PPA267

Love this fun color combination from Pals Paper Arts!  I couldn't figure out what to do for fall though.  This reminds me of summer and I don't want it to end!

I ended up making three cards with this combination.  The first needs to go to my friend today.  Then I decided to make a couple of back ups for my stash.  I changed them up a bit. Let me know which is your favorite.  My eye prefers the clean and simple one at the bottom.  Thanks for looking and commenting!  Please join us if you can at Pals Paper Arts!

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Weekly Deals: Sept. 8 - 11

My first Christmas card of 2015

****IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR MY PALS PAPER ARTS SUBMISSION, PLEASE SCROLL DOWN**  I made a mistake in posting.


I finally did it!  I made my first Christmas card for this year.  I have no idea how many I will get to, but I know I will need a handful.  I can remember when I made about 80 per year.  I haven't been able to do that for the last few years.  As a matter of fact, I stressed over them so much that I chose not to send handmade.  I made several to give to close family members and sent store bought cards to the rest.  I'm trying to see if I can make a bunch this year but I vow not to stress.

The designer series papers in the new Stampin' Up! holiday catalog make it easy!  I will be posting a few samples in the near future.  Here is one using the Delicate Ornament thinlits and Embellished Ornaments stamp set.  The paper is Home for Christmas.  You can check out the patterns in the catalog by checking the link below.

Shop:  Holiday Catalog

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Weekly Deals - Sept. 1-7

http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ItemList.aspx?categoryid=100100

PPA266

I decided to use this Pals Paper Arts Color Challenge to make a get well for a male friend at work.  I decided to pull out Sheltering Tree.  I stamped the tree in Early Espresso and then the leaves in Delightful Dijon.  Then I added some leaves in Cajun Craze, the swing and grass.  After I put the sentiment on Old Olive, I decided I needed something for balance.  I took a piece of Rich Razzleberry cotton ribbon and cut the color off, then cut small strips and adhered below the mat. Then I put Candy Dots on top.  Please let me know what you think!

We would love it if you would join us at Pals Paper Arts this week!

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Stampin' Up! Holiday Catalog

It's live!!  Go and check out the beautiful Stampin' Up! holiday catalog!  It's gorgeous.  I'm in big trouble because my list is long.  I also have a special goal to meet in September.  I would greatly appreciate any help.  If you've wanted to order something but haven't, or can't resist items in this catalog, please do so!  I will make it worth your while.

If you make a purchase from me by the end of September, you will receive a stack of designer series paper from me (6x6 gorgeous 2 sided papers in various prints).  Just click on the catalog!  And let me know if you ordered so that I can send your FREE goodies!!

I want to point out two items which are not so pretty, but truly amazing.  The Fine Tip Glue Pen is awesome!!  It has a fine tip for tiny areas on die cuts, embellishments, etc.  It is on Page 43 and there is a link below.  There is also a video to click on.  Also, the Precision Base Plate for the Big Shot is on Page 14 and it cuts intricate dies like butter.  No more wax paper or dryer sheets!   These two items are easily passed by with all of the pretty items in the catalog.

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

PPA265

This is a fun sketch from Pals Paper Arts!  I didn't have a clue what to do with it though.  I finally pulled out this paper and ribbon that I got from Lisa Pretto, who is awesome!!  The rimmed pearls were in my freebie box as well as some other goodies.  Thank you so much, Lisa!

Check out the fabulous patterns on this Farmer's Market dsp when you get a chance.  There are some fun prints!

p.s.  I really wanted to use a sentiment which says, "thanks a bunch."  Stampin' Up! needs one!

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

PPA264

I love this sketch from Pals Paper Arts!  It's a great way to use up dsp or cardstock strips.

I kept this one simple because I'm on vacation.  We don't have big plans.  It will be nice to relax around the pool, and maybe make a day trip or two. We had a pool party today for my granddaughter's 5th birthday. The girls had so much fun and it was perfect pool weather!

I wanted to try this gorgeous embossing folder from the new holiday catalog and had a few strips of the Into the Woods paper (more gorgeousness).  The sentiment is from Cottage Greetings. Isn't that font to die for?! Love this set.  

Please go over and check out the other entries for this challenge.  We would love to have you join us!  And please leave me a comment.  I love reading each one!

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

August 2015 Paper Pumpkin

This month's Paper Pumpkin kit is gorgeous!  Check it out here:  https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=FQCr0Aqinfk

Right now, you can get Paper Pumpkin for half off!!  That's right, new subscribers can get the first two months at half off.  The promotion ends 9/10, so don't wait!  When you sign up, use the code HALFOFF in the coupon box to get the deal.  This is a cute little box of creativeness that you receive by mail each month. You can cancel at any time before the 10th of any month.  This is for any level stampers.  It's a great kit to take along to the library, a soccer practice, etc.

I love a challenge, so I made an alternative card last night.  I thought this one would look good with the gold thread.  Then I noticed the paper outside the flower cut outs.  Yes, I have issues.  Most would throw the sheet away, but I cut those pieces with smaller flowers so they weren't wasted.  I also changed the sentiment because I needed something different.  I'm sending to a friend who has breast cancer.  The pink and the bows are perfect for it, don't you think?

Check out Paper Pumpkin here:

https://mypaperpumpkin.com/en/?demoid=2126699

Stampin' Up! Holiday Catalog 2015

I just got my pre-order in from the Stampin' Up! Handmade for the Holidays catalog!  I have to say, this is the most excited I've ever been about the holiday catalog.  The papers are gorgeous, there are LOTS of stamp sets with matching dies, I could go on.  I will let you decide when you receive yours.  If you don't have a demonstrator and you'd like a free catalog, please let me know and I will get it right out to you!

I thought I'd start with a Halloween set but I didn't order the gorgeous Halloween dsp...YET.  I decided to use this cute owl on a birthday card instead.  I'm in love with the Into the Woods dsp!  I must confess, I used a retired Sizzlet die for the leaves.  Anyhoo (pun intended), please let me know what you think!

p.s.  Notice his eyes?  I used the amazing Fine Glue Tip Pen on the leaves and I dotted the eyes to make them shiny.  This is amazing to use on intricate dies!  This is also in the Holiday catalog.  The catalog begins on September 1 so get your lists ready!

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

PPA263

Wow, another fabulous color combination from Pals Paper Arts!  As always, I need birthday cards so that's what I set out to make.  I haven't used my Flower Patch set in a long time, so I dug it out and dusted it off!  I ended with a sentiment from Butterfly Basics.  I added a bit of Garden Green for the dark part of the leaf.  I will definitely use this color combo again!

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Weekly Deals - August 11-17

There are some fun things here at a great price!  I have the Scallop Top Punch and LOVE it.  You can make tags, bookmarks, closures for boxes, etc.  Love the file tab dies as well!  Click the picture to shop these deals.

I made this card using the Tag Topper Scallop punch.  Click for the link to the post:

Hurry up, Holiday Catalog!

I am going crazy, just waiting for my Stampin' Up! Holiday catalog!  There are some amazing things for Fall, Halloween, and Christmas.  Here is one of the items for Halloween.  I would love to do this as a class, so let me know if you're interested and local.  How cute would this look on a mantle or table?!!

Baby Boy Card

Someone at work had a baby boy the other day so I pulled out my Something for Baby set and went to work.  I used up some of the Sweet Dreams paper as well.  I don't know what it is, but I love making baby cards!!  Let me know what you think.

I CASED this card by Marlene at So Many Toys So Little Time

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

PPA262

This color combination is GORGEOUS, in my humble opinion!  I love all three colors and together, they are amazing.  I also love the butterflies.  I can't stop playing with them!

Please check out the other entries at Pals Paper Arts Color Challenge!  We would love to have you join us.

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

A Paper Pumpkin Alternative

I love these little cups in the Paper Pumpkin July 2015 kit!  I decided to change the color a bit by adding Watermelon Wonder, my new favorite.  I used Early Espresso and put some strips through the wood embossing folder to make shelves.  Then I dotted the cups with part of a stamp from Watercolor Wings.

If you would like to try Paper Pumpkin, you can get your first two months at 50% off!  From now until September 10, new subscribers can enter HALF OFF in the promotion code box to receive half off.  I think you will be surprised at how much you get in this cute little box of joy each month!  Just click below to sign up.

Weekly Deals!

Just click on the Weekly Deals to shop!

PPA 261

Another quick post here!  I just got back from vacation this weekend and realized I forgot to make a card for my grand nephew.  I quickly pulled out a Paper Pumpkin kit and went to work.  I used this cute Pals Paper Arts Sketch.  I hope you'll come over and join us in this challenge!

p.s.  I love comments!

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Weekly Deals - July 21-27

Check out these great deals!  And act fast if you see something you want because they're only while supplies last.  Just click on the photo to shop or look closer.  My favorites:  The Star Framelits, Little Numbers, and Updated Essentials Paper Piercing Pack.

Paper Pumpkin Alternatives

Got my July 2015 Paper Pumpkin kit and was practically jumping with  joy!  I love the cute stamp set.  I always need a get well card and can't ever seem to find that sentiment.  Also, succulents are so on trend right now!

Anyway, I quickly made the project card (first one) and proceeded to make two more alternative cards.  The first is the kit card.  For the second card, I added Cucumber Crush cardstock  & ink to bring out the tea bag color.  The second was put on an Early Espresso base with a strip of Cucumber Crush and a few Candy Dots.  Thanks for looking!

If you don't know what Paper Pumpkin is, it is a monthly subscription, there is also a prepaid option. You get this cute little orange/red box in the mail with cute crafty projects in it.  You never know what you're going to get (like Forrest Gump).   I haven't been disappointed yet!  Your first kit will contain a clear block.  They all contain an ink spot or two, a cute stamp set, glue dots, dimensionals, envelopes, adorable little embellishments, etc.

Check out the video here:  Paper Pumpkin July 2015

And click here:  PAPER PUMPKIN if you'd like to try it out.  With the monthly subscription, you have the option of cancelling any time before the 10th of the month.

If you'e never tried Paper Pumpkin, now is a great time!  Get 50% off your first two months between July 23 and September 10, 2015.  Use the code HALFOFF in the coupon code box.  This is for new subscribers only!

PPA 260

Such a cute sketch for this week's Pals Paper Arts Sketch Challenge!  I had to make this a quick card and post.  I'm leaving on vacation.  I cannot wait to get to the beach!  The sand is calling my toes!! 

Thanks for looking and commenting!

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

PPA 259

As much as I love it, I had no idea what to do with this combination for the  Pals Paper Arts Color Challenge.  I looked at my list of cards to make and saw that I needed a graduation one for my grand niece.  Her school colors are royal blue and red but I decided to go for it anyway! 

I created a simple mortar board with squares, popped it up and put a candy dot and a tassel from Celebrate Today (kicking myself - looks like it shifted).  I cut the happy using brushed silver cardstock and thinlit word from Hello You.  I popped up the letters that hang over (as you can see a tiny bit on the Y).   I decided to emboss the Pacific Blue panel with the Lucky Stars embossing folder and mount on thick Whisper White cardstock.  The sentiment was heat embossed with silver and then cut with the Banner Triple punch.  I seem to use that for everything!  The little star came from the Itty Bitty Punch Pack.  I am obsessed with putting every last piece of paper to use so I punch out stars or flowers before tossing scraps.  Am I the only one who does this? 

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Weekly Deals - July 7-13

One more ice cream!

Here is my last (for now) ice cream cone card.  I used the scallop topper punch to create a tag, and threaded the Watermelon Wonder Dotted Lace through the tag.  I cut the lace in half so that it wasn't so bulky through the tag.  This lace is so soft and easy to work with!

Let me know which one was your favorite. (You'll need to scroll back a few posts!)

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

PPA 258

I created this for the Pals Paper Arts Color Challenge.   This combination is in my comfort zone.  I truly love bright colors, especially paired with Night of Navy!  I never used to use Navy, but it has become a favorite.  I think this combination would make a pretty flower card, but I really needed some birthday cards for younger folks.  I might try another if I get some time this week!

I just wanted to share that I was so sad about Strawberry Slush going away and I thought I'd never get over it.  Watermelon Wonder is my new bff!!

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog