Sock Monkey

I got my preview order from the new catty this week. I got a couple of stamp sets and all the new in-colors. And of course I had to give the new stuff a try.
I decided to start with the Sock Monkey stamp set. I love sock monkeys. My DH has one from when he was little and my DS got one for Christmas last year.

This is the first card I made with this set. I stamped the monkey on Whisper White and Kraft card stock and the paper pieced the poor thing. I had to check on DS's monkey to see if I was getting the parts right. I sponged the background with Baja Breeze. The card stock colors are Baja Breeze, Riding Hood Red and Pink Pirouette and Kraft of course. I used a new scallop border punch to punch the red scallops.


I had a person in mind when I made this card. We've got a few birthdays coming up next month. I decided to see how the in-colors match with colors from other families. I picked Taken with Teal because that's the birthday girl's favorite color. The other colors are Basic Black, Riding Hood Red, Tangerine Tango and Sahara Sand. I like how it turned out! I also used a scrap piece from the Bali Breeze Designer Paper.

This is also a birthday card for August. I wanted to try to make a rectangle with the scallop border punch. It was my first try so of course I made a small mistake but managed to hide it. The monkey is stamped on watercolor paper and then colored in with close to cocoa and Riding Hood red. the card base is Naturals White. And again I used the new in-colors. The sentiment stamp is from a retired set named Party Punch. I sponged it with Kiwi Kiss and Riding Hood Red.

Here's the last one I made. I thought I'd get a chance to make one more today, but that didn't happen. The colors are Pink Pirouette, Regal Rose and Whisper White. Pretty Simple. The sentiment is from Short and Sweet. I used Crystal Effects on the monkey and the heart.

Next weekend I'm going to show you Prehistoric Pals. It's in the current catalog, just new to me. I swapped a hostess set for it ;)

TFL

Soft Sky, Blue Bayou and Certainly Celery

I like looking at the Color Combo challenges over on Splitcoaststampers and earlier this week I was checking out some of the color combos and decided to give this one a try. My cards are pretty simple this week but I used all of my favorite stamp sets :)

Lets start with this Lovely as a tree card. I stamped the image on Whisper White with Blue Bayou and then used sponge daubers to "color in" the image. The image is on dimensionals. The background is the retiring Soft Sky designer paper.

This one is almost too simple. The stamps are from the Nursery Necessities stamp set. I used a scrap piece from the Soft Sky DP. Doesn't need much explaining. I think adding a ribbon or brads would make this card cuter. I just didn't have the right colors to do it.

Another simple one. I stamped the gator from Wild about you on Whisper White and cut it out. Adhered it to Soft Sky and added Crystal Effects. I got the designer paper from my upline. She got it before I became a demo. I used a white signo pen for the centers of the flowers. Used the word punch to punch out the sentiment.

I really like making the dress cards and I wanted to see how this color combo would work on a dress card. I think it turned out OK. I didn't use iridescent ice or dazzling diamonds but I'm satisfied. It's not too complicated. The stamp set is Baroque Motifs.

This one here is my absolute favorite. I bought a Take Ten magazine a couple of weeks ago and I saw the sketch there. I wanted to give it a try and I've made 4 different cards so far, using this sketch. I'm thinking of sending one of the cards in to see if it'll get published.
The stamp set is Embrace Life. I used Crystal Effects on the big soft sky flower and the smaller flowers too. I brayered soft sky ink onto soft sky card stock to get a different background. I think that worked out good.

I am hoping that I'll get my preview order from the new catty before my next post so I can try out some new stamps and new colors.

For those of you not familiar with my blog and reading it for the first time, I only blog once a week, usually on a Saturday or a Sunday. That gives me the whole week to come up with projects and make a few samples.
If you'd like me to add you blog to my list post a link to it in the comments. And tell me if it's SU only or not. By SU only I mean no Cuttlebug or DP/stamps from other companies than Stampin'Up. It's ok if it's not SU only, I'll just list it separately ;)

TFL

Fruit stand

The Fruit Stand is a small stampset, only 3 stamps. I really like all three images. I haven't done many cards with this set though. So it's about time to get some cards done!!!


I stamped the image on Whisper White using my Jet Black Stazon. I then used my blenderpens and inkpads to color in the image. The grapes are Perfect Plum and the leaves are Mellow Moss and Old Olive. The designer paper is from Bali Breeze, I stamped on it with the Print Pattern background stap (retiring). The cardbase is Old Olive and I also used Perfect Plum cardstock. I added Crystal Effects to the grapes.


This image is also stamped on Whisper White with my Jet Black Stazon. And again I used my blenderpens and inkpads for coloring. The colors are Real Red, Mellow Moss and Bashful Blue. I covered a part of the Mellow Moss card stock with torn copy paper before I used my Print Pattern stamp for the background. the image is on dimensionals.

This one I'm not too happy with. I seriously need more background stamps or something. Maybe a couple of brads would have done the trick. The image was done the same way as the two cards above. I used Mellow moss, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Apricot Appeal and Groovy Guava. The ribbon is Mellow Moss. DP is Old olive.


These were fun to make. I stamped the images on Lavender Lace cardstock with my Versamark. I then used my black embossing powder and embossed the images using my heating tool. And then I used an old blenderpen and bleach to change the colors of the images. It was very interesting and it took me a while to pick out which color I should try this on. I like it. So the colors are, Whisper White, Lavender Lace and Basic Black. These would be easy to make in sets if you want to make a box with notecards or "thank you" cards.

I have not yet decided what I want to show you next weekend, I'm running out of stampsets to show you. I might have to start all over again with the stamp sets I've already used until I get my preorder from the new catty.
Have a nice week and check back in next weekend :)

TFL

ETA: I forgot that I was tagged by Laura over at Stamp Happy with Laura.
The "rules" of the game: Each player answers the questions about themselves. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5-6 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve posted your answer.

1. Ten years ago - I was having fun in Bergen, Norway. I was working there as an Au-Pair for an awesome family. That fall I started studying at the University of Education in Reykjavik.

Five things in today's do list:
1. Finish a couple of cards
2. Fill out job applications
3. Turn the applications in
4. Send in a SU order
5. Blog!!!

Snacks I enjoy: Popcorn and Coke
Things I would do if I was a millionaire: Buy a house. Visit with my family in Iceland every year. Open a preschool maybe or a small craft store.
Places I have lived - Grindavik, Reykjavik, Hveragerði, Drangsnes (all in Iceland), Bergen (Norway), Härnösand (Sweden), Asheville and Fairview (NC, USA).

;)
If you have a blog consider yourself tagged by me!!!
;)

Designer Series Paper 2

I'm going to start off with a new product Stampin'Up will be offering, starting the 1st of July.

Décor Elements <--Click here for brochure

These are kind of like really big rubons made from vinyl. They do come of your walls if you are worried about that. You can use them on walls, mirrors, cabinets, glass, cars...!

And now on to my projects. I had a a scrapbook page pretty much ready, just needed to print the title (I don't own any alphasets yet) and I guess my computer and my printer finally decided to get a divorce. They act like they don't know each other and won't coopperate :( So I guess I'll do scrapbooking some other time. But this is what I've got:

I made this little bag out of half a sheet (6x12 in.) from Berry Bliss. The dimensions are 4x4x1 in. The stamps are from the stampset Embrace Life. I used my horizontal slot to punch the holes for the ribbon and my word punch for the sentiment. I stamped the flower and the sentiment onto a scrap paper from Berry Bliss.

When I saw this idea I just had to give it a try. It's a mini pizzabox. The idea is from Jen Del Muro. It's got the same dimensions as the bag above. I used Bali Breeze designer paper and I think the base is Pumpkin Pie (orange) rather than Only Orange. I just remember trying to decide which one looked better with the DP. The brad is from The Pretties Kit.

Here's a picture that showes better what I did with the flowers that I cut out from one of the Bali Breeze sheets.

A couple of months ago I was looking at the dollar spots at Target and found colorful coasters, a bunch in a package for a $1. This is what I made usinng one of those:

The post-it notes are 1.5x2.5 inches. I don't remember where I got those. The DP is from Porcelain Prints. The ribbon is Mellow Moss. I sponged the edges with my sponge and Chocolate Chip inkpad. You can put magnets on the back and put it on the refridgerator. Tie a pen to the pad or make a loop to keep a pen in (didn't think of that when I made it).

Here's my tribute to July 4th. Just a little something I came up with last night.

I have a few white gift bags/lunch bags sitting unused in a drawer and I just had to cut a little bit of the top to be able to use one. The front and back are 5x8.5 in. Each stripe is 1 in. I used Naturals White CS for a base. Sponged the edges with Chocolate Chip. The Designer Paper is Western Sky. You can easily make a card to go with the bag.

Remember to get some of the retiring stampsets while they are available!!! I think I have a link in my last post.

Next weekend I'll be using the Fruit Stand stampset.

TFL

Designer Series Paper 1

I hadn't planned to make too many cards with my Designer Paper for you. But I'll just have to makle up for it next weekend. The first card I'm showing you was inspired by a card I saw in the May edition of CARDS (Vol. 3 issue 5). It's on page 18 and was made by Summer Ford. I don't know if she's got a blog but I have to say that as soon as I saw her card I wanted to CASE it. My version is a lot simpler but I'll defenitely give it a few more tries.

I hope you can see what it's supposed to be. The sentiment is from Nursery Necessities, The DP is from Porcelain Prints. I don't have a sewing machine so faux stitching is all I can offer ;)

My next card was an idea from Connie Babbert.

I only used one tie on my card. The DP is Western Sky. No stamping done here, just a little bit of distressing with River Rock.

I actually made this card after I had made the envelope for it. I had the pear (from Infinite Goodness) already colored in from another project I've done. I used my inkpads and a blenderpen for the coloring (Groovy Guava, Ruby Red and Really Rust). The DP is Afternoon Tea. It's from the Occasions Mini Catalog, so it's only available until the end of June. The card base is Groovy Guava. And the envelope:

I used my Five-in-One Card Cover template to make the envelope. The only cardstock I used is where you write the recepient's address.

I've seen quite a few cute cards using this template and I can't get enough of it. I think it works better to use a double sided pattern paper for the cute dress. The DP I used is from Flowers For You. Girly and cute paper pack. These are perfect for as birthday cards for little girls.

Here's an easy project for you. After doing this once it's a piece of cake and you can make it in under 10 minutes. It's a two pocket tote made from one 12x12 in. sheet and a few inches of ribbon. You can take more time top work on it and stamp on it or add bling or flowers and pearls from the Pretties Kit. I didn't think it'd fit with this DP (Afternoon Tea again). I just love the stripes and didn't want to hide them. I'll probably end up making a card to go with it.

Next weekend I'll show anything but cards ;) You've got it in writing!!!

Take a few minutes to check out:

The new Dormant List and the list of Retiring Sets.

TFL

Fresh Cuts

Lets start with this month's specials. I know we're halfway through the month but here it is:

Whether you're a customer or a hostess, June's sneak peek into the Fall-Winter 2008 Idea Book & Catalog has something fresh and new just for you!
Customers:When you purchase the brand new, die-cut Fresh Cuts stamp set, add on the coordinating Fresh-Cut Notes* for only $5!
Hostesses:Host a $400 workshop during the month of June, and receive the Fresh Cuts stamp set and coordinating Fresh-Cut Notes FREE--over a $30 value--in addition to your regular hostess benefits!

Put down the phone, turn off the computer, and break free from the 'e'!
Remember when you got letters in your mailbox instead of your inbox? On June 25, 2008, Stampin' Up! is taking the day to unplug and unwind, and reconnect on a personal level with friends and loved ones through handmade cards. And we invite you to eScape with us throughout the month of June!
Reconnect with your "wireless network" by attending an eScape event or hosting one of your own! Take advantage of the 25 percent discount on select items in the eScape bundle to help you create that special message from the heart.
eScape Bundle (item 113700):
Circle of Friendship stamp set
p. 143 $17.95
Love Notes assortment
p. 167 $8.95
Rose Red Classic Stampin' Pad
p. 165 $5.25
Very Vanilla 5/8" grosgrain ribbon
p. 191 $7.95
Total (non-bundled)
$40.10
eScape Bundle price
$30.00

And now to my projects...

Here I used a Fresh Cut Notecard with the fresh Cuts stampset. I stamped the flowers in Mellow Moss, Certainly Celery and Pretty in Pink. I then used my Apricot Appeal ink spot straight on the edges and added a little bit of Barely Banana with my sponge daubers. The flower is from the Pretties Kit and I sponged it too with my sponge daubers and Barely Banana. The pearls are from the Pretties kit too. I put a Certainly Cellery CS behind the pre-cut flower on the notecard.

This one is pretty simple, I used Purely Pomegranate, Basic Black and Mellow Moss here.

This card is 5.25x5.25 in. I stamped the image in Elegant Eggplant on Very Vanilla CS. I matted the image with River Rock and Elegant Eggplant. The card base is River Rock. I used a little bit of Crystal Effects on the image.

Ok, the cutting on this card is really bad but I wanted to show you the idea. The card base is 4x12 in. And it's folded in two places so the folded card size is 4x4 in.

I don't know if you can see on this picture how it's folded. My paper cutter desperately needs a new blade, I ended up using my scissors to cut out the window and I'm pretty bad at cutting straight lines with scissors....even if I have an outline to follow. I do like the color combo though, Elegant Eggpland, Perfect Plum, Pale Plum and Very Vanilla.

We've still got DH's niece staying with us so I didn't make anything complicated this weekend.

Next two weekends I'm going to focus on designer paper and you'll get to see more than just cards! I can't wait to start working on the projects I have in mind!

Here you can find some more inspiration!

TFL

Lovely as a tree

This stampset is very popular in my group of customers. It is very elegant and perfect for Christmas cards....but since it's summer time I'm not going to bombard you with Christmas cards!

Here I stamped the image with Basic Black ink on Whisper White CS. I then used my brayer to put Mellow Moss ink over the image. The card base is Always Artichoke and the designer paper too. I also used Basic Black CS and more Whisper White. The ribbon is Basic Black. I think this card could be used as a Father's Day card.

Here I stamped the image with Stazon ink on Whisper White CS and brayered Always Artichoke and So Saffron over the image. I then sponged Always Artichoke on the trees and used my white Signo pen to doodle on the trees. I then tore a little bit off the top of the image and glued it to a Brocade Blue CS. I used my Signo pen to do the Faux Stitching. I used Chocolate Chip CS and Whisper White CS on the card to. I added a little bit of Crystal Effects on the trees and the ground.

I used my markers to color the stamp (Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa and Really Rust) before I stamped it on Whisper White. I matted the image with Chocolate Chip and Really Rust CS. The designer paper is from Le Jardin Designer Series. The ribbon is Chocolate Chip.

This card is 5.25x5.25 in. I used the retired Designer Paper Brocade Backgrounds for this one. Chocolate Chip ribbon. I stamped the image with Stazon on Whisper White and then brayered it with River Rock ink. I then used my Close to Cocoa to color the tree trunk and Old Olive for the leaves and the grass. I colored the image making dots all over where I wanted the leaves and that gave the image a little bit of depth I think. The card base is Chocolate Chip CS.

I stamped these images with Stazon and brayered with River Rock ink. The card base is River Rock and the Designer Paper too. I also used Basick Black CS and Basic Black ribbon. This one is pretty simple and easy to make. On the image on the lower card I also used Versamark and Irridescent Ice and heat embossed it.

I stamped my image with Basic Black and brayered it with Mellow Moss. I then covered the image with Versamark and poured Irridescent Ice over it and heat embossed it. The card base is Bravo Burgundy, I also used Basic black CS and Always Artichoke designer pape. The ribbon is Bravo Burgundy. I have to admit that this one might look a little bit like a Christmas Card....or a lot! ;)

Here you can find more inspiration <--CLICK

I hope you liked these cards and next weekend I'll be using the new Fresh Cut stampset.

Fresh Cuts Promotion <--CLICK

I'm sorry I posted so late, I've got company from Florida staying with me.

TFL