Heather Ate the Apple and the Pumpkin Pie

 Hey Everybody,

How did you like the title of today's post?  It is from the color challenge. They always have a cute way to introduce the colors each week.

Our color challenge is to use highland heather, granny apple green and pumpkin pie with your choice of a 4th color. You can find the challenge here.

This is one of my favorite retired Stampin' Up stamp sets. I borrowed it from a friend. I had this stamp set but can no longer find it. I can't imagine giving it away since it's one of my favorite to work with. Anyway, I borrowed this from my friend, Jan, for a few days so I had to make a challenge card with it.
 

I chose daffodil delight as my fourth color. I stamped my background then stamped and die cut the bouquet. I used two sign design punch pieces back to back to make my bouquet. I added a bow with vanilla lace. The bouquet was added with dimensionals. I stamped the sentiment in black. The background piece was added to a piece of black to bring out the colors. Then it was added to a highland heather card base.

Keywords: CC1073

Stamps: Forever Fern

Paper: white, black, highland heather

Paper Size: A2

Ink: granny apple green, highland heather, pumpkin pie and my fourth color is daffodil delight, black

Accessories: Forever Flourishing dies, Very Vanilla scalloped lace trim, glue dots, dimensionals, sign design punch

Techniques: die cutting

Here's what this retired Stampin' Up stamp set looks like. There are dies that go with it, but I always loved making cards with the stamps. I did use the dies for my card today though.

One of my favorite stamps is the speckled one. I love using that to fill in areas in my background. I stamped it with pumpkin pie on my card.

What was interesting about this challenge is that many people saw those colors as Halloween colors and made Halloween cards.

So, what stamp set would you use for making a card with these colors? Highland Heather, Old Olive and Pumpkin Pie. You can choose another color as well.

Well, I hope you try this color challenge. Did you know you can find these challenges I talk about on Splitcoaststamers?  There is a challenge every day there. Some days there are two challenges.

Thank you for stopping by. I hope to see you again soon.

Blessings,

Sue

Clean and Simple Challenge with Texture

 Hey Everybody,

Jeanette has a challenge for us today that is texture. Your card needs to be clean and simple and have texture. You can see the challenge here. 

 This set is called Peace on Earth. I got the bundle, which is a stamp set and a die set. I really like the dies to this. It has two label dies and two different doves. Do you notice the tiny envelope the dove is carrying?  Take a look at the dies for this set.

                                                   Peace on Earth bundle

The embossing folder that I used with this is Peaceful Greenery 3D embossing folder.

I dry embossed a white piece of cardstock then turned it over to the debossed side. That is the side that goes 'in'. I took ink pads and pulled them over the paper. The colors I used were boho blue and mossy meadow.

I cut the white and blue cardstock with the dies and stamped one of the sentiments on it.  Then I added the doves with dimensionals and the tiny envelope.

If you look at the dies you can see that there are small stars you can use as well as greenery in two sizes.

What I liked about this card was that it was a Christmas card, but not made with the typical red and green colors.

Think about what you have that you could use for texture.  Would you add designer paper or just ink? What stamp set would you use? Give it some thought and see what you come up with.

Thanks for stopping by today.

Blessings,

Sue

A New Tool

 Hey Everybody,

I've got to share something new I tried. Sharon Armstrong has a new Cardmaking Technique Buddy that she's just launched. I tried it and it's pretty cool especially if you're now sure what you want to do.

 Try the Cardmaking Technique Buddy here:
 ChatGPT - Cardmaking Technique Buddy

 

Here's the card I made following the directions for a smoosh card. Basically what you do it put ink on your surface spritz water on it then tap your watercolor paper into it. You can then dry emboss it if you like and add images.

I used the Forever Plaid 3D embossing folder for my background then added the cute House Mouse image called, Christmas Cheer #TxStampinBuddy. 

The colors of ink that I used are old olive, blackberry bliss and pretty peacock. Using watercolor paper was the key for this technique. I've done it before with regular cardstock and the paper curled up and it was difficult to continue to put it in the ink colors.

What's fun too is that you can control somewhat, where your colors go and how they mix. You can dry your cardstock then start again adding colors to your paper. That's what I did and that's how I got some lighter and darker shades of the same colors.

I'm going to try this again soon.

I hope you give this a try.

See you again soon.

Blessings,

Sue

Faux Patina Technique

 Hey Everybody,

Sabrina's challenge is faux patina. You can find it here.  I colored the image and cut it out. I added dimensionals to the back. I followed the directions for the faux patina then added my gold ribbon. I added the image on top of the ribbon and added the sentiment tag like it was a card in the flowers. I added the whole panel to a basic beige card base.

Keywords: TLC1076 faux patina fall

Stamps: Rustic Centerpiece, Keeping Tabs

Paper: white, basic beige

Paper Size: A2

Ink: crumb cake, boho blue, mossy meadow, early espresso, versamark

Accessories: Copic Markers, gold embossing powder, heat tool, peaceful greenery embossing folder, dimensionals, SU gold striped ribbon, keeping tabs punch

Techniques: faux patina, dry embossing, coloring

Here is the video for faux patina.

Here are some samples from my gallery so you can see different versions of this technique. Some have more of a metallic look while others look more green. I think the oldest card is from 2012.

Which is your favorite?  Is this a technique that you'd try?

Well what do you think? Do you have an embossing folder you'd like to try using for this technique?

Working on techniques has really helped my card making skills. It teaches me how to combine different things such as gold ink and regular ink or gold ink and an embossing folder.  Sometimes a technique will help you mix colors together or mix textures.

I really like this technique. I hope you give it a try.

Thanks for stopping by today.

Blessings,

Sue

Stampin' Up News and Sales

 Hello Everybody,

This is a heads up!!!!

For the very first time, Stampin' Up! is celebrating Black Friday with savings up to 40% off select products. Whether you’re stocking up on favorites or checking off a crafty holiday wishlist, this is your chance to save BIG. 

This is a limited-time, ONLINE-ONLY event—so be sure to mark your calendar and peek at the deals the moment they go live.

What You Need to Know:

• Sale Dates: Tuesday, November 25 – Monday, December 1

• Savings: Up to 40% off select products

• Where: The Stampin’ Up! Online Store

• Tip: Popular items may sell out—shop early for the best selection!

Deals will be revealed November 25th in the online store. Visit using the link below and be ready to shop the moment the sale begins!

Cyber Monday Paper Pumpkin Sale: Starting Monday, December 1, at 8 a.m. (MT), Stampin' Up! is offering big savings on prepaid Paper Pumpkin subscriptions. December 1–9, prepaid Paper Pumpkin subscriptions will be discounted as follows:

3-month prepaid: $61.00 (regular price $81.00)
6-month prepaid: $122.00 (regular price $162.00)
12-month prepaid: $244.00 (regular price $324.00)

Click here to subscribe during that week.

PROMOTION DETAILS

 

Stampin’ Up! Account. To participate in Product of the Month, you MUST have a Stampin’ Up! account. If your customer or team member needs help setting up an account or is unable to create an account, contact Demonstrator Support.

 

A New Product Every Month. We’ll release a new Product of the Month item every month. The Product of the Month items will be available at midnight sometime near the beginning of every month. Keep an eye out for an email or Weekly Update announcing when the new Product of the Month item is available. We will NOT announce ahead of time the exact dates of the product release, nor will we announce what the products will be. You and your customers can view the newly released products on the Product of the Month page.

 

Qualifying Amounts. You can purchase the Product of the Month item for only $5 USD when you spend $75 USD  or more in a single order. Your cart total MUST be $75 USD  or more at checkout to qualify. You cannot add the Product of the Month to your cart until you’ve reached the qualifying amount. If you use Stampin’ Rewards, coupons, or discount codes on your order and your cart amount falls below $75 USD, you’ll need to add items in your cart to get the total at or above the qualifying amount again. If you reach the qualifying amount, add the Product of the Month to your cart, and the Product of the Month sells out before you’re able to check out, you won’t be able to complete your checkout until you remove the product from your cart.

 

Product of the Month Price. Currently the Product of the Month is only $5 USD | . This should be the same month to month, but we’ll keep you informed if anything changes.

 

Product of the Month Purchasing Limit. The Product of the Month is limited to one month’s product per Stampin’ Up! account. Additionally, the Product of the Month items are only available while supplies last, so once they’re all sold out, they’re gone for good. So, if you purchase the January Product of the Month, you cannot purchase another January Product of the Month. However, you could purchase the previous December Product of the Month or the new February Product of the Month, provided those products are available for purchase and you meet the qualifying amount once for December and again for February. If you don’t meet the qualifying amount in January until later in the month and the January Product of the Month sells out in the first two weeks, you won’t be able to purchase it. Product of the Month items that are still available for purchase after the month they’re released will have an “exclusive” product tag.

Available Until Sold Out. Product of the Month products will be available until they’re sold out. Once they’re sold out, they won’t be available for purchase again. If you didn’t qualify to purchase the Product of the Month during the month it was first offered and it’s still available in the following months, you can purchase that product once you reach the qualifying amount. So, if you didn’t qualify in January but you qualify in February, you can choose to buy the January Product of the Month, provided it’s still available for purchase and you meet the qualifying amount. If you buy the January Product of the Month but still want the February Product of the Month, you’ll need to qualify again.

Check out the informational video on this page.

Inspiration From a Website

 Hey Everybody,

Julie's challenge can be found here. This is an inspiration challenge. We go to a chosen website and choose something to use as inspiration for our card. This is the inspiration for my card.

With my inspiration piece put together with different shapes, I decided to use squares for my background. I punched squares from designer series paper then arranged them in a pattern. I colored the owl with Copic Markers. I cut the white paper and ran it through the wood embossing folder so it would look like a log. I dragged pecan pie ink across the embossed piece to make it look like a log. I fussy cut the owl and added him to the card with dimensionals. The log and sentiment were also added with dimensionals. This will go on a dinner tray at a local hospital.

Stamps: Windowsill Woodlands-Unity

Paper: white, fresh freesia, purple sparkle paper, retired su dsp

Paper Size: A2

Ink: memento tuxedo black, pecan pie

Accessories: 1" square punch, wood embossing folder, Copic Markers, dimensionals

Techniques: dry embossing, quilt pattern, direct to paper

So what image would you choose from the website?  How will you make it your own?

Is this your kind of challenge? 

I'm happy that you stopped by today. I'll see you again soon.

Blessings,

Sue

November Class Follow-Up and December Classes

  November Class Follow-Up

 Hey Everybody,

Thank you once again for another fun-filled and learning-filled week of classes.

I love spending time with you and learning from your experiences. You are such a creative group of friends.

I’m praying that your Thanksgiving is blessed and safe.

Blessings and Hugs,

Sue

 

On=Online Exclusives found here

Links to products are in bold print.

Stampin’ Up now has a blog full of great information and ideas. Here is the link.

 

Products Discussed In Some Classes:

Here's a link to the Bow-Easy.

Here is another type of bow maker from Walmart.

Raindrops Bow Maker Supplies link

Stampin’ Up Silicone Craft Sheet

Specialty Plate-Used for 3D Embossing folders

If you have a Big Shot or Stamp and Cut and Emboss Machine, this is the plate you need to use our 3D embossing folders.

New or Revisited Ideas:

•  Using ink pads on the debossed side of embossed card stock to add colors and texture.
• Use alcohol markers to color light colored embellishments or ribbon
• Dry emboss designer series paper to add texture and interest
• Use a dauber to color edges of circles or your inside white card stock to soften the white
• Use scissors across dies with holes and the scissors will poke out the holes quicker than using our brush or Take Your Pick Tool.

We have opportunities to donate cards to three different facilities

Stamping Opportunities:

   1. Southwest General Hospital -Cards are placed on meal trays. 

* Cut down on the number of Get Well cards. 

Instead try these: you're in my thoughts,   I've been thinking about you,     I'm sending you positive thoughts, Thinking of You, Hang in there.  They still can use Baby and Holiday cards.

(No envelope is needed. Stamp something on the inside please.)

Get Well, Thinking of You, Hang in there, Baby, Holiday cards.

2. Broadview Multi-Care Facility- Cards for residents and staff to use.

(Envelopes needed and stamp something on the inside please.)

Birthday for adults and kids, Get Well, Sympathy, Thinking of you, Holiday

3.  Hillcrest Hospital Cancer Floor

Encouragement, Birthday and Sympathy.  NEW*(envelopes needed)-(cards blank inside.)

Thanks so much for your continued support of these ministries.

             Thank you to those who made cards this month. They are so grateful to you for sharing your talents and love with them.

Here is an email from Nancy who takes the cards to Southwest Hospital.

Dear Sue,

     I have to tell you something that will totally warm your heart.

I met with Shawna (manager of volunteer services) yesterday and gave her that huge bag of cards.  Of course, she is always more than appreciative.

     She told me that her higher ups had a big meeting with many of the supervisors who are head of departments.  After everyone presented their stats, etc. , this executive person had improvement that needed to be made for all of the other departmernts.  However, when she got to Shawna, she had nothing but praise the way she runs her department but also said: "those caring cards are beyond awesome and beautiful and that she would buy cards like that."

      Kudos to you and all of your ladies who contribute to this most awesome ministry.  It is appreciated more than you can imagine.

Nancy

 

Card 1  Wreath Card-Sue Craig Video

Stamps-  retired

Paper –   5 ½” x 8 ½” white card base

4 ¼” x 5 ½” blackberry bliss

3 ¾” x 5” white-embossed with wreath panel

2” white circle

2” pretty peacock circle

Ink: pretty peacock

Blackberry bliss

Old olive

Accessories- 3D Wreath embossing folder

Gold holly leaves-retired

Gold metallic marker

Blackberry bliss Stampin’ Write marker

Pearls to color with blackberry bliss alcohol marker (optional)

 

Card 2  Christmas or Thanksgiving Card-Sue Craig video

     

 

 

Stamps- Joyful Tidings

Paper – old olive card base 5 ½” x 8 ½”

3” white circle

3 ¼” red circle

Traditions of Christmas designer series paper-4" x 5 1/4"

Ink- real red

Old olive

Accessories- Spotlight on Nature Dies (white and red circles or use punches)

Red or gold ribbon 6”

TraditionalSparkling Sequins

 

Card 3   Double Gatefold Llama or Dog-Sue Craig Video 

Stamps-  Long Time No See

The RightWords

Paper – white image panel 2” x 4 ¾”

Pool party 4 ¼” x 5 ½”

White 4” x 5 ¼”

White 5 ¼” x 7 ¼” score on long side 1 3/8”, 2 ½”, 4 ¾” and 5 7/8”

Country Woods Designer series paper 2 of 1 ¼” x 5”

2 designer series paper ½” x 2 1/8”

3 ¾” x 5” designer series paper

Designer series paper-sentiment 1” x 2”

Ink-Memento tuxedo black ink

Accessories- Alcohol or Stampin’ write markers to color images

 

Card 4  Peaceful View-Sue Craig Video

Stamps- PeacefulView-background stamp

Paper –   pumpkin pie card base 5 ½” x 8 ½”

2  of 4” x 5 ¼” white

 

 Ink- daffodil delight

Pretty in pink

Peach pie

Versafine black ink

Accessories-blending brushes

Stamping platform to hold background stamp

 

December Classes

 Monday December 8th at 10  Full

Tuesday December 9th at 1   2 spots

Thursday December 11th at 10    1 spot

Friday December 5th at 7   Full