PPA 307

I truly love this fantastic color combination by the talented Brian King!  It's very nautical looking to me, and the ocean is my favorite place.  I could live there!  Speaking of which,  I have a friend who lives at the beach so I decided to make her a cocktail card using the Mixed Drinks stamp set.  Aren't the umbrellas adorable?!  I also used the new embossing folder called Seaside.  My sentiment piece was made with Thoughtful Banners. Thanks for visiting!  Please stop over at Pals Paper Arts to see all of the pretty cards and play along if you can!

Jars and Squares

I knew when I saw these little jars, I had to have the Jars of Love bundle!  I have some antique jars on my kitchen windowsill and I love them!

I have a bin of paper scraps which are sorted by color family.  I always check the bin before cutting up a full sheet of cardstock.  When I started to make my last challenge card, I needed a Bermuda Bay scalloped square.  All I had in the bin for Bermuda Bay (my favorite EVER) was this pre-cut and scored card.  I hated to ruin it so I cut a window.  I used the frame and tucked it back in the bin.  When I started to make a card with the jars, I found it and decided to use it.

The squares framelits are amazing!  They all nest together so nicely.

I made this for someone who has been through a rough time with chemo.  I hope it cheers her up a bit!

PPA 306

This fabulous sketch for the Pals Paper Arts Sketch Challenge is by the incredibly talented Mary Fish!   I love this sketch, but I had a tough time getting started.  I think this would be great for using up dsp scraps!  I decided to ink up the cute little cocktails in the Mixed Drinks stamp set.  There are so many cute things you can do with this set!  I mounted them on the Squares framelits.  They come with both scalloped and straight squares.  I need to get my hands on the Circles and Ovals framelits as well!  Thanks for stopping by!  

Going Grey With Scrap-Creations June challenge

Hi stampers!  I made this card for a Red, White and Blue challenge on Scrap-Creations.  I needed a dog congrats for a custom order so I went with the red, white and blue stars.  This is a retired stamp set called Hot Diggity Dog.  I also used the Be a Star stamp set & Star framelits, and the brand new Thoughtful Banners bundle for the sentiment.

I can't wait until the Fourth of July!  Our neighbors put on some amazing firework displays.  We don't even need to leave the house!  We are up so high that I can see a couple of surrounding towns' displays.  It's great not having to deal with bugs and crowds!  Anyway, what do you do on the Fourth?

Balloons

Hey Stampers!  I made this card for my niece who loves pink.  I combined the Balloon Celebration set with the Balloon framelits, and tossed in a Swirly Scribbles die for good measure.  The wavy cut on the side is the remaining piece after you use the wavy lines from the die.  The dsp is It's My Party which is retired.  I love this paper stack!  There are some amazing new stacks though.  The sentiment is from a nice set called Suite Sayings. You can shop for any of the current product by clicking in the flower to the right.   If you love the It's My Party dsp as much as I do, I will gladly send you some 6x6 sheets with any order placed by the end of July!  Thanks so much for stopping by!!

PPA 305

These two colors are probably right at the top for my all-time favorites!  I love aquas and teals.  This lovely combination for the Pals Paper Arts Color Challenge is by the talented and super cute Windy Ellard.  I decided to make a birthday card using Confetti Celebration and the Balloon Framelits Dies.  The white panel is embossed with the Confetti Embossing Folder. I also used some sequins from a past Paper Pumpkin kit.  I love the embellishments we get in these kits!!

My almost 6 year old granddaughter was over on Sunday and she decided she wanted to go into my stamp room and play.  She asked if she could use a retired embossing folder so I said sure.  She loves cranking the handle of the Big Shot!  I pulled out some old paper and let her emboss.  I left the room for a minute and when I came back, she was coloring the flowers on the embossing folder.  I really love how much she enjoys stamping and hope she continues when she gets older.  She also decided to finish a birthday card for her brother who is only 5 months old.  She used Zoo Babies, one of my favorite sets which is retired.  She had to decorate the front and back as well.  She is way ahead as his birthday isn't until January!  

Let me know what you think of our cards!   Thanks so much for stopping by.

A dream vacation!

My husband and I went on a cruise in May to the Southern Caribbean and it was wonderful!  I keep meaning to blog about it, but haven't had the chance.  I thought I'd post a few pictures.  Some are on a disposable camera which I haven't picked up yet, and some are on my digital camera.  I haven't had much time to upload them.

This was my view for 7 nights!

We started out in San Juan, Puerto Rico and sailed to St. Maarten, Antigua, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, and Barbados.  I've been to St. Maarten a couple of times and I love it.  We went on an excursion to Orient Beach.  It has changed quite a bit from many years ago.  My husband and I were the only two people on the beach way back when!  Crazy.  It is a gorgeous beach!  We enjoyed the water and the view.

On St. Kitts, we went on a "swim with the dolphins" excursion.  I never thought I would do this in my lifetime.  I'm kind of skittish of anything like fish, snakes, rodents, even cats and dogs.  I love animals from a distance, but not at my feet.  I'm so happy I had the guts to sign up and go!  The dolphin shook hands with us, gave us a smooch, laid in our arms, took us for a ride on his belly, and pushed us on a boogie board.  I was afraid to get the water in my mouth so the photos are pretty funny.  It's one item crossed off my bucket list!

I would have to say my favorite island from this trip was Barbados.  Again, we went on a beach excursion and the water and sand were gorgeous!  And who would complain with unlimited rum punch drinks?!

What a DEAL!!

For 31 hours, Stampin' Up! is offering a Paper Pumpkin subscription for only $5!  It's for new subscribers only.  If you've ever wanted to try Paper Pumpkin, now is the time!  The stamp set or the embellishments alone are worth more than $5!!

Starting today, June 9 at 5 p.m. Mountain Time through Friday, June 10 at 11:50 p.m. Mountain Time, you can order using a promotional code of ONEDAYDEAL.  There is no further obligation.  You can cancel or skip after the kit ships.  Please click on the photo to order, and please let me know if I can answer any questions!

Paper Pumpkin is a monthly kit which comes to your home (shipping is included).  You will love opening up your little red box of creativity each month!  You can search my blog for Paper Pumpkin projects or go to Pinterest and search for ideas from past kits.

Another May Paper Pumpkin card...

It was a fun day for me!  I had an open house to showcase the new annual Stampin' Up! catalog.  This card was one of my make & takes. I guess I just can't get enough of the May Paper Pumpkin kit!  I decided to use the lattice as a mask so I cut the front off and inked it with daubers.  I think I used Mint Macaron and Emerald Envy, but any color would work!  I used the Pansy punch and the Birthday Blossoms stamp set.  I colored it in with blender pens and ink pads in Flirty Flamingo and Peekaboo Peach.  These are the new In Colors.  I'm in love with this set of colors!  You can check out the new catalog here:  Stampin' Up!  Annual Catalog.  If you do not have a demonstrator and would like a catalog, please contact me.  I will send it for free!  And if you would like info on Paper Pumpkin, please contact me.  You can get a prepaid subscription in my store (flower to the right), or go here for a monthly subscription:  Paper Pumpkin

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I hope you had a great weekend.

PPA 303

This is such a rich and classy combination from Shawn de Oliveira.  I decided to make my own dsp with the Swirly Bird bundle and the sentiment is from the Thoughtful Banners bundle.  I really love the versatility of this set!  The thinlits are amazing too. Let me know what you think. Thanks so much for stopping by.  You should go over to Pals Paper Arts and see what the others have created, or join in the fun!

May '16 Paper Pumpkin Alternatives

Here are two more cards I made using the negative from the May 2016 Paper Pumpkin kit.  I decided to make a masculine version by adding the Timeless Textures stamp set.  Let me know what you think!  Then I used retired designer series paper to make the second one.

May 2016 Paper Pumpkin

This month's Paper Pumpkin is fantastic!  I've seen so many alternatives and they've been great!  My first card is using the basic design of the kit.  Then I decided to see if I could use the negative space of the "happy."  I fussy cut it and mounted it on Night of Navy.  Then I decided to mount it on Whisper White because the edges weren't as neat as I'd like.  I spent far too much time, but it will be easier next time!  Please let me know what you think.  And if you're interested in purchasing a Paper Pumpkin, just click on the flower to the right, or on the Paper Pumpkin words for a month to month subscription.

PPA 301

I'm in love with this color combination by the talented Rae Harper!  I kept it simple this week as I just returned from a cruise and I was short on time.  I used Garden in Bloom and TimelessTextures.  I love these two versatile sets!  Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving me a comment!

Going Grey for Father's Day

Hey stampers, it's been a while.  I just got back from a Southern Caribbean cruise.  We had a great time but I'm scrambling to catch up!

Here is a card for the Going Grey with Scrap-Creations Father's Day challenge.  I made this for my hubby. I used Stampin Up! Going Places dsp which is retiring.  If you hurry, you can still get it.  Just click here:  Going Places.  Hope you like it.  I would greatly appreciate it if you take a second to leave me a comment!  Also, feel free to join in the fun!

PPA 297

Ooooh, what a pretty color combination from Jackie Diediker, don't you think?!!  It looks like spring to me. Speaking of spring, I'm so happy it has finally arrived in New England!  I have to say, I would never have put these three colors together but I LOVE the combination and I'll use it again.  As always, I made two.  I guess it's not a bad thing, right?!  

For this one, I used the extra stamp set that we got in our Paper Pumpkin kit.  Love this set.  I made my own dsp with it.  I made a tiny mistake which you can see below, hence the strip across the middle!  There is a tiny Wisteria Wonder dot on my Pool Party flower. We have to be creative covering our mistakes, right?  I used Chalk Talk framelits and the Banner Triple Punch.  

For this, I used  the Have A Cuppa bundle from the Occasions Catalog.  This is available through the end of May.  Thanks for stopping by today!  Check out the other design team cards and/or join us at Pals Paper Arts!

Going Grey with Scrap-Creations Flowers Challenge

Hi Stampers!  I made this for a spring flower challenge at Going Grey with Scrap-Creations.  The colors are my favorite.  I love the brights!!  I used Stampin' Up! Botanical Builder Framelits Dies.  For colors, I used Bermuda Bay, Daffodil Delilght, Old Olive and Melon Mambo.  I hope you like my creation!  You should stop by Scrap-Creations to see the beautiful cards that the other design team members created.  Please join in the challenge as well!  I would love to see what you come up with.  Have a great week!

Adios, Farewell, Goodbye...

Hey Stampers!

The Stampin' Up! retiring list came out today.  These are while supplies last only, so hurry and check it out in case there's something you can't live without!  Just click on the photo above.  Best of luck!

PPA 296

This is my submission for for the Pals Paper Arts Color Challenge by Susan Itell.  It was a fun sketch to work with!  I dusted off this wonderful birthday set called Endless Birthday Wishes.  Love this set! I used Cherry on Top dsp.  It's such a fun stack of paper and not all birthday.  I had to add the banner for my sentiment.  I didn't want to cover up the adorable cake!  Thanks for stopping by and leaving me a comment!

Birthday wishes

This card features the Birthday Blossoms stamp set.  The Crumb Cake dots are from Number of Years.  I added a few gold sequins from Paper Pumpkin for good measure.  Hope you like it!

PPA 295

I'm very excited to have my color combination featured this week on Pals Paper Arts!  I hope you like it enough to play along! These colors are very soothing to me and remind me of the beach.  As always, I made two cards. The first is for someone who is going through chemo and the second was for a friend who successfully defended her dissertation. I'd love it if you would join us for this challenge!  I can't wait to see all of the pretty creations using this combination.  Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving me a comment.

I stamped my butterfly with Watercolor Wings and then used ButterfliesThinlits to cut the top piece and Bold Butterfly Framlits for the Crumb Cake layer.  The tag is from Lots of Labels.  The sentiment is from Greatest Greetings.  The Cucumber Crush striped paper is envelope paper.  It's nice and thin for envelope liners , but is also a great dsp!  I finished with the pretty green pearl from a recent Paper Pumpkin kit.  Please let me know if you have questions.

I created this card using the Party Pants set from Sale-a-Bration which is no longer available.  There is a cute balloon set which can still be ordered called Balloon Celebration.  This is in the Occasions 2016 catalog which is ending May 31.