Symphony and Shoebox Swap

Last night my friend took me to Longwood Gardens for a performance by the Philadelphia Orchestra. Honestly, Longwood is practically in my backyard; I have gone past it a bazillion times and just forget what a treasure it is. People from around the world come to visit the gardens, fountains, conservatory and former home of Pierre duPont. The weather was perfect (at least until we almost got home!), the music was wonderful and the fireworks were incredible! If you're ever in southeastern PA, you should visit! And then you can come see me too! Of course this negates the info on my latest tag that says I only listen to classical music in the fall & winter, but that's only on the radio. :D

We had a quick little get-together of my downline group the Wee-Inkers today for a shoebox swap. Here are the cards we made:

Doreen's card (front)

Doreen's card (inside) with Felt Fusion flowers--so cute!

Laura's card--love these colors!

Shawn's card--fun & sparkly!

Lori's card--cute as a button!

My card is here. Here are photos of some goodies I gave my girls:

Thanks, girls, for a fun day! Don't know if I will have time to stamp tonight.....so have a great evening!
LeAnne

Stamp Something Basic Red, White & Blue

What a mouthful! I did a double challenge today: Stamp Something's was to stamp something in red, white & blue, but it couldn't be a card. Our Creative Corner's was to use Basic Grey paper. So I combined the two and made some patriotic 6-pointed stars:

These stars have been around for a while, but I found some video directions here. Since Basic Grey's small pads of paper are 6x6, they were very easy to make--no cutting involved! I have to confess, there is no stamping involved either! Unless you count the fact that I stamped the star from Nursery Necessities on the back of the paper to use as a pattern for my center star shape! I just haven't gotten that SU Star Punch yet!

• Stamps: Nursery Necessities
• Paper: Basic Grey Figgy & Boxer
• Ink: Night of Navy & Bravo Burgundy (for shading)
• Acc: Small Star Punch, Brads, Dauber, Pop-up Glue Dots, punch & string

With the little leftover triangle piece cut from the 6-pointed star, I made a couple Christmas cards with some more BG paper. Now I'm on my way to starting my stash!

I used Always Artichoke paper, Bravo Burgundy ink and the sentiment is from PTI's Mixed Messages.

Thanks for looking!
LeAnne

One More Challenge for the Day

Well, actually two challenges. And then no more from me for the rest of the day....aaah!

Sharon's ssnotime41 Challenge was a 10-minute card. This took a tad longer than 10 minutes, but that was because I couldn't decide what paper to use! I already had the image stamped & colored. The sketch is from Sketches! by {tamara}.

The color of the SU paper, Porcelain Prints, is more like Wild Wasabi---sorry it just would not photograph well!

• Stamps: All Holidays, Fresh Cuts
• Paper: Lavender Lace, WW, Porcelain Prints
• Ink: Stazon, Mellow Moss
• Acc: Markers, Twill

Thanks!
LeAnne

Cupcake Challenge

Okay, you're saying "I don't see any cupcakes!"

You're right--for Taylor's Cupcake Challenge, you CAN use a cupcake, but I don't have any cupcake images big enough to make the card I wanted, so I used these clear stamps from Stampendous I got on our shopping trip, along with some words from My Favorite Thing's "Can Ya Dig It?" AND I used some paper I got on that trip too, and a new stamp pad! Woohoo! The challenge was also to make a card with an "awning".....so this is my awning. Plus today's SCS Challenge was to use brads as part of the design. This is probably a stretch, but I couldn't think of another place to put them!!! These colors are difficult to capture--sort of a blue/lavender and split pea green!!! But very pretty together! Thanks for looking!

Stamps: Fresh Blossoms (stampendous), Can Ya Dig It (MFT), Itty Bitty Backgrounds (SU)

Paper: Watercolor, VV, Basic Grey Romani, Wild Asparagus Breeze

• Ink: Palette Noir, VersaColor Split Pea, Bashful Blue & Almost Amethyst reinkers
• Acc: Aquapainters, Small & Large Oval Punches, DD Glitter, Old Olive Twill, Sponge Daubers, Dimensionals (lots of them), Corner Rounder, Brads & Punch

Here's another little card I made a couple nights ago while I couldn't sleep. This was a RAK from my stampin' friend in New Zealand!! (Hi Tracy, thanks!). I colored this little garden angel with markers & watercolors, then added some Basic Grey Two Scoops DP and added a Papertrey sentiment. If you look closely, you can see the same small flower I used on the above card, stamped along the bottom in pink! Hmmmm, I think she needs some sparkles on her wings....I'll have to amend that! LOL! Twill is from Taylored Expressions, flower & brad from my stash. Thanks again for visiting & have a great evening!

LeAnne

No Stamping Today......Yet

Ack!  It is after 1:00 and I still haven't stamped yet today!  I did my lawn mowing chores this morning since it was already hot and dry, so hopefully I can play this afternoon!

I was tagged a few days ago by Kim at Stampin in the Rain.  She is such a sweet, talented stamper!  Be sure to check out her blog!  I am supposed to give you seven random facts about myself, then tag seven other stampers!  Hmmmmm...I think I may have done this before, so if there are any repeats, sorry!

1. I have been married three times and all my husbands' last names have started with the letter "P".
2. I like Big Band/swing music.
3. I like classical music--but only in the fall & winter. 
4. I won the Betty Crocker award when I was a senior in high school.
5. I love any vintage stuff--postcards, needle cards, memorabilia, aprons, dresses, etc.
6. I make my own laundry soap.  You can see the recipe here.  In fact, I am making some today (sometime!!).
7. I once danced on a bar in East Orange, NJ.  And that is all I am going to say about that!

Now!  I am tagging the following people:

1. Dana Wyzard at LIFE IS GOOD.
2. Charlene at Willow & Paisley.
3. Denise at luvtobebythesea.
4. Tammy at Stamp with Tammy.
5. Michelle at Stop and Stamp the Roses.
6. Kathleen at Nelson Ramblings.
7. Ali at New England Stamper who just learned she won a fabulous award!!!

Now some other great news!  I have been asked to join a team of talented stampers who, each week, will have a color challenge.  We even have a blog named, you guessed it, COLOR THROWDOWN.  Starting July 9, we'll post a color combination to challenge you!  And guess what!  I volunteered to do the first week!  Every week after, another member will offer her challenge.  We are excited and can't wait to see what you come up with; we hope you'll all play along.

Here are the other members (you can see them on the CT blog also):

• Broni Holcombe-Splashes of Watercolor
• Cathy Indelicato-Crafty Thoughts
• Kisa Peters-Kisa's Paper Cuts
• Tammy Hershberger-Stamp Happy
• Tracy Durcan-Durcan Designs

So be sure to stop back on July 9 to see our first challenge!

Party Chick

Today's SCS Challenge was to use a bird on your card. I love birds, I watch them all the time in my garden and yard, but surprisingly, I don't have many bird stamps! My friend Wendy sent me dozens of stamped images, and among them was this little BBQ chick! So for a fun card, I decided to use him! I used Taylor's Sketch #21 for my layout. It's too late to submit, but I thought it was an interesting sketch and I tend to use the same style a lot of the time!

In order to give my bright red & white gingham a more toned-down look, I colored it with a More Mustard marker and dried it with my heat tool! Thanks for looking, have a great day!
LeAnne

• Stamps: BBQ Chick by Calendar Chick, Spunky Spots Wheel, Computer-Generated Sentiment
• Paper: WW, Ruby Red, Wild Wasabi, More Mustard, K&Co Small Wonders Boy DP
• Ink: Stazon, Ruby Red, Wild Wasabi, Soft Sky
• Acc: Markers, Nesties, Button, Punches, Crystal Effects, Dimensionals

Lets Go Visiting

As I was visiting blogs yesterday, I came upon a couple that I think YOU should visit too!  Renee is offering blog candy for 2000 hits on her blog, so be sure to visit her here!  And tell her I sent you! :D  She also has some good news about her son who is in the military!  Happy for her!

Now, if you want to see an unbelievably awesome card, go visit Maureen.  She used Kitchen Sink stamps to make a card that will be a winner for sure!  You can see it here.

I have my morning stuff to do, so hopefully I'll be back later with a card.  I have a meeting with my downline this weekend, so I am doing some fun things for them, too!

Inspired by Kim

My friend and sideline, Kim, inspired me to use some vintage images I had gotten from Crafty Secrets.  You can see her card here.  I have been hoarding these things forever!  There is only a tiny bit of stamping, a lot of distressing, some Cuttlebugging, some chalking, I guess that's enough!  You can see the Crafty Secrets products here.

The card base is Sahara Sand, the other panels are Night of Navy and Kraft.  I swiped the CB panel with Creamy Caramel ink before I embossed it.  Then I went over some of the words with a blender pen & chalk.  Then I daubered the edges with Close to Cocoa for an "old" look.  I stamped the flag image with Linen in Creamy Caramel, and stamped "USA" on the twill with a clear stamp from ACM and NofN Craft ink.  I also swiped the Creamy Caramel pad over the twill to make it look old.  Finally, I distressed the edges of the Ruby Red & Night of Navy pieces with my SU distresser and added some vintage brads.   Although the blue chalk looks quite bright in the photo, it is a little darker!  I thoroughly enjoyed making this card!  Hope you like it too!

 

 

 

God Bless America!!!

Two Fun Challenges

I have been "cyber shopping" lately, so  I just received some new Lockhart stamps, and then I got some new Basic Grey papers!  I didn't use them together, but was able to complete two challenges with each of them. 

I already had this image colored, and kind of knew which paper I wanted to match it with, when I saw today's Sketch Challenge at SCS!  So I was excited because I got to use three different designs of K&Co's Small Wonders Boy Mat Pad. I love these subtle blues and greens together with the garden chair.  If you look closely, you might see some sparkly ice cubes in that glass!

The image is stamped on water color paper; the square of DP were punched out with my 1 3/8" square punch, then mounted on Very Vanilla, Brocade Blue and a Sage Shadow card.  Some little grosgrain loops are the only embellishments I added; I'll put a sentiment on the inside when I am ready to send it out!

My next card uses Julee's Mojo Monday #43 sketch.  I have always wanted to do one of hers, I just never got around to it!!! 

This card uses the little jar of pencils stamp, which I colored with markers and cut out, mounted on an oval of So Saffron and a scallop of Sage Shadow.  The papers are from Basic Grey's Recess collection---so fun!  The scallop edge is a piece of Bravo Burgundy I cut with my rectangle Nestabilities, then cut and pieced to make a strip.  The sentiment is from PTI, stamped in Bravo Burgundy and I used my marker for the "a".  Instead of brads, I punched out "H", "I", and "5" from the DP and glued them on (get it, High 5???)  Corny, but I thought it was cute.  You can't see it, but I also put Crystal Effects on the jar.  Oh, I had so much fun making these two cards!!!

Thanks for stopping by & have a blessed day!!!
LeAnne

PS:  I used a different photo-editing program......let me know if you think the pictures are clearer!  Thanks!

Ikea/Taken with Wasabi Challenge

Well, for those inquiring minds who want to know what I got at IKEA, I hate to disappoint you, but it wasn't much!  We did have fun; it is an awesome place to shop, get ideas, and dream!  My wish to find some storage items for paper was not fulfilled!  I guess I have to go to a craft store like Joann's or something.  I just don't know why it is so difficult to find upright storage for 12x12 papers.  I have some rolling file carts but wanted to find a cabinet/drawer.  Maybe someone out there has some suggestions.

I did get a cute pillow for my couch in some soft neutral colors, which is a departure from my usual style, but for the summer, I thought it was fun!  I also got some household stuff, some magnetic thingies to put on the wall & hold paper clips, etc., and some other odds & ends.  The traffic wasn't bad on 95, however, as soon as I pulled on, a huge tractor trailer pulled in front of me to get off, so once we had that hair-raising experience over, the rest was a breeze.  White Marsh is easy to get to and is only an hour away, so I am sure I'll be dragging DH down there some time!

My card today (then I gotta go to work) is for the Color Challenge, which is Wild Wasabi, Taken with Teal and White.    I found some DP in my Glitter Mat Stack from DCWV that sort of matched, so I just went forward.  It is a little busy for my tastes but I need to try to do some different things occasionally!  I thought it would be good for a boy's birthday.  I punched out circles from the cardstock for my embellishments and added some Stickles....which I never use, for some reason.  I think because they take forever to dry, so I whacked them with my heat tool!  Ribbon was a RAK from Denise -- thanks sweetie!  And THANK YOU for looking & have a blessed day!

• Stamps:  Nursery Necessities, Spunky Spots Jumbo Wheel, Mixed Messages (PTI)
• Paper:  WW, Glitter Mat Stack, Wild Wasabi Textured, Taken with Teal
• Ink:  Wild Wasabi, Taken with Teal
• Acc:  Punches, Striped Ribbon, Dimensionals, Stickles

Summer Watercolor Challenge

Well, finally, I got a little bit of stamping in tonight.  Today's SCS Ways to Use It Challenge was to watercolor with reinkers--right up my alley.  The SU blog group I belong to had their challenge up, too:  to use a retired set to make a summer-themed card using Bold Bright colors.  I am willing to bet that many of you have never even SEEN this image before!  This is from a sweet little country SU set called Country Angel, from 1995!!!  As usual, it is pretty simple--my brain just couldn't do complex tonight!

Actually, after I snapped the first photo, I decided to add some sparkle to the inside of the watermelon---if you click on the photo, you might be able to see the Jelly Roll pen glitter around the edge!  This was a fun card to make, and I enjoyed using a stamp set I probably haven't used in five years!!!

• Stamps:  Country Angel (retired), Sanded, All in a Row (about to be retired)
• Paper:  Green Galore, Pink Passion, Basic Black, Whisper White
• Ink:  Stazon, Green Galore, Gable Green, Pink Passion, Pixie Pink
• Acc:  Nesties, Aquapainter, Punches, Brads, White Gel Pen, Jelly Roll Pen, Stamp-a-majig

IKEA, Here We Come

Some friends from my women's group at church are traveling to Baltimore today to shop at IKEA. I am driving on 95, which is a scary road to travel, but I am praying that most of the work traffic will be subsided by then! LOL! Anyway, after reading Renee's blog about organizing her craft room here and here, I at least have somewhat of a goal in mind. I pictured myself just wandering around the store, waiting for lunchtime, because there really isn't any furniture, bedding, accessories, etc. that I need! But now perhaps I can get a handle on organizing some of my scattered craft/stamping items.....we'll see! At least get some ideas, anyway. So, no stamping today. Maybe tonight, but I hope everyone has a wonderful day---stay cool, it is humid & muggy here!
Blessings,
LeAnne

Our Creative Corner Challenge #2

The Creative Corner's Challenge#2 was to use buttons and brads on your card.  I needed a quick thank you, so this is what I came up with:

As you can see, this is a very simple layout.  The buttons were from my button can; the brads are SU's gold brads.  Holding them with my reverse tweezers from the Tool Kit, I dabbed them in Versamark, then in White Embossing Powder, and very carefully heat embossed them.  Then I added just a drop of Crystal Effects for some extra shine.  Thanks for visiting today!
LeAnne

• Stamps:  Fresh Cuts
• Paper:  Flowers for You, WW
• Ink:  Certainly Celery, Pretty in Pink, Soft Sky, Versamark
• Acc:  Buttons, Brads, White EP, Heat Tool, Soft Sky Stitched Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots, Crystal Effects

Stamp Club Projects

Just a couple quick posts today.....it's a nice day outside!  These are the projects we did at Stamp Club last night.  Fresh Cuts was the set that was highlighted, along with Tart & Tangy.  I don't know where I got the idea for the popsicle card, I apologize, but to whoever thought of it, thanks!  I think the girls really enjoyed these cards.

• Stamps:  Fresh Cuts, Tart & Tangy, Sweet Shapes, Amazing to Zany
• Paper:  Basic Black, WW, Bordering Blue, Only Orange, Fresh Cut Notes, Fall Flowers DP
• Ink:  Really Rust, Stazon, Versamark, Only Orange, Soft Sky, Old Olive, Bordering Blue
• Acc:  Cuttlebug & Folder, Bliss Blue Taffeta Ribbon, Crystal Effects, Clear Embossing Powder, BB Marker, 1 1/4" Punch, Rhinestone, Popsicle Stick, Scallop Punch, Sponge Daubers

 

An Eclectic Bunch

Well, I did have a little time to stamp today, and what an eclectic bunch of cards they are!  Bear with me here!

This unusual Christmas card is for Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenge #53 as well as Sharon's snnotime40 Weekend Sketch, which is to use a liquid aspect to your card.  Well, snowflakes are liquid, right?  Frozen liquid, right?!  Like I said, bear with me here!  The snowflake is clear embossed with Almost Amethyst craft ink and is embellished with a RAK dew drop from Tammy (thanks!).

• Stamps:  Snowflake Spot (retiring), Warm Words
• Paper:  Almost Amethyst, Cert. Celery, Basic Grey LilyKate, Whisper White
• Ink:  Almost Amethyst Craft, Chocolate Chip
• Acc:  White Gel Pen, Scallop Punch, Round Punches, SU Twill Ribbon, Clear EP, Dew Drop

My cyber friend Dana encouraged me to try embossing vellum, so this is my rather pathetic attempt.  The embossing was okay, it is the card that is rather sad.  But I will continue to work on something a little better!  There is glitter on the edge of the "waves" as well as the shell.

• Stamps:  Beautiful Beach (retired)
• Paper:  Bliss Blue, Shimmery White, Vellum Cardstock
• Ink:  Chalk Ink Blue, Bliss Blue, Brocade Blue
• Acc:  CB & D'Vine Swirl folder; DD Glitter, Striped Ribbon

This card uses NO STAMPS!!!  It is entirely from a Simply Scrappin' kit called Crew Kids Girls.  It uses Clean & Simple's Fall To Layout 3 and sort of cases this card of Kristina Werner's and this card of Becky Carafa's  (I am beginning to wonder if I have a creative original thought in my head at all!).  Took about 3 minutes to make and uses all self-adhesive elements from the kit.  DP is also from the kit.

Thanks for looking and that's all for today!

No Stampin' Today?

I may not get any stamping done today as I have lots to do and stamp club tonight! So I thought I would just share some photos from my backyard. Enjoy your weekend!

Just a view of our little cozy porch...see Pumpkin surveying her "domain"!

I love pink geraniums....this is probably the best they'll look all season. I did not inherit my family's green thumb!

This is Gary, of the couple Gary and Greta. They have a condominium that spans the area under above-shown porch and my husband's work shed.

This is a little male hummer who visits our feeders.

Thanks for stopping by!

LeAnne

Rick Rack Hello

I just got some cute rick rack at Michael's, so when I saw this SCS challenge, I couldn't wait to use it.  I am trying SO hard to only use SU products, as I need samples for my club tomorrow, so once again, I dipped into my Fall Flowers DP, and pulled out one of my favorite sets, Holiday Blitz.  Thanks for looking!

• Stamps:  Holiday Blitz, Rough Edges Alphabet (retiring)
• Paper:  Certainly Celery, Whisper White, Soft Sky Prints DP, Fall Flowers DP
• Ink:  Certainly Celery, Green Galore, Soft Sky, Old Olive, White Craft
• Acc:  Metal Edge Tag, Rick Rack, Soft Sky Ribbon, Eyelets & Setter, Corner Rounder, Punch, String

Black, White, and Bling

I belong to a Stampin'Up! demonstrators group, and we now have our own blog, NMBS Group. Our first challenge was to make a card using black, white, one color, a floral image and some bling. My first attempt was not quite what I was going after, so here is my second. This card is being sent to a friend of mine whose husband has a very aggressive kind of cancer. Since I am sure HE is getting lots of cards, thoughts & prayers, I thought it would be nice to send a card just to her. She is holding up her end by being a supportive wife and mom and I know she needs prayer too. So this is for Kim!

First, I used Sketch 49 by Tamara. I loved how the Afternoon Tea (another dose!) had the pretty bird & flower silhouette, so I put my embellishment to the right of it. The bling is on the embellishment: I used a black brad, stuck a mini glue dot on it and dipped it in glitter. I also used glitter on the flower itself. Here is a closeup:

The embellishment is raised on dimensionals as well.

Stamps: Baroque Motifs, Fresh Cuts, Sincere Salutations

Paper: Basic Black, Whisper White, Soft Sky, Afternoon Tea DP

Ink: Stazon, Soft Sky

Acc: Brad, Black Grosgrain, DD Glitter, Glue Dot, Dimensionals

A cyber friend of mine, Dana, was remarking about layers on cards, and not liking to use so much card stock. I thought while I was making this card, I would show a little trick that I do when I have large layers. Some of you may already do this, but it never hurts to have a refresher! I apologize for the photo quality, I was taking them right at my work area and not really trying for good quality!

If you look at my card above, you see the base is white, then a black layer, then a Soft Sky layer. I cut my black layer 5 1/4" x 4".

Then I cut the center out, leaving a frame of about 1/2" all around. I do this with my SU cutter which allows me to lift the cutting blade and place it down "inside" the cardstock. Then the frame gets mounted on my card base.

Then I trim the piece that has been cut out to use as a mat for the bottom focal piece.

Then, I can mount the front panel over the black "frame" and continue creating my card.

This way, I have "lightened" my card and used the piece that would normally be covered up, as another layer. Hope this was helpful to someone!!!

Have a great day!
LeAnne

A Box and A Bucket

I have been wanting to try one of these boxes by Lauren Meader since Easter.....they are so cute, very easy, and lend themselves to all kinds of occasions! I have an upcoming stamp club and like to make something a little special for the hostess, so this may go to her. Just haven't decided yet! I am not very creative when it comes to making things other than cards, so I am very grateful to creative geniuses like Lauren!! Thanks, Lauren!

Stamps: Enjoy Every Moment, Fresh Cuts

Paper: Soft Sky, Sahara Sand, Fall Flowers DP, Whisper White

Ink: Soft Sky, Old Olive

Acc: Nestabilities, Soft Sky Ribbon, Small Oval Punch, Sticky Strip, Crystal Effects

I cut a leaf and a stem right from the DP. This was a blast to make! The bottom piece was glued with Crystal Effects and the sides with Sticky Strip.

This cute little paint can is one I picked up at ACM; the DP is just sitting inside and the outside strip is fastened with Sticky Strip. The can is decorated with various images from Simply Said.

Notice the different ribbons on the handle. I didn't have any Groovy Guava ribbon, so I dyed my white taffeta with some ink from my reinker. I dried it with my heat tool, and I had a custom-color ribbon! The big green flower is DP, punched with the scallop punch and slit to make petals.

Hope this inspires you to try some different things today! I have more ideas in my head, hopefully I'll post some soon. Have a blessed day!
LeAnne

Overdosing on Tea

Hah! Sounds like I have a problem, right?! Actually, I do love my own iced tea, but I don't think I OD on it!! I just bought Afternoon Tea Designer Paper and have been on a kick, making cards with Soft Sky and Groovy Guava cardstock in order to use this beautiful paper. Here are my latest:

• Stamps: Simply Said
• Paper: Soft Sky, Shimmery White, Groovy Guava, Afternoon Tea DP
• Ink: Basic Brown, Groovy Guava, Wild Wasabi
• Acc: Stitched Ribbon, Nestabilities, Pearls, Blender Pen

I left off a sentiment so I can use it as I need it.

• Stamps: Hugs & Wishes, Sweet Shapes

Paper: Kraft, Afternoon Tea, Groovy Guava, Vellum

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Groovy Guava

Acc: Glitter, Glue, Nesties, Kraft Taffeta

I like the simplicity of this one! The wings of the butterfly stand out a bit.

• Stamps: Touch of Nature, All Holidays
• Paper: Close to Cocoa, Afternoon Tea DP, Shimmery White, Groovy Guava, Soft Sky
• Ink: Stazon, Reinkers
• Acc: White Taffeta, Oval Punch, Dauber

This was made for a special cyber-friend!

Thanks for visiting my blog!
LeAnne