January Blog Hop

Welcome to the first Pals Blog Hop of 2015. We hope your new year is off to a great creative start. To celebrate the start of a new Stampin' Up! year, we are showcasing products from our newest catalog this month - the Occasions catalog. You may also see new Sale-a-bration products too. If you don't know how to earn free Sale-a-bration products - contact your Stampin' Up! demonstrator to learn more.

You may just be starting the blog hop or may have come from Peggy Noe at http://prettypapercards.com/. Use the full lineup below to move along from blog to blog so you see all of the new projects.

There are so many beautiful cards being shared on Pinterest and other sites that make my jaw drop with their individuality. Very intimidating! I have not seen the Love Is Kindness stamp (137131 pg 32 in the Occasions Catalog) used in this layered fashion yet and love the 3D effect of a full bouquet it creates. I stamped the image twice and fussy cut one of them to place atop the original stamped image. i have not mastered the blendablilities pens as of yet but am having fun trying. What I am in love with is how you can color your pearls and bling to match your project. I lightly sponged the "newspaper" to soften all the white and create the illusion of texture. I rounded it out by adding a sentiment from the Lots of Thanks stamp set on the bottom. i cannot wait to recreate this card but will do multi-colored flowers next time, for a more dramatic effect. 

 

The next stop is Kim Jolly at http://stampinartfully.blogspot.com/ # 23 on the Pals Blog Hop! Thanks for visiting and I'll see you next month. Love to hear your feedback - leave a comment and make my day!

Posted on January 14, 2015 .

PPA233 - A Sketch Challenge

It seems weird to not be making a Christmas card...this card has me thinking about spring - Yippee!

This sketch was not an easy one for me. A couple of ideas that I had rolling around in my heard were created by others before I could fit time in my schedule to put the ideas to paper. Great minds think alike!

I hope that everyone had a blessed Christmas and had lots of time to spend with loved ones...and to all an early HAPPY NEW YEAR

To see other cards submitted for this challenge click here


Posted on December 28, 2014 .

Home Sweet Home

I remember when I first started making cards a couple of years ago. I would sit down to make a card and stare at the paper wondering "okay, what's next?" Then I would troll the internet for inspiration and attempt to make something that didn't look like my daughter brought it home from kindergarten. 

Then I got to the point where I was proud of what I made...until I took a picture and posted it and then every little imperfection seemed to jump off the page at me! Now I make the card and accept that I have come a long way and still have a ton to learn. I make a card, make the same card again with some minor tweaks, a color change or two and get a "YES" feeling ~ every once in awhile I get a card that says "YES" on the first attempt.

I had someone purchase cards at a craft fair I participated in a couple of weeks ago. She asked if I could make a card for her son who had recently purchased a home.  I agreed, knowing that in all the stamps I own I was pretty sure I didn't own anything with which to make the card. Not that I need a reason to add to my stamp collection! 

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The fun part about the card is that the starburst die I used to frame the house looks very wreathlike...how perfect for a December card. A Happy Coincidence that made me happy too! A "YES" on the first try...

Posted on December 21, 2014 .

No Peeking

What a busy couple of weeks it has been. The best part of it all is that I somehow managed to fit it all in! Phew! Last week was the first annual Indoor Sidewalk Sale at the Town of Groton Senior Center

Friday night was the second Friday of the month. It is the scheduled night for my local group of crafters, The Scrappy Ladies to get together. Eight of us met up for an evening of music, food (we each brought a dish to share and there was enough to serve a small army) scrap booking and Yankee Swapping. That was fun to watch as it was to play! We missed all of those that were unable to attend....

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Saturday was a 10am - 10pm scrap that was held at our local paper crafting store The Scrapbook Cove

This was a cute No Peeking bag topper that we got to embellish as a little extra thank you project. 

This was a cute No Peeking bag topper that we got to embellish as a little extra thank you project. 

I have been a customer since The Scrapbook Cove opened two years ago but last month was the first class I attended. I loved it and enjoyed the all day scrap yesterday too. The owners are the sweetest and most attentive craft store owners one could hope for! For all my local friends that have not stopped by - please do and tell them that I sent you!

Last, but certainly least I would like to give a shout out to my daughter Kate Swasey and her gorgeous jewelry designs on Etsy. If anyone is looking for a great Christmas gift for the lovely lady in their life please check out Kates site Golden Prism

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Posted on December 14, 2014 .

My Top Ten Wish List Stampin' Up!

Welcome to the last Pals Blog Hop of 2014. This month we want to help you start your holiday wish list by sharing projects featuring our favorite Stampin’ Up! papers, stamps, tools and accessories. Get your wish list ready as you move along through the blog hop.

You may just be starting the blog hop or may have come from  Katy McGloin at Just Fun Stamping #35 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 project.

As a hobbyist, my Stampin' Up! budget may be a bit more constrained versus a demonstrator's, whose business relies on having the newest products to share with their clients. I am sharing today's cards in hopes of highlighting, how, just by having a few stamping tools, some colored and neutral cardstock, stamp, ink and a splash of embellishment you can create a polished and professional looking card. For those of us who craft just to make and send cards or share on a small scale basis, every scrap of paper and stamp gets used - even if it is months later! In case you have not witnessed how the blendabilities pens color the basic pearls and jewels...so much fun and that much more coordination. "Matchy Matchy" my 7 year old calls it!

Besides the quality of their paper and products, I am also in love with the versatility and durability. Which means anything I buy from Stampin' Up! is an investment that I will use and enjoy for years to come. 

My can't live without "Top Ten Wish List"

1) Paper Trimmer 2) Cardstock 3) Big Shot 4) Embossing folders 5) Die Cuts 6) Stamp Set 7) Ink 8) Embellishments 9) Envelope Liner Die Cuts 10) Adhesive Remover

The next stop is Natalie Bradley http://nataliebradley.com/blog/ number 38 on the Pals Blog Hop! Thanks for visiting and I hope to see you in 2015.

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Posted on December 10, 2014 .

PPA230

Here is a clean and simple card for the PPA230 Color Challenge. I am going mad crazy preparing for a craft show this coming Tuesday. I thought I would take a break from making cards to make a card…Spoken like a true crafter! Will keep my narrative clean and simple too ~ love how the embossed larger dots looks just like snow and adds the little bit of texture that every cards deserves. Love my classic Stampin’ Up! stamps ~ they will never collect dust on my shelves.

 

To enjoy other cards made for this challenge click here

Posted on December 7, 2014 .

Nomber Blog Hop

Welcome to the November Pals Blog Hop, we are thankful you stopped by.  This month we are showcasing projects that show our thanks, including both thank you and Thanksgiving themed projects. You may just be starting the blog hop or may have come from Peggy Noe at Pretty Paper Cards 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 projects.

Today’s card was a fun card to make. I don't have any of the current designer series paper, as I am trying to use up some of the mountains of papers on my shelves. This helps me to think outside the box...

I saw a tutorial recently that demonstrated a simple way to create a sky background with sponging. One large and two small scalloped punched papers are taped together to create a template for clouds. Gently sponging around it and rotating with Soft Sky blue, for a very light background.

I then laid a piece of burlap ribbon across the front for texture and a base.  Next, I wrapped linen thread around the burlap (next time I will sponge it with some matching ink for contrast). The flower (crisp cantaloupe) and the bird (night of navy) were stamped from the Polka Dot Pieces stamp set and punched out with coordinating punches (1 ¼” scallop punch and the bird builder punch). I placed a night of navy candy dot in the center of the flower and covered with crystal effects for more texture. The pearl in the bird’s eye and those on the banner were colored with a blendability marker, to also tie the colors together. The “thankful for you” stamp is part of the Hostess Good Greetings set.

I used some retired Pistachio Pudding ribbon to soften the edge and sponged the leaves from the bird builder punch with Pistachio as well. The banner is held on with a basic hodgepodge clip and a dimensional and is sponged with Chocolate Chip and Pistachio Pudding for a vintage feel.

Today’s card was inspired by a card in the catalog on page 177…it is a tad similar but you would never have guessed that my card was created using the card below as a vision. I love to be inspired by other’s creation and am even happier to add my own twists to them, so that they truly are MY works of art.

 There are so many awesome cards and projects being shared today in hopes of inspiring YOU to sit and create!

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The next stop is Kerry Willard Bray at Peonies and Paper Chains on the Pals Blog Hop! Thanks for visiting and I hope to see you next month.

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Posted on November 12, 2014 .

Kate's Birthday Card


Yesterday was my daughter Kate’s birthday. She lives in Colorado and I live in Connecticut. We do not have good luck with USPS ~ we just don’t. So when I woke up in the middle of the night Thursday because I realized I had not sent out her card….wait, let me rephrase that…I bolted awake realizing I had not MADE her birthday card!!!

Luckily Thursday is the one-day of the week that I don’t head to boot camp class at 5:00 am. Instead, I put together a quick Birthday card for Kate. Really quick!

I have a bunch of cards that I have admired and pinned from Pinterest, that I would like to CASE (copy and share everything) in the future. This card is from that stash of “someday” cards, but with a twist…I did it with letters NOT numbers…

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Please check out the website of the original card artist Mandy's handiwork here:  http://littlespaceofmyown.blogspot.co.uk/. Her cards are so clean and simple but at the same time they pack a huge punch…love her work. 

Posted on November 10, 2014 .

Color Sketch Challenge #4

Today was a double soccer match and it was freezing cold out. My little guy is the goalie, which means he doesn’t move around as much as the others…sitting in my chair for four hours, I was miserable. After soaking in a hot bath and outfitting myself in my pajamas, there was nothing better for me to do than build a card. I came across a challenge on One Stamp At a Time and decided to play.

Here is the color challenge….



 

 

 

 

Here is my card…

Clean, simple and easy. Feel free to copy and share!

Clean, simple and easy. Feel free to copy and share!

Posted on November 1, 2014 .

PPA224 Sketch Challenge

Soccer season has struck the Pollard household. I have three elementary school age children all in a different soccer league. Every night and weekend day there is a practice or a game. Dinner is typically served between 7:30 pm and 8 pm. I had heard of the saying “We interrupt this marriage to bring you football” but never “We interrupt your life to bring you soccer…” I apologize for my extended and unexpected break from my blog.


Here is my card I am submitting for the PPA224 Sketch challenge.  To see the other submittals for this challenge click here. There is always a page full of inspiration to be enjoyed. 

I have been busier than ever making cards, just too busy to post them!  Feels good to be sharing again. Hope to see you again soon!

Posted on October 19, 2014 .

PPA 215

Today I made a card for the Paper Pals Arts Color Challenge using Basic Black, Strawberry Slush and Pear Pizzazz. The colors work really well together and the pattern I chose to do, highlights the glory of double-sided paper. The glory being less work! I used a 1” square punch and cut them in half for the triangles. A sweet sentiment, an edging punch for extra detail and a smidge of ribbon for extra color ~ voila!

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To see other cards submitted for this challenge click HERE

To see other cards submitted for this challenge click HERE


Posted on August 17, 2014 .

August Blog Hop

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Welcome to the Pals Blog Hop for August. This month we are showing off our favorite crafting tools - those Stampin' Up! tools that we just can't live without. We hope you enjoy our projects!

You may just be starting the blog hop or may have come from Lisa Ann Bernard at Queen B Creations - # 27 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.

Favorite tool? If you are like me, you will not be able to pick just one! In order to be a team player I did, but with a twist. I chose Stampin’ Up! punches, but will focus on the compatibility all of their products. This simple Happy Birthday card highlights the greeting cut out with a hexagon punch. i then taped it down on Pool Party and snipped around for a hexagon base popped up with dimensionals. Did you know that there are over 50 punches in the current catalog? Many of them coordinate with stamp(s) which, when used together, create a professional finished product in minutes. 

 

The inks match the paper and or highlight their colors; the embellishments and ribbon coordinate to quickly complete a simple, yet thoughtful birthday card. The neutral colors will allow this card to be used for him or her. 

I am absolutely in awe of the beautiful cards that are being shared on this hop today. As a hobby demo I am sometimes more focused on presenting simple cards. As a mom of three elementary school age with a full time job, it is often that I need to whip a card out rather quickly. Stampin’ Up’ products and tools make this SO EASY to do!

Information + Order Numbers :

Stamps: Honeycomb Hello (W-134075 C-134078)

Paper: Sahara Sand (121043) Pool Party (122924) Whisper White (100730)

Ink: Soft Suede( 126978) Pool Party (126983) Daffodil Delight (126944)

Cool Tools: Hexagon Punch (130919) Paper Snips (103579)

Finishing Touches: Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430) Daffodil Delight Seam Binding Ribbon (125583) Bright Candy Dots (130931) Subtles Candy Dots (130933) Neutrals Candy Dots (130934)

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

The next stop is Amy Hoptay at Inking of You! - # 29 on the Pals Blog Hop! Thanks for visiting and I hope to see you next month.

1.     Sue Becker at RnR Stamping

2.     Beth Beard at My Little Craft Blog

3.     Susan Lankford at Stamp and Create With Susan 

4.     Brian King at Stamp with Brian 

5.     Rae Harper-Burnet at WildWestPaperArts.com

6.     Debbie Mageed at Secret Stamper 

7.     Diane Roberts at Score at Four and a Quarter 

8.     Jackie Diediker at Stampin' Jackie

 9.   Kelly DeTommaso at Kelly's Creative Corner 

10.   Amanda Merrill at Inkflair

11.   Shannon Hokanson at Paper Works by Shannon 

12.   Amy Williams at Stamp and Spice

13.   Kerry Willard Bray at Peonies and Paper Chains

14.   Michelle Gleeson at Stampin' Mojo

 15.  Nicole Watt at Pixel Maven's Retreat

16.   Peggy Noe at Pretty Paper Cards

17.   September Gray at SeptemberGray.com 

18.   Shannon Jaramillo at EZPeasy Cards 

19.   Natalie Bradley at Natalie Bradley Events

20.   Susan Itell at Simple Stampin 

21.   Wendy Klein at Doggone Delightful Stampin' 

22.   Lynn Kolcun at Stamping with Avery's Owlery 

23.   Nancy Gleason at My Stampin Space

24.   Sherrie Gross at Stampin' Sunshine

25.   Becky Gifford at The Social Stamper

26.   Kalyn Shubnell at The Stamping Chronicles

27.   Lisa Ann Bernard at Queen B Creatons 

28.   Martie Pollard at The Crafty Bandit

29.   Amy Hoptay at Inking of You!

30.   Kim Jolley at Stampin' Artfully 

31.   Donna Kopenski at craftycardmaker.wordpress.com

32.   Katy McGloin at Just Fun Stamping 

33.   Maggie Mata at Maggie Made Cards 

34.   Jane Knudsen at www.seejanestamp.com 

35.   Candy Ford at Candy's Blog 

36.   Dawn Tidd at Tiddbits from Dawn 

37.   Katie Ferguson at Cottage Paper 

38.   Liz Gautreaux at Kind Deeds Stampin 

39.   Mary Fish at Stampin' Pretty

 

 

 


Posted on August 13, 2014 .

PPA212 Sketch Challenge

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Today’s card is made for the Paper Pals Arts Sketch Challenge PPA212. The last card I made for the PPA challenge I had a boys birthday card for my idea, yet when I sat down to make the card, I ended up with something totally different. So, today I sat down for this challenge and was thinking perhaps a Christmas card for something different. As you can see, I reverted back to a boys card. Hmmm, interesting…

 

I just love the primary colors and how the paper screams BOYS! Vroom Vroom! I can remember all the matchbox cars lined up for a race and stepping on them in the dark once in awhile. OUCH! Love how the bling dresses it up without defeating the masculine look.

 

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To see the other cards submitted for this challenge, click here  PPA Challenge 212. 

Posted on July 20, 2014 .

Newly Found Card Challenge

A recently made stamping friend, Holly Stene (check out her blog) invited me to join a new card making group – One Stamp at a Time. This is a challenge they are having and I decided to give it a try. For such a simple layout the card really packs a lot of WOW. Love it and will be adding it to my craft tables this fall. 

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Posted on July 19, 2014 .

PPA 211 Color Challenge

A quick and simple card that can be interchanged with just about any other sentiment. What first came to mind for the color combo was a baby boy birthday card. What happened was, I had a daffodil delight flower sitting on my desk and immediately decided to go in a different direction. That has been happening to me a lot lately, having a vision yet ending up with something totally different than what I had originally envisioned.

To see all the other challenge cards click here http://www.palspaperarts.com/

 

 


I keep a storage container full of miscellaneous items such as the leftover daffodil flower that was on my desk. It comes in handy for quick embellishments when needed and sometimes the item I pull actually sets the tone for the card or scrapbook page that I am working on! I kept trying to draw daffodil faux sewing around the banner edge but gave up after three tries. (My yearly eye exam cannot come fast enough!) I ended up opting for the strip of daffodil polka dot designer paper for contrast instead. I am a fan of the thin lined thread.  It adds just the right touch of texture to catch the eye and add depth. How did I live without Stampin’ Up! candy dots? 

Posted on July 13, 2014 .

July Blog Hop

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Welcome to the July Pals Blog Hop. This month we are featuring a New Hues Review. Let the new Stampin' Up! In Colors for 2014-16 inspire you - Blackberry Bliss, Lost Lagoon, Mossy Meadow, Hello Honey, and Tangelo Twist.  We hope you find great inspiration from our creations.

You may just be starting the blog hop or may have come from # 9 Amy Hoptay http://inkingofyou.com/ 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 am really excited how my card was able to incorporate each of the new In Colors – easier said than done. I had come across a technique recently that I wanted to try and the Lost Lagoon fit the bill perfectly! I used a Chocolate Chip ink pad wiped across the front of the Lost Lagoon 5 ¼” x 4” face card, scored it at ¼” across and wiped my Illuminate ink pad across the front of it again for a weathered board look. When I pictured trying this technique, I envisioned a nautical theme not the New In Colors. Another piece of Lost Lagoon was used as part of the double matting beneath the stamped image along with Chocolate Chip cardstock. Hello Honey ink was used for the Off the Grid stamp (retired) and the Blueberry Bliss marker was used to highlight just a partial saying of the “a thousand thanks”. Blackberry Bliss flowers, Mossy Meadow leaves and a Tangello Twist banner complete the homage. I encourage you to try the above technique as it was simple and quick, the picture does not do the finished product justice.

Posted on July 9, 2014 .

June Blog Hop

Welcome to the June Pals Blog Hop. This month we are excited to show off new Stampin' Up! products from the just released 2014-15 annual catalog and idea book. We hope you find great inspiration from the projects. Get your wish list ready!

You may just be starting the blog hop or may have come from Rae Harper http://wildwestpaperarts.com/ 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.

As this is the last spot on the hop, you have seen new colors, new stamps, new embellishments, new designer papers, new punches, framelits, embossing folders and dies shared by all the other talented pals. I am sharing the new project life card(s), but I am using it for making a card instead of using it for scrap booking. Combined with new colors, the new itty bitty accents punch for the middle of the flower and Strawberry Slush thick baker’s twine to provide you with a HAPPY, Happy Birthday card!

 The next stop is Natalie Bradley at Natalie Bradley Events, Stop #1 on the Pals Blog Hop! Thanks for visiting and I hope to see you next month. Take a moment and share a comment with me and brighten my day!

Posted on June 11, 2014 .