Bloomin' Birthday

We've been experiencing 'technical difficulties' in the January home as of late, so today's post is going to be short and sweet. I dug thru. my 'fab. ideas pile' and selected an older Mojo Monday sketch as a starting point. (Be here tomorrow for my take on the most recent Mojo.)

One of my most down-to-earth girlfriends is not especially 'foofy' - pinks and purples, ruffles and ribbon, just aren't 'her thing'. I love the color palette from the retired Autumn Vine Designer Series Paper collection and knew she would too. Really Rust, More Mustard, Sage Shadow, and a bit of Chocolate Chip give this creation a rich feel. I used the Eastern Blooms stamp set and added sassy touches with Vintage Brads. TIP: Combine the small and large blooms to create lovely layered flowers.

Don't forget: Shop Online 24/7. Treat Yourself.

Stamps: Eastern Blooms (111626), So Many Scallops (SAB '08) - retired
Paper: More Mustard (100946), Sage Shadow (101563), Chocolate Chip (102128), Really Rust (100661), Autumn Vine Designer Series - retired
Ink: Chocolate Chip (100908), Sage Shadow (102532), Really Rust (102549)
Cool Tools: Scallop Edge Punch (112091), Scallop Circle Punch (109043)
Sassy Somethings: Vintage Brads (109109)

I Loaf You

I Loaf You - now that's funny. Don't you think my hubby will get a kick out of it when he opens his laptop case to find this funky greeting? Best part? It's Simple n' Sassy and literally came together in under 10 minutes flat.

I started with a 4" x 5" card base of Textured Pacific Point and a layer of Kiwi Kiss. ( Textured cardstock is seriously fabulous - get some with the Buy 3, Get 1 FREE promotion in May. (Details HERE)

I added a Chocolate Chip print from Good Morning Sunshine Designer Series paper and zipped one of the bright polka dotted prints through my Big Shot using the Scallops #2 Bigz Die. TIP: This fun and fabulous paper is part of my BLOG CANDY give away. Using my Marvy ultra-giga punch, I created a Summer Sun circle background for my sassy scalloped circle. I ran the same die through my machine again, this time with Pacific Point.

For my little loaf of bread, part of the Level 1 Hostess Set Comfort Food, I decided to paper piece instead of coloring. I stamped the image 4 times - once onto Very Vanilla (base), once onto Creamy Caramel (bread), once onto Basic Gray (pan), and finally, onto Real Red (heart). TIP: I used saved scraps of paper from my stash... remember, recycling is cool! Some quick snipping and I had the makings of a perfect little treat. After adhering all the 'pieces' to my Very Vanilla base I grabbed my 1.25" Circle Punch and popped the whole thing out and onto my Pacific Point scalloped circle.

A strip of Chocolate Chip ribbon ties the whole thing together, while Stampin' Dimensionals add extra emphasis to my lovely loaf. TIP: I decided to allow the ribbon to wrap all the way around the inside of the card. I added a heart from Love You Much to the top panel and then created a little 'note card' to write a personal message on the bottom. Pretty fun, don't you think?

Stock up on paper in May and take advantage of hostess benefits.

Place your Online Order NOW.

Stamps: Comfort Food - Level 1 Hostess (113210), Love You Much (113756)
Paper: Textured Cardstock - astd. 12x12 In Color (111345), Good Morning Sunshine Designer Series Paper (113966)
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Big Shot: Machine (113439), Scallops #2 Bigz Die (113469)
Must Haves: Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)
Sassy Somethings: Chocolate Chip Felt Ribbon (retired)

Ribbon and Buttons

Ribbon and Buttons and Toile... ohh my! The emphases for handmade creations don't always have to be stamped images. Today. I'm taking a break from stamped focal points and instead concentrating on two of my favorite embellishments: ribbon and buttons.

The colors for this Mother's Day card, Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip, and Whisper White, may initially have you thinking of a more masculine motif. However, choosing elements with feminine touches, like ribbon and buttons, are going to give this card a lovely, soft feel.

My card base is Baja Breeze and is layered with a beautiful toile print from Parisian Breeze Specialty Designer Series Paper. If this paper isn't yet part of your collection, NOW is the perfect time to add it to your stash. Throughout the month of May, Stampin' Up! Designer Series Paper and 12x12 packaged of Textured Cardstock are Buy 3, Get 1 FREE.

Card Creation Steps:

• Baja Breeze card base measure 5" x 7".
• Toile print from Parisian Breeze measures 4.75" X 6.75".
• Two strips of Chocolate Chip double-stitched ribbon were added to the top of bottom of the toile paper.
• I pleated my Baja Breeze striped ribbon and sewed on a few sweet floral buttons from Button Latte usng Linen Thread.
• Grabbing my Crop-a-Dile, I punched 2 holes at the top of the card and pulled Baja Breeze ribbon through the hole to tie a bow. (just like a shoelace)
• White buttons from Button Latte were quickly stitched onto the card using Linen Thread. TIP: Don't want to sew? Use Mini Glue Dots. They're perfect for adhering embellishments. (and frequently my favorite strong- hold stick-um)
• Using the Wonderful Favorites stamp set I whipped up a quick sentiment and heat embossed it using clear embossing powder. This is such a versatile set and offers the opportunity for perfect personalization of your projects. Idea: It would be a great set to include in your $75 Starter Kit. (subbed instead of the Schoolbook Alphabet)

Take advantage of Buy 3, Get 1 FREE paper packs.
Order Online NOW.

Shopping for Stamps ANYTIME, ANYWHERE is so sassy!

Stamps: Wonderful Favorites (115114)
Paper: Baja Breeze (111352), Parisian Breeze Specialty Designer Series Paper (113993)
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Stampin' Emboss Powder - Clear (109130)
Tools: Crop-a-Dile (108362), Heat Tool (100005)
Sassy Somethings: Double Stitched Ribbon - Chocolate Chip (111849), Striped Grosgrain Ribbon - Baja Breeze (111375), Linen Thread (104199), Button Latte (114333)

Baby Shower

Babies, babies, babies! I'm throwing a baby shower for my dear friend next month and I'm excited to share all my plans with you. From invitations and decorations to party favors, I'm going to shower you with fun and fresh ideas to make your next shower or party extra special.

Today: invitations. My friend supplied me with fabric samples for the nursery she is planning for her daughter. It's always a great idea to try and coordinate the theme of a shower (bridal or baby) with your guest of honor in mind. It's an extra special touch they will surely appreciate.

The supplies for this card are a mixture of Papertrey Ink (PTI) and Stampin' Up! My Hibiscus cardstock from PTI was zipped through my Big Shot using a paisley cuttlebug embossing folder. I also ran my Top Note Bigz Die thru. the machine which creates the 'frame' for the focal point of the invitation. Using Papertrey's Scattered Showers stamp set I stamped two umbrella images and layered them using Stampin' Dimensionals.

My card layer measurements:

Spring Moss card base - 4.5" x 5.75"

Chocolate Chip - 4.25" x 5.5"

Hibiscus - 4" x 5.25"

For extra sass, Chocolate Chip double-stitched ribbon and polka dotted satin are 'stacked' for interest and texture. A K&Company floral brad adds just the right amount of girlie delight.

Check back each Saturday during the month of May for 'Shower Saturdays'. I'll have new project ideas perfect for parties.

Are you planning to make invitations or announcements for a special occasion? Now is the time to stock up on 12x12 Textured Cardstock and Designer Series Paper during the NEW Stampin Up, May promotion... Buy 3, Get 1 FREE.

Create your own invitations -- Order Online Anytime - 24/7.

Stamps: Scattered Showers (PTI)
Paper: Spring Moss, Aqua Mist, Hibiscus (PTI), Chocolate Chip (102128)
Ink: Hibiscus (PTI), Chocolate Chip (100908)
Big Shot: Machine (113439), Top Note Bigz Die (113463)
Must Haves: Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)
Sassy Somethings: Chocolate Chip double-stitched ribbon (111849), Spring Moss swiss dot ribbon (PTI), floral brads (K&Co.), Button Latte (114333), Button Bouquet (112092)