Pinwheel Thank You

     Hello!  Today's card was inspired by Rita Wright's Pinwheel card over at SCS (here).  I loved everything about her card and decided to CASE it using the supplies I had in my stamping room.  The pinwheel is such a great addition to the Sizzlits family and was so happy to see it in the Spring Catalog (even more happy to see that it was $4.95)!  This is definitely a quick and simple card that would impress any recipient!

Stamps: Wishes Your Way
Paper: Whisper White, Subtles DSP
Ink: Rose Red
Tools & Accessories: Big Shot, Pinwheel Sizzlits die, brad, Essentials paper piercing pack, paper piercing tool

Thank You

     Hello!  Today's card was inspired by inkpad's Papillon Sketch over at SCS (here).  I loved her layout but decided to go with the traditional 4 1/4"x 5 1/2" size card rather than her square card.  Using what I had in my stamp room I decided to go with the Beautiful Wings embosslit rather than the Papillon Potpourri butterfly stamp. 

Stamps: Day of Gratitude
Ink: StazOn Black
Paper: Very Vanilla, Basic Black, First Edition DSP
Tools & Accessories: Big Shot, Beautiful Wings embosslit, dimensionals 

Sketch Challenge #331

     Hello!  Today's card was inspired by the Sketch Challenge #331 over at SCS (here).  I've been wanting to use up my Nautical Expedition DSP and knew this was the perfect layout for it.

     My hubby and I visited with childhood friends of his for several days on Martha's Vineyard earlier this summer.  On our last day they took us to a beach in Menemsha for the sunset.  We brought wine and cheese and watched the sun fall slowly into the ocean, it was beautiful!  As a way to thank his friends we'll be sending them this card along with a group photo we took on the beach.  
     Aaron and I have decided that when we win the lottery we're going to buy a summer house on the Vineyard... someday.

Stamps: The Open Sea, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink: StazOn Black
Paper: Not Quite Navy, Whisper White, Nautical Expedition DSP (retired)
Tools & Accessories: Big Shot, Bitty Banners Framelits die, circle brad (retired), bakers twine, dimensionals


Sunset on Menemsha Beach

A Starfilled Thank You

      Hello!  Today's card was inspired by Kay Kalthoff's graduation card over at her blog Stamping to Share (here).  This card was incredibly easy to make but has such a 'wow' factor that any recipient would be honored to receive it.
     The stars were cut from a 4 1/8"x5 3/8" piece of Wisteria Wonder card stock, simply center the card stock on the die and run through the Big Shot.  The card stock is then adhered to the base of the card with dimensionals.
     I created quite a few of these as thank you cards for classroom volunteers (I love volunteers!) but just imagine the stars cut out of Night of Navy... wouldn't these make great 4th of July BBQ invites or  Memorial Day/Veteran's Day cards?!

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Wisteria Wonder, Whisper White
Ink: Wisteria Wonder
Tools: Big Shot, Stars #2 (retired) & Bitty Banners Framelits dies, dimensionals, mini library clips (retired)

Gingham Watermelon

     Hello!  Today's card is a CASE of Erica Cerwin's "Thanks" card over at her blog Pink Buckaroo Designs (here).  I loved everything about her her card and decided not to change a thing (except for the sentiment).  To create the gingham background I used the gingham technique from Two Crafty Girls.
     The "thank you" banner was created using the new Bitty Banners Framelits die (pg 191, $14.95).  It's so much easier to create the banners with this amazing set of dies!
     This would make a great BBQ invite during the summer months, just substitute the sentiment for a "You're Invited" or something similar

Stamps: Mouthwatering, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Whisper White, Melon Mambo, Lucky Limade, First Edition DSP
Ink: Lucky Limeade, Melon Mambo, StazOn Black, Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker
Tools & Accessories: Scallop Border & Blossom Bouquet punches, Big Shot, rhinestone brad (retired) 

Simple Thank You

     Hello!  Today's card was inspired by Jen's "Sending Love" card over at her blog (here).  I ordered the postage stamp punch as well as the small heart punch ages ago but rarely use them (gasp!).  When I saw Jen's card using both of these punches I knew I had to make it!
     To make Jen's card more of my own I added a layer of white CS, opted for a button rather than mini library clilp and moved the sentiment to the lower right corner.  This card is incredibly quick to make and could easily be mass produced.

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink: StazOn black
Paper: Whisper White, Real Red, Summer Smooches DSP
Tools & Accessories: Postage and small heart punches, dimensionals, button, bakers twine

Pocket Silhouettes Thank You

     Hello!  Today's card was inspired by a card that's been sitting in my "Favorites" folder over at SCS for years. Seriously, years (here).  The little nudge I needed to actually make this card came from my Stampin' Up! upline and the monthly card challenges we host on Stampin' Connection (a website only available to SU demos, just one of the perks of working for SU!).

     Our challenge this month was a thank you card with embossing and at least one embellishment.  Immediately this card came to mind.  I changed the colors to reflect my current favorite (Calypso Coral) and chose a different sentiment.
     In case you're wondering, the embossed part of my card is the stripes!  I used Natasha's Gingham Background technique over at her blog Diary of Two Crafty Girls (here).

Stamps: Pocket Silhouettes, Thank You Kindly
Ink: Calypso Coral, Early Espresso
Paper: Crumb Cake, Calypso Coral, Very Vanilla
Tools & Accessories: Big Shot, Stripes textured embossing folder, modern label punch, pearls, grosgrain ribbon, dimensionals

Thank You

     Hello!  Today's card was inspired by mandypandy's Fresh Vintage CAS card over at SCS (here).  I loved everything about Mandy's card so to make it my own I substituted  Elements of Style for the main image and changed the colors.
     I absolutely love the new Framelits dies and was so excited to hear the Stampin' Up! will be adding to this collection in the future! 

Stamps: Elements of Style, Thank You Kindly
Ink: Old Olive, Regal Rose, StazOn Black
Paper: Whisper White, Rose Red
Tools & Accessories: Big Shot, Labels Collection Framelits dies, Beautiful Wings Embosslit die, Stampin' dimensionals, pearls

Take It To Heart

     Hello!  Today's card was inspired by Freshly Made Sketches Challenge #22 (here).  If you ever lose your stamping mojo this is the site to visit - it's amazing!
     I {loved} this layout and although I could have created a simple card fairly quickly, I wanted to step outside my comfort zone and dig out those blender pens.  Yes, I teach 5-year olds and yes, I color almost everyday but for some reason I hesitate to color on cards.  When I'm with my kiddos I can make purple trees and a green sky and they don't care.  But on a card it's different.  A grown-up card should resemble reality.  Somewhat.

     In the end I'm happy with the final product.  Even though  the Take It To Heart set and DSP aren't sold as coordinating sets, I think this particular image works well with almost all of the sheets.
     And speaking of DSP, The Everyday Enchantment DSP that I used is available for a limited time only as part of Stampin' Up!'s Sale-A-Bration.  For every $50 you spend (before S&H) you can choose 1 item from the SAB catalog (here).  But hurry, this wonderful event end March 31st!

Stamps: Take It To Heart, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink: Soft Suede, Poppy Parade, Lucky Limeade
Paper: Very Vanilla, Soft Suede, Everyday Enchantment DSP
Tools & Accessories: Blender pen, Stampin' dimensionals

Fishy Thanks

     Hello!  Today's card is version #2 of the November 25th Simply Grateful card.  I kept the layout identical but changed the image and colors.
     Super cute and super easy to make.  I don't know about you but I'm always in need of a thank you card (especially as a teacher) so I now have a stack of these pre-made and ready to go.

Stamps: Summer Splash, Sunny Fun (both retired from Summer Mini)
Ink: Daffodil Delight, Tempting Turquoise, Melon Mambo, Elegant Eggplant
Paper: Whisper White
Tools & Accessories: Simply Scored scoring tool, square punch, dimensionals 

A Little Thank You...

     Hello!  I decided to make a few 3x3 thank you cards for parents who donate items to my classroom. (You know you're a teacher when you get more excited about a container of bleach wipes than a bouquet of flowers... sad, but true).
     I can't take 100% credit for this card but I can't find my original inspiration... I think it was in the Idea Book & Catalog somewhere. I've tried to look for it but it seems I never get too far in the book since I'm always sidetracked by all the wonderful sets and samples and I keep adding to my wish list.

Stamps: Thank You Kindly, School Lines 
Ink: StazOn Black, Cherry Cobbler
Paper: Very Vanilla (smooth & textured), Daffodil Delight, Cherry Cobbler
Tools & Accessories: Brads, Boho Blossoms punch, dimensionals

Simply Grateful

     Hello!  While I love the holidays I am so happy that Thanksgiving happens only once a year.  I think I spent more time in the kitchen than I did with the family.  But it was well worth in the end since lots of delicious food was eaten yesterday... maybe a bit too much good food!
     As you can see from the photo, yes, I picked up the Falling Leaves set AGAIN - I think I need help... This card was inspired by sweetnsassystamps' card (here) over at SCS.  Her colors are absolutely GORGEOUS and the layout is so simple - I love it.
   The lines at the bottom of the card were created using the new Simply Scored Scoring Tool (pg 7 of Holiday Mini).  This tool is amazing - I don't know how I managed without it!

Stamps: Falling Leaves
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive
Paper: Whisper White
Tools & Accessories: Simply Scored Scoring Tool, square punch, dimensionals

Grateful in Suede

     Hello!  Today's card was inspired by macmad2's Falling Leaves for Thanksgiving card (here) over at SCS.  Yes, this is the "umpteenth" card I've made with the Falling Leaves set but there are just sooo many wonderful cards over at SCS for inspiration that I just can't put this set down!
     To make the card more of my own I changed the color scheme just a bit and opted to use a piece of Soft Suede DSP as a background.

Stamps: Falling Leaves (LOVE this set!)
Ink: Old Olive, More Mustard, Bravo Burgundy, Soft Suede
Paper: Very Vanilla, Soft Suede, Patterns DSP (suede)
Tools & Accessories: Square punches, Early Espresso grosgrain ribbon, dimensionals

Baja Leaves

     Hello!  Today's card was inspired by Minders card (here) over at SCS which is a CASE of Susie Nelson's card (here) also over at SCS.  I absolutely LOVED the colors Mindy used on her card but since I don't have all the new In-Colors (gasp!), I used what I had on hand.  I also added a bit of paper piercing under the sentiment rather than a Designer Printed Brad.

     Choosing the coordinating colors for this card was quite easy - I used my Color Coach!  I'll be honest and say that I have no idea how I functioned without this little tool - it's amazing!  No more guessing if colors coordinate, just look them up on the Coach and you're an instant color expert!

Stamps: Falling Leaves
Ink: Baja Breeze, Cherry Cobbler, More Mustard, Not Quite Navy, Wisteria Wonder
Paper: Baja Breeze, Whisper White
Tools & Accessories: 1-1/4" circle punch, paper piercing tool, dimensionals

{Grateful} for Falling Leaves

     Hello!  Today's card was inspired by HudsonHannah's {grateful} card (here) over at SCS.  If you have a chance you should check out the Falling Leaves gallery... there are soooo many great amazing cards that I had a hard time deciding which one to CASE first!  In the end I went with HudsonHannah's; I loved her layout decided to tweak the colors just a bit for my card.
     I  must admit that love the Falling Leaves stamp set and can't believe I waited so long to order it!  It's a great set to use during the fall season for thank you cards or you can use the Thanksgiving sentiment to create Thanksgiving cards.
     This card was super quick and easy to make and could easily be mass produced!    

Stamps:  Falling Leaves
Ink: Bravo Burgundy, More Mustard, Old Olive, Soft Suede
Paper: Bravo Burgundy, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla
Tools & Accessories: Circle punch, button, linen thread

{Grateful}

     Hello!  Today's card required me to dig out Season of Friendship, a stamp set that I've had for a looooong time but just never use (which is a shame because it's a fantastic set).  The color inspiration for this card came from Autumn Traditions DSP in the 2009-10 Idea Book & Catalog.
     Yes, I did cut out all of those leaves and flowers but I think it's well worth it.  It adds a tiny bit of dimension to the card.

Stamps: Season of Friendship, Falling Leaves
Ink: More Mustard, Elegant Eggplant, Soft Suede
Paper: Whisper White, Soft Suede
Tools & Accessories: Big Shot, Scallop Circle #2 Bigz die, grosgrain ribbon, brads, dimensionals

Patriotic Thank You

     Hello!  When I saw  Princessforj's card on SCS (here) I immediately ordered Engraved Greetings so I could CASE it (true story!).
    To give this card a different twist I brayered the debossed side of a piece of Very Vanilla card stock.  Let me explain... I ran a piece of CS thru the Big Shot with the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder.  I then turned the CS over (so the bumps were down) and then brayered, oh so gently, with Night of Navy ink.

     To adhere the ribbon I used a strip of Terrifically Tacky Tape and scrunched the ribbon where I wanted it.  The sentiment is cut out with the 2 1/2" circle punch and popped up on dimensionals.

     On a different note, wish me luck!  Tomorrow my family and I are participating in the Harvard Pilgrim 10K road race (6.2miles) at Gillette Stadium (home of the New England Patriots).  You may recall that my family participated last year (here) and we had so much fun we thought we'd do it again. I've

decided not to try and break my time of 1:06 from last year but instead keep pace with my Dad.  It's so much more fun to cross the finish line with someone you can enjoy the experience with!  I'll have photos to share on Tuesday! 

    Have a happy and safe 4th of July!

Stamps: Engraved Greetings

Ink: Night of Navy

Paper: Very Vanilla

Tools & Accessories: Striped grosgrain ribbon (red is retired), 2 1/2" circle punch, Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Tacky Tape, dimensionals

Lots of Blossoms!

     Hello!  Today's card was inspired by the Melon Mambo card on page 7 of the Summer Mini catalog.  I was so excited to see the new Triple Layer  punches in the Summer mini that I couldn't wait to try them out for myself. 

     I wanted to create a quick and simple card using the punch and since I'm a fan of pink I thought why not go try a card with several different shades. I love pearls (both as jewelry and embelishments) and knew they would look great in the center of the flower.  Although they've been on my "wish list" for quite some time I'm afraid to admit that I haven't yet ordered the basic rhinestone jewels (pg 188, $4.95).  I think the rhinestones would give it a different feel and add a little "bling" to the card!

Stamps: Short & Sweet

Ink: StazOn Black

Paper: Melon Mambo, Pretty In Pink, Rose Red, Regal Rose, Bravo Burgundy, Whisper White

Tools & Accessories: Pearls, Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch



Butterfly Thank You

     Hello!  I made a card today - and it's NOT a birthday card!  It was tough not to pick out a birthday sentiment but I realized that it's time I start thinking about thank you cards for all the wonderful volunteers that help in my classroom. 

     This card was inspired by n5stamper's Garden Whimsy card over at SplitCoast Stampers.  I absolutely love the simplicity of this card and knew this would be a quick and simple card to make in batches.  That is until I realized I do not have a "simple" butterfly and had to use the image from Great Friends.  It took quite a while to carefully trim out all 3 images...  Good thing I DVR'd my soaps and had something to watch!

Stamps: Great Friend, Thank You Kindly
Ink: Marina Mist, Certainly Celery, Bravo Burgundy, StazOn black
Paper: Very Vanilla (smooth & textured)
Tools & Accessories: Pearls, Stampin' dimensionals

Sketch Challenge 294, Take Two!

     Hello!  I had so much fun participating in Sketch Challenge 294 over at Split Coast Stampers that I thought I'd try it again!  For this card I dug out some retired DSP that I've been hanging on to for years.  While Stampin' Up! does offer DSP in So Saffron they no longer offer it in the patterns that I have.  I think I've been holding on to the paper for so long because I know once I use them up they're gone for good :(

     The card base is 5 1/4"x5 1/4" and fits in the medium square envelope.  It's hard to tell from the photo but the first layer of More Mustard was embossed with the swirl from the Backgrounds #1 Texturz Plates set.  These plates give a very faint embossed look - for a more prominent look spritz the card stock with water before running through the Big Shot.
     I should also mention that this is a very heavy card.  The extra layers and ribbon give it some bulk and I'm sure that it would require extra postage to mail.

Stamps: Great Friend, Thank You Kindly, Vintage Vogue
Ink: Old Olive, StazOn Black, More Mustard
Paper: Very Vanilla, So Saffron (CS and DSP), More Mustard
Tools & Accessories: Brads, crystals (non SU), dimensionals, black 5/8" grosgrain ribbon. Big Shot, Backgrounds #1 Texturz Plates