Gift Card Kit - CSS Group Post

Happy October!  The Clear & Simple Stamps gals are sharing some fun card kits today. You do not want to miss all the ideas for creating these fun sets that your recipient can use to assemble their own cards.  It's the gift that keeps on giving. ;)

I chose to use the Mini Tri-Fold die to create some sweet gift card holders.  The inside of the Tri-Fold cards are perfectly sized for adhering a gift card.... Starbucks or iTunes anyone?

I stamped the different cakes using Cake Decorating & Extras then embellished them with buttons and brads for a little sass.  Next, I used foam dimensional squares to adhere the finished cakes to a sheet of clear cardstock.  (I only pulled the backing from one of the squares to adhere it to the sheet and left the rest covered therefore making it easy to remove the cakes later.)

Also included in the kit are patterned paper labels and sentiment banners.  I included "birthday", "celebrate", and "love"... perfect for lots of occasions including showers, weddings, promotions/special achievements, or b-day wishes.  

For an added bit of cuteness, I stamped a "note" on the front flap and topped it with a scalloped border. Five little notes ready for gifting... ready for gift cards... ready for brightening someone's day.

Please stop by the other designer's blogs for more inspiration:

Clear & Simple blog

Elena Roussakis, Laurie Willison, Jennifer Rzasa, Lori Tecler, Laura Bassen

Kim Duran, Jaclyn Miller, Dana Grothaus, Amber Kemp-Gerstel, Tracy Schultz

CSS Stamps: Cake Decorating, Cake Decorating Too, Cake Decorating Extras, All Occasions 1 & 2, Party Elements: Baby (label outline)

Paper: PTI Sweet Blush, Aqua Mist, Kraft, & Vintage Cream; My Mind's Eye - The Sweetest Thing" Lavender 6x6

CSS Die-Cuts: Mini Tri-Fold, Cake, Favor Flags, Borders: Scallops

Sassy Somethings: Crate Paper buttons and brads, Jenni Bowlin enamel bows

Indulge Yourself

Today's card "indulges" in combining lots of Clear & Simple Stamps and dies for a beautiful card that would work for any birthday or celebration.

One of my favorite things to "indulge" in when stamping is creating my own background paper.  For today's card I combined the CSS Damask with the music image from Background Basics 1.  I trimmed my patterned paper to 3.75" and then added a decorative touch with Edgers 1.

I wanted an elegant and "wow" cake so I added sparkly Prisma glitter and a fancy jewel from Webster's Pages (that I have been hoarding saving for a something special).  Note: To add the glitter, I stamped the outline image from Cake Decorating for definition and followed with the solid fill image.  Then, I trimmed along the outline and used a light coating a spray adhesive and sprinkled on the sparkle.  I added this to the Cake die-cut where I had already stamped and shaded the cake plate.

I adore the font combinations in the Sweet Sentiments set... all those swirls and flourishes are definitely over-the-top.  I stamped it onto a curvy banner from the Banner 1 die set.

I hope you enjoy all the "Sassy Somethings" that were combined for this fancy card.  What are your favorite techniques to "indulge" in when you are creating?  Fussy cutting anyone? ;)

Stamps: All from CSS - Damask, Background Basics 1, Cake Decorating, Sweet Sentiments
Paper: PTI Melon Berry, Rustic Cream, & Vintage Cream
Ink: PTI Kraft, Melon Berry, & Dark Chocolate
Tools: CSS Edgers 1, Banners 1, Cake die-cut; PTI Limitless Layers 2.5"

It's a Date - CSS Sweet Treat Review

This week the Clear & Simple gals have been creating some amazing goodies using the Collection 4 release items.  It was a huge release and this is our opportunity to share more ideas for using the sets and show the product's versatility.  Today, we are focusing on Sweet Treats.  I chose to work with the Cake Decorating sets and whipped up a birthday card for my hubby.  (Feel free to send me cyber high fives for getting a card done a whole week before his actual b-day.)

Have you seen the "Important Date" wall hangings and framed art pieces floating around Pinterest?  (see bottom of post for examples)  The idea is that you create art by using the dates of significant events for your family.  I think the dates and meanings you could choose are endless.  Instead of making a large piece, I scaled it down and used the numbers from Cake Decorating Too on a card front.

I felt like the simple graphic nature would be perfect for a masculine card but also have a lot of impact.  I wanted to dress it up a bit so I added a vellum flag over the number art and topped that with a cake die cut.  A small red button was a perfect 'pop' and the washi tape along the bottom helps to anchor the sentiment from All Occasions 1.

Take some time to visit the other CSS designers and be inspired by their sweet treats:

Clear & Simple Blog

Elena Roussakis

Laurie Willison

Jennifer Rzasa

Laura Bassen

Kim Duran

Lori Tecler

Pinterest Inspiration:

Additional supplies not noted in post: My Mind's Eye: "Grow" Washi Tape; MFT: Fishtail Flag Stax; CSS: Dish All the Dirt Brown ink

Sweet Farewell - Play Date Cafe

Hello friends!  You may have noticed that things have been really quiet here at the beloved blog... or you may be out enjoying the summer sun and not miss my sassy self at all. ;)  Things have been difficult for me recently and I had to make some choices about how to best utilize my time and energy...  I'm crossing my (rusty) crafty fingers that you're still here and that we can pick up where we left off soon.

I'm joining in with the Play Date Cafe today and bidding a bittersweet farewell to my precious team.  I have loved being a part of the Cafe's team and have made dear friends.  While it is sad to step away from something that I truly enjoy, I am SO excited for the new team that Julie has put together... the inspiration is going to be amazing!!  I would be so happy if you would join us this week...

I'm so grateful for all the new people that have popped by the blog via the Cafe... so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such a classy team... so humbled by our sweet, supportive leader, Julie Ranae... and so thankful for all of YOU.  Thanks for being part of my journey... crafty and otherwise. ;)

Stamps: CSS Cake Decorating Too & Damask

CAS Crossword - Play Date Cafe #123

Bright... trendy... fun... NEON!  We're all those things this week at the Play Date Cafe... it's NEON week!  Have you noticed that the 80's are back in fashion?  I remember tight rolling my jeans, wearing layered socks (pink and orange of course), and totally rockin' a side ponytail.  They weren't my best dressed days but they sure were fun.

This week we hope you'll turn up the Tiffani, break out your old cassettes and join us in the Cafe for a week of fun colors:

Blue Jeans, Lime, Orange, & Teal

I kept it Clean & Simple because these colors can shine with simple elements and because every once in a while it's good to change things up.  We hope you'll join us in the Cafe... our sponsor this week is DRS Designs.  Break out the plastic bangles and stamp it up! ;)

Stamps: DRS Designs - Crossword Birthday
Paper: My Mind's Eye - On the Bright Side (two)
Sassy Somethings: PTI buttons & Dark Chocolate baker's twine

Scootin' By - Play Date Cafe #109

Hi friends!  I'm popping in with a fun tag for this week's Play Date Cafe challenge.  This will be so fun to tie onto a birthday present... who doesn't love a sassy Vespa?

We have a fabulous sponsor this week in the Cafe: Sweet Stamp Shop.  Their whimsical designs are fun and festive... such a treat to work with their stamps.  One lucky participant will win their own Sweet Shop goodies to play with so be sure to join in.

Our color story is lovely and has me itching to make a girlie Christmas card...  

Smokey Purple, Blush, & Champagne 

...and speaking of Christmas, are you gearing up?  Between shopping, tree trimming, and visiting Santa (if that's your thing) be sure to get crafty with us in the Cafe... can't wait to see what you create!

Stamps: Sweet Stamp Shop - Scootin' By; Patterned Paper: PTI - Sugar Plum; Ink: Memento - Tuxedo black, Copic markers

Fresh, Fun, & Hip - Play Date Cafe #106

Welcome crafty friends for the latest challenge at the Play Date Cafe!  

Our colors this week are fresh and fun with a hip twist of gray:

I opted for a simpler vibe and let the colors shine through a few subtle patterned papers from the October Afternoon Sidewalks collection.  An easy breezy birthday card using a sentiment from our fab sponsor this week:

Click to visit the store.

Here's the inside where I took advantage of the outline font by gradient shading with Copic markers and left some space for a personal message:

We hope you will join us in the Cafe... we're so grateful that you spend time with us each week and we look forward to seeing your beautiful creations.

Stamps: Practicing Creativity - Nature's Wonder, PTI - BB Newsprint; Ink: SU! Basic Gray; Cardstock: PTI Rustic Cream & Smokey Shadow; Patterned Paper: October Afternoon Sidewalks; Tools: PTI Tag Sale #3 die & Double-ended Banner die, MFT Rosette die-namic; Sassy Somethings: Crate Paper fabric brad

Play Date Cafe #97

I'm departing a bit from prim & proper, shabby is getting abandoned for the day, ribbons and bows are on standby... all for this week's Play Date Cafe challenge.

click to visit online store

We are being sponsored this week by Tradefish Designs and I had a punny birthday set to create with: Another Year.  I made a sassy pair of underwear to go along with the cheeky sentiment: "Age is like underwear... it creeps up on you".  I thought I would keep things clean and simple... let the pantaloons shine in all their glory. ;)

Lots of fun in the Cafe this week.  We are welcoming Stacy Rodriguez to our team.  Be sure to visit her "Scrappin' Queen" blog because her mini albums are drop dead gorgeous.  The challenge this week is really fun too.  It's a Color Splash challenge which means the main colors should be black and white then we add a splash of color for contrast and pop.  This week our pop is a classic: red.  Here's the fancy inspiration photo to get your mojo revved up:

My card is a mini and measures 4x4".  Perfect for tucking in with a gift.  Lots of my friends are turning the "dirty thirty" over the next few months so someone will definitely end up with this little number.   I hope you will join us this week in the Play Date Cafe - I'm looking forward to seeing your "splashy" creations!

Stamps: Tradefish Designs - Another Year; Cardstock: PTI Kraft; Patterned Paper: Echo Park - For the Record; Tools: PTI Onesie die; Sassy Somethings: PTI Pure Poppy buttons and Webster's Pages trim 

Birthday Wishes - Tea Room & Pink Persimmon

This week Pink Persimmon is joining in the fun over at The Shabby Tea Room. There's a great opportunity to win a $40 gift certificate to the Pink Persimmon shop. Woot! The Tea Room is always full of fantastic inspiration and beautiful design. Did you know that you don't have to have a shabby chic style to participate at the Tea Room? Stampers and crafters with all kinds of styles (not just shabby chic or vintage) are invited to play along... so, please join us!

I love the idea behind this week's challenge:

I chose October because my sweet girlie is going to be celebrating then.  Plus, I just love a good reason to pour on the pink.

Holiday Favors from Pink Persimmon is such a great set for a variety of occasions. (I dare you not to fall in love with that Santa!)  My cute clown is holding a balloon bouquet and I added a little pom-pom for his hat.  The majority of the image is colored with Copics but I paper-pieced his collar and hat for a bit of added interest.  The sentiments are from Vintage Greetings.  I isolated portions of two different stamps and did some selective inking for a custom greeting.

Join us in the Tea Room, celebrate your birthday in August (even if it's not in August!), and enter to win a fabby Pink Persimmon prize.  Can't wait to see what you create!!

Stamps: Pink Persimmon - Holiday Favors and Vintage Greetings; Ink: Memento; Cardstock: PTI Kraft and Rustic Cream; Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye - Blush; Sassy Somethings: Prima flower and PTI buttons

Eat Dessert First - PTI Hop

Click HERE for my Play Date Cafe post.

Well, I'm fashionably late to today's Papertrey Ink blog hop, but I'm so excited to be joining in.  The inspiration photo is beautiful and makes me want to have one last picnic before summer is officially over.  I chose to incorporate a bit of the blue gingham from the girl's dress and some book print to represent the books she brought along in her basket.  I also think the overall theme of a spring picnic comes across in this cheery birthday card.  Don't you wish someone would send you a note that encouraged indulging in  dessert first?

I used the Button Card die and it's coordinating ric-rac square to serve as a placemat. I also did some selective inking for the "eat dessert first" sentiment.  The Parisian Lace doily was a fun accent to help the focal point stand out from the patterned paper.

My "happy birthday" is from Birthday Bash sentiments... {love}.  And how 'bout all those "sassy somethings"... I just had a day where I wanted a little bit of everything.  Thanks so much for visiting!

ALL Supplies are Papertrey Ink unless otherwise noted.
Stamps: Table Service and Birthday Bash sentiments; Cardstock: Rustic Cream, Sweet Blush and Kraft; Patterned Paper: Girl's Paperie; Ink: SU! Chocolate Chip, Riding Hood Red, Bashful and PTI Chamomile tea-dye; Tools: Tiny Envelope die, Button Card collection dies, Table Service dies, Large Scalloped Border die, Parisian Lace Doily die; Sassy Somethings: Webster's Pages lace trim, Sweet Blush saddle stitch ribbon and Fresh Linen buttons

Birthday in a Jar

Hi-ya friends! I am SO excited to be participating in Papertrey Ink's blog hop today. This is my 1st time to join in the fun and I am thrilled to be here alongside so many crafty friends.

The theme: Scallops.

Be still my heart. My all-time favorite thing on my craft table (aka kitchen table) is the Large Scallop Border die from PTI. I use it all. the. time. Seriously - I'm obsessed, in love, smitten, head-over-heels... you get the idea. I combined it with the Fiskars Apron Lace punch for some cute borders and accents.

On an unrelated note: Do you love the glitter on the jar? Just a little something sparkly to add some sass. ;)

All Supplies are Papertrey Ink unless otherwise noted.

Stamps: Friendship Jar, FJ Fall and Holiday Fillers, Make a Wish (sentiment); Tools: Large Scallop Border die, Fiskars Apron Lace punch, Paper: Kraft, SS White and Berry Sorbet CS, Distressed Dots, It's Official; Sassy Somethings: MemrieMare cabbage rose ribbon (etsy), Pure Poppy buttons, Kaiser Craft rhinestones, Prisma glitter

BEAR-y Happy Birthday!

My daughter will be turning ONE in a few weeks and I want to share the party invitations I have been busy putting together using the new Build-A-Bear dies. SO stinkin' CUTE... and easy!

Granted, it has taken time to run all the pieces thru. my Big Shot, but with the BIGZ dies I can run two layers of card stock thru. at a time - i.e. half as many cranks of the handle. TIP: I can't keep track of the tiny eyes, nose, and mouth. I used my 1" Circle Punch with Chocolate Chip card stock and adhered it to the back of the bear's head - voila! I Build-my-Bears in front if the TV at night - snuggled up next to my hubs.

My darling bear is holding 2 party necessities: A balloon created using the Crazy for Cupcakes set and a yummy cupcake borrowed from Sock Monkey. I used my Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write Marker and handy Stamp-a-ma-jig to isolate the balloon's string and perfectly place it on my card base. I dressed it up a bit using a hot pink button from my stash. And because my dear daughter is so SASSY - a few rhinestones on the hair bow and shirt seemed like perfect touches.

BLOG CANDY: Would you like to play with a few Build-A-Bear die cuts yourself? I'll run some bear bodies and cute outfits thru. my machine (including the Christmas outfits - I know you love me!) and send them to one lucky reader. Leave a comment by Wednesday at midnight to be entered to win! ;)

Check out the Deal of the Week. 3 great punches on sale thru. October 11th.

A Sassy Stampin' exclusive promotion: Purchase My Digital Studio and receive a $15 Stampin' Up! Gift Certificate! CLICK HERE for more details.

Sassy Stampers:
SHOP ONLINE 24/7

Stamps: Crazy for Cupcakes (111618), Sock Monkey (111552)
Paper: Pretty in Pink (100459), Certainly Celery (105125), Brocade Blue (101166), Rose Red (102544), Creamy Caramel (102514), Chocolate Chip (102128)
Ink: Chocolate Chip (100908), Choc. Chip Stampin' Write Marker (100071)
Tools: 1" Circle Punch (109046), Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049)
Big Shot (113439): Build-A-Bear BIGZ Die (117977), Beary Essentials BIGZ Die (117978), Beary Girl Sizzlit (117982),Top Note Die (113463), Swiss Dots Embossing Folder
Sassy Somethings (from the stash): Pink Button, Rhinestones

Out of the Box - PPA7

Ever get stuck and need a little help to get your crafty mojo kickin'? My favorite solution: a simple sketch. Lucky you: Pals Paper Arts is hosting a Simple Sketch Challenge this week. Pop over and check it out -- better yet, play along!

I love the vintage feel the Out of the Box stamp set provides for this little birthday greeting. (Hostess Level 1) Kraft card stock always seems the perfect fit for a vintage vibe. Add a bit of distressing around the edges and everything starts to feel comfy. ;)

One of my favorite new sentiment sets is FYI. And FYI: I say this ALL the time! Circle punches (1.25" and 1.75") made everything easy while a bit of paper piecing on the cupcake wrappers add a little sass. One darling button accent is the icing of the cake.

Use the Pals Paper Arts sketch to inspire you! And if you want some color inspiration check out this week's Color Throwdown combination: Ruby Red, Pumpkin Pie, and Close to Cocoa. I opted for Chocolate Chip and Kraft. (Hey, if you mixed these two colors together they would be the perfect shade of cocoa! ;) Feel inclined to Pile It On this week? Birthdays are the name of the game... and who doesn't need a great birthday card for their stash?! Wait, wait... one more! Practical Scrappers has a punch challenge this week. Phew! Got 'em all! ;)

Sassy Stampers:
ORDER ONLINE 24/7

Stamps: Out of the Box (Hostess Level 1), FYI
Paper: Ruby Red, Chocolate Chip, Kraft, Always Designer Series (retired), Candy Lane Designer Series (retired)
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Ruby Red, distress ink
Tools: 1.25" and 1.75" Circle Punches, Scallops #2 Bigz Die
Sassy Somethings: Chocolate Chip Felt Ribbon (retired), Playground Buttons

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)

Train-tastic

All Aboard for some fun projects that are perfect for the kiddos in your life. Whether you're a mom, grandma, aunt, sister, etc... you're likely to have a special child in your life that would love one of these train themed projects. The NEW Choo Choo stamp set and Right on Track wheel are perfect for everyday cards and scrapbooking. I want to showcase them today as a great opportunity to create birthday party treats.

I love the new Choo Choo set, but needed some coordinating sentiments. I created eight sentiments on my computer that are perfectly sized for use with the Wide Oval Punch. And of course, I'll share them with you.... simply e-mail me a request, and I'll send them on down the line. These simple sayings are sure to keep your projects Right on Track.

I wanted to stick to a classic color scheme using primary colors. My All Aboard invitation is a 6.25" x 4.5" base of Real Red. (fits an A6 envelope) I ran the Right on Track wheel across the bottom of my Kraft layer. TIP: Lay your Kraft on scratch paper (I use SU grid paper) leaving room on each side. When you roll, follow the bottom edge. Start rolling on the scratch paper and up onto your Kraft -- this helps get the ink in the wheel flowing. My train cars were popped onto Stampin' Dimensionals to be sure they were the main attraction, while Build-A-Brads add some 'wow' to the steam puffs.

You can't have a party without cake! Cupcakes are sassy and are easy to customize. I stamped the train engines, snipped them out, and adhered them with Glue Dots to coffee stirrers that had been cut in half. (Standard toothpicks seemed too short.) This is a great party trick, but wouldn't it be cute for an everyday surprise as well? Imagine you're little sweetie coming home from school to find a cupcake with a cute train topper. Or what about inspiration before a test -- train topped muffins for breakfast, anyone?

No party is complete without a little treat. These favors were a snap to create using my Big Shot machine and the Bag with Scallops die. For a peek at the candy, I used my Wide Oval Punch and NEW Window sheets. TIP: You'll want to punch the ovals and use Mini Glue Dots to add the window sheets before assembling the bags. On the opposite side I added a bit of track and a few train sentiments.

Lastly, a 'Choo Choo, Thank You'. This 4" square note is perfect to send out quick thank you's to guests and friends.

And speaking of gratitude: A very special 'thank you' to Mary Fish of Stampin' Pretty for featuring me as her guest stamper today.

To see the Choo Choo set
with Wild About You animals as passengers CLICK HERE.

Get the Choo Choo set for yourself!
Order Online NOW.

Stamps: Choo Choo (113982), Right on Track wheel (113838)
Paper: Real Red (102482), Brilliant Blue (100721), Glorious Green (101697), YoYo Yellow (102824), Kraft (102125), Window Sheets - medium (114323)
Ink: Real Red (103133) , Brilliant Blue (100691), Glorious Green (103040), YoYo Yellow (102717), Chocolate Chip standard cartridge (102496)
Big Shot: Machine (113439), Bag w/ Scallops (114519)
Tools: Wide Oval Punch (112082), Scallop Edge Punch (112091), Circle Punch (10490), Ticket Corner Punch (107214), Stampin' Around Handle (102971), Marvy Scallop Oval Punch (pink)
Sassy Somethings: Build-A-Brads - Antique Brass (109108)