The Perfect Gift

On the way to the Leadership conference in January. While waiting in line to board my flight, the woman in front of me recognized my Stampin' Up backpack.  We immediately struck up a conversation.  On the flight, we had such a great time sharing stamping stories and ideas.  The 2 1/2 hour flight passed so quickly.

My new found friend is Sarah Naber, a demonstrator from St. Joseph, MO.  New friends is just one of the Stampin' Up perks.

I recently visited Sarah's blog where she shared a video about a cute post-it note holder.  Here is a cased version of her project.

   

Here is another version I did.

Card Details:

Stamp Set:  Morning Post
Paper: Version #1- Eastern Elegance,Whisper White, Crushed Curry, and Bermuda Bay.
Version #2 Watercolor Wonder, Whisper White, Calypso Coral, and Island Indigo
Ink:  Bermuda Bay or Island Indigo
Tools:  1 3/4" Scallop Circle, 1 3/8" Circle, and 1 1/4" Circle
Accessories:  Crushed Curry or Island Indigo Chevron Ribbon


Thanks for visiting!
Come back soon.
Sherrie

Simple Stems

The Hardwood Background stamp is perfect for masculine cards but don't limit it's use.  Here it is teamed with a single flower from the Simple Stems Stamp Set.  The colors of Very Vanilla, Early Expresso, Rose Red, and Olive were used on this simple card.

Tips:
I used a sponge dauber to ink around the edges of the card front in Early Espresso.  This will add depth to the background.

The flower was stamped and then I "fussy cut" around it.  Stampin' Dimensionals were used to pop up the flower.  Again layers on your card add depth and interest.

I often use the Hexagon Punch to form banners.  Check out the sentiment banner.  Each layer was punched separately.

Card Details
Stamp Sets:  Simple Stems and Remembering Your Birthday
Paper:  Very Vanilla, Rose Red
Ink:  Early Expresso, Old Olive, Rose Red
Tool:  Hexagon Punch and Sponge Dauber
Accessories:  Basic Metal Button, Linen Thread

Thanks for visiting!
Come back soon.
Sherrie

Single Layer Card

A few weeks ago I ran across a challenge to make a single layer card.  It was a very difficult task for me because I love layers.  For this card, I started with a Whisper White card base which measured 8 1/2" X 5 1/2" scored at 4 1/4".  The background was made by stamping dots using a stamp from the Perfect Pennants stamp set.  The color scheme was borrowed from the Sweet Sorbet Designer Series paper (DSP):  Pool Party, Crisp Cantaloupe and Pistachio Pudding. When you are seeking color inspiration, the DSP sets are a great resource.  

The oh, HAPPY DAY sentiment is from the Starburst Sayings stamp set.  It stamped with Black Staz'On.  I love the way the background colors show through the sentiment.  Add a bit a Crisp Cantaloupe twine from the Sale-A-Bration Sweet Sorbet Accessories Pack.

BAM, a quick one layer card.

Card Details:
Stamp Set:  Starburst Sayings, Perfect Pennants
Paper:  Whisper White
Ink:  Black Staz'On, Pistachio Pudding, Pool Party, Crisp Cantaloupe
Accessories:  Crisp Cantaloupe twine


Thanks for visiting!
Come back soon.
Sherrie

Envelope Punch Board Treat- February Stamp Club Project

I case'd this cute little treat holder from Angie Juda at Chic'n Scratch.  These treats are quick and easy, perfect for any occasion.  Wouldn't they be great for Easter or Administrative Assistants Day?

They are made from a 3" X 5" piece of card stock which is scored at 2 1/4" and 2 1/2".  The Sweet Sorbet Designer Series Paper (FREE with $50 purchase) measures 2 1/4" X 3".  Adhere the DSP to the front before using the Envelope Punch Board to form the tabs.  The Ghirardelli candy was added to the folder with glue dots.  Cord from the Sweet Sorbet Accessories Pack (FREE with $50 purchase) was wrapped around the file twice and a bow was tied.  The flower was stamped and punched using the Flower Shop and Petite Petals bundles.  Add the sweet sentiment from Teeny Tiny Wishes.  All done!

Here is a picture of my version and Angie's version.  

Can't you see the possibilities?

Thanks for visiting.

Wishing you a fabulous Saturday.

Sherrie

Wetlands on the Hardwood

Last week I spent two days at home - due to record snows in Kansas.  I used the time making cards and watching Season 4 of Downton Abbey.  Wonderful days!  

It was the perfect time to pull out the Wetlands Stamp Set.  This is my first card using this set. The new Hardwood stamp made the perfect background.  Add a bit of 1 1/4" Burlap ribbon and a Basic Metal button.  I love the results.

Products I used:
Stamp Sets:  Wetlands and Hardwood
Paper:  Old Olive, Very Vanilla
Ink:  Early Expresso, Old Olive, and Sahara Sand
Tools:  Sponge Daubers
Accessories:  Linen Thread, Basic Metal Button, 1 1/4" Burlap Ribbon


Thanks for visiting!
Come back soon.
Sherrie

Share What You Love Blog Hop

Welcome to the Pals February Blog Hop. This month we are excited to share with you what we love about Stampin' Up! - our stamps, tools, accessories and techniques.
You may just be starting the blog hop or may have come from #11 Rae Harper-Burnet at Wild West Paper Arts on the Pals Hop. If you get off track at any time, the full lineup below will help you move along from blog to blog so you see all of the amazing creations.

What I love about Stampin’ Up? EVERYTHING! 

My answer may be simple but the reasoning behind it is more complex. I have been involved in some sort of crafting my whole life. I will be hitting another major milestone on my birthday this year. So let me assure you, it has been a good number of years.

#1 QUALITY

I began paper crafting in the mid-1990’s when I attended a workshop which featured products from another company, who will remain un-named but is no longer in business. From there I was hooked and started adding to my collection of tools, papers, accessories, etc. I tried everything and bought it all. Because I have a retailing background, I could identify product lines on sight. I even sorted and stored by supplies by product line. Weird, huh!

In 2005, I began attending a monthly Stampin’ Up club. From the first month, I was hooked. I loved the quality and the coordination of the products. Once introduced to Stampin’ Up paper, cards made with paper from other companies just did not measure up. Over time I stopped buying paper at the Big Box and local scrapbook stores for even my scrapbooking needs.

#2 COORDINATION

I have always been very particular about color coordination. I think it all began early in my life when I made all my clothes, crazy but true. This obsession continued when I learned to do decorative painting. At one time, I think I owned 150+ different colors of acrylic paint. Of course, they were sorted by color, browns, blues, greens, reds, etc.

So you can imagine I carried this tendency over to my paper crafting. I Love the way Stampin’ Up
coordinates all of their product. Gone were the days when I went from store to store to find just the right ribbon or ink. Stampin’ Up has SIMPLIFIED and IMPROVED my paper crafting.

In recent years they have taken it a step further with the addition of punches, framelits, and other tools to take coordination to another level. LOVE IT!

It is true, I am a Stampin’ Up snob.

Today, I am sharing a card we are making at my monthly card clubs.  It is a great example of the wonderful coordinating products and the innovative tools from Stampin' Up.

The Scalloped Tag Topper Punch is a brand new product from the Occasions Catalog.  There are so many unique ways to use it.  This card closure is just one example.  I used the Sweet Sorbet Designer Series Paper, which is FREE with a $50 purchase during Sale-a-bration.  The colors of Pistachio Pudding, Pool Party, and Crisp Cantaloupe coordinate with the DSP.  Each color is beautiful.  What is your favorite?

Crisp Cantaloupe version

Pistachio Pudding version

Pool Party version

Card Details

Stamp Sets:  Perfect Pennants and Happy Watercolor

Paper:  Sweet Sorbet Designer Series Paper, Whisper White, Crisp Cantaloupe, Pistachio Pudding, Pool Party, Sahara Sand.

Ink:  Sahara Sand, Crisp Cantaloupe, Pistachio Pudding, Pool Party, Black Staz'On

Tools:  Scalloped Tag Topper Punch, Arrows Impression, Scallops Textured Impression, Adorning Accents Texture folders, Fringe Scissors.

Accessories:  Sweet Sorbet Accessory Pack and Stampin' Dimensionals.

The next stop is #13 Mary Fish at Stampin' Pretty on the Pals Blog Hop! Thanks for visiting and  I hope to see you next month.

1. Kerry Willard Bray at  Peonies and Paper Chains
2. Brian King at Stamp with Brian
3. Janice Warhank at  Janice's Papercraft Playground
4. Shannon Hokanson at Paper Works
5. Michelle Gleeson at  StampinMojo
6. Marlene Heringer at So Many Toys So Little Time
7. Linda Callahan at  Stampin' Seasons
8. Katy McGloin at  Just Fun Stamping 
9. Susan Itell at  Simple Stampin
10. Nicole Watt at  Pixel Maven's Retreat
11. Rae Harper-Burnet at  Wild West Paper Arts
12. Sherrie Gross at  Stampin Sunshine
13. Mary Fish at  Stampin' Pretty
14. Peggy Noe at  prettypapercards.com
15. Donna Kopenski at  craftycardmaker
16. Maggie Mata at  Maggie Made Cards
17. Natalie Bradley at Natalie Bradley Events
18. Diane Roberts at  Score at Four and a Quarter
19. Lisa Ann Bernard at  Queen B Creations
20. Jackie Diediker at Stampin Jackie
21. Alison Bilohlavek at ribbon and brad
22. Kelly DeTommaso at  Kelly's Creative Corner
23. Martie Pollard at The Crafty Bandit
24. Angie Blake at Angie's Musings
25. Dawn Tidd at  Tiddbits from Dawn
26. Shirley Sumption at  Look at my Cute Stuff
27. Debbie Mageed at Secret Stamper

Enjoy the hop!
Hope to see you soon,
Sherrie

Stampin' Pretty Guest Stamper

I am so excited to share my project today.  It is always a thrill to be "guest stamper" for my upline Mary Fish.  Long before joining Stampin' Up as a demonstrator, I was a big Stampin' Pretty fan.  Viewing Mary's daily post was how I started every day.  Hopefully, I will be a good start to your day. 

A couple of weeks ago, I received the NEW Hexagon Hive Thinlits die as a recruiting perk from Mary.  WooHoo!  Free product is one of my favorite things about being a demonstrator.  Initially, it had not been on my list of "must haves" because there are so many great items in the NEW Occasions Catalog.  But that was before I tried it now I am addicted.

Here is my first card using the Hexagon Hive Thinlits die.  I decided to go with the look of ombre which is so popular right now - in fashion and hair color.  The Stampin' Up colors of Soft Sky, Coastal Cabana, Bermuda Bay are a great combination for this look.  The pops of Daffodil Delight are the perfect accent - so cheerful.  

Tips: 

 I began by using the die on a 4" X 5 1/4" piece of card stock in Soft Sky, Coastal Cabana, Bermuda Bay, Daffodil Delight and Whisper White.  It helps to place a piece wax paper between the die and the cardstock before running it through the Big Shot. This will prevent the cardstock from sticking in the die.  I have had more problems with the Whisper White cardstock sticking in the die than other colors which are a heavier weight.  It also helps to run the die through the Big Shot multiple times.

When using the die, there a many small pieces, so be sure to have a small container like a basket handy on your desk.  It will help with the clutter--as if anything could help me--but it will help keep track of them until you find just the right project to use them on.

Remember, the hexagons from the thinlit die will fit on the Honeycomb Texture folder too.  Don't you just love the way the Stampin' Up products coordinate!

I used a sponge dauber to add ink to each of the hexagons before adding them to the Whisper White frame-Soft Sky ink on the Soft Sky, Coastal Cabana on the Coast Cabana, Bermuda Bay on the Bermuda Bay, Daffodil Delight on Daffodil Delight.  This just adds a bit of depth to the pieces.  

To get the look I wanted I decided to cover the entire frame with the hexagons even though the die does not cut out hexagons to cover the entire frame. Some of the colored hexagons fit into the frame and others were added on top of the Whisper White.  A few hexagons were cut down to fit in the corners.  Check out the die below.  Some parts of the frame are left solid. 

 

Now it was time to choose the sentiment for the card.  Because the background has a lot of detail.  I chose a simple tag made with the NEW Scalloped Tag Punch from Occasions catalog.  The watercolor stamp from the Happy Watercolor set was stamped in Daffodil Delight and Coastal Cabana.  The sentiment from the Perfect Pennants stamp set was stamped in Black Staz'On over the watercolor background. Love it!

Check out the cute detail at the bottom of the tag.  The NEW Fringe Scissors were used to cut the fringe in Daffodil Delight and Coastal Cabana.  Add a few Designer Rhinestones and ribbon to the tag. BAM!  A beautiful card to share with someone special.

Products I used:

Stamps:  Perfect Pennants and Happy Watercolor

Paper:  Whisper White, Soft Sky, Coastal Cabana, Bermuda Bay, Daffodil Delight

Ink:  Soft Sky, Coastal Cabana, Bermuda Bay, Daffodil Delight, and Black Staz'On

Tools:  Hexagon Hive Thinlits die, Scalloped Tag Punch, and Fringe Scissors

Accessories:  Crushed Curry Chevron Ribbon, Bermuda Bay 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Designer Rhinestones, and Stampin' Dimensionals.

I love hearing from you so please leave a comment. 

Thanks for visiting! 

Come back soon. 

Sherrie