Happy 50th Anniversary, Mum and Dad!

I've been very bad at posting on here lately.  I've haven't created much in the past few months, but I do have a few cards to share with you in the next several posts that I've made for some special occasions lately for family and friends.

I'm so very proud to share that my parents recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.  I think this is remarkable milestone and I wish them many, many more happy years together.

Here's a view of the inside of the easel card.

A few close ups...this one is my Mum and  Dad on their honeymoon.

This is a beautiful verse that I found online and thought it would be really nice inside the card.

A closeup of the embossed, 'Best Wishes' sentiment at the bottom of the card.

Here's a picture of the cake that we had made for them.  I love the way they can print a picture on edible rice paper and add it to the top of the cake - so cool!

Check back soon for the next challenge theme for The Stampsmith Challenge for the month of July!

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)
 

TSC41: Black and White with a Splash of Colour Challenge

It's challenge time again over at The Stampsmith Challenge blog and this time we're challenging you to create something using "Black and White with a Splash of Colour." 

I used lime green as my splash of colour, but feel free to use any other colour that you like, or several other colours.  Just be sure the bulk of the card is black and white.  Use at least one image by The Stampsmith to be eligible for the draw for $21.00 towards The Stampsmith Store online.

Here's a close up of the gorgeous couple from the Mon Amour stamp sheet.

I hope you decide to play along in the fun.  I look forward to seeing what you all come up with!

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)
 

Anyone up for a contest?

*This contest is now closed. Please see The Stampsmith Designer's blog for the winner.

As one of the DT members, we're celebrating the launch of the new website for The Stampsmith. So, it's contest time! Guess what stamp/stamp sheet I've used on my card in this post, leave a comment on my post on The Stampsmith Designer's blog HERE and play along for a chance to win! You can also leave comments on all the rest of the DT members posts, was well, guessing what stamps they've used. The winner will be announced tomorrow morning - Oct. 9th.

To celebrate the grand opening, Estelle, the owner of The Stampsmith, has kindly offered to give everyone a 10% discount starting this morning (Oct. 8th) and ending Sunday evening (Oct. 9th). The discount code is TENOFF, so just put that in at checkout. Happy shopping!

Hope you decide to play along in the fun! Again, make sure you leave your comment on The Stampsmith Designer's blog. I'm just plugging the contest here.

Good luck!

The Kiss

I promised something more "grownup,' so here you go. I made this card for my hubby. We'll be celebrating our 16th wedding anniversary soon, and I figured this image would be perfect. The image I used is called "The Kiss' and it's sold as a single by The Stampsmith. The sentiment, I Love You,' is also from The Stampsmith from the 'Say it Like it is' stamp plate.

Here's a closeup of the lovely couple.
Thanks for stoppin' by! :)

Happy 48th Anniversary, Mum & Dad!

I have an anniversary card to share with you today. It's for my parents in celebration of their 48 years of marriage today! That's quite an accomplishment this day and age. Seems with such a high rate of divorce these days, seeing people being married that long is few and far between.

I had fun playing with my Nesties for this card. After I embossed the die cuts, I used the Nesties as a mask to colour in the labels die and the small circle. I also got my Bow-Easy to work finally! Thanks again to my great friend, Val for showing me how to use it. :) This gizmo is great for making the perfect bow and they're really reasonably priced, too. Glad I know how to use it now!

Thanks for stoppin; by! :)

My 15th Anniversary

I thought I'd bring you a taste of Paris for today's Stampsmith Design Team card. I made this card for my hubby, Jim, for our 15th wedding anniversary this week. Perhaps some day we'll actually be able to go to Paris to celebrate our anniversary! Unfortunately, it won't be for this one as Jim's away at sea right now, but we'll celebrate when he gets home. Oh, the joys of military life...

This gorgeous Eiffel Tower photostamp comes from the Paris plate. The flower is another one that I made when my friend, Val came over for some crafty therapy time. We had a great night making a bunch of these flowers using different die cuts and patterned papers. You can achieve such a different look just by the patterned paper and the die cut that you use. In case you'd like to try making some of these flowers, here's a link to the tutorial that we followed.
Here's a close up of the Stampsmith Sentiment. It's also from the Paris Plate.

Feel free to check out some beautiful samples from the rest of the Stampsmith Design Team by checking out the Stampsmith blog. Also, a reminder that we just started up a new Stampsmith challenge blog, for an opportunity to grow your Stampsmith rubber collection just by playing along in the fun! So, what are you waiting for? Pop on over and join us! :)

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)

Supplies:
Stamps: Paris (The Stampsmith)
Cardstock: Flat Black (CRS), Chocolate Brown (CRS), White Glossy Cardstock (CRS)
Patterned Paper: Elegant Black, Brown and Gold Swirl (Dollarama)
Ink: Ancient Page - Coal Black (Clearsnap)
Tools: Labels 4 Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Shapeabilities Blossom (Spellbinders), Cuttlebug, Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz, Scissors
Embellishments: Handmade Paper Flower, Antique Copper Rimmed Clock (Dollarama)

All White Swap and a Birthday Card

I had a fabulous time last night with all my stampin' friends coming over. We always have such a hoot when we get together. There were 7 of us last night and Louise led us in altering a box to use to hold a stationary set. I'm not quite done mine, but when I am, I'll post it for you to see.

We did our "All White" swap last night and I received the gorgeous card above made by Kelly Eelhart. Thanks, Kel! I love it! Sorry again about the silver on mine, everyone! OMG, I'll never let that down! lol :)

Here's an angle shot of Kelly's card to show you some of the dimension.

Kathryn Arab also surprised me with this beautiful birthday card. Thanks so much, Kathryn, it's so pretty.   We're all glad you've joined the group and are sharing your creativity with us and your sense of humour, too!

I'll try to complete my altered box soon, to I can share that with you.   Until then...

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)

"All White" Challenge Card

Our local stampin' crew is meeting at my place tonight and this is the swap challenge card that I made.  Our challenge this time around was to make an "All White" card.   Mine fits the bill, other than the pewter embellishment that I used, but I was stumped as to what to put there and I gave up and settled on the pewter sentiment.  I hope that's ok!  lol  :)

I've never made an all white card before, but I saw a sample of one lately at our local stamp store and knew I wanted to try one, so I suggested that it be our challenge for this month.    With it being all white, it gives it such an elegant look, perfect for a wedding or anniversary card.   I think I'll make more of these for just that reason, to have in my stash.

Here's an angle shot to show you the layers a little more clearly.

Here's a close up of the butterfly to show you the embossing detail.

I'll be back soon to show you the altered box project that we have planned to do.  Stay tuned...

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)

Supplies:
Stamps: Butterfly (PSX)
Cardstock:  Flat White
Ink: VersaFine (Tsukineko)
Tools: Heat Tool, Embossing Tray, Embossing Buddy (SU), Clear Super Fine Detail Embossing Powder (Ranger), 3/16" Pop Dots (SU), White Smooch Spray (to give the flat white cs a shimmery look), Cuttlebug, Victoria Embossing Folder (ProvoCraft)
Embellishments: Sheer White Ribbon (Michaels), White Pearls (Dollarama), Pewter 'Love' Sentiment (Dollarama)

Flourished Anniversary

This is another card that I made for the same co-worker. This one is for her in-laws anniversary. I decided to go with some pale yellows matched with some Ivory Pearl embossing powder for a soft look. I love this Ivory Pearl, it has a shimmer to it that's hard to see in the pic, but in person it's quite pretty.

I used white cs for the base, scalloped the edge with my diamond scallop punch and embossed the top. After I heat set the flourishes, I used a sponge dauber and sponged on some barely banana ink to give it a softer look. I also used a sea sponge to apply some more ink around the edges of the 3 square mat layers.

Again, I hope she likes this one, I do find it hard to make cards for other people when I don't know exactly what they want. It's so much easier to just let them choose a card from my stash of cards, but I don't tend to keep many anniversary/wedding cards on hand. I guess with June upon us, it wouldn't be a bad idea, seeing how June and July are such big wedding months.

Well, I'll try to have more to show you tomorrow.

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)

Supplies:
Stamps: Baroque Motifs (SU)
Cardstock: Flat White (Staples), Goldenrod Linen (CRS),
Ink: Marigold Morning (SU), Barely Banana (SU), VersaMark (Tsukineko)
Tools: Scallop Diamond Punch (EK Success), Sponge Daubers (SU), 1/8" Dimensional Squares (EK Success), Ivory Pearl Embossing Powder (Stampendous), Embossing Buddy (SU), Embossing Tray, Heat Tool, Sea Sponge, Scissors
Embellishments: Sheer White Ribbon (Michaels), Marigold Brads (Making Memories)

Happy 55th Anniversary

This afternoon's card is one that I made for my in-laws for their 55th Wedding Anniversary next week. Can you believe they've been married for 55 years? It's really quite a remarkable accomplishment! It amazes me, with so many couples nowadays that hardly make it for a few years let alone that many years!

I pondered over a design to do for their anniversary card and I finally just decided on something soft and flowery. I kinda like the clean lines of this card, I just hope this is appropriate for the occasion...any thoughts out there? I'm more than open for suggestions. :)

It's beautiful and sunny here today, I'm feeling much better today, just waiting on Jim to get home so we can go get some more mulch and black earth for finishing up the yard work that we have on the go. Our yard is starting to look a lot nicer and it's definitely nice to see the warmer weather here to enjoy.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)



Supplies:
Stamps: Garden Silhouettes (SU), Wonderful Words (SU)
Cardstock: Soft Sky (SU), Blue Bayou (SU), White Linen (CRS)
Tools: White Gel Pen (Signo -SU), 1/8" Dimensional Squares (EK Success), Paper Piercer, Piercing Mat, Piercing Guide
Embellishments: Sheer White Ribbon (Michaels), White Brads (Making Memories)

Starflower Love

I kinda liked the simple layout from yesterday's card, so I thought I'd do another variation on it for today's card. I found this gorgeous shimmer patterned paper this morning at DeSerre's (previously Loomis Art Supplies) during a quick pit stop before I had to be at another appointment. You'd be so proud of me...all I bought was one sheet of this patterned paper and two little spools of ribbon that were $1.49 each. What self-control! lol :)

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)



Supplies:
Stamps: Starflower (Impression Obsession), 'Love' - Wonderful Words (SU)
Patterned Paper: Pink Swirls - Luxury Print (DCWV), 'Pink' - a la Mode - Mousse (American Crafts)
Cardstock: White Linen (CRS), Cranberry (Bazzill)
Tools: Paper Piercer, Foam Mat, Piercing Spacing Guide, Sterling Silver Opaque Embossing Powder (Stampendous), Embossing Buddy - Static Remover (SU), VersaMark, Corner Rounder Punch (SU), Scissors
Embellishments: Silver Satin Ribbon (Michaels)

Starflower Best Wishes

I got a chance to wind down tonight and play a bit after a long couple of days. I took the girls to the clinic yesterday, both of them have full-blown ear infections and my youngest also has strep throat. So, another round of antibiotics for both of them. They've been up a lot during the past few nights, coughing non-stop it seems, and I haven't been able to sleep either. But, they're feeling much better tonight, I think the meds are kicking in nicely!

So, this is round 2 for an Anniversary card for my parents. I just wasn't happy with the other card that I had made, I keep looking at it thinking it's too dark. Spending 45 years together shouldn't bring on a dark card, it should bring on a nice light and cheery card. I think I achieved that with this card. Is this better? lol :)

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)

Supplies:
Stamps: Starflower ((Impression Obsession), Best Wishes - Clear Design 'Messages' (Hero Arts)
Ink: Encore! Ultimate Metallic Silver (SU)
Cardstock: White Linen (CRS), Sky Blue (Bazzill)
Patterned Paper: Designer - Rhonna Farrer (Autumn Leaves)
Tools: Paper Piercer, Foam Mat, Piercing Spacing Guide, Sterling Silver Opaque Embossing Powder (Stampendous), Embossing Buddy - Static Remover (SU), VersaMark
Embellishments: Silver Brads (Making Memories), Blue Wired Ribbon (Michaels)

45th Anniversary

My parents will be celebrating their 45th Wedding Anniversary in a few weeks and I'm trying to come up with a nice design for a card for them. I absolutely love this patterned paper from DCWV and I wanted to use it...I'm just having trouble coming up with a layout. I didn't want to cover up all the pretty glittered paisley images and I wanted to stamp directly onto the patterned paper, but I needed a space where there wasn't any glitter so that the stamp would be clear. So, my options became more and more limited the further I got into the card! lol :)

Anyway, I love the medallion and flower from the SU set, Baroque Motifs, so I opted to use those and then leave it simple with some bling to finish it off. I think I'd re-do the flower where I added the extra gold gel pen to the edges...I don't think it needs it and just ends up looking tacky.

So, what do you think, does this look like a card for a 45th anniversary? Maybe it's too dark...I was just going for an elegant design with a bit of an aged look. Please, be truthful...I'm open for suggestions.

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)

Supplies:
Stamps: Baroque Motifs (SU), Love themed set (Studio G)
Patterned Paper: Once Upon a Time Print - Enchanted Paisley (DCWV)
Cardstock: Eggplant (Bazzill), Flat Avocado (CRS)
Ink: Eggplant Envy (SU), Old Olive (SU)
Tools: Ticket Corner Punch (SU), Circle Custom Cutting System (Creative Memories), Scalloped Circle Punch (Marvy Uchida), Scissors, 1/8" Dimensional Squares (EK Success), Pink and Gold Hi-Jell Sparklers Gel Roller Pens (Merangue), Paper Distressor (CTMH)
Embellishments: Pink Crystal Fire Swarovski Flat Back Crystals (Pure Allure, Inc)

Another Baroque Motifs card

Update: My Goodness, I just realized that I never gave credit to this design...or most parts of it. I loved a joy-fold card that Beate Johns did for one of her stamp camps, but instead of making it into a joy-fold card, I went with a standard A2 style card. Here's the link to Beate's card. I actually like the background of her flower better with the orange rather than the stark white that I used. Anyway, I just wanted to give her credit. Beate is such a wonderful artist, a total inspiration and such a sweet person.

I love playing around with this set...but I will try to give it a break for a little bit and try using another set for my next card. lol :)

For this card, I chose some of my favourite colours for card stock. Amoung them are wine (Michaels), chocolate chip (Bazzill), Mystery Mellow Moss (can't remember where I got this from), burnt umber (textured - can't remember where I got this from either). I started out with the wine base for the card, to which I used a sea sponge to do the edging in SU Chocolate Chip ink and added the small flowers in SU Baroque Burgundy ink. To this, I added the Burnt Umber (orange) layer to which I also edged in SU Chocolate Chip ink. I then randomly stamped the large flower and the small flowers (from SU Baroque Motifs) in SU Pumpkin Pie ink. From there, I cut out a piece of Chocolate chip card stock and added a piece of Mellow Moss to go on top. I stamped the Baroque Motifs flourishes and small flowers on this layer in SU Mellow Moss ink and also edged it again in SU Chocolate Chip ink. The word 'cherish' was stamped in SU Chocolate Chip ink.

I used my SU Word Window punch to make the little buckles and added Making Memories antique copper brads. Now, I attached them to the Mellow Moss, folding the extra in behind. Lastly, the flowers, I stamped those onto white card stock in SU Baroque Burgundy ink and the small flower centre was done in SU Chocolate Chip ink. I left the outer dots on one flower and the flower on top was cut without the dot border so that the other flower would poke through. I added another MM antique copper brad to the centre and adhered it to the card with a 1/8" dimensional square.

Now, I will sadly put my Baroque Motifs set aside for a little while and use some other sets...but it will make a re-appearance soon!

I'm gonna call it a day now and turn in early for a change. Thanks for stopping by! :)

Baroque Motifs Cherish

I got to play again tonight with my SU Baroque Motifs set. Is there anyone out there that doesn't just love love love this set? Can you tell I love it? lol :)

I started out with a base of Chocolate Chip Bazzill card stock. Then, I layered a piece of what I thought was SU Mellow Moss cardstock, but apparently it's Not! That's the problem with buying card stock all over the place... it's hard to figure out later where each piece is from. With my bad lighting, I thought that it was SU Mellow Moss. Oh well close enough, I guess. (I wish I had an OTT light... maybe for Xmas.) Anyway, on this layer, I randomly stamped the gorgeous Baroque Motifs flourishes in SU Chocolate Chip ink and then roughed up the edges with my scissors.

Next, I added to strips of chocolate chip coloured grosgrain ribbon from Michaels. Centered on top of those strips is a strip of Mellow Moss coloured grosgrain ribbon that was also from Michaels.

Then, I cut out another piece of Chocolate Chip Bazzill card stock for the base of my flower image. I roughed up the edges again. To this I added a layer of cream coloured card stock to which I stamped the medallion stamp in SU Mellow Moss ink at the top and 'cherish' in SU Chocolate Chip ink at the base. I stamped the large flower on a piece of chocolate chip Bazzill card stock using SU Black ink and cut it out. I stamped the large flower again on another piece of cream card stock and cut it out without the outer dots so that the layer beneath would poke through. Lastly, I stamped the small flower in chocolate chip and cut it out as well. I hate to admit it, but I'm actually starting to enjoy cutting out flowers...yeah, forget I said that, I'm changing my mind...I'd still rather have a punch for everything! lol :)

I added an antique copper brad to the centre of the small flower and after gluing each piece of the flower together, I attached it with a 1/8" dimensional square. I added 3 more antique copper brads to the base of the chocolate chip card stock below the 'cherish.'

Whew, that's it! I'm caught up with my tags and tonights card is posted. I'm off to bed.

Thanks for stopping by! :)