PPA 185

Happy Boxing Day!  Kwanza begins today.  Christmas 2013 is our memory.  Whew!  What a busy time of year!

What do you enjoy more, a Sketch Challenge or a Color Challenge?  I don't think I can answer that question.   Well, this week Pals Paper Arts has a sketch Challenge created byNicole Watt.


And here is my card:

Since February is right around the corner, this card has a Valentine theme.  The card stock colors are Stampin' Up! Real Red and Whisper White.

The red card stock base is 5.5 inches X 8.5 inches, scored at 4.25 inches.   The red strip measures 1 inch X 5.25 inches.  Layered on top of that is a 5/8 " strrip of white.  And then on top of that (because I love to use ribbon) is a layer of Real Red Taffeta Ribbon, embellished with some tiny pearls.

Sneak Peek: The while card stock is cut 5.25 inches X 4 inches and is embossed with the new embossing folder Decorative Dots which will be available as part of Sale-a-Bration, January 29-March 31.  Watch for it...

The Label is stamped in Real Red, using the Label Love stamp set and punched with the Artisan Label Punch.  The Small Heart punch was used for the the center of the label and the other tiny hearts were punched using the Owl Builder Punch.

Please consider joining us this week.  Happy Stamping!

PPA 184

We have a sketch challenge at  Pals Paper Arts  this week and I am taking a few moments away from the Christmas rush to play with Birthday colors.  I have a friend and two brothers  with birthdays this week!

Here is my card for the sketch challenge.  The products are Express Yourself stamp set, Four You stamp set, Birthday Basics DSP, Raspberry Ripple ink and Very Vanilla, Raspberry Ripple, Gumball Green, Bermuda Bay, Crisp Cantaloupe and Summer Starfruit card stock.

Making this birthday card was just what I needed to break away from the madness for a little while during this joyful, but hectic, week.  I hope you consider joining us this week...it might be that little dip into the pool of what refreshes the soul and gets you over the finish line!  Happy Stamping!

PPA 183

We have another color challenge this week at Pals Paper Arts.  These colors are just perfect for a holiday greeting card, a birthday card or perhaps a flag for a new country.

I have not finished making all of my Christmas cards yet.  I am late (as usual) this year and the reason (as usual) is that I cannot make up my mind on a card design. There are so many colors and stamps and techniques and embellishments that I just don't know what I want to do. So I do multiple designs.  I need just 10 more cards.   Using the colors of this challenge, I hope to be able to complete 10 cards tonight after work so they can be in the mail on Friday morning!

Here is my last minute, quick and simple Christmas Card:

I used:
Whisper White, Rose Red and Wild Wasabi card stock.
Rose Red Ink
Stazon Jet Black Ink
Gorgeous Grunge Stamp Set
Endless Wishes Photopolymer Stamp Set for the sentiment.
Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch
Frosted Finishes Embellishments
Wild Wasabi Candy Dot

I hope you give yourself a break from all the hustle and bustle and  join us in the challenge this week.

Happy Stamping!

Pals December Blog Hop - Winter Wishes

Welcome to the start of the final Pals Blog Hop of 2013. This month we are showcasing projects that should be on every crafter's wish list. You may just be starting the blog hop or may have come from  Debra Simonis at Deb's Stampin' Grounds, #7  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 may view all of the amazing creations.

What I think should be on every crafter's wish list begins with the letter E (no, not "Everything" although, if i won the lottery I would probably buy everything in the catalog!).  Embossing Folders, Embossing Powder and Embellishments should be on the wish list.

Embossing folders give your project the added interest that catches the eye.  Embossing powder gives the project a very professional look, and Embellishments add the finishing touch.

Here is an example of a simple card that demonstrates the use of the three Es.

First, the Embossing Folder, Northern Flurry:  I embossed a piece of Vellum Card Stock.  After embossing I used a sponge dauber to apply a small touch of Marina Mist ink to the center of the snowflakes on the back of the embossed vellum.

Next, the sentiment, from Greetings of the Season,  is stamped with Maria Mist ink and then Heat Embossed with clear embossing powder. I don't have all the embossing powder colors, so I use the clear very often.

Then the Embellishments: I used three different sized pearls from the Pearl Basic Jewels and added White Organza Ribbon.

 The card stock under the vellum is Marina Mist.

So, make that wish list and get it to Santa!  Happy Stamping.

The next stop is Michelle Gleeson at Stampin Mojo, #9 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   .............YOU ARE HERE
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. Marlene Heringer at So Many Toys Sol 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 Stuf
21. Dawn Tidd at Tiddbits from Dawn
22. Beth Beard at My little craft blog
23. Rae Harper at Wild West Paper Arts

Pals Paper Arts 182

We have a color challenge at Pals Paper Arts this week.

I heat embossed each Keepsake Ornament with Clear Embossing powder, added various pearls and Natural Linen Thread.

Evergreen

Evergreen makes me think of the Barbra Streisand song.

Here is my entry for The Paper Players

I used Stampin' Up!'s:
Old Olive and Very Vanilla Card stock
Old Olive,Marina Mist and Cherry Cobbler Ink
Lovely As a Tree and November Paper Pumpkin Stamp Sets
Sponge Daubers

Play Date Design

I am very excited to have been invited to a card class with  Martie Pollard on Saturday; here is her blog link:  http://craftybandit.com/

It is December so I am going to bring a Holiday Make-and-Take gift card holder.  I have seen many of these on line and suggest you check out France Martin's YouTube video.
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXSf5rWj81I

It can also hold a Ghirardelli Chocolate Square, a tea bag, A package of hot chocolate mix or whatever you might think of.

Here is the Project:

The Santa image is from the Best of Christmas Stamp Set.  The card stock is Whisper White and Gumball Green.  The DSP and Washi Tape is Season of Style is from the Season of Style.

 The inside liner pocket tucks inside the pocket on the card. The sentiments are from Wishing You and More Merry Messages stamp sets.

You can see by this side view how the inside sheet pulls up to reveal the gift.

I can't wait for Saturday to meet Martie and her class.  Happy Stamping!