Skittles

Happy Memorial Day weekend everyone. Thank you for taking a moment out of your day to pop in and take a peek. Thank you Mary Fish for having me as your guest today. A BIG shout out to all our service men and women who give so much of themselves!!! Make a service person’s day and drop them a note to tell them how much you appreciate all they do! http://www.operationgratitude.com/get-involved/write-letters/

Have you ever gone shopping and found that one shirt, that one skirt, that one pair of pants, or perhaps a pair of shoes that fits SO GOOD you snap it up in every color?

It is something that I occasionally find happens when I make a card. It looks so good that I have to try it in another color and see if I like it even better.

Skittles. That is what a friend of mine calls a rainbow. Today’s post is a rainbow of cards expressing how that one special person has just Rocked your world! What a great sentiment to brighten that certain someone’s day.

Posted on May 25, 2014 by Martie Pollard.

On Vacation - Be Back Soon!

The month of April I will be away enjoying the islands of Hawaii - be back soon!

Posted on April 22, 2014 by Martie Pollard.

April Blog Hop

Welcome to the Pals Blog Hop for April. To celebrate Earth Day, this month we are showcasing projects that feature recycled, re-purposed, or earthy/recycling themed elements.

You may just be starting the blog hop or may have come from Mary Fish at Stampin’ Pretty, number 10 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.

I had a stamp class this weekend and one of my guests, Paula Teixeira, shared a card she had recently made at a class. There are six women in my stamp club who meet once a month. We all start with the same card materials but end up with distinctly different cards at the end of the class. This is my take on the bunny punch art card. I have seen versions of this bunny punched art on various web sites and decided this would be the perfect card to share in honor of Earth Day. The tree bark stamped background, the bunny, the butterfly, the eggs being hidden by the greenery – Perfect and just in time for Easter. This card put my Stampin’ Up! inventory to the test!

Information + Order Numbers :

Stamp Set: Woodgrain (128763) (not the one used on this card, but similar)

Paper: Chocolate Chip (102128) Old Olive (100702) Crumb Cake (120953) Pink Pirouette (111351) Very Vanilla (101650)

Ink: Soft Suede (126978) Pink Pirouette (126956)

Cool Tools: Big Shot (113439) Magnetic Platform (130658) Circle Collection framelits (130911) 1 ¾ Scallop Circle Punch Scallop Oval Punch (119856) Large Oval Punch (119855) 1 ¼ Scallop Circle Punch (127811) Itty Bitty Butterfly Punch (129406) Bird Builder Punch (for both the leaves and the eggs) (117191) Stamping Sponges (101610)

Finishing Touches: Dimensionals (104430) Dazzling Diamonds (102023) uni-ball Signo gel pen (105121)

The next stop is Shannon Hokanson at PaperWorks by Shannon on the Pals Blog Hop! Thanks for visiting and I hope to see you next month.

Would love to hear your thoughts on my version of The Bunny card...feel inspired to leave me a comment below.

Posted on April 8, 2014 by Martie Pollard.

PPA197

PPA197 Challenge is a Sketch Challenge.

It has been a challenge finding time to not only makes cards for my classes and local shops, but to make cards just for fun and for my blog. I am hopeful that once back from my 3 weeks of vacation, I will have the energy and time to devote to creativity and to trying a few techniques I am curious about. I have yet to make a flip card and there has been a flurry of cards in a box that look like they would be fun to try.

Todays card is one with an encouraging quote ~ a reminder to nurture ourselves and to not to lose sight of our dreams...

To see  other cards submitted for this challenge click here. — To see other cards submitted for this challenge click here.

Posted on March 30, 2014 by Martie Pollard.

PPA 195 Color Challenge

Todays card is a color challenge. Rose Red, Wild Wasabi and So Saffron. All colors of Spring. If we can just hang in for a couple of more weeks it just may start to feel like it! A splash of DSP, al little bling and a cute throwback stamp and “Voila” you have a quick and simple fun card to give to someone you “olive”.

T o see other cards submitted to the Paper Pals Art Challenge click here

Posted on March 16, 2014 by Martie Pollard.

March Blog Hop

Welcome to the Pals March Blog Hop. This month we are excited to kick-off Spring with our creative projects. We hope you enjoy these creations and we hope Spring finds you soon!

You may just be starting the blog hop or may have come from Debra Simonis at Deb's Stampin' Grounds #4 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.

It is hard to write about Spring when there is a foot of snow on the ground and more of the “white stuff” projected in the weather forecast. It certainly has seemed like a particularly long winter on the East Coast this year. Spring to me brings a vision of brightness, lighter, cheerful, fun colors and flowers. It also brings that “Happy – just because” kind of feeling. The Sale-A-Bration Sweet Sorbet designer paper incorporates all of the above for me, and when paired with Summer Starfruit, Tangerine Tango and and Pool Party it feels a whole lot less like winter!

With that said – here is my card:

Information + Order Numbers :

Stamps: A Dozen Thoughts (W 131056 – C 131059) Perfect Pennants (W 133227 – C 133230)

Paper: Summer Starfruit (126839) Pool Party (122924) Tangerine Tango (111349) Sale-A-Bration DSP Sweet Sorbet

Ink: Crumb Cake (126975) Pool Party Marker (n/a) Jet Black StazOn (101406)

Cool Tools: Big Shot (113439) Magnetic Platform (130658) Banner frame lits (132173) Boho Blossoms punch (119858) Scallop Trim Border punch (118402) Stampin Trimmer (126889)

Finishing Touches: Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430) Linen Thread (104199) Bright Candy Dots (130931) Subtles Candy Dots (130933)

Would love to hear your comments ~ just because...

Next on the blog hop is Goldie Shaul at Punch and Stamp with Goldie # 6 on the hop.

Posted on March 11, 2014 by Martie Pollard.

PPA194 Color Challenge

Hope you enjoy today's post. It is a PPA194 Color Challenge.

As usual it is a color combo one wouldn't usually think of when creating a card. I wanted something quick and simple but with a different style than I usually lean towards. It has masculine tones with the gray and the blue but the purple lets me mak… — As usual it is a color combo one wouldn't usually think of when creating a card. I wanted something quick and simple but with a different style than I usually lean towards. It has masculine tones with the gray and the blue but the purple lets me make a hello card for one of my sisters. Yeah!

Posted on March 8, 2014 by Martie Pollard.

February 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 #22 Kelly DeTomasso at Kelly's Creative Corner 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.

Today’s blog hop theme is what we love about Stampin’ Up! I guess that fits right in with Valentines Day just around the corner. There is no way to cover all the great products and all the little perks here and there, which has made me a very satisfied customer!!!

So, I will share the things that I love, that pertain to my card. You can see the fun and bright colors I used with the matching DOUBLE sided designer paper… what you can’t see is the quality of the paper. It is high quality, so versatile and the choices of colors are extensive. The variety of embellishments to compliment and “complete” your card is also extensive. From ribbons to brads to buttons, clips, washi tape, candy dots, pearls and jewels, embossing powders and glitter, there is something for everyone’s tastes. The flowers were cut with Blossom Party Originals cutting pad. Between the cutting pads, embossing folders, framelits, sizzlits and punches there is no shortage of options for texturizing and adding shapes to help adorn your card. Last but not least is the stamp itself. I am never at a loss to find the perfect sentiment/image for the card that I am creating. The choices are almost overwhelming but that is a “problem” that I can live with. (smile)

What I love most about my Stampin’ Up! experience as a demonstrator has been the behind the scenes quality customer service that is provided to each and every Stampin’ Up! representative. Stampin’ Up! is dedicated to extending the highest quality of product and service and that makes it so easy to represent this company!

The next stop is number 24 - Angie Blake at Angies Musings on the Pals Blog Hop! Thanks for visiting and I hope to see you next month.

Please share your love of what YOU find appealing about Stampin' Up! in the comment section below...

Posted on February 11, 2014 by Martie Pollard.

PPA190

Today’s card was made for the PPA190 Color Challenge. Those colors are Rose Red, Basic Gray and Blushing Bride. I realized when reaching for the card stock that I do not have Rose Red. I had the ink and some designer series paper – who knew? I reached for a sentiment that I have not used before yet that I can put to good use.

A reassuring word at just the right moment can make a such positive impact!

Posted on February 9, 2014 by Martie Pollard.

Mary Fish Guest Stamper 1/26/14

happy love day

PPA185 Sketch Challenge

Here is my PPA185 Sketch Challenge card. A very simple sketch to work with but it took me three tries to get it right. I guess because I have been working with red as a Christmas staple, my first two cards were too “Christmasy” even though I was working with the heart frame. Amazing how changing colors can completely change the look of a card.

Guess what holiday is next? I’ll give you a hint…choclates, roses and VALENTINES!!!

To see the other submittals for the challenge, click HERE.

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Posted on December 29, 2013 by Martie Pollard.

PPA184 Sketch Challenge - Sneak Peek

Todays card is a mistake – sort of. I placed an order for items from the upcoming Occasions Catalog and earned some Sale-A-Bration items too! I inverted a number when ordering and was surprised when I received the Good as Gold card making kit. When sitting down to make my PPA 184 Sketch Challenge card last night, I pulled the kit out while rummaging around for what I would use to create my card. The bright, cheerful design sung out to me! As a demonstrator, the kits are not something I have used before. I cannot tell you how quick and easy this was to put together or how bright and cheery it is up close. I find the pictures never really do the cards total justice when posted on-line. I know when I love a product and use it – it sells! I will recommend this to those shopping with their bonus “dollars” during Stampin’ Up’s Sale-A-Bration (January 28 thru March 31st). Even for seasoned card makers this kit is perfect for a last minute, “must have in the mail today” card!

I used the In Color Boutique Details (130938) as my embellishments. Even though they are not exact matches, they compliment the card colors quite nicely.

The pre-cut banners are blank on the backside so you can customize the saying to your specific card!

To see the other submittals for this challenge - click here.

Posted on December 22, 2013 by Martie Pollard.

Snow Buddies

Countdown. It is getting down to the wire to getting those Christmas cards mailed and the gifts wrapped…that is of course if you have finished your shopping! NOT! I spent Friday night at a scrapbook event and one of the ladies there shared this cute little paper snowman. I made a bunch today for my co-workers and some to keep on hand in case I need a last minute little something - something…they were SO easy to make. I used the Stampin’ Up! circle framlelits and the polka dot embossing folder. I did not have enough black (neutral) candy dots to do them all so I used what I had on hand. The little branch hands were snowflake pieces and the nose just small triangles of pumpkin pie card stock. On the back I used the middle sized circle to cover up where I glued the ribbon to the large, bottom circle.

Posted on December 15, 2013 by Martie Pollard.

December Blog Hop

Welcome to the final Pals Blog Hop of 2013. This month we are showcasing projects featuring tools and supplies that should be on every crafters wish list. You may just be starting the blog hop or may have come from Debbie Mageed at Secret Stamper 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.

Today’s Blog Hop theme is WISH LIST. There are so many Stampin’ Up! must haves that it was hard to choose what card to make and what to include on my suggested WISH LIST. I went with my favorite go-to type of card – the joy fold. The ribbon pull-tab adds such a delicate touch and emanates the element of suspense and surprise of what lays inside the card.

Every card needs a base, whether it is Whisper White, Very Vanilla or any of the various colored card stock. I chose Pool Party and Real Red with Whisper White to compliment the stamped image. The DSP papers are double sided and the perfect weight (not too light and not too heavy) and are designed to match and flatter the corresponding card stocks. I chose the I Am Me designer series paper for it’s bright and fun colors. Because I chose two different sheets of paper, I actually had four different patterns to choose from and ended up using three for my layout.

I chose hello there for the greeting on the inside from the Happy Day stamp set and the doily image for the outside. I embossed the front of the card with Silver embossing powder and the inside with Black. It is an inexpensive and quick way to add an extra WOW factor to any card. The silver mini brads and the single candy dot dress it up and also add additional WOW factor. Inside I used the oval framelits to cut the greeting and layers underneath it and popped it up using dimensionals.

Some tools, such as a scorer, bone folder and cleaner are standard items. I have tried other brands of stamp cleaners and cleaning pads but have found the Stampin Scrub and cleaner that Stampin’ Up! sells is the best one that I have tried to date.

WISH LIST:

· Cardstock

· Designer Series Paper

· Stamp Sets

· Ribbon

· Embellishments

· Framelits

· Big Shot & Magnetic Platform

· Embossing Powders

· Dimensionals

· Stampin Scrub and cleaner

I will list the Envelope Liner framelit as a MUST HAVE not a wish list item!!! Lining the envelope is the icing on the cake – the cake is just not as delicious without the icing!!!

The Pool Party Ribbon I chose has retired. I could have used current ribbon but I wanted to make a point. Even though an item may retire it does not mean it is no longer compatible with current product. I am too cheap to not use what I already own!!! Thanks Mom!!!

Information + Order Numbers :

Stamp Set: Happy Day (130294)

Paper: Real Red (102482) Pool Party (122924) I Am Me DSP (130138)

Ink: Silver Embossing Powder (109131) Black Embossing Powder (109133) Versmark (102283)

Cool Tools: Big Shot (113439) Magnetic Platform (130658) Oval Collection framelits (129381) Envelope Liner framelit ( 132172) Embossing Buddy (103083) Heat Tool (129053) Stampin Scrub (126200) Cleaner (102394)

Finishing Touches: Dimensionals (104430) 1/8” Silver Mini Brads (122941) Subtle Candy Dots (130933) Pool Party Ribbon (retired)

The next stop is Marlene Heringer at So Many Toys Sol Little Time on the Pals Blog Hop! Thanks for visiting – and I hope to see you next year!

1. Amy L. Lazzell at Just A Thought...Cards by Amy

2. Peggy Noe at Prettypapercards.com

3. Lisa Ann Bernard at Queen B Creations

4. Colleen Mollema at Uncanny Crafting

5. Sue Becker at R n R Stamping

6. Nicole Watt at Pixel Maven's Retreat

7. Debra Simonis at Deb's Stampin' Grounds

8. Diane Roberts at Score at Four and a Quarter

9. Michelle Gleeson at Stampin Mojo

10. Kelly DeTommaso at Kellys Creative Corner

11. Connie Lindsey at Crafting a Joyful Life

12. Angie Blake at Angie's Musings

13. Katy McGloin at Just Fun Stamping

14. Debbie Mageed at Secret Stamper

15. martie pollard at The Crafty Bandit

16. Heringer at So Many Toys So Little Time

17. Elaine Fleming at Studio Elaine

18. Linda Callahan at Stampin' Seasons

19. Kerry Willard Bray at stampgoodness

20. Shirley Sumption at Look at my Cute Stuff.

21. Dawn Tidd at Tiddbits from Dawn

22. Beth Beard at My little craft blog

23. Rae Harper at Wild West Paper Arts

Posted on December 10, 2013 by Martie Pollard.

PPA182 Color Challenge

Today's card was made for the PPA182 Color Challenge. The colors are: Very Vanilla, Smokey Slate and Elegant Eggplant. I have made a few cards with the Vanilla and Eggplant before and Smokey Slate seems to blend nicely with everything. I love how the framelits make it so easy to add a frame so quick and easily!

To check out the other submittals for this challenge click here.

Posted on December 8, 2013 by Martie Pollard.

PPA180 Sketch Challenge

I am always looking for quick and easy “man” cards because it typically is a request to do them for my workshops. It is the flu season and this will fit the bill for a male get well card. That’s because they drive us crazy when they don’t feel good!

To view the other cards submitted for this challenge click here.

Posted on November 24, 2013 by Martie Pollard.

PPA179 Color Challenge

Today's card was made using Crushed Curry, Crumb Cake and Rich Razzleberry. I don’t know that I would have chosen these three colors for a card combination at any point on my own, but I love the finished project. The best part about participating in these challenges is being forced outside my comfort zone. To see the other cards entered in this challenge click here.

I hosted a stamping class yesterday so I was already in the creative zone and found that this card just fell into place. I knew I would use the Bird Builder punch with the Crushed Curry, so it was just a matter of which of the remaining two colors would showcase them better. I decided to use Crumb Cake as the base and Rich Razzleberry for the “showcase” color. The sentiment was embossed in gold and was really the only embellishment this card needed beside the basic pearls for their eyes.

A quick and clean card to put together to let someone know that their friendship puts you in a special place.

Information & Order Numbers:

Stamp: Best of Everything (retired)

Ink: Versamark (102283) Gold Embossing Powder (109129)

Paper: Crumb Cake (120953) Crushed Curry (13119) Rich Razzleberry (115316) Brights DSP Series (130134)

Cool Tools: Bird Builder punch (117191) Large Oval punch (119855) Scallop Oval (119856) Embossing Buddy (103083) Heat Tool (129053) Framed Tulips (121809) Big Shot (113439)

Finishing Touch: Stampin’ Dimensional (104443) Pearl Basic Jewels (119247)

Posted on November 17, 2013 by Martie Pollard.

November Blog Hop

Thank you for joining us for the November Pals Blog Hop. We are thankful you are visiting today and hope you enjoy our thank you inspired projects.

You should have just left stop number 17 on the Pals Hop - Susan Itell at Simple Stampin' If so, you are in the right spot. If you get off track, the full blog lineup below will help you move along from blog to blog so you see all of the amazing creations.

As I have mentioned many times before, Thank You cards are my favorite type of greeting card to make. There is always a reason to thank someone and brighten his or her day. To me, the unexpected greeting cards that I receive are the best ones! This Thank You card is specific to Thanksgiving. I guess the turkey was your first clue...

It is the time of year dedicated to counting our blessings and finding gratitude in our everyday lives.

Happy Thanksgiving to each and everyone of you.

.

I used the Very Vanilla card stock as the base to tone down the overall brightness of the card. The Epic Day This and That designer paper has a white background. I wouldn’t normally mix the white with vanilla but I found that it worked and dared to be different. I cut a strip 5” x 3 3/4” of the designer paper to place upon a 5 1/4” x 4" piece of So Saffron card stock. The Scallop Trim Border punch was used along the edges on the side and Baked Brown Sugar 3/8” Taffeta Ribbon was placed along the top and the bottom edges. I used the circle framelits to cut through both layers and also to cut out the So Saffron circle border. The border was used to frame the turkey that was stamped in Baked Brown Sugar, using a portion of a stamp from the Harvest of Thanks set. I added dazzling diamonds and sponged on top with Baked Brown Sugar. The label was made using a die from the Apothecary Accents framelits set. The edges of the label and the edges of the designer paper were sponged with Baked Brown Sugar. Basic Gray, Baked Brown Sugar and Calypso Corals were the inks used in the greeting, to tie into the background. Dimensionals were used to pop the greeting and to give it depth. I also pierced along the label edges for added texture and added some basic pearls for the ta-da factor.

The next stop is Donna Kopenski at Craftycardmaker, stop number 19 on the Pals Blog Hop! Thanks for visiting – and I hope to see you next month!

Posted on November 12, 2013 by Martie Pollard.

PPA178

I have been a busy lady these past couple of weeks. Saturday found me hosting my stamp club and on Sunday coordinating a workshop for 10 women who made 10 different Christmas cards each. That was a lot of prepping for the finished product which I managed to get done by splitting the prep work in the morning before work, on my lunch break and in the evening after the kids went to bed. Catching up on the leaf pick up also snuck up. Almost an acre with a dozen or so trees keeps us busy this time of year.

I have missed you!!!

Here are the PPA178 Color Challenge colors. Click here to see the other cards submitted for this challenge.

Today's card was made for the PPA178 color challenge. I bought that stamp awhile ago but this was the first time using it. Makes me smile thinking that “OF COURSE IT WOULD!!!”

Posted on November 9, 2013 by Martie Pollard.

PPA177

Here is my submittal for the PPA177 sketch challenge. This card represents being in the here and now, as the beautiful colors of fall leaves are abundant both on the trees and the ground. It also represents how I am feeling today. Thankful thoughts and appreciation for a wonderful weekend spent with family and friends. If you would like to see other cards in the PPA177 gallery - click h ere.