Open House Treat!

So, a week after I debuted at my first Craft Show, I held my Annual (Stampin' Up) Holiday Open House at my home. Crazy? YES.

Funny thing though...usually I stress out about the Annual Open House. It's interesting what insane craft mode for 3 weeks straight will do to your psyche. After that, I thought...Open House? Bahhh...no biggie! :)

So where I'm usually making tons and tons of new samples, this year I limited myself to 24-ish, combined with "older" samples that were still legit (not retired product). Kind of nice...however, 24-ish samples (cards AND gifty stuff) done in a week...still a little crazy. ;-)

I always enjoy my time with the ladies who come...some of them I don't see but 1-2 times a year, so it's exciting to see them again and catch up.

In the past, I've offered a couple of free make n takes, and this year was no exception.

I had the card figured out, but had the gifty-item narrowed down to three items. The first, I'm just WAY too embarrassed to show you, lol. It was one of those things that you have this idea, and when it comes to fruition - yeah, not as lovely as you pictured it. ;-)

Here's the runner up (didn't make the cut):
Keep in mind the Open House was on NOVEMBER 19th (wink)

I really liked it, but yet...it just wasn't quite right. It's a rather large scallop die for the Big Shot. It needed two pieces cut, scored at a certain point, and adhered together - I felt it wasn't very easy to line up the two at the bottom.





Instead, I wanted to make something which maybe had more uses, and came up with THIS:

First, it uses the Sizzix Two Tags Die. You get two different cut outs from one die - more for your money! :)  Anywho...whereas the above project is DEFINITELY pumpkin-y, I felt like this one could be changed up to reflect different holidays/birthdays/baby shower/wedding shower, etc. So that's why I chose this project...plus it was a little easier to put together. :)

See the texture?  It's the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder. And the leaves? Little Leaves sizzlit.

Yes, we used a lot of BIG SHOT. :)

The ribbon is our 5/8" chocolate satin ribbon, tied with our hemp twine. The stamped sentiment is from Grateful Greetings, which I punched out with the large oval, and backed with the scallop oval punch.

Wanna see what's in it?? OK. :)

What ELSE could it be in November? ;-)

Stampin' Up's small cello bags held the treat nicely. :)













Well, what do you think? Try to look beyond the fact that it is now December. ;-)

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Splish, Splash!

Here is the THIRD card I made last week in an afternoon of stamping (read more here)!

I really like this one...and I love that it could work for so many occasions! :)

Again...I used Just Add Cake designer paper and the lovely Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border punch! :)  Can you tell I like those two products?  Yup, totally do - check out Monday's and Tuesday's posts! :)

This time, I used a stamp set from the Summer Mini called Touch of Kindness. Only SEVEN days left to get this set!  It's cute, no?

The cardbase is Crumb Cake, separated by the Just Add Cake designer paper with a white border (Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border punch)! 

I stamped the image on Whisper White cardstock with black Stazon ink, then colored in with my Watercolor Wonder Crayons and blender pen. Mounted it on Soft Suede cardstock, and popped it up on dimensionals (of course - wink). :)  The Crumb Cake taffeta ribbon sets it off nicely, don't you think? :)

Well, what DO you think? It's awfully quiet around here, lol! :)

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Poppy Field Flowers

Okay, so yesterday's post was a warm-up card...and this one I like a little better. :)

Again, I used the Just Add Cake designer paper, and Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border punch as a cute lacy edge. LOVE that punch! :)

This time, I inked up a new stamp set called Field Flowers, a 2-step stamping set (images perfect for layering).

Are you ready to see it? OK...here goes!
The base is Early Espresso cardstock.

I stamped the flowers and stems (outline stamps - there are more images) with Poppy Parade and Wild Wasabi ink on Whisper White cardstock.

The sentiment is stamped in Early Espresso ink, and punched out with the Large Oval Punch. See the dark shadow behind it? It's a matching punch in Early Espresso!

Well, what do you think?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Friend to Friend

Soooo excited that I FINALLY had the chance to create! In fact...I made 3 (count 'em), THREE cards in one afternoon!  WOOO HOOOO!  However, in order entice you back, I'm not going to share all three today. ;-)

Here's the first one I made - consider it a warm-up, if you will. I really wanted to make a card for a friend of mine whom I haven't chatted with in awhile, and wanted use this stamp because I know she likes it. :)

I'm kinda disappointed in how it turned out. I mean, I like it...but liked it better before I looked at the picture of it, lol. Sound familiar? Like a card you've made, but the picture of it doesn't really do it justice?? Well, hopefully she likes it anyways, because this one was definitely a labor of love, with MUCH time spent, lol! :)


The image is from the stamp set On The Grow from the Summer Mini Catalog - available only until the end of August - that's only 9 more days, people!

Want to see more made with the set On The Grow? Go here, and here (scroll down to the flowers on the 2nd one).

Don't forget August's promo - buy 3, get 1 FREE designer paper!  I used a new dp called "Just Add Cake".


Details (All Items Stampin' Up):  On The Grow scooter stamped with black Stazon ink onto watercolor paper, then colored in with markers and aquapainter. The card base is crumb cake, and the designer paper is "Just Add Cake." The sweet lil' scalloped border you see is the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border punch. I stamped the sentiment "friend to friend" from the stamp set Teeny Tiny Wishes, and made a double bow out of linen thread, to match the crumb cake cardstock.

Well, what do you think (dare I ask)? :)

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

LAST DAY (and a peek)!

A friendly reminder...THIS IS THE LAST DAY YOU CAN ORDER RETIRING PRODUCTS FROM STAMPIN' UP's 2010-2011 catalog!!! :)

Yes, I'm yelling. ;-)  Hurry, RUN!! (click on SU logo in RH sidebar)

Here's a recent project I made using a set that's going to retire (Paradise):

It's a gift certificate holder...for a local nursery (plants). :)  I used the Lots of Tags die for the Big Shot for the label background...the wide oval punch for the label.

And what ARE those colors I'm using??? Anyone care to take a guess? Yup. One of them is already retired. ;-)  If you guessed Mellow Moss & Always Artichoke...you're correct. It's still one of my fave combos. ;-)





And now for the promised sneak peek project...
Actually no. I've just decided I'm going to show you TWO more projects today. As a thank you for sticking around even while I had to take a bloggy-vacation. Imagine that - THREE projects in one day! :)

I had some thank you cards to make...

So, here are two different cards using TWO sets from the current mini catalog (Summer Mini).....AND some new colors from the upcoming catalog! (Releases on 7/1/11) :)

This 4.25" square card features the On The Grow stamp set (Summer Mini) stamped with Black Stazon ink onto Watercolor cardstock, and colored in with the new colors Wisteria Wonder & Lucky Limeade. :)

The next card (which I love the CAS-ness of, btw) uses Swirls & Curls Verses. The Swirls & Curls is actually a Hostess stamp set you can earn from the mini catalog...don't worry...you still have until August 31 to get it and On The Grow - include them with your first purchase from the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog! :)

I inked up the stamp with the new color Lucky Limeade, took the ink off the flower with my blender pen, then colored the flower with my new Calypso Coral marker. Clear as mud? ;-)

 

Well, what do you think?  I'm glad to be back to share with you! :)

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Back With A Butterfly

Hello out there to all my cyber-friends!  It's been awhile, I know. :)

I had to let at least one juggling ball drop...and so the "blog ball" was dropped. Believe me, I *wanted* to be here, but just couldn't. :)
   No time to stamp (except - oh, I need a card - quick!) :)
+ No time to take pic, edit pic, post pic, think of something clever to say, and hope *someone* out there thought it was fun and clever and might just leave me some love in comments. ;-)
 = No mojo

Anyways...I'm here!! :) Slowly creeping back into this...baby steps. :)  I have SO MUCH fun to show you, and I'm hoping to figure out a "new" summertime balance/schedule that includes time to stamp...cause stamping makes momma happy, and you know the saying..."if momma ain't happy..." :)

I *AM* going to share something with you today (other than rambling). :)

A good friend of mine recently had a birthday, and I've had her card in the works for awhile now. Started it long ago. At the time, I die cut two butterflies and stamped them. Made the card for one friend (hi J!), and got another one ready to go for the other friend I had in mind (hi B!). Had everything done except for coloring in the butterfly and adding the string body, then mounting onto the card.

Ya wanna know something funny?  The butterfly (Sizzix die) is borrowed from the 1st friend, the stamp set is borrowed from the second friend!  Both of those items borrowed to make THIS card for each of them! lol















Anyways, I think it's kind of funny. ;-)

I hand embossed the edges of this very vanilla cardbase. Nope, not with the easy peasy Big Shot (I wish!). This was old school - I moved a brass template from side to side, lining up & embossing by hand! :)

The stamp sets used were Wonderful Favorites and Elements of Style. Colored the flowers on the butterfly with my ink pad lids and aquapainter.

WHEW. It feels good to be back!

Well, what do you think?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Bravo Breeze For All!

I know, the corny titles are getting a little old. At least it keeps ya guessing, right? ;-)

Sorry I was MIA yesterday...with my oldest off from school, I decided it was time to go to B'ham (nearest "big" city) for some miscellaneous shopping.  We ended up being gone most all of the day! Back in time for Pre-K for youngest, stop at a friend's, back home to read with 1st grader, pick up Pre-K'er, then back to the grocery store and a couple of other stops...yeah. Gone all day = no stamping.

So, you're wondering what today's post is about, aren'tcha?

I followed a color challenge today...and let me just say, it was completely opposite of this post, where I wasn't sure of the colors, but once I got going, LOVED them! lol  This time, I thought it was a fun & unique combo, but had trouble working with it! lol

I *think* I'm okay with it now, but by the time I finished, it's too late in the (rainy & dreary) day to get a decent pic...so color might be a bit off, even if I tried to fix it.  Sorry bout that. It actually looks decent IRL, in fact, the difference is really bothering me, now! lol  Maybe I'll retake it tomorrow and change it here...we'll see how lazy ambitious I am. ;-)

You ready?
Color Challenge: Bravo Burgundy, Baja Breeze, Pear Pizazz
Stamps - I used two different (but similar sets here) can you guess which ones?


















If you had trouble guessing, here's the info:
Flowers & stems - "For All You Do"
Sentiment - "Great Friend"

How did I get more than one color on the flowers? It's called the "Rock 'n Roll" technique. Ink up your stamp in the lighter shade, then rock and roll the edges in the darker shade. Make sense, or shall I make a video tutorial? :)

I might just add some dazzling diamonds glitter to the centers of the flowers...couldn't decide.

What do YOU think?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Olive Gardens

Okay, I just realized how that title sounds.

As much as I Olive Garden, this post is not in any relation to the restaurant...though now that I'm thinking about it, their breadsticks, Pasta Fagioli, and Chicken Alfredo sound really good right now...sigh...finances being what they are, that's not happening any time soon, lol!

I digress.  Sorry, I'm awful good at that, aren't I? ;-)

Anyways, today's card is interesting.

No challenges to follow, just a stamped image leftover from yesterday's post.  So, I have this image to color, and I start coloring it with bright (not me) colors, and I like it. But then...I can't decide how to finish it into a card!  Do you ever suffer from such problems?  Ugh...I messed around a bit too much with this, and I'm OK with how it turned out. Not elated, but not downtrodden, either. ;-)

Curious yet?
I will rectify that. Remember, you've been warned. ;-)

To me, it obviously needs a sentiment stamped in brown.  Nothing I thought of looked quite right, and I wasn't about to ruin the whole thing (and all my time) by stamping something just to stamp something.

I'm thinking a very small 'happy birthday' or something...either directly on the cardstock, or on a punched piece of vanilla cardstock. We shall see.

The ribbon is behind the vanilla cardstock, wrapped around the back of the chocolate chip layer, and tied together at the punched-out portion. This goes directly against my grain of 'saving' ribbon/$. How?  I never waste ribbon that you can't see, but I decided this time, for the look I wanted, that's what I was going to do (eek).

Okay, so how did I come up with the post name?
Simple: The designer paper is an old one (yay!) called Petal Prints & Paisley or something like that. The color of this specific piece is Old Olive. The flowers, they remind me of a flower garden. Hence, Olive Gardens (not to be confused with the restaurant - partly why I added an 's'). ;-)

Well, what do you think?

The Small Print (All Stampin' Up)
Stamps: Fast & Fabulous
Ink: Stazon brown
Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla
Paper: Petal Prints & Paisley
Accessories: Chocolate Chip taffeta, Dimensionals, Ink pad lids, Aquapainter

Off to frost some chocolate cupcakes...and hope that this killer headache goes AWAY!

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Fabulous Baja Soiree

Am I going to a fabulous dinner party in California?
Nope, it would be more than an evening if I were going to Cali, as it is a couple states away, hee hee. ;-)

I'm pretty excited to show you today's project. For ONE thing, it counts towards TWO challenges!!
1 - The WT (Ways to Use It) challenge was to use twine.
2 - This week's sketch challenge

For ANOTHER, I used some fun things I haven't used much/shown you yet!

A bit of an explanation on the title:
Fabulous - used the stamp set Fast & Fabulous (you can earn it free as a Hostess!)
Baja - one of the main colors I used (Baja Breeze)
Soiree - name of the DP I used (Elegant Soiree)

Okay, I know you're dyin' to see what I came up with.  Personally, I think it looks better IRL...and I love how it could be used for many different occasions. :)

Here's the sketch I followed:

I originally didn't have the kraft layer all around the white base, and then the layers looked more true to sketch, but the kraft matting around the main image stood out too much, so I added the other...I guess I have quite a few layers on here, but at least it follows the sketch! lol

Well, what do you think?

The Small Print (All Stampin' Up)
Stamps: Fast & Fabulous
Ink: Stazon Brown, Baja Breeze, Pear Pizzaz
Paper: Elegant Soiree
Cardstock: Baja Breeze, Kraft, Very Vanilla
Accessories: Aquapainter, Chantilly lace, Linen thread, Dimensionals

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Lovely, Lovely, Lovely

So, I had a friend threaten me with bodily harm if I didn't post to my blog soon. Just kiddin'...kinda, lol. ;-)  Glad to know people out there care whether I post or not! :)

I have a little secret, and it explains where I've been.

I've been working on a project...for a blog I'm going to be featured on!!!  Yup - so excited!! Stay tuned for more info on that!  Anyways, that took a ton of my time, and I was in uber-creative mode and could think beyond nothing but this secret project.

But now I'm back! :)  Here's what I made up today...

featuring our stamp set "Lovely As A Tree"

It was so refreshing to create for fun, again! :)  Look for these cards to appear on my Etsy site, soon!

Want a close up of each LOVELY? ;-)
#1 - Lovely Landscape Trees














#2 - Lovely Tall Tree

#3 - Lovely Maple Tree

I used an old (retired) Stampin' Up Designer Paper called "Juntos" - it was from our Spanish Catalog and I fell in love with it the moment I laid my eyes on it!  The colors I used here are so rich...Chocolate Chip, Always Artichoke, and Very Vanilla. Each main image is up on dimensionals (of course!). :)

Well, what do you think?  Do you have a favorite?

The Small Print (All Stampin' Up)

Stamps: Lovely As A Tree

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Always Artichoke

Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Always Artichoke, Very Vanilla

Paper: Juntos DSP

Accessories: Chocolate Chip Taffeta ribbon, Dimensionals, SU markers

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)

Crystal

Hello, Goodbye...

Today's post is a meshing of "Hello" and "Goodbye"...
Confused?  Well, here's a bit of explanation:

"Awash With Flowers" is a new stamp set from upcoming 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalog! :)

Barely Banana and Almost Amethyst colors will soon be retired! :(

















If you love this set & want to get your hands on it right away, BEFORE July...I've got great news! You may purchase it right NOW from me (Stampin' Up), until the end of the month! :)  Also...4 other 2-step stamp sets are on sale for 20% off!  (See sidebar)...Contact me today to place your order! :)

Well, whatcha think?  Do you like this card?
Due to lack of comments yesterday, I see that everyone must agree with me on yesterday's post, lol

REMEMBER, today's the last day to win my 25,000 Hits BLOG CANDY GIVEAWAY !! (click on blue)  Comments open until 11pm PT tonight!

The Small Print (All Stampin' Up)
Stamps: Awash with Flowers
Cardstock: Barely Banana, Certainly Celery, Whisper White
Ink: Basic Gray, Barely Banana, So Saffron, Certainly Celery, Almost Amethyst
Accessories: 1/4" celery gg ribbon, Eyelet border punch, Dimensionals

Thanks for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Kindness

Have you ever been blown away by someone's kindness?

To me, those are really hard "thank you" cards to make.  It's really hard to explain, but it's just one of those things that leaves me in a creative lurch.  How do you pour all that gratitude into a card? Words don't seem enough. Nothing seems enough.

Well, I worked on this card off and on for awhile...as inspiration hit.  FINALLY, I was ok with the efforts, and ready to give it to the kind individual.

















Faux lace border, a handmade flower with pearl center, taffeta ribbon, textured DSP....ahhh...

Well, what do you think?

Be sure to enter in the 25,000 Hits BLOG CANDY by clicking (on the blue) & commenting on that post!!

The Small Print (All Stampin' Up)
Stamps: Whimsical Words
Paper: Parisian Breeze Specialty DSP
Cardstock: Baja Breeze, Kraft, Whisper White
Ink: Baja Breeze
Accessories: Floral Fusion sizzlit, Lots of Tags sizzlit, Eyelet Border punch, 1 1/4 & 1 3/8" circle punches, Kraft taffeta Ribbon, Pretties Kit, Sticky strip

Thanks for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Taken with Tess

So this is one of those stamp sets from the mini catalog that grew on me. :)  But by the time I got it, I couldn't WAIT to ink it up! :)

It's called Tote-ally Tess, and here she is! :)

















I stamped her with Brown Stazon ink onto watercolor paper, colored her with my markers & aquapainter, and paper-pieced her pants with the oh, so fabulous "Sweet Pea" DSP!  Go ahead, take a closer look - aren't her pants fabulous? ;-)  The panel to the left of her is from that same paper pack.  Card base is Taken With Teal  (hence the name of this post)...and WHAT is that in her hand?

A stamp, of course! :)  It's, ahem...popped up on a dimensional, believe it or not. ;-)

There are many options from the set to add to her ensemble, but I chose just the stamp.  You could change it up and take a cupcake from another set for a birthday card!  OR...how about something from the set Voila...oh man, endless possibilities there! :)

That's all for today...busy week ahead of me...hope to be back soon! :)

The Small Print (All Stampin' Up)
Stamps: Tote-ally Tess
Cardstock/paper: Sweet Pea DSP, Taken w/ Teal, Chocolate Chip, Watercolor
Ink: Stazon Brown
Accessories: SU markers, Aquapainter, 5/8" chocolate chip satin ribbon
Technique: Paper piecing

Thanks for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

PS Technique Sample #4 - EASTER!

CHRIST THE LORD HAS RISEN TODAY, ALLELUIA!!
Happy Easter to you!
I pray that you grasp the gift He's given to you, with your whole heart!  Thank you, Jesus, for what you did to save us!

I'm so excited to go to church this morning...can't wait to join in praise!  I really hope we sing the song below...it just doesn't seem like Easter without singing this old, familiar hymn!

















This again uses the Polished Stone Technique!  See my video HERE for the how-to on this great technique! :)

Again, I kept the layout and embellishment simple...no need to distract! :)  The colors I used were Old Olive and Summer Sun...the Olive layer behind daffodils from "Abundant Hope" are up on dimensionals (of course). :)

Here's the hymn I was speaking about...please click, pray, and maybe...SING along! C'mon...you know you just wanna belt it out along with 'em! :)



The Small Print (All Stampin' Up!)
Stamps: Abundant Hope
Ink: Basic Gray
Cardstock: Old Olive, Whisper White, Glossy White
Accessories: Polka dot EF, Aquapainters, Ink lids (Old Olive, Summer Sun), Old Olive satin ribbon, Dimensionals, Reinkers (Old Olive, Summer Sun)
Other: Rubbing Alcohol, Cotton balls
Technique: Polished Stone

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

PS Technique Sample #3

Well, here we are at Day 3...

This is another very simple card to make, using the Polished Stone Technique.  For a tutorial on how to achieve this technique, go to my video HERE


















I actually used a silver reinker on this one too, but not enough to show up a lot...probably can't even see it.  If you click on the pic you might be able to see it here & there. :)

This is from one of my favorite sets, "Inspired By Nature."  As on yesterday's card, I embossed the main image.  Stamped the coneflowers with SU Craft Black ink, applied black embossing powder, and embossed with my heat tool. I just love the contrast of the black on the background - love it! :)  Again, I made this layout VERY simple, to draw attention to the technique. :)

The Small Print (All Stampin' Up!)
Stamps: Inspired By Nature
Ink: Craft Basic Black
Cardstock: Bashful Blue, Basic Black, Glossy White
Accessories: Black EP, Heat tool, Reinkers (Bashful Blue, Bordering Blue, Ballet Blue)
Other: Rubbing alcohol, Cotton balls
Technique: Polished Stone

Stay tuned...tomorrow's card is to celebrate EASTER!

Thanks for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

PS Technique Sample #1

Well, hopefully you enjoyed yesterday's video.  Only one comment so far, so hmmm...maybe not? lol

Today, I'm back with Sample #1...
This is the card I made with the colors I demonstrated in my video HERE.

VERY simple card, as I did not want to distract from the technique.  Left side has plenty of room to add a sentiment later, perhaps on a punch of sorts...with dimensionals behind. :) 

Sorry about the pic...just couldn't capture it right...hopefully you can see it ok. :)

Anyways, I stamped the image from "Lovely As A Tree" (a go-to set!) in Black Stazon over top of the technique.  Popped it up (behind the black) on dimensionals...cause you know me. ;-)

That's all!  Seeeee.....fabulously simple! :)
Come back tomorrow for another project made with the Polished Stone Technique!

The Small Print (All Stampin' Up)
Stamps: Lovely As A Tree
Ink: Stazon Black
Cardstock: Mellow Moss, Basic Black, Glossy White
Accessories: 5/8" & 1/4" black grosgrain ribbons, Dimensionals, Reinkers (see video)
Other: Rubbing alcohol, Cotton balls
Technique: Polished Stone

Thanks for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

That Reminds Me...

Growing up, I'd often hear dad say to my brothers with an irritated sigh, "Use things for their intended purpose!"  Typically, after finding something of his broken. ;-)

I'm so glad that rule doesn't apply to crafting, aren't you? ;-)

Ya know that AWESOME pkg. of Sweet Pea Stitched Felt pieces in the Occasions Mini?  FULL of flowers, leaves, and round posie-looking flowers?  LOVE IT!

I have to say, though...there is this one piece that stands out to me...every time I look at it, it reminds me of something specific, and therefore I just cannot use it on a flower. Hee hee hee...

















YUP.  Frog eyes. :)

This is what I've been meaning to make with them.  It's taken me a few days this week, of working on it here and there.  Hence, the no posting but one day this week. ;-)

I sure hope you like my froggy card, because I am in LOVE with it, and it took me a really long time to make! LOL...very little stamping involved, LOTS of punching.  With punches. You know, the tools. ;-) Some sponging, and a little creativity, too. :)

Speaking of creativity, wanna see a closeup of the lilypad & lily? OK.













Ok...I see now it doesn't even fully show the awesomeness of the middle!!! (frown) You'll have to click on the pic to see what's in the middle...and no, it's not just coloring. ;-)

I first stamped the grass from "Inspired By Nature" in Old Olive ink.

Then I started sponging. Not Quite Navy for the water, into the horizon, and up into the sky...(see the clouds? yay!)...Old Olive for inside the grassy reeds.  Yes, I thought about adding little cattails, but it would throw off perspective (sizing frog to grass, etc).

Imagine the inside...it could say:
"Hoppy Birthday!", or
"Don't Worry, Be Hoppy!", or
"Heard You Caught a Bug"
Lol!  Sorry, all this to say I left it blank so I could use it for whatever I want, whenever I want. :)

Want to know what I used?  ALL Stampin' Up! :)

Mr Frog: Large oval, Small oval, 1 3/4" circle, 1 3/8" circle, Boho Blossoms...sponged 1 3/4" circle with Old Olive pastel & sponge dauber...left a little highlighting near the top.
Lily Pad: Wide Oval, 1/2" square (retired)...to cut part out.
Water Lily: Boho Blossoms - distressed, pulled apart, cut petals, sponged with Pretty in Pink on edges.
Lily Center: Crystal effects, Summer Sun reinker, Clear micro beads.
Cardstock: Old Olive, Whisper White
Ink: Old Olive
Other: Stampin' Pastels, Sponge dauber, Sweet Pea felt, Old Olive marker (his smile), Stampin' Dimensionals behind Mr. Frog...cause I just HAVE to...you know me! :)

WHEW!  Hope I didn't forget anything, lol.

Now. After all that work, I'd REALLY love to see comments from y'all! :)  C'mon...make my day! :)

Thanks for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Baby Card...and Procrastination

Are all cardmakers like this, or is it just ME that procrastinates?

I've had the gift for oh...probably 3 weeks or so.
Yet, when do I make the card?

Same day it's needed, of course! ;-)

Here's a simple card you can make in a hurry. Though this one is for a baby girl gift, all you would have to do is change the sentiment and it could be used for almost any occasion! :-)

The butterflies all came from ONE SU Sizzix embosslit, "Beautiful Wings"....it's in the Occasions mini! :-)

The "Small Wonder" sentiment is part of a FREE stamp set you can earn during Sale-A-Bration!

How did I attach them to card base?  With our mini glue dots, of course!  Love how it leaves the rest of the butterfly free, so you can lift wings upward a bit...make them look like they're really flying! :-)

Well, what do you think?

The Small Print (All Stampin' Up)
Stamps: Whimsical Words
Cardstock: Whisper White, Pretty in Pink
Ink: Pretty in Pink
Accessories: Beautiful Wings embosslit, Mini glue dots

Thanks for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Orange. Seriously?

I'll admit it. There are colors I RARELY use (and prefer not to), lol.

One of them...orange. It's just one of those that I do not gravitate towards. Thankfully there are different shades of orange. ;-)  I happen to really like Stampin' Up's Pumpkin Pie...on the right project.

Suffice it to say, I fell in love with an orange card I made a few weeks ago. :)

I found a card I really like here, and started out CASEing it.  But then one thing led to another, and I ended up with something of my own that I absolutely love! :)

I know, I know...enough rambling. ;-)

















I really like how this looks IRL...so pretty!  I added dazzling diamonds to the centers of the flowers...click pic to see closer! :)

You'll also see there are multiple colors on the flowers and "F".  That is made by inking the stamp in Crushed Curry, then sponging with Melon Mambo - love it! :)  The F is popped up, as is the little flower...cause you know how I love dimensionals! :)

Well, what do you think?

The Small Print (All Stampin' Up)
Stamps: Vintage Vogue
Paper: Razzleberry Lemonade DSP, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White
Ink: Crushed Curry, Melon Mambo
Accessories: Pumpkin pie ribbon, Eyelet border punch, Crystal effects, Dazzling diamonds, Sponge daubers, Paper snips, Dimensionals

Thanks for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Sweet Pea Gift

So, I had an epiphany the other day.
A lightbulb probably DID ding above my head it was that sudden! :)

I was struggling with my B&BW* body wash bottle...it's been this way from the beginning...ugh...sqeeze with all your might, every time, just to get a bit out!!  I've put up with it for too long, really.

Don't ask why it took until the very end of the bottle for me to think of this (roll eyes), but now I'm thankful my mind was on crafting while showering! lol...

How about putting it into a small container to present as a gift idea?  I'm ready to move onto the next flavor anyways. ;-) IRL, it all coordinates beautifully. ;-)

Introducing: Sweet Pea body wash in new lil' container, decorated with Sweet Pea DSP and Pretty in Pink satin ribbon from the Occasions Mini!  The tag is made with "Vintage Labels," free to you during SAB!  If you click on the pic, you'll see behind "For You" I lightly stamped a swirl from the Vintage Vogue set (Occasions mini).

Well, what do you think?  I'm starting to wonder if there are people out there actually liking these ideas! lol

The Small Print (All Stampin' Up)
Stamps: Vintage Vogue, Vintage Labels
Paper: Whisper white cs, Sweet Pea DSP
Ink: Pretty in Pink
Accessories: Pretty in Pink satin ribbon, Curly Label Punch
Other: Small toiletry bottle, B&BW Sweet Pea body wash
* FYI: I've never had a problem with B&BW products before...this is in no way a disuasion to purchase.  I just happened to have a bum bottle! :)

Thanks for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal