing product in the Occasions Mini Catalog! Stop back soon because I've got so much more planned for you! And remember, if you need your own copy of the Occasions Mini to hold and love, let me know! Thanks so much for stopping by and I do hope you'll be back soon! I've got a lot of time to make up for!

Punches and Paper and Stamps ... OH MY!

Punches and paper and stamps, OH MY! Glitter and Die Cuts and ribbon, OH MY! Buttons and baubles and bling, OH MY! Yes ... Oh My there is so much packed into the new Stampin' Up! 2012 Occasions Mini Catalog and it's all available for you to see TODAY ... OH MY!

I can honestly say that this new mini catalog is one of the finest I've seen and the amount of new product available in this little book is just amazing! Each page and project will delight your senses. Literally! There's even scented embossing powder! Oh my!!!! Today is the first day that customers have been able to see this exciting new collection of stampin' supplies and you can see it HERE or by clicking on the catalog image at the bottom of this post or in my right-hand side bar.

I truly think you will be amazed as you drool over each of the 42 pages! And since it's really not very cool to drool on your computer monitor, if you want to really drool, and really dog-ear, and really mark it up with highlights and checkmarks, drop me an e-mail and I'll put your own personal copy of this little gem in the mail to you today!

Check back later today and I'll have some newly created projects to show that will really convince you that you need a copy of this little publication for yourself! That's right .... for those of you who have missed me for the past couple of weeks ... I'm back! I'll bring you a health update and some fun projects later today so come back later! I can't wait to see you then! OH MY!