Friday, December 28, 2007

Something New to Look At.........Finally!

Ribbon Tutorial: FYI---Since I'm not coordinated enough to hold ribbon with both hands, while holding the camera under my chin trying to take a photo, I'll have to recruit my DH to help with the rest of the tutorial. I'll finish it up this weekend, and get it uploaded here on Monday. I'd also like to ask you all to help me come up with a 'cute' name for the 'poof'. I'm just not good at that kind of stuff. I've been inspired by so many people's creations and ideas, that I'd like to contribute something too. Now, I just need a good name to associate with this 'poof'!
Thanks!!
This is going to be a long post....four cards to show you today! I got a little behind on things during the Christmas rush...but things seem to be settling down a bit more now. The good part is, I've still got two more Christmas gatherings to go to yet! More time with family and more goodies---that's a double-bonus!!
I really love the bright, cheery colors in this designer paper. It was just what I needed when I'd hit burnout with Christmas creations! The flowers on the main image panel are double-layered with dimensionals to give it some depth. My ribbon 'poof' got a bit out of hand....I worked on it while I was watching a movie, and it grew to epic proportions! Oh well, good way to use up scraps!

Stamps: Priceless, True Friend.
Paper: Cutie Pie DP, Bashful Blue, So Saffron, Purely Pomegranate, GP white CS (Wal-Mart).
Ink: Certainly Celery, So Saffron, Bashful Blue, Purely Pomegranate.
Accessories: Ticket corner punch, brads, ribbon, dimensionals, sponge daubers.





Vintage Violet is one of my all-time favorite colors from SU. I love pairing it with Old Olive and Certainly Celery---the colors together are just gorgeous, to me, at least! The main flower is made up of 4 layers, each separated with dimensionals to give it some depth. I also embossed each layer with clear embossing powder, which seems to make the color 'pop' even more.


Stamps: Fabulous Flowers, Tres Chic.
Paper: Vintage Violet, Old Olive, Certainly Celery, GP white CS (Wal-Mart), Chatterbox DP.
Ink: Vintage Violet, Certainly Celery, Old Olive.
Accessories: Ticket corner punch, brads, clear embossing powder & heat tool, ribbon (SU and May Arts), dimensionals, sponge daubers.

I finally ordered some of the Pomegranate satin ribbon---I love the look of this ribbon, but boy, is it hard to cut!! I used the sharpest scissors I have and the edges STILL kept looking frayed! I finally got it to look right, but boy, was I tearing my hair out for a while. I guess, as they say, beauty has its pains, huh? I embossed the 4 layers of this flower (each layer also separated by dimensionals) with clear embossing powder mixed with Dazzling Diamonds glitter-SO pretty & sparkly in real-life! I love all the shine and shimmer this card has.


Stamps: Fabulous Flowers, Priceless, Carte Postale.
Paper: Purely Pomegranate, River Rock DSP, GP white CS (Wal-Mart).
Ink: Purely Pomegranate, River Rock.
Accessories: Ticket corner punch, brads, ribbon (SU), gold cord (SU), dimensionals, clear EP & Dazzling Diamonds mixture, heat tool, sponge daubers.

Finally, this card was made using the Ginger Blossom DP by SU. When I first saw the colors in this DP, I did NOT like them---at all!! Then, after seeing several gorgeous creations on SCS, it started to 'grow' on me, and I ordered some. It is really, really pretty up-close. The large flowers on the main panel are made up of two layers, each separated by dimensionals. I also used the Poison Ivory shimmery cardstock. It's a nice, heavy weight, and really pretty in person.



Stamps: Embrace Life, Papertrey.
Paper: Poison Ivory, River Rock, Cameo Coral, Purely Pomegranate, Ginger Blossom DP.
Ink: Cameo Coral, Ruby Red, River Rock, Close to Cocoa.
Accessories: HPH, Ticket corner punch, brads, ribbon (SU, Michael's), aquapainter, dimensionals.

















Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Ribbon Poof?? Do You Want A Tutorial???....

A few of you have either contacted me through Splitcoast, or mentioned something here on my blog, wondering about a tutorial for the 'ribbon poof' that I've mentioned in several of my posts and uploads at SCS. SO.....though I know I will be super-busy through the Holidays.. (who won't?!?!), I will try to work on doing some kind of tutorial for you. I don't have the capability to upload a video....so it will be step-by-step photos with a written explanation. Heck, maybe it'll even be a good time to come up with some blog candy!! It'll be a great way to ring in the New Year!! Leave a comment on this post if you're interested in this 'ribbon poof' tutorial-thing, and I'll get working on it ASAP. Happy Holidays everyone!! Wishes for safe travel to all of you....and enjoy the time with family and friends!! Hugs-----Pam

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Fancy Florals and a New-Release Hanna Set!!

I just received my Fancy Florals set from Verve Visual----oh, how I love these flowers!! I cut each flower layer, sponged the edges with Close to Cocoa ink to give them a 'worn' look, then added lots of Copper Stickles to the edges to give them some sparkle. Each flower was popped up on dimensionals as well. I used seven different kinds of ribbon in my ribbon 'poof', and used only scraps of ribbon this time. I just cannot seem to make a card without my 'poof' of ribbon anymore.....it just feels empty and bare if it's not there! Oh well....each of us has our own special 'touch' that we like to add to our creations, and I guess the 'poof' is my 'special' touch that I feel just has to be there.

Stamps: Fancy Florals by Verve Visual.
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Naturals Ivory, Gretel DP by Cosmo Cricket.
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Ruby Red, Sage Shadow, Close to Cocoa.
Accessories: Ticket corner punch, brads, Cuttlebug & embossing folder, ribbon, Stickles (Copper), dimensionals, sponge daubers, distressing tool.
Techniques: distressing, sponging, embossing.


This criss-cross card (my first!) is made with a new-release set from Hanna Stamps called 'Perfect Package'. This set has SO many cute little images....a total of 15 stamps in all. There are several different bow images, a little tape dispenser, scissors and spools of ribbon, Hanna herself and several other images. This set could be used for any type of occasion that requires a gift....not just for Christmas or birthdays. The criss-cross part of the card gave me fits....I cut it wrong the first time, and had to trim it several times to get it to work the second time. Now I remember why I didn't like Geometry in High School----yuck! (I was always more of a Science and Biology kind of girl.....guess that's why I'm now a nurse, huh?) The size of the finished card is 6 x 7, and the insert measures about 5x 6 1/2. It seems like I either make small 3x3 cards, or very large cards. I very rarely make the standard A2-sized card. I never know what size the card I'm making will turn out to be....I just start with my image, add from there, add a bunch of layers.....and end up stopping when I feel like it's complete. Most of my cards are so thick and heavy that I have to mail them in a padded envelope anyway, to keep them from being crushed. Because of their large & unusual sizes, I usually end up making my own custom envelope to go with each card. If you're interested in ordering this set of stamps, please see the link on my sidebar to the right. Kristi does a really good job of getting your orders mailed out quickly.....and if you're like me, waiting for new stamps is torture! (I want them NOW!)

Stamps: Perfect Package-Hanna Stamps.
Paper: Bravo Burgundy, Always Artichoke, Basic Grey-Figgy Pudding, Georgia Pacific white CS (Wal-Mart).
Ink: Bravo Burgundy, Always Artichoke, Versafine Onyx Black.
Accessories: Copic markers, ticket corner punch, brads, SU Round-tab punch, ribbon (Michael's, Hobby Lobby, Jody's ribbon-share), sponge daubers, dimensionals.
Techniques: Criss-cross card, sponging.

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Friday, December 7, 2007

Sparkly Pink Cakes.....Times Three



This card was also made with 'Icing on the Cake', from My Favorite Things. I added Diamond Stickles to each of the birthday cakes to give it just a little sparkle. The star images behind the cakes and on the large panel is also a stamp included in this set. (The set can be ordered at http://www.mftstamps.com/ .)

I struggled with this card for a while. At first, I left the image panel (behind the cakes) plain white, but it just seemed too 'bare' to me. I thought about starting over, or possibly adding paper-piercing, using a template, but then my hubby (yes, he does critique my cards---if I ask him to!) suggested adding the 'stars' to that panel as well (I already had the large pink panel done). So, I peeled everything apart (carefully!) and added the stars in pink to the white panel. It added just enough interest without taking the focus away from the three cakes.

I hope everyone has enjoyed these peeks of the new-releases from My Favorite Things. Stop back tomorrow for another creation using an MFT set. Be sure to let me know what you think----I love reading your comments!

Stamps: Icing on the Cake-My Favorite Things.

Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Pretty in Pink, Papretrey-white.

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink.

Accessories: Ticket corner punch, brads, ribbon, ric-rac, scalloped oval punches, Stickles, sponge daubers, dimensionals.

Wednesday, December 5, 2007



This cute little polka-dot number is made with one of the new-release sets from My Favorite Things....the set is called "Icing on the Cake". I adore this little cupcake....and there are a ton of other adorable images included in this set as well!!

Remember, tonight is the night for MFT's New Release Cocktail Party! Here are the deets--and we hope to see you there!! Kim has some really exciting and fun surprises for those who attend the party.

My Favorite Things will be hosting a New Release Cocktail Party on Wednesday night (December 5) from 9-11 p.m. EASTERN time. There will be give aways, coupon codes, sneak peeks and a chance to become MFT’s next Guest Designer. Head over to the MFT forum at Splitcoaststampers for more details.

Stamps: Icing on the Cake-My Favorite Things, Polka Dot backgrounder (Cornish Heritage Farms).

Cardstock: Pretty in Pink, White, Chocolate Chip.

Ink: Pretty in Pink, Chocolate Chip.

Accessories: Ticket corner punch, brads, ribbon, oval punches (Marvy), Liquid Applique & Heat gun, pink jewel stickers, sponge daubers, dimensionals, Copic markers.

Monday, December 3, 2007

MFT Sneak Peek....Baby, It's Cold Outside!!


This is a sneak-peek of the new mini-set called 'Baby, It's Cold Outside', by My Favorite Things. This set is SO much fun to color and paper-piece, and the sentiments in this set are adorable!! Definitely a must-have for those winter-themed cards!
My Favorite Things will be hosting a New Release Cocktail Party on Wednesday night (December 5) from 9-11 p.m. EASTERN time. There will be give aways, coupon codes, sneak peeks and a chance to become MFT’s next Guest Designer. Head over to the MFT forum on Splitcoaststampers for more details. If you've ever wanted to be a Guest Designer for MFT, be sure to stop by during the Cocktail Party! We'd love to have one of you join us as Guest Designer!!
I used my Snowflake Cuttlebug folder--which I'd completely forgotten that I had! I added Liquid Applique to the snowman, though I wish I would have added some Dazzling Diamonds too, for more sparkle! (You can never have too much bling!) The polka-dotted DP is SU's Au Chocolat DP, I just colored in the white/ivory dots on the DP with my Bashful Blue marker, so it would match.
I'm definitely new to this whole blogging thing....and I have blogs that I love to visit daily....some have both gorgeous cards and wonderful stories, some talk about family happenings....some just post their card creations and a little bit about the products they used to create them. What would YOU be interested in seeing on my blog?? I would love to hear from you....any ideas or input that you want to give would be great! I want everyone to enjoy coming here to visit.....both by enjoying what they see here, as well as what they read. Feel free to let me know your thoughts & wishes!!
Stop back tomorrow for another creation with a December-release set from My Favorite Things....these sets are gorgeous!!

Stamps: Baby, It's Cold Outside-My Favorite Things
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Bashful Blue, Papertrey white, Au Chocolat DP
Ink: Bashful Blue, Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa
Accessories: Copic markers, SU markers, ticket corner punch, brads, oval punches (Marvy), Liquid Applique & heat gun, ribbon (from Michael's), sponge daubers, Cuttlebug & Snowflake embossing folder, dimensionals
Techniques: embossing, sponging, layering.

Sunday, December 2, 2007

My Favorite Things December Release Party

My Favorite Things (http://www.mftstamps.com/) is having a New Release Cocktail Party on Wednesday, December 5 from 9-11 p.m. Eastern time. Head over to the MFT forum on http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/ to find out all the details and join us there on Wednesday night. There will be give aways, coupon codes, a challenge and sneak peeks. Find out on Wednesday how you can become a MFT Guest Designer. Join us!
We will start posting sneak-peeks of the December-release sets starting Monday, December 3rd.....so keep an eye out for the creations the DT members have to show you! Thanks for stopping by, and remember to join us at the MFT New Release Cocktail Party!!

Welcome to Two New Hanna Stamps DT Members!!

Hanna Stamps has added two phenomenal artists to its Design Team....names that you have surely heard MANY, many times in the stamping world!! Jeanne Streiff (blog-Inky Paws) and Sherry Cheever (blog-Walkin' on the Bad Side) are the two newest members of the Hanna Stamps DT!! I know that we're all going to enjoy the gorgeous creations they'll be showing us in the future!! WELCOME JEANNE AND SHERRY!!!