Running With Scissors...

Ruby Tuesday: Stella Revisited

Hello!  I’m so glad you could drop in to share another Ruby Tuesday!

I was feeling the need for sleek simplicity when I made this card.  Does that feel good to you sometimes, too?    Now, I’m all for layers and panels and bits overlapping or peeking from behind.  Fancy brads and pretty buttons, photo turns and opulent ribbons and trims will turn my head into the next century, as the overfilled drawers in my stamp room will testify.  The quest for ever more original and interesting designs is perpetual and mind boggling and ultimately I come to this place — where I need to rest…just ease down and take a slow, deep breath and fill myself with a fresh creative outlook.  In time I’ll wander away and lose sight of this tranquil place but I’ll always find my way back again.  I’ll remember how much I enjoyed my visit.

Today’s card, along with the previous paragraph, are from an August, 2007 blog post.  That was back when I had plenty of Stella to work with.  It was also from my old blog, which I’ve never been able to successfully import to this blog.  I’ve been thinking about simply copying some of the tutorials at least, into new posts here.

For now, I’ll just share this card.  It’s simple, but I like it, and I didn’t have time to make a new Stella card this weekend.  I have other projects that need doing before I run out of time.  Hope you don’t mind!  If you’d like to see the full post which accompanies this card, you can find it here.  It includes more photos and information on creating a frame with a square punch, as well as a how-to on out of the box cutting (which probably everyone already knows how to do.  Cardmaking has become so sophisticated so quickly!).

I must run now!  I hope you’re having a good week!

Stamps:  Oh So Lovely, Itty Bitty Backgrounds, Garden Silhouettes (the word, “Lovely”) – All Stampin’ Up!  Paper:  Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Certainly Celery, Very Vanilla, BasicGrey Stella Ruby DP  Ink:  Timber Brown Stazon, Creamy Caramel, markers:  Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, Certainly Celery  Accessories:  1 3/8″ square punch, pink taffeta ribbon, Scotch brand dimensional mounting tape

Home Sweet Nest

Hello, everyone!  Happy Monday to you!  I have another nature-inspired card today after a weekend spent mostly outdoors.  I’ve been trying to restore certain areas of the garden that have been ravaged by deer, Wally’s puppyhood, and various construction projects.  The last two summers have been very rough on the garden and it bears little resemblance to the beautiful oasis in the photos I’ve shared in the past.  Progress is slow as I’m honestly not feeling the love for the back-breaking labor these days.  I’d just as soon be walking with Wally or relaxing on the deck. . . sigh. . .  But I digress. . .

I’ve used an Impression Obsession set from Stamper’s Dream called Home Sweet Nest.  Both birds are cut out and glued over the nest.  All coloring was done with Copic markers, and the image panel edges were distressed and sponged with caramel ink.  The set includes a square of bird-related script, and I stamped that repeatedly down the border on the right.  I made a simple color block layout with BasicGrey Origins designer papers, and embellished only with the two copper brads.  I had intended to tie some burlap string around the lower edge of the image panel, but I glued the panel in place and then realized my “oops”.

Stamper's Dream Coupon code:  I want to be sure and let you know that until midnight central time tonight (Monday) you can get an additional 10% off all sale items at Stamper's Dream when you spend a minimum of $25.   At checkout look for the coupon code box and enter 10OffToday.  The Sales and Specials section is right here.  Lots and lots of great stuff!

Have a wonderful rest of the day!

Stamps:  Home Sweet Nest (Impression Obsession)  Paper:  Espresso, Wasabi, white, BasicGrey Origins designer paper  Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, caramel, chocolate, Copic markers for coloring  Accessories:  Brads

Flourishes Friday

I’d like to invite you to join me on the Flourishes Newsletter today for an article I’ve written which includes this card and two others.

I hope to see you there.  Have a happy Friday!

Stamps:  Vintage Wallpaper, Tag Lines (Flourishes)  Paper:  Pink textured, Classic White  Ink:  Pink, Versamark  Accessories:  Velvet/Crochet trim, rhinestones, white embossing powder, Scotch brand foam mounting tape

When You’re Hot, You’re Hot!

Yes, Wally’s backyard pool is a little on the small side, but it was all we could find this late in the season.  He loves it and seems very grateful, never uttering a complaint about its diminutive size.  After a walk or a play session with his next door friend, he heads straight to the pool for a cool down.

Hope you’re all staying cool in these dog days of summer.  Have a great day!

Christmas Spirit Challenge No. 4

I promised myself that before the month was over I would make a card for Flourishes’ Christmas Spirit Challenge.  I won’t be eligible for a prize, of course, but, still, I wanted to play along.

This month’s challenge is #4 in the series.  It calls for a card that is flat, or nearly flat, and/or could be mailed with only one postage stamp.  Use Flourishes stamps to make a Christmas card, then be sure to pop into the challenge thread here and leave a link to your card.  If posting in the SCS gallery, use Keyword FLLCNOEL4.  If your card is randomly selected as the winner, you’ll be awarded the Flourishes Christmas stamp set of your choice.  Flourishes is giving away a stamp set every month for this challenge, and I’ll let you in on a little secret – the odds for winning are pretty darn good this month.  So, the time to play is now!

I used the Dove and Holly set with a word from Flourished Christmas.  I added just one layer of Classic White cardstock, embossed with a QuicKutz Vine Label folder, to a rich red textured cardstock base.  The Doves and Holly are colored with Copics, cut out, and adhered in place, leaving some loose edges to give a sense of dimension.  Lastly, I coated the berries with a clear glaze, added glitter, and embellished with red rhinestones.  Overall, it’s very lightweight, yet textural.

I’m making good headway on my Christmas cards this year.  They’re all tucked away in a drawer, decorated envelopes included, and I’ve started buying a book of postage stamps now and then to store in the drawer with them.  It’s rather like a layaway plan – pay a little at a time until December, then get those cards in the mail!

I hope this find you well today.  I’ll see you again soon!

Stamps:  Dove and Holly, Flourished Christmas  Paper:  Red textured, Classic White  Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Palette L’Amore Red, Copics for coloring  Accessories:  Rhinestones, glitter, clear glaze, QuicKutz Vine Label embossing folder

Ruby Tuesday: Roses and Pearls

Welcome to Ruby Tuesday!  Stella dressed up all pretty today in roses and pearls.  You’d think she had someplace to go, wouldn’t you?  She has no plans, though.  She’s just sitting around the house… waiting for someone to ask her out…

I left this card sentiment free for the time being because, really, it has no designated purpose yet.  When its time comes, it will be hand delivered, perhaps tucked into a basket of lotions and soaps for a birthday gift.  It’s a standard A2 size with a shortened front flap to allow a border of Stella to grace both the inside and outside of the card.  The front edge was trimmed with Spellbinders Ric Rac Border Pierceabilities, and the rose panel overlapping.  The roses are Flourishes A Year in Flowers 2, watercolored with markers.  The gorgeous pearl and rose bud flourish can be found here.

Thank you so much for stopping by today.  Have a wonderfully Ruby Tuesday!

Stamps:  A Year in Flowers 2  Paper:  Vanilla and pale green textured, watercolor, BasicGrey Stella Ruby designer paper  Ink:  Palette Noir, waterbased markers for watercoloring  Accessories:  Silk ribbon, pearl flourish, Spellbinders Classic Circle Nestatilities and Ric Rac Border Pierceabilities

Minimalist Me

Hello, and happy Monday to all!  Today, I’m sharing something a little different from my usual.  I’d say something about stepping out of my comfort zone, but this actually feels very comfortable to me.  I like it way more than I thought I would, and it takes me back to the days when I was quite happy with simple, earthy cards.  It took only minutes to make.  If I didn’t enjoy coloring so much, I’d be doing this more often.  Maybe I will, anyway.

All the stamps are Hero Arts, and they’re all from Stamper’s Dream.  I started with a background stamp called Aged Print Frame, then added the branchy Earth Flowers, and finished with a sentiment from Just Find Me.  The red burlap string gives it just a bit of color and keeps the card suitable for a masculine card-giving occasion, something I’m rarely prepared for.  It seemed like I should be adding some hardware somewhere, but for the life of me I couldn’t see where it would look right.  When I realized how much time I’d spent fretting over the issue, I thought “sometimes you just have to let go”, and called it done.

Just one more thing I'd like to mention:  If you'd like to know how you can receive notice of coupon codes for special discounts at Stamper's Dream, please read Michelle's post here.  Thank you!

It’s going to be another full week on the blog.  I’ll be back with Ruby Tuesday tomorrow.  Hope to see you then!  Have a great day!

Stamps:  Aged Print Frame, Earth Flowers, Just Find Me (all Hero Arts)  Paper:  Espresso, ivory  Ink:  Ranger Distress Tea Dye, Vintage Photo, and Walnut Stain  Accessories:  Red burlap string

Little Lady

If you know a little girl who, before your very eyes, is becoming a beautiful young lady, that’s who this card would be for.  And if you could make one wish, you would wish for her to stay as sweet as this forever.

I’ve used this precious image from Kids Play today, stamped in Memento Tuxedo black on BasicGrey Origins designer paper.  The ribbon, trim, and flower are all from Flourishes, too.

With it being Flourishes Friday you’ll find plenty of pretty when you visit the rest of the team:

Christine Okken

Cindy Lawrence

Danielle Kennedy

Dawn Burnworth

Julie Koerber

Laura Fredrickson

Stacy Morgan

Did you know you could buy a catalog at Flourishes now?  You can find it here.  Makes it easy to browse all the current stamp sets, compile your wish list, and be inspired by the more than 60 card samples in its pages.  Heck, I’ve got all their stamp sets, and I still love looking at the catalog!  Also, just a reminder about the sale page where Flourishes has made it easy for you to find all their discounted items.  Lots of ribbon and other goodies.  New items have begun arriving in the store, and I hope to begin making use of them as soon as possible!

Now I’ll leave you with a wish for a wonderful, restful weekend.  I’m looking forward to it!

Stamps:  Kids Play  Paper:  Pale pink and green textured, BasicGrey Origins designer paper  Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black  Accessories:  Crochet trim, velvet ribbon, Dogwood flower, Spellbinders Curved Rectangles Nestabilities, Scotch brand foam mounting tape

JustRite Week, Final Day

Hello!  My second sample for Stamper’s Dream JustRite week was made with a set called Whimsical Christmas.  These are 2” round mix ‘n match borders and centers.  It gives you some darling images to color, as well as a sentiment and two beautiful snowflakes.  The snowflakes can play a supporting role for the other images, or they can be showcased front and center, which is how I used it today:

I white embossed the snowflake and border, and added delicate spots of Stardust Stickles accents, which you may just barely be able to make out in the photo.  It’s very subtle, even in real life, but I wanted to maintain the daintiness of this pretty snowflake, rather than overwhelm it.  The designer papers I used are all Memory Box Spearmint.  I’m very fond of the patterns and colors of this collection and, though it’s not Christmas paper,  I’ll be darned if the pattern at the lower edge of the card doesn’t resemble snowflakes.  It’s all very wintery looking, soft and quiet like a gentle snowfall, and fun for us stampers to vary from the traditional red and green palette.

The sentiment I used is another new JustRite set – Christmas Nested Sentiments.  This is one set I’ll be keeping handy as I make my Christmas cards.  There are a total of eight sentiments which can be paired inside and out, and they coordinate with all the JustRite nested frames.  While we’re at it, why not check out the Christmas Nested Frames?  There you have Christmas borders and three sentiments, and all of it can be mixed and matched with Christmas Nested Sentiments.  Really, I’m not trying to be a super enabler, I’m just pretty thrilled with this combination of frames and sentiments, and I think you might like it, too.  To make it all work, you would also need the horizontal stampers.

Again, here’s the stamping schedule for this week’s JustRite showcase:

Monday:  Michelle , Cindy , Denise , Laurie , Amy

Tuesday:  Denise , Cindy , Amy , Tosh , Cammie

Wednesday:  Laurie , Leslie , Karen , Christina, Tosh

Thursday:  Michelle , Leslie , Christina , Karen, Cammie

I hope you’ve enjoyed all the samples!  Have a joyful day!

Stamps:  JustRite Whimsical Christmas and Christmas Nested Sentiments  Paper:  White cardstock, Memory Box Spearmint designer paper  Ink:  Versamark, Blue Bayou  Accessories:  Sparkly brad, Stardust Stickles, Spellbinders Classic Circle, Scallop Circle, and Labels One Nestabilities

JustRite Week – Backyard Birds

How about a fall card today?  It seems to me summer has just gotten started, but Labor Day is inching around the corner and the fall season comes soon thereafter.  So. . . when it came to choosing which of these Backyard Birds Borders & Centers I would share today, I selected this pretty bird on thistle with its border of autumn leaves.  The sentiment is from the new Nature’s Nested Sentiments Centers & Verse by JustRite.  There’s something for every season in that set.  All week the Stamper’s Dream Team is showcasing new JustRite stamps, and the projects are all wonderful!

I stamped in Palette Noir on hot press watercolor paper and watercolored with Tombow Markers.  My designer papers are October Afternoon Fly a Kite.  It sounds appropriate, doesn’t it?  This particular collection is made for summer, but with these colors combined it does a good job of representing fall.

I hope you’ll have time to check out more of the team’s samples.  I think you’ll enjoy them!  I’ve posted the week’s schedule for your convenience:

Monday:  Michelle , Cindy , Denise , Laurie , Amy

Tuesday:  Denise , Cindy , Amy , Tosh , Cammie

Wednesday:  Laurie , Leslie , Karen , Christina, Tosh

Thursday:  Michelle , Leslie , Christina , Karen, Cammie

Thanks so much for dropping in today.  Take care!

Stamps:  Backyard Birds Borders & Centers, Nature’s Nested Sentiments Centers & Verse  Paper:  Chocolate, rust, watercolor, October Afternoon Fly a Kite designer paper  Ink:  Palette Noir, chocolate, rust  Accessories:  Ribbon, brads, artificial leaves, 3 1/4” round stamper, Spellbinders Classic Circle Nestabilities, Ribbon Tag Trio 2 Shapeabilities, Double Ended Tags Shapeabilities