Just My Type - Play Date Cafe #137

Hey friends!  I'm popping in today with this week's card for the Play Date Cafe.  It's "splash" week... everyone's favorite!  My card this week is decidedly shabby and shows a more muted take on the color palette.  We hope you'll join us and share your own beautiful "splash" creations with us.

Black & White (or cream) + a "splash" of Cobalt

Our sponsor this week in the Cafe is Want2Scrap.  Aren't those fancy pearls pretty?   I thought the file folder edge was a cute addition to play up the vintage typewriter from My Favorite Things.

We hope you'll join us this week.  And just a reminder: the Play Date Cafe is having an open Design Team call through July 1st.  I can't wait to see who will be joining me on this fabulous team!

Stamps: My Favorite Things - Just My Type & coordinating dies
Ink: Memento - Tuxedo black  //  Tools: PTI Edgers #5
Sassy Somethings: pearls from Want2Scrap

Stamp Your Heart Out Banner - My Favorite Things

Hi friends!  I've decided to put both feet in the water this month and go for the big contest at one of my most loved places: My Favorite Things.  Every month during their new release festivities they host a guest designer contest, and I would be so honored / thrilled / elated / over the moon excited to have that opportunity.

Please click picture for enlarged view

The theme for February is: Stamp Your Heart Out.  I created a little love banner to hang that represents my sweet family.  I used Pure Innocence images for my kiddos and a perfect sentiment from Clearly Sentimental about Family. I also used a TON of cute MFT dies for embellishments and sassy somethings.

I feel like the heart theme is represented not only literally but also figuratively since my family IS my heart.  I hope you love it too.

P.S. This was the hardest thing I have ever tried to photograph. ;)

ALL Supplies are MFT unless otherwise noted.
Stamps: Pure Innocence Heart Stripes & ___. Clearly Sentimental About Family; Cardstock: PTI Kraft, Sweet Blush, and Rustic Cream; Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye & Crate Paper; Tools: Die-namics Layered Heart, Fishtail Banners die-namic, Rolled Rose die-namics, Butterflies die-namics, By the Letters die-namics

Doily Hugs

I'm at it again -- more doilies.  I can't get enough.  Stamped doilies.  Die cut doilies.  Doilies on a plane.  Doilies on a train.  Wait... mom mode just merged with crafty mode (and Dr. Seuss).  Anyway, I love a good doily and my favorites are the Doily Detail sets from WaltzingMouse Stamps.

Every week WMS hosts a fab sketch challenge and it worked perfectly to combine this week's sketch with the color palette from CR84FN.  Here are those challenge details:

WaltzingMouse Sketch Challenge #82

CR84FN Color Challenge

Thanks for stopping in - Doily HUGS to you and yours.

Stamps: WMS - Doily Details 1 & 2, Say It Loud, Gingham & Co.; Cardstock: PTI Rustic Cream, Kraft, and Sweet Blush; Ink: A-Muse Blush and Cranberry, SU! Bashful Blue; Tools: PTI Scallop Border die (large) and Heart dies; Sassy Somethings: Crate Paper button

Cameo Crush - Play Date Cafe #114

Hi crafty friends!  The mojo is returning... the stamping goddesses are smiling... the color story this week in the Cafe is perfectly rich and wonderful.  We hope you'll join us this week for these regal colors...

Burgundy, Gold, & Plum

I created my own background paper by stamping vintage keys from Papertrey Ink's Lock & Key stamp set then filled in with a few red hearts.  I used Text Style over the print and heavily distressed the edges with Color Box Creamy Brown ink. (my new favorite for "strong-arming" my projects ;)

The overall layout was pulled from this week's WaltzingMouse sketch.  I have been sorely neglecting my WMS stamps and was so happy to get them inky this week!  I used Dainty Doilies, Cameo Creations, and Say it Loud for the sentiments.  A bit of trim and ribbon added some nice interest and textural detail.  Perfect for Valentine's Day... not for the hubs of course, but for someone dear.

Our sponsor this week at the Play Date Cafe is Simon Says Stamp... 

...such a great place to get  your crafty fix.  They have a wide range of products, and if you play along with us this week, you could be the lucky winner that gets to shop for free!  I can't wait to see your creations!

Stamps: PTI - Lock & Key, Text Style 1, Love Lives Here (heart) / WMS: Cameo Creations, Dainty Doilies, & Say it Loud; Ink: A-Muse Studio - Squash & Toffee (keys), Stampin' Up! - Riding-Hood Red, Crumb Cake, and Perfect Plum, Color Box - Creamy Brown, PTI - True Black; Cardstock: PTI - Kraft & Rustic Cream, Stampin' Up! - Riding-Hood Red; Tools: Spellbinders - Big Scalloped Circle Lg., PTI - Limitless Layers 1 & 2; Sassy Somethings: Stampin' Up! striped ribbon, Webster's Pages eyelet trim, Prima rose 

5 {Lovely} Years

Today the hubs and I are celebrating 5 years of wedded bliss. I look forward to growing old with this man... being one of those wrinkly couples still holding hands while we walk down the sidewalk. An anniversary date night is in the works... so excited for a night on the town!

The new Fishtail Banners from My Favorite Things are so perfect... paired with their new TypeWriter Alphabet... {love}. I don't want to hear anything about putting a bow on a "man card". The hubs can handle it - I'm just sure he won't mind a bit. ;)

For a little something extra special I decided to make the inside "sassy" too. I'm smitten with the Clearly Sentimental line of stamps... perfect quotes and sentiments for every occasion.

The layout is also inspired by the MFT weekly sketch challenge... with a twist.

Stamps: My Favorite Things: TypeWriter Alphabet and Clearly Sentimental About Love (inside), PTI: Text Style; Patterned Paper: Cosmo Cricket - Circa 1934; Tools: My Favorite Things: Fishtail Banner Die-namics and Medium Scallop Die-namic, PTI: Tag Sale 4, Number dies; Sassy Somethings: PTI: Fine Linen saddle stitch, Webster's Pages chipboard button, SU corduroy brads

Valentine Tag & Bag

It started with a tag - a very cute, very Valentine-y tag. Something about Kraft, Poppy, and Aqua Mist says retro to me - perhaps that's why I love it so.

The Cosmo Cricket {Early Bird} papers have been sitting idle for far too long.

I felt pretty smart when lightening struck and I thought to use small felt hearts as cherries. It's the little things these days.

SO, the cute tag evolved into a theme for a gift bag. PTI's Around Town Tote makes me happy. I could assemble little bags all day - which would make Abigail very happy - she thinks Mommy is creating one-of-a-kind purses just for her.

All good gift bags have sassy treats inside. I whipped up paper wrappers for some yummy candy bars and of course tucked a few other goodies inside. This was sent off to my Valentine "swapee" so I don't want to spoil too much of the surprise. (Although I am 99% sure she doesn't check my blog. Crossing my fingers.)

ALL Supplies are Papertrey Ink unless otherwise noted.

ALL patterned paper is Cosmo Cricket - Early Bird collection.

Tag: Dies: Tag Sale 2, Double-ended Banner, Limitless Layers #1, Heart Prints; Stamps: Everyday Button Bits; Sassy Somethings: Pure Poppy felt

Bag: Around Town Tote template; Dies: lg. Scallop border, Heart Prints; Sassy Somethings: Dark Chocolate and Pure Poppy felt, Aqua Mist buttons

Candy Wrappers: Cream Saddle-stitch, Chocolate Baker's Twine, Double-ended Banner die

Love Lives Here

Smitten. That's me. The Love Lives Here stamp set by Melissa Phillips makes me want to sing from the rooftops. And speaking of rooftops... how cute is this little house all sugared with Prisma glitter? Smitten, I tell you.

Two fabulous challenges combined to make this sweet cardstock confection:

CR84FN Challenge #10

A lovely color combo that has me ready for spring!

AND

The Shabby Tea Room

Sketch This {week 44}

Stamps: PTI Love Lives Here and Text Style; Ink: SU Soft Suede, PTI Vintage Touch - Chamomile; Cardstock: SU Crumb Cake, PTI Rustic Cream, Spring Moss, and Aqua Mist; Patterned Paper: October Afternoon Thrift Shop and PTI Pretty Pastels; Tools: All PTI dies: Mat Stack 1, Love Lives Here, Heart Prints, Limitless Layers #1, Double-ended Banner, Banner Toppers; Ribbon: PTI Aqua Mist saddle stitch; Sassy Somethings: Prisma glitter, Jenny Bowlin rhinestone button, Maya Road crystal trinket pins, PTI Lavender Moon buttons and Rustic Jute twine, adhesive cork

Kissy-Kissy

Hi-ya friends! Valentine's Day is right around the corner. I lovity-love the month of February with it's sweets and sweethearts. Most of all, I love ANY excuse to deck things out in PINK. Do you remember in Steele Magnolias when they ask Julia Roberts her wedding colors? Blush and Bashful. {sigh} A girl after my own heart. ;)

Speaking of things that make my heart skip a beat: How about the new challenge site I found? The Shabby Tea Room is filled with vintage inspiration that makes me smile. This week their Challenge #43 is to use 11 elements on your card. Wow! I'll count them off for you: 1) layers 2) patterned paper 3) text 4) tag die 5) wrinkle ribbon 6) jeweled button 7) pearls 8) flower 9) stamped image/sentiment 10) cardstock 11) glitter

I'm hoping the New Year brings lots of fun things to Stamp with Sass - I'm looking forward to sharing it with you!

This card is FILLED with lovelies:

Stamps: Dear Lizzy - Bell Flower, PTI - Text Style; Cardstock: SU Crumb Cake, PTI Sweet Blush and Aqua Mist; Patterned Paper: Pink Paislee Sweetness collection; Tools: PTI Tag Sale 1 die Ribbon: MemrieMare on Etsy; Sassy Somethings: SU Basic Pearls, Prima Flowers, Tim Holtz Accoutrements

Ribbon Ruffles

Ready, set, run for your ribbon! This week we're going to learn some simple and sassy ways to dress up any project with ribbon. Today: Ruffles with Double-Stitched Ribbon.

When I learned this technique on Lisa Johnson's Poppy Paperie blog I was head over heels. I am so excited to re-create her tutorial using Stampin' Up! ribbon and supplies and to share it with you. I love the gathered look that this ribbon trick gives projects... it has a homespun feel that is just perfect for a special touch. Here's how to add this scrunched sweetness to your next project:

Start with a longer piece than you think you'll need - you 'lose' length from scrunching. For example: on my 4" square card, I started with a 16" piece of Rose Red Double-Stitched. Next, lift out the thread from ONE side of the ribbon. TIP: I do this on BOTH ends. Then, pulling the thread, I scrunch gently towards the middle.

Use Sticky Strip to adhere the ruffle to your card base. Wrap the ends, trim your excess, and tape the 'hangover' down. TIP: You want to be sure that you pull the thread out and secure it -- preventing the ruffle from unraveling. I used Sticky Strip again -- making it easy to peel the backing and adhere to my card base. You can also use something as simple as Scotch tape to make those ends stay put.

I made two cards to showcase this technique... both lovey-dovey themed. I was inspired by blog reader, Nadine, to create a few wedding cards. She specified that brown was not only her favorite color, but also part of the wedding's colors. I added the pinks... one of my favorite combinations. (and also the colors of my own wedding ;)

The large card (5" x 7") is inspired by Card Patterns Sketch 30 and has a bit of a vintage flair with Kraft card stock and distressed edges. The heart from Always was a perfect fit paired with the happiness sentiment from Heard From the Heart.

The smaller card (4" square) uses Thoroughly Modern Designer Series Paper and Eight Great Greetings stamp set. It's simple and straight forward - the Rose Red Double-Stitched ruffle really is the showstopper.

Tomorrow:
The Holiday Mini Catalog goes 'live'.
I'll have an exclusive Ribbon Promotion to go along with it.

Stamps: Always (113620), Heard From the Heart (111644), En Francais (109521), Eight Great Greetings (113822)
Paper: Chocolate Chip (102128). Kraft (102125), Rose Red (102544), Pretty in Pink(100459), Bella Bleu Designer Series (113974), Thoroughly Modern Designer Series (115673)
Ink: Chocolate Chip (100908), Ranger Tea Dye Distress Ink
Tools: 3/16" Corner Rounder (109047)
Must Haves: Sticky Strip (104294)
Sassy Somethings: Chocolate Chip Double-Stitched (111849), Rose Red Double-Stitched (111846), Sherbet Buttons (116312), Button Latte (114333), Chocolate Chip Corduroy Buttons (114339)

Manly Mojo

Do you have a craft comfort zone? Today I decided to step out of my comfort zone... into the 'man zone'. With Father's Day right around the corner, it's the perfect opportunity to set aside my beloved Pretty in Pink cardstock and collection of floral stamps for a more masculine motif.

• My layout is inspired by Mojo Monday #91. The Kraft card base measures 4" x 9.25".

• A few patterns from Sweet Slumber Specialty Paper (available on the Last Chance Accessories List) create a background. TIP: Using the bolder Baja gingham paired with the subtle Riding Hood Red polka dots is a good way to balance your project.

• The Verve Father Figure set helped me create my 'Husband' margin. Layering my (2.25" x 4.5") piece of Kraft onto Chocolate Chip emphasizes the sentiment and makes the panel stand out.

• A second panel of Baja (2.5" x 2.75") is topped with leaves from Central Park. These are 2-step stamps and therefore allow the stamp be used alone as an outline or with the plaid 'filler'. To create dimension, some of the leaves are popped using Stampin' Dimensionals.

• Using the Define Your Life set I picked the 'You' definition: "The one and only; the one I value as my friend and love each day. The person in my thoughts." Seriously, how sweet is that?!

• The bottom corner is home to my sassy something... Happy Father's Day fit perfectly when punched with the Wide Oval. My scalloped border is courtesy of Marvy. Two quick leaves and a ribbon tab accent are the perfect finishing touches.

Are you ready for the NEW 2009-10 Catalog? Only $8!

(includes Priority shipping)

You'll be WOWed by all the HOT new products! Reserve your copy now!

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Stamps: Central Park (113732), Define Your Life (114950), Verve - Father Figure
Paper: Kraft (102125), Chocolate Chip (102128), Baja Breeze (111352), Riding Hood Red (111348), Sweet Slumber Specialty Designer Series Paper (114037)
Ink: Chocolate Chip (100908)
Tools: Wide Oval Punch (112082), Marvy scalloped oval (pink)
Sassy Somethings: Baja Breeze Striped Grosgrain (111375)

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)

Natural Wonder

Well, since yesterday was Earth Day, I've been in the mood to 'go natural'. Today's long note is an 'organic' creation especially for my hubby... who's not as 'into' all things pink and glittered as I am. ;)

I started by creating my own paper using Kraft cardstock, Chocolate Chip ink, and a rustic floral stamp from the True Friend set. While the images look random, they were actually carefully placed using my Stamp-a-ma-Jig. (SAMJ) If you're good at 'willy-nilly' - go for it, but I choose to rely on my handy tool.

For my centerpiece I zipped a piece of Kiwi Kiss textured cardstock through the Big Shot with the Top Note die. Did you know that the NEW Extended Premium Crease Pad is now available for use with your Bigz XL Dies? Order one today! (117630, $19.95)

I strung my buttons onto Linen Thread and wrapped them around the Top Note. TIP: For accurate placement, I slid the buttons along the string and then slipped a Mini Glue Dot underneath to help them 'stay put'. (On a side note: My husband thinks it's funny that I'm currently going thru. a button obsession... so he'll love that there are SO MANY on HIS card.) I made sure to leave a gap in the middle for an embellishment. I settled on a 'bare' chipboard branch from On Board So Tweet. I loved that it 'matched' the Kraft and that I didn't have to spend any extra time covering it! Everything was mounted onto a base of Chocolate Chip and Pumpkin Pie. (I have this feeling the Pumpkin is controversial. You're either going to love it or hate it -- I'm open for either, but I liked the POP it seemed to give everything.)

Sometimes I end up 'winging it' with design. I had all this 'stuff' on my card and no idea how I was going to squeeze in a sentiment. Everybody breathe - we're going to figure it out! Honestly, something smaller might have worked better, but I was bound and determined to get 'Wonderful husband' on this card! (because my hubby is just that - wonderful!) I used my SAMJ to add the 'Wonderful' and then stamped 'husband' onto Kraft and added it as well. I layered everything onto a Kiwi Kiss base (4" x9.25") and voila, Happy Anniversary, honey!

Got a button obsession like me?
Want to experiment with Stampin' Up!s fabulous chipboard?

Shop Online anytime to get your favorites and to try new products!

Stamps: True Friend (110378), Wonderful Favorites (115114)
Paper: Kiwi Kiss textured 12x12 astd. (111345), Chocolate Chip (102128), Kraft (107070), Pumpkin Pie (105117)
Ink: Chocolate Chip (100908)
Big Shot: Machine (113439), Top Note (113463)
Must Haves: Mini Glue Dots (103683), Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049)
Sassy Somethings: Button Latte (114333), Button Bouquet (112092), Linen Thread (104199), On Board So Tweet (113893)