"If I Only Had a Brain" My Way

Recently Rae Harper, a fellow Stampin Pretty Pal, posted an adorable Scarecrow card on her blog-Wild West Paper Arts.  Check it out!  She used the Top Note die to create the face.  He was so cute!  I just had to give it a try for card club.  I made a few changes--we made ours into a box rather than a card.  I also used Crumb Cake ink and the Latice Texture folder to imitate burlap on the face. 

What do you think?
 

 I tried a few different types of eyes and not adding hair.  Which is your favorite?   

 

The Top Note die can be used to make bunnies, Santas, elves, Frankenstein, ghosts, goblins, etc.  The size is perfect for a scrapbook page, can be used on a card or added to the front of a box.  The possibilities are endless. 

 

Our Card Club Scarecrows lined up for a group picture.  Aren't they handsome!

 

 

 

Recipe:

Paper:  Orchard Harvest DSP, Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake, Basic Black, Whisper White, Island Indigo, Cajun Craze, Lucky Limeade

Ink:  Crumb Cake, Primrose Petals

Tools:  Top Note Die, Bird Punch, Petite Pennant Punch, 1" Circle, 3/4" Circle, 1/2" Circle, Crochet Ribbon, Linen, Chocolate Chip Stampin marker, Sponge dauber, Stampin' Dimensionals, Pearl, Latice Texture folder

 

 

Thanks for visiting!
Come back soon.
Sherrie

THANKS FOR VISITING



I am new to the blogging world.  When I started my blog, ten weeks ago I didn't know what to expect.  I love to create and share but would my ideas be well received.  Would my blog get many hits?  Would visitors return day after day? 

I don't have answers to all of my questions but it doesn't matter. 

I have had so much fun posting and I get so excited when you visit.  13,000 hits in 10 weeks is way beyond my expectations.  THANK YOU for visiting. 

I hope you will be inspired to create.

 

Come back soon.

Sherrie

 

 

Day of Gratitude

Can you believe it, September is almost history.  Don't forget about the September "Back to Spool" special!  With every $40 purchase, you will get a FREE spool of Stitched Satin Ribbon in the color of choice.  Or you can team up with a few friends and do a ribbon share.  I would be happy to cut and package the ribbon for you and your friends.  Just send me an email soon, the special ends on Sunday.

 

As promised, I am sharing the card made by the Sassy Stampers.  Stampin' Up has several stamp sets that feature fall leaves.  Day of Gratitude is a great set that includes a couple of sentiments, which are always a bonus.

 

 

Kathy was inspired by a card made by Anne Marie Hile.  Check out her blog at http://stampinanne.blogspot.com

 



Card Recipe

 

Stamp Set:  Day of Gratitude

Paper:  Spice Cake DSP(retired), More Mustard, Sahara Sand, Cajun Craze, Early Expresso,

Very Vanilla

Ink:  More Mustard, Cajun Craze, Early Expresso

Tools:  Scallop Trim Border, Elegant Butterfly

Thanks for visiting!

 Come back soon.

Sherrie

Frankie

Happy Wednesday!   I hope you are enjoying the cooler temperatures.  I was certainly ready for fall.  Things in my personal life and work life have been crazy this month.  Now I am ready to tackle projects for the upcoming Holiday Season.

 

Last night a group of friends met for our monthly stamping get together.  We call ourselves the "Sassy Stampers".  We meet once a month to share ideas and create a project or two.  Our hostess this month was Kathy and she did not disappoint.  She prepared two great projects for the group.

  

Do you feel like you don't have time to stamp?  I encourage you to form a group.  Start with a few friends and make a plan to meet once a month outside of stamp club to work on projects and share ideas.  Meet in your homes or at a local restaurant.  It doesn't matter, just get started. Try it, I bet you will love it. 

 

The first project is a darling "Frankenstein" made from the Petite Purse Bigz L.  Unfortunately, I did not take a picture of the nine little "Frankies" but I can share the one I made. 

 

 

Isn't he sweet?  The original was done by Ann Clemmer at www.stamperdog.com.  So check out her blog.  Can't you just imagine a whole row of little "Frankie's" to share with the special goblins in your life or as a special treat for a school party.

 

Here's what you need to create "Frankie".

Petite Purse Bigz L, Lucky Limeade or Old Olive cardstock, Basic Black cardstock, 1/2" Circle Punch, Circle Punch from the Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, Black Marker, Sticky Strip, Glue Dots, Stampin Dimensionals, and Googly Eyes.

 

Come back tomorrow.  I have another great project to share.

Saturday morning card club will start on September 29th.
If you are interested ,please email me at Sherrie.Gross@gmail.com
 

 

Thanks for visiting!

Sherrie

Love and Sympathy

 

I have been following Mary Fish's blog for several years.  Her work is amazing and she is such an inspiring leader.  I feel fortunate to be a member of the Stampin Pretty Pals. Here is a card that I case'd from Mary's blog.  The Love and Sympathy set is simple yet beautiful and the sentiments are perfect.

 

 

Card Recipe

 

Stamp Set:  Love and Sympathy

Paper:  Midnight Muse, Very Vanilla, Soft Suede.

Ink: Midnight Muse, Sahara Sand
Accessories:  Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border
 

Thanks for visiting!

Come back soon.

Sherrie

Clubs forming now!

Stamp Clubs are forming now!  If you live in the Topeka, Kansas area, we will meet on Friday night or Saturday morning.

What is in it for you?

1.       FREE current  Stampin’ Up! Idea Book and Catalog.

2.       FREE Holiday and Spring Catalogs.

3.       RECEIVE Stampin’ Up hostess benefits when it is your hostess month.

4.       STAMP CAMP DISCOUNTS. . . Receive $5 off select stamp camps during your membership.

5.       STAY INFORMED. . . Club members are the first to see SU promotions and announcements.

6.       FUN PROJECTS. . . two projects each month, one 3-D and one card.  If you can’t attend, the unmade kit to make the projects will be included with your order.

This year we will meet once a month-September through June.  The minimum order amount will depend on the number of members in the club.  I expect it to be $25 or less.  Club is great way to learn new techniques, build your stamp collection a little at a time, and get free product. 

You will also have a great time and make new friends. 

If you are interested or just have questions, send me an email.  I will be happy to give you a call or meet to answer your questions.

 I have just a few spots left in the Saturday morning club, which will meet for the first time on September 29^th.  Call me soon if you are interested.

Thanks for visiting!
Come back soon.
Sherrie

Mojo Monday Sketch

Julee has designed a great sketch for the Mojo Monday Challenge this week.  Sketches are a good way to stretch your designs skills.  I have used scrapbooking sketches for several years but did not use card sketches until I started participating in the challenges online. I encourage you to give sketches a try. 

 

Here is my card using the sketch this week. 

 

 

 

 

The card base is made from Midnight Muse.  En Francais was stamped with Crumb Cake ink on Crumb Cake cardstock.  Two of the patterns from Comfort Cafe DSP were used. I stamped a butterfly from Papillon Potpourri in Midnight Muse on Very Vanilla.  The new Butterfly punch makes it so simple. I can't wait to try the other butterfly designs.

Aren't the new In-Colors perfect for fall cards?  This card uses Midnight Muse and a touch of Summer Starfruit.

 

Card Recipe

Stamp Sets: Teeny Tiny Wishes, Papillon Potpourri, En Francais.

Paper:  Comfort Cafe Designer Series Paper, Midnight Muse, Very Vanilla, Cajun Craze, Crumb Cake.

Ink: Crumb Cake, Midnight Muse.

Tools and Accessories: Butterfly Punch, 2 3/8" Circle Punch, 1 3/4" Scallop Punch, Natural Designer Buttons, Pearl Basic Jewels.

 

 

Thanks for visiting!

 Come back soon.

Sherrie

Back to Spool Time!

Don't miss out!  For the month of September, get a FREE package of 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon-an $8.95 value-for every $40 you spend! If you would like to place an order, send me an email or go to my online store.

This ribbon is so easy to work with and comes in the 2012-2014 In Colors.

Choose from the following:

Item	Description	Retail Value
126848	Gumball Green 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon	$ 8.95
126847	Midnight Muse 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon	$ 8.95
126844	Primrose Petals 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon	$ 8.95
126845	Raspberry Ripple 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon	$ 8.95
126846	Summer Starfruit 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon	$ 8.95

  

Thanks for visiting!

Come back soon.

Sherrie

French Foliage meets En Francais



Triple Time stamping is a great technique and so simple.  The En Francais background stamp provides a wonderful base for the French Foliage set. Elegant Eggplant, Lucky Limeade, Tamgerine Tango and Early Expresso team up for a beautiful fall card.  The background is stamped in Crumb Cake. 

I love the French Foliage set because it can be used for all occasions.   

Card Recipe

Stamp Sets:  En Francais, French Foliage, Sweet Essentials

Paper:  Very Vanilla, Elegamt Eggplant

Ink:  Tamgerine Tango, Elegant Eggplant, Early Expresso, and Lucky Limeade

Accessories:  Designer Printed Brads



Thanks for visiting!

 Come back soon.

Sherrie

Perfectly Preserved Pears

The Perfectly Preserved Bundle and the Orchard Harvest Designer Series Paper are must haves for the fall.  When the Holiday Catalog was released, I thought I could do without this set. Boy was I wrong!  If you spend much time viewing Pinterest or demonstrator blogs, samples and ideas are everywhere.  I viewed a similar card at www.sweetstamper.com and just had to try a couple of the techniques.  Early Expresso ink was added to the new Woodgrain Texture Folder.  I tried each side to see what the effect would be (see the difference on the cards below).  I still haven't decided which one I like best.  What do you think?

 

 The Apothecary Accent Framelit was used on each end of the Orchard Harvest DSP.  By putting the paper through one end of the framelit, you can add the decorative shape to the top and the bottom of  any length of DSP.  The color palette includes More Mustard, Lucky Limeade, and Early Expresso.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Card Recipe

Bundle:  Perfectly Preserved Bundle

Paper:  Orchard Harvest DSP, More Mustard, Early Expresso, Lucky Limeade.

Ink:  Early Expresso, More Mustard, Lucky Limeade.

Tools:  Apothecary Accents, Lucky Limeade Baker's Twine, Large Oval Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, Itty Bitty Banners Framelits.

 

Thanks for visiting!

Come back soon.

Sherrie

Sweet Baby Thank You Notes

This past weekend, I worked on thank you notes to send to my friends in the Sassy Stampers.  They surprised me with a Pack and Play to help me prepare for my new role as a "Grandma".   This is what I came up with initially, which was based on a card I saw on Pinterest.

As I worked on the cards, the design evolved somewhat. Guess what I used to make the baby?  It is the Gingerbread Man from the Scentsational Seasons Framelits and a circle punch.  Don't you just love it when there are multiple uses for a product.  The sweet little face was done with a fine point Sharpie marker.  Primrose Petals ink and a blender pen added a little blush to the cheeks.  Of course, rhinestones were added to the onesie because every girl needs a little bling.

 

Card Recipe

Stamp sets:  One in a Million

Paper:  Patio Party DSP, Whisper White, Very Vanilla, Primrose Petals, Raspberry Ripple.

Ink:  Raspberry Ripple, Primrose Petals.

Tools:  Scentsational Seasons Framelits, 1" Circle Punch, 2 3/8" Scallop Circle Punch, Perfect Polka Dots Folder, Rhinestone Basic Jewels.

 

 

Thanks for visiting!

Come back soon.

Sherrie

Fourth and Final. . . .or is it?

Just one more card to post using the terrific trio of Elegant Eggplant, Lucky Limeade, and Pumpkin Pie.  Chevrons and pennants are hot new trends in card making. Check out Pinterest, it is full of ideas. 

 

 Card Recipe
Stamps:  Toxic Treats
Papers: Polka Dot Parade, Whisper White, Elegant Eggplant, Lucky Limeade.
Ink:  Elegant Eggplant
Tools:  Adorning Accents, 1" Square Punch
 

 

Thanks for visiting!

Come back soon.

Sherrie

September Stampin' Pretty Pals Blog Hop

This month has just flown by!  I am so ready for fall because it is my favorite season of the year.  I love the cool crisp weather, the beautiful colors when the leaves begin to change, spending time outdoors after the long, hot summer, and last but not least, football season.  As you may have noticed, I am crazy about the Stampin' Up products for the fall season.  The Holiday catalog is full of fabulous bundles for your fall projects but don't forget about the sets in the annual catalog. The Stampin' Pretty Pals have been working hard on their projects for the blog hop this month,. So get ready to be impressed because this group is full of talented papercrafters.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Glad you could join us for some fun fall crafting with the Stampin' Pretty Pals! You've probably hopped over from Rae Harper at Wild West Paper Arts , I'm stop number 11 on the Pals Hop and I'm glad you hopped in! I'll help you "hop along" from blog to blog where you'll find great ideas for Stampin' Up! fall projects! Should you hop off course, simply click on any of the links in the Pals Hop Line-up below and you'll be back on track.

 

I am sharing my interpretation of a Scarecrow Treat Box I orginally found on Pinterest.  It is made from Fancy Favor Bigz XL.  The first sample is very similar to the one done by Monika Davis.  I added Crumb Cake ink to the Square Lattice folder with my brayer to give depth to the texture.  The fringe around the top is made from the brown packing paper the comes in my Stampin' Up orders.  I am always looking for ways to repurpose it. 

 




 

 

The second version uses many of the same techniques with a few variations. I add the Crumb Cake ink to the opposite side of the Latice folder, which gives the texture a different look.  This scarecrow has an owl for a friend rather than the crow.  It is amazing what can be made with Stampin' Up punches.  

 

 

 

 

Treat Box Recipe

 

Paper: Very Vanilla, Coredinations Early Expresso, Tangerine Tango, Basic Black, Daffodil Delight, More Mustard, Marina Mist, Orchard Harvest DSP, Early Expresso.

Ink:  Early Expresso, Crumb Cake

Punches:  3/4" Circle Punch. 1" Circle Punch, Owl Builder Punch, Petite Pennant Punch, Large Oval Punch, Scallop Trim Border, Boho Blossom Punch.

Ribbon:  1/8" Pumpkin Pie Taffeta Ribbon.

 

 

 

 

Now hop along for more inspiring ideas from Barb Furlong at The Love of Stamping, stop number {X} on the Pals Fall Flair Blog Hop! Thanks for "hopping" by!



1. Nicole Watt at Impressions By Nicole
2. Beth Beard at My Little Craft Blog
3. Maxine Conrad at Stamp to the MAX
4. Claire Crotteau-Hutt at stamppaperscissors
5. Susan Lankford at Stamp and Scrap With Susan
6. Nicole Picadura at Scraps and Stamps
7. Bobbi at My Therapy
8. Mary Fish at Stampin' Pretty
9. Barb Furlong at The Love of Stamping
10. Rae Harper at Wild West Paper Arts
11. Sherrie Gross at Stampin Sunshine
12. Lynn at Cattaildesigns
13. Dawn Tidd at Tiddbits from Dawn
14. Kim Czenszak at Live Love Stamp
15. Naki Rager at ...notes from Naki
16. Kerry Willard Bray at Stampgoodness
17. Patti MacLeith at Papercrafts by Patti
18. Peggy Noe at Pretty Paper Cards
19. Kim Luithle at Kim's Stampin Stuff
20. Lori Martin at The Rejoicing Papercrafter
21. Diane Roberts at scoreatfourandaquarter
22. Maggie Mata at Maggie Made Cards
23. Kris Kilcoyne at Kween Bee Kreations
24. Julie Trevett-Smith at The Stampin' Affair!
25. Jennifer Takacs at Stamped in Full
26. Katy McGloin at Just Fun Stamping

I hope you enjoy the hop.
Thanks for visiting,
Sherrie

Pals Paper Arts Times 3

I just love the French Foliage stamp set and can't believe I waited so long to order it.  It was a card made by Ann Schach, a fellow Stampin Pretty Pal, that made me decide it was time.  I masked off a 2" portion of the Whisper White and randomly stamped the coordinating stamps in Pumpkin Pie, Lucky Limeade, and Elegant Eggplant.  Such a simple technique to use on a clean and simple card.

 

Card Recipe

Stamp set:  French Foliage - Wood (120845) or Clear (121166), Perfectly Penned - Wood (122890) or Clear (122892).

Paper:  Whisper White (100730), Elegant Eggplant (105126)

Ink:  Eleganty Eggplant (126969), Pumpkin Pie (126945), Lucky Limeade (126984)

Accessories: Designer Printed Brads (122940), 1/8" Pumpkin Pie Taffeta Ribbon (119253)

 

Tip: Post-It notes are a great stamping tool.  I use the large size as a mask on this card.  They can also be used to hold framelits in place.

Thanks for visiting!

 Come back soon.

Sherrie

Special Cards from Special Ladies

Today, I want to share cards I received from a special group of friends.  The Sassy Stampers meet once a month to share creative ideas and spend time socializing.  At our get together in August, they surprised me with a shower gift for the new "Grandma".  Several in the group, presented me with handmade cards I will treasure.  Thank you, ladies!

From Janet and Nancy (Kathy's creation)

 

 



 

 

Carol's Card

 

 

 

 



 

Great minds must think alike.  Shirley and Kathy made these cards, aren't they cute!

Thanks for visiting!

Come back soon.

Sherrie

Pals Paper Arts Color Trio Again

After a bad case of "stamper's block" early this week, I finally got rolling with this week's color challenge.  I broke in my brand new French Foliage stamp set. The detail is just beautiful and a beautiful set to use on fall cards.

I really enjoy making my own designer paper by stamping randomly on Whisper White or Very Vanilla cardstock.  You should give it a try!  Just pick out 3 colors and a minimum of 3 coordinating stamps.  I find it easier to do an entire sheet of 8 1/2" x 11" cardstock and then cut it into pieces to use on multiple cards.

 Elegant Eggplant has always been one of my favorite colors and coordinates beautifully with Lucky Limeade.  Pumpkin Pie adds just the right pop of color.

 

Card Recipe

 

Stamp Set: French Foliage-Wood (120845) or Clear (121166);

Bundle:  Friendship Preserves - Wood (127947) or Clear (127948).

Paper: Lucky Limeade (122926); Elegant Eggplant (105126); Whisper White (100730).

Ink: Elegant Eggplant (126969); Lucky Limeade (126984), Pumpkin Pie (126945).

Tools: 1" Square Punch (124094)



 

Thanks for visiting!

Come back soon.

Sherrie

Pals Paper Arts Color Challenge

It is time for another Pals Paper Arts Challenge.  This week we are challenged to use Elegant Eggplant, Lucky Limeade and Pumpkin Pie.  It was a slow start for me but once I got started I completed four different cards using the color trio. Wow! I love this color challenge--the possibilities are endless. Now I have to decide on only one to enter in the challenge.  It was a difficult decision. I will post the others soon.

Card Recipe

 

Stamp Set:  Toxic Treats

Paper:  Polka Dot Parade (126902),  Elegant Eggplant (105126), Whisper White (100730), Lucky Limeade (122926), Basic Black (121045).

Ink:  Staz'On Black (101406),  Lucky Limeade (126984).

Tools:  2 1/2" Circle Punch (120906), 1" Square Punch (124094), Designer Printed Brads (122940).

Thanks for visiting!

 Come back soon.

Sherrie

Summer Smooches Birthday Card

The Summer Smooches DSP peeks out from behind the Blossom punch on this birthday card.  The bright colors in the Summer Smooches DSP include Read Red, Tempting Turquoise, Daffodil Delight, Rich Razzleberry, Island Indigo, Tangerine Tango, and Lucky Limeade. 

 

Stampin' Up punches are so versitile. This card uses four different punches.  The card base is a  4 1/4" x 11" piece of Island Indigo.  A Blossom is punched from a second piece of Island Indigo that measures 3" x 4 1/2".  Layer it over a piece of Summer Smooches DSP, punch Boho Blossoms from coordinating card stock, and add a brad for the center of your flower.  The Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border was punched from Read Red.  The "Happy Birthday" sentiment from Curly Cute was stamped in Real Red. Easy does it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for visiting!
  Come back soon.
Sherrie

Back to Spool Time!

 

 

While the kids are heading back to school, Stampin' Up! is going back to 'spool'! For the month of September, get a FREE package of 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon-an $8.95 value-for every $40 you spend! 

This ribbon is so easy to work with and comes in the 2012-2014 In Colors. 

 

Choose from the following:

 

Item	Description	Retail Value
126848	Gumball Green 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon	$ 8.95
126847	Midnight Muse 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon	$ 8.95
126844	Primrose Petals 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon	$ 8.95
126845	Raspberry Ripple 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon	$ 8.95
126846	Summer Starfruit 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon	$ 8.95

Thanks for visiting! Come back soon. Sherrie

A Grateful Heart

Happy Labor Day to everyone!  I hope you are having a wonderful weekend. 

I have been slacking this week but a lot has been going on.  Top of the list is the birth of my first grandchild, Annabelle Marie.  She weighed in at 7 lb. 4oz. and has a head full of black hair.  She is just perfect.  Let the fun begin!

 

 

Today's card reflects my feelings of gratitude.  I am grateful for my wonderful family and so excited to be a grandparent.  This card was cas'd from a recent challenge.  It was simple to put together and uses the Perfectly Preserved bundle.  The possibilities are endless with this stamp set and the coordinating framelits.  Can't you see it filled with hearts for Valentine's Day, bunnies for Easter, stars on the 4th of July. . .  What are your ideas?