Homemade Thanks - CSS Review

Welcome to the Clear & Simple Stamps: Release in Review.  Today we are focusing on a variety of shapes and label sets from Collection 3.

The Au Naturel Extras set is great for creating homemade gifts and treats.... everything from baked goods to natural candles or scrubs.  I whipped up a Coconut & Orange scrub... a fun and easy gift to say "thanks" to someone who deserves to put their feet up and relax.

For the "Thank You" card I used the Label 11 die stamped with Hexagons Plus to create a focal point.  The frame and flourishes are included in the Au Naturel Extras set as well.

For the jar of Bath Salts, I used Tag 1 to create a coordinating tag.  

The scrub recipe is basically:

2 parts sea salt to 1 part natural sugar (in this case - 1 c. to 1/2 c.)

1/2 c. of emollient/moisturizer - I used Coconut Oil.

20-30 drops of essential oil fragrance. (orange)

For an additional homemade touch, I made a label for the jar lid and tied everything up with Orange You Fabulous ribbon.  I love how easy it is to create something that has such a professional, boutique style without paying a premium price.  Can you imagine pairing this with nail polish for summer treats or making peppermint scented scrub for homemade Christmas gifts?

Be sure to visit the Clear & Simple blog as well as the other participating designers for more inspiration:

Laurie Willison

Laura Bassen

Kim Duran

Lori Tecler

Jaclyn Miller

Jennifer Rzasa

All products are CSS unless otherwise noted.

Stamps: Au Naturel, Au Naturel Extras, Hexagons Plus

Paper: My Mind's Eye - Indie Chic 6x6 Nutmeg

Ink: A-Muse Studio Buttercup; CSS Dish All the Dirt Brown

Tools: Labels 11, Tag 1, Shapes: Circles; PTI Doily Details

Sassy Somethings: Orange You Fabulous ribbon & buttons; KaiserCraft flower; Prima trim

XOXO - Cheery Thank You's

A couple of bright & cheery cards I've been piecing together that I want to share with you today.  Both of my cards use the October Afternoon Sidewalks patterned paper collection.  I'm in love with these happy prints that are so easy to mix and match.

I went through and cut a little stack of several different elements for "production line" assembly... all my bases are the same: lots of little scallop edges, kraft doilies, tags, etc.  I wanted all the cards to use the same pieces but be a bit unique in their own right.

I'll be sending these as thank you's for my daughter's recent birthday... I think they will be perfect for a girlie vibe.  Tomorrow she will color pictures to be included on the inside as an extra touch.  It is so sweet that she enjoys crafting with me - being three is pretty great. ;)

XOXO.

All supplies are Papertrey Ink unless otherwise noted.

Stamps: Tag Its 3 and Tiny Tags; Cardstock: Rustic Cream and Kraft; Patterned Paper: October Afternoon - Sidewalks; Ink: SU! Baja Breeze, PTI Hibiscus Burst and Tea-Dye duo; Tools: Love Lives Here die collection, Doily Details dies, Tag Sale #3, Tag Sale #5, Tiny Tags die, XL Rickrakc border die, MFT Scallop Border die-namic (medium); Sassy Somethings: Harvest Gold saddle stitch ribbon & Sweet Blush buttons, Webster's Pages pin

Heartfelt Thanks - Play Date Cafe #94

Another Thursday so it's time for some color fun with the Play Date Cafe. Where does the week go, friends?  These 2 little ones I have crawling under my feet sure do keep me busy... and tired... and happy.

Cafe Challenge #94

Fudge, Goldenrod, and Teal

The colors this week are rich and full of possibilities.  Plus, we have a great sponsor:

Click to visit the store.

I worked with the Nature's Wonder set and loved the versatility built into the sentiments.  The outline words would be so perfect for gradient shading with Copics.  Several of the other designers also created using this set, so be sure to check out all the samples over at the Cafe and leave us some love!

We hope you'll play along with us this week - I'm so inspired by YOUR interpretations of the weekly colors and love to hop around and smile about all my stampin' sisters busy at their craft tables!

Stamps: Practicing Creativity - Nature's Wonder; Cardstock: PTI Kraft and Ocean Tides; Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye (woodgrain, scallops), The Girl's Paperie (text); Tools: PTI Lg. Scallop Border die, Nestabilities Labels 1, Sassy Somethings: PTI buttons and twine

Christmas Thank You's

I hope you enjoyed the holidays and had some time to relax with loved ones. I took some time away from creating (to clean my craft/kitchen table) and to cherish this sweet season.

I was blessed with some very thoughtful gifts this year and wanted to send out a few Thank You notes. I chose a few elements and then put them to work making a set of cards to pop in the mail. I am rarely attentive to how much sassy stuff I pile on a card, but I wanted these to be easy to mail. I'm typically a 'more is more' kind-of gal but I do love the result I got from these two designs.... and I especially love the hint of Christmas from the color scheme.

Of course, I'm most thankful for my two little sweeties.

Wanted to share my joy with you:

Stamps: Musical Backgrounds - WaltzingMouse; PTI - Mat Stack 1 collection (sentiment) Ink: Stampin' Up! Soft Suede and Basic Gray; PTI Vintage Touch - Chamomile Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Crumb Cake and Riding Hood Red; PTI Rustic Cream Patterned Paper: BasicGrey's Wassail collection Tools/Dies: Fiskars - Upper Crest Punch; PTI - Mat Stack 1, Peace Be Still (dove), Double-ended Banners, Lg. Scalloped border, Heart Prints dies Ribbon: PTI - Chocolate Baker's Twine; Stampin' Up - Kraft satin (retired)

Thank You Tags

Time for something simple and sassy. I wanted to whip up some cute tags for items I'm popping in the mail to crafty friends. Just so happens that in my own mailbox this week I received Royal Mail from WaltzingMouse Stamps and I could not wait to ink 'em up and take 'em for a spin. It's a tiny sampling, but it will take the edge off until I can play again... I've got a million Christmas projects/presents to complete!

These little numbers are also going into several weekly challenges. Here are the deets:

• WaltzingMouse: Sketch Challenge #25. I'm eeking in under the wire to submit this one, but Claire posts a new challenge each Saturday and gives out PRIZES! Woot!
• Pals Paper Arts - My 'alma mater' and a place dear to my heart filled with good pals. They're hosting a Color Challenge this week that is SO fun!
• Our Creative Corner: Tag You're It is the theme this week - how could I resist?

See you soon!

Stamps: WaltzingMouse: Chrysanthemums, PTI Studio Style; Ink: SU Regal Rose, Kiwi Kiss (retired), and Chocolate Chip; Cardstock: SU Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, and Real Red; Patterned Paper: PTI It's Official; Tools: SU 1.75" and 1" circle punches, PTI Limitless Layers dies and Tag Sale #1 die, Fiskars Upper Crest border punch; Sassy Somethings: Kaiser rhinestones

Tweet Trio PPA11

Pals Paper Arts is hosting a Color Challenge: Perfect Plum, Old Olive, and Pumpkin Pie. First thought? Halloween. Second thought? My friend, Carrie. There's just something about this rich (unconventional) color combo that reminds me of my dear friend, and so I decided to create a little set of thank you cards just for her. (A Christmas present, perhaps.)

I love 4 x4 cards. They are a perfect medium size... not too big for including with a gift, not too small to pop in the mailbox. The Birds and Blooms Sizzlits are some of my favorites... combined with the branch from Eastern Blooms, they are perfection. I stamped the branch using VersaMark Ink and embossed with clear powder - the subtle texture and sheen is divine. My Corner Rounder and Vintage Brads are everyday essentials that really give this card extra 'wow'.

What do these colors make you think of? Someone dear to your heart? A place you've visited? Your favorite Halloween costume from childhood? Grab your supplies and play along with Pals Paper Arts - I can't wait to see what you create!

Sassy Stampers:
SHOP ONLINE 24/7

Stamps: Eastern Blooms (111626), Thank You Kindly (111700)
Paper: Kraft (102125), Perfect Plum (!01889), Old Olive (100702), Pumpkin Pie (100946), Perfect Plum Patterns (112158), Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Series (115675), Ski Slope Designer Series (retired)
Ink: VersaMark (102283), Clear Embossing Powder (109130), Basic Gray (109120)
Tools: Corner Rounder (109047), Top Note BIGZ Die (113463), Birds and Blooms Sizzlits (113485), Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049), Heat Tool (100005)
Sassy Somethings: Vintage Brads (109109), Button (Plum Pudding - PTI)

An Apple a Day... PPA10

This week at Pals Paper Arts we are hosting a Theme Challenge: Gratitude and Thanks. I hope you'll play along - there are so many things to be thankful for!

I used the Mojo Monday sketch 106 for my layout. It's sassed up with several Designer Series prints: A subtle kraft medallion from Bella Bleu, bitty polka dots from Write Stuff Specialty, and a bolder brown dot from Chocolate Chip Patterns.

My center panel is a trimmed down tag from the Big Shot Two Tags BIGZ Die. I have so many ideas for using these great tags during the holiday season, but it was such a simple addition to this everyday card as well.

I combined a few stamp sets for some 'wow'. The sweet sentiment is from Full of Life. It's accented with the swirl from Season of Joy - LOVE this swirl! But my favorite element is the little apple I created using the Pumpkin Patch set. Clever, huh? I just stamped the circle 'body' in Ruby Red, added a Chocolate Chip stem, then grabbed a little leaf from Season of Friendship. I'm over the moon that I can make apples AND pumpkins with this set - diversity is the spice of life after all! ;)

Sassy Stampers:
SHOP ONLINE 24/7
Check out the Clearance Rack and DEAL of the WEEK!

Stamps: Full of Life, Pumpkin Patch, Season of Joy, Season of Friendship
Paper: Kraft, Ruby Red, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Bella Bleu, Write Stuff Specialty, Chocolate Chip Patterns
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Ruby Red, Old Olive
Tools: Two Tags BIGZ Die, Big Shot Machine, 1" Circle Punch
Sassy Somethings: Satin Ribbon (retired)

Bella Bleu Bliss

Just a quickie post for you today with a seriously 'wow' card using A Rose is A Rose. In case you don't know, this is my favorite stamp set... my stamping version of comfort food. ;) I combined a few challenges for this little diddy:

Makeesha Byl's Inkspirations Inspiration Challenge (there's a mouthful). I loved the colors from her inspiration photo. This combo of More Mustard, So Saffron, and Not Quite Navy will definitely be reappearing here at Sassy Stampin' - LOVE! (Even my hubby commented how much he liked the colors - usually I just get a standard 'nice, honey').

The layout is from Crazy 4 Challenges. Have you checked them out yet? CRAZY talent and divine design - need I say more?

Off to take care of my simply sweet (but sickly) snot-nosed snuggle bug. Cold season stinks! ;)

Tomorrow: Pals Paper Arts simplifies life with a KISS Challenge. (No, not for your lips - for your stamps, silly!)

Sassy Stampers:
SHOP ONLINE 24-7

Stamps: A Rose Is A Rose (111560), Heard From the Heart (111644)
Paper: Not Quite Navy (101722), More Mustard (100946), So Saffron (105118), Bella Bleu Designer Series (113974), Bella Birds Designer Series (retired)
Ink: Brocade Blue (101102), Not Quite Navy (103008), So Saffron (105213), More Mustard (103162), Kiwi Kiss (retired), Old Olive (102277), Chocolate Chip (100908)
Tools: Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049)
Must-Haves: Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)
Sassy Somethings: Halfback Pearls (not SU)

Butterfly Garden

I'm venturing out of my comfort zone today and into more mod territory. My inspiration comes from 2 challenges: Stamps and Smiles sketch teamed with The Pink Elephant color challenge: red, yellow, black and white. (specifically for me Ruby Red and Crushed Curry)

• My card base is textured Basic Black (scored to 5" x 7") layered with Ruby Red and a subtle text print from Night and Day Specialty Designer Series Paper. TIP: This set of bold black and white prints also includes 2 polka-dotted window sheets. Ooh-la-la!

• A strip of Crushed Curry Patterned Paper is combined with a sassy scallop to create a quick border. Black and white ribbon from my stampin' stash adds texture.

• The sentiment is from Lovely Labels (retired). It was punched using the 1.25" Circle Punch and layered atop a 1.75" black circle as well as a Ruby Red scalloped circle.

My fluttery friends are from the Great Friend stamp set. The black butterflies sparkle in the sun with a layer glitter. Here's how: I stamped the butterflies in StazOn ink and sprinkled Heat and Stick Powder on immediately after stamping. Using my Heat Tool I quickly melted the powder until it was tacky and then added my glitter. Gently folded wings paired with Stampin' Dimensionals make these beauties 'pop' from my card front... a modern butterfly garden, don't you think?

Tomorrow: Join me for a Simple Sketch Challenge
at Pals Paper Arts.

Sassy Stampers:
SHOP ONLINE 24/7

Stamps: Great Friend (113792), Lovely Labels (retired)
Paper: Ruby Red (102030), Textured Neutrals - 12x12 astd. (108693), Crushed Curry Patterns (115686), Night and Day Specialty Designer Series (116768)
Ink: Crushed Curry (115659), Ruby Red (102259), StazOn (101406)
Tools: 1.75" (104401) and 1.25" (104403) Circle Punch, Scallop Circle Punch
Must-Haves: Heat and Stick Powder (100625), Heat Tool (100005), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)
Sassy Somethings: Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter (102023)

Ribbon Blossoms

Our wonderful week of ribbon continues at Sassy Stampin' with Ribbon Blossoms. Earlier in the week I demonstrated how to create Ribbon Ruffles using Double-Stitched ribbon. Today, we are going to use the same technique to make sassy blossoms. Need a review of the Ribbon Ruffle technique? Click here.

Cut your ribbon to 12-16" in length. Pull the stitching from the same side on both ends - creating the 'scrunch'. The ribbon will naturally start to curve inward.

Be sure that the entire length of ribbon has a tight scrunch. Then, using the excess thread that you pulled, tie a tight knot. (similar to bow tying - but just a knot) You should have a 'donut'. Trim the excess thread. You may also want to tuck your ends for a neater presentation. I do this by simply creating a little fold and tacking it with a few Mini Glue Dots. (my fingers get in the way if I try to photo it ;) TIP: You can gently shape your flower but too much tugging may result in pulling out the knot.

More card details:

• The inspiration for my layout today comes from Our Creative Corner's sketch challenge as well as The Pink Elephant challenge. For Pink Elephant we had to use: 2 squares, 1 ribbon, and something shiny. Check, check, and check!

• My Melon Mambo card base is 5.5" square and is layered with Rich Razzleberry as well as Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Series Paper. To separate the 2 prints I added a scallop edge.

• The main panel is Rich Razzleberry with a slim matte of Crushed Curry. The Razzleberry was textured using an embossing folder.

• The leaves are from the Central Park stamp set. A pair of super sharp scissors are a necessity when you're doing detailed trimming. Paper Snips are my favorite go-to. TIP: If you ever get 'gunk' on your scissors from adhesive, you can use nail polish remover to clean them.

• A combination of Mini and Pop-Up Glue Dots were used to adhere my flower layers and So Saffron button. I really nestled the button down into the center section to encourage the ribbon to 'poof' up.
  

• The 'thank you' sentiment with butterfly from Oval All seemed perfect for this blossoming beauty. I snipped it out and framed it with Hodgepodge Hardware for extra sass. (and something shiny)

Ready to make your own Ribbon Blossoms?
Take advantage of my exclusive Ribbon Promotion.
CLICK HERE for all the details.

Sassy Stampers:
ORDER ONLINE 24/7

Stamps: Central Park (113732), Oval All (113790)
Paper: Melon Mambo (115320), Rich Razzleberry (115316), Crushed Curry (115319), Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Series (115675)
Ink: Chocolate Chip (100908), Old Olive (102277)
Tools: Paper Snips (103579), Swiss Dots Embossing Folder, Apron Lace Punch
Must-Haves: Mini (103683) and Pop-Up Glue Dots (104183)
Sassy Somethings: Rose Red (111846) and Chocolate Chip (111849) Double-Stitched Ribbon, Hodgepodge Hardware - currently available in Styled Silver (111325) or Styled Vanilla (112454), Button Latte (114333)

Fall Duo

I have volunteered to hostess 'Turkey Day' this year -- my first ever in my home. I already know that I will want all the details to be perfect. I want to make each guest a small greeting card for their seat at the table - a little 'welcome' to let them know how thankful we are they could join us. The NEW Autumn Splendor stamp set paired with the NEW Autumn Meadows Designer Series Paper are perfect for fall projects. (Available September 1st in the Holiday Mini Catalog.)

Each card is 4" x 4" and are inspired by the picture and challenge this week at Our Creative Corner. Autumn Meadows Designer Series seemed like the perfect 'match'. This paper is luxurious and rich in Really Rust, More Mustard, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, and Taken with Teal. It has a shabby chic vibe and is beautifully rustic.

• My first card is created using a More Mustard base with a layer of Taken with Teal. The corners are rounded at the opening flap.
• A layer of graphic print from Autumn Meadows provides the background. I topped the background layer with a large leaf image trimmed from the Designer Series Paper.
  
• Using my Linen Thread (I LOVE this stuff) I strung a few buttons from my favorite two collections: Button Latte and Playground Buttons. The thread is wrapped around the Taken with Teal layer - buttons 'stay put' with help from Mini Glue Dots.
• The sentiment is from the retired set Give Thanks. It is stamped in Chocolate Chip onto More Mustard and matted with Chocolate. The entire piece is mounted on Stampin' Dimensionals.
• My leaf from Autumn Splendor was stamped in Chocolate Chip directly onto a piece of Autumn Meadows Designer Series Paper and trimmed. The images included in Autumn Splendor are extremely versatile - perfect for water coloring, paper piecing, or embossing. I popped it onto Stampin' Dimensionals and added it to the corner.

• My second card base is Really Rust. I cut a 3.75" square piece of More Mustard and layered it with a subtle print in Taken with Teal.
• Using my Scallop Circle #2 Bigz Die I zipped a wood-grain print through the Big Shot. TIP: Wood-grain is SO sassy and a VERY big trend in crafting right now. I adhered the large scalloped circle directly onto my Taken with Teal background.
• Chocolate Chip Striped Grosgrain wraps around the More Mustard layer.
• The centerpiece of this little delight is made from Stampin' Up!s NEW Wood Sheets... today's sassy something. I dipped one of the leaves in StazOn ink and stamped directly onto the Wood Sheet. TIP: Try heat setting to be sure your image stays free of smudges.
• I punched the image off center using my 1.75" Circle Punch. I mounted the image onto 2 scallop circles - Taken with Teal and Really Rust. TIP: The Scallop Circle Punch is not big enough for providing a background layer with 1.75" images. However, the Scallop Circle #2 Bigz Die is perfect.
• Three buttons are added to fill the empty space and provide a little 'bling'.
• The 'for you' sentiment is from Great Friend and is 'popped' using Stampin Dimensionals. A few Vintage Brads are a delightful accent.
• The entire panel of More Mustard is popped with Stampin' Dimensionals before adding it the the Really Rust card base.

Before Thanksgiving rolls around I hope to have a card made for each place setting. Of course, there will be other treats in store as well. I look forward to sharing my ideas for entertaining and crafting as the holiday season rolls around.

Need a Holiday Mini Catalog?
E-mail me - I'll pop one in the mail for you.
Before you know it you'll be dreaming up and creating
sassy holiday projects too.

Stamps: Autumn Splendor (available September 1st), Great Friend (113792), Give Thanks (retired)
Paper: Really Rust (100661), More Mustard (100946), Taken with Teal (105122), Autumn Meadows Designer Series (available September 1st)
Ink: Chocolate Chip (100908), StazOn (101406)
Tools: 1.75" Circle Punch (112004), Scallop Circle #2 BIgz Die (113468), 3/16" Corner Rounder (109047)
Must-Haves: Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Mini Glue Dots (103683)
Sassy Somethings: Wood Sheets (116309), Button Latte (114333), Playground Buttons (116313), Linen Thread (104199), Vintage Brads (109109), Chocolate Chip 1.25" Striped Grosgrain (115617)

Monkey Business - PPA3

This week Pals Paper Arts is hosting a Picture Perfect Inspiration Challenge. I love the playroom photo from Pottery Barn Kids and noticed a silly monkey on the shelf -- he is my inspiration. Because who doesn't love a little Monkey Business? (To view the full photo visit: Pals Paper Arts.)

• My cards base is a 5.5" x 11" piece of Kraft card stock scored in half. A textured layer of Ruby Red is cut to 5" square and tops the base.

• All of the patterned paper and tags are from The Write Stuff Specialty Designer Series Paper collection. The colors included in Write Stuff are: Crushed Curry, Soft Suede, Ruby Red, and Old Olive. Today's sassy somethings: the die cut tags. The assortment is great, plus, they are perfect for quick embellishments, journaling for scrapbook pages, or creating card layers.
  

• Two small polka-dot prints in Soft Suede and Old Olive provide the background. A strip of Chocolate Chip felt ribbon hides the 'seam' and provides the perfect amount of texture. (The softness reminded me of a stuffed animal.)

• I grabbed the Sock Monkey set and stamped Mr. Monkey 3 times in Chocolate Chip onto: Very Vanilla, Kraft, and Ruby Red. To add some 'nubby' texture to him, I zipped the Kraft image through my Big Shot with the Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder. TIP: The Sock Monkey set is part of this month's Stampin' Up! promotion. With any $35 in purchases from the Growing Up section of the catalog you earn FREE buttons! Click here for more details.

• Using my Paper Snips (ideal for precision cutting) I paper pieced Mr. Monkey. A few Stampin' Dimensionals make him 'pop' from the flower tag.

• The banana is stamped 3 times onto So Saffron and trimmed. Mr. Monkey holds one while the other two are 'framed' in quick circles along the bottom 'border'. I used my 1.25" and 1" Circle Punches for perfect layering. TIP: An additional set of Sock Monkey Accessories are available to be sure you have every occasion covered. (111552 - $21.95)
  

• I love the 'punny' sentiment, "Thanks a bunch'. I stamped it onto Old Olive then punched it with the Round Tab Punch. A tidy bow (complete with sassy Playground Button) ties everything together.

Don't miss the Growing Up promotion.

Order Online ANYtime!

Stamps: Sock Monkey (111552)
Paper: Kraft (102125), Ruby Red (102030), Old Olive (100702), The Write Stuff Specialty Designer Series (115674)
Ink: Chocolate Chip (100908)
Tools: Circle Punches - 1.25" (104403), 1" (109046), Round Tab Punch (108340), Big Shot Machine (113439), Cuttlebug Embossing Folder - Swiss Dots
Must-Haves: Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)
Sassy Somethings: Playground Buttons (116313), Chocolate Chip Felt Ribbon (retired)

Debut of Pals Paper Arts!

I am thrilled to welcome you not only to Sassy Stampin' but also to introduce you to Pals Paper Arts! Myself and my stampin' Pals have been working non-stop to create this unique site for Paper Arts Challenges. We'll be using exclusively Stampin' Up! products, but we encourage participants to just PLAY - any and all brands of supplies and stamps are welcome! This week we're hosting a Color Challenge:

• A Melon Mambo card base (standard) gets thing started and is topped with 2 layers of card stock: Bermuda Bay and Chocolate Chip. A patterned Bermuda layer from the Thoroughly Modern Designer Series Paper collection adds a bit of swirly (and sassy) delight.

• I zipped a piece of Chocolate Chip polka-dots through my Big Shot using the Top Note die... I love this shape!

• Melon Mambo Polka-Dot Grosgrain (I opted for the solid side of this fabulous reversible ribbon) runs across the bottom and is accented with two Chocolate Chip Corduroy Brads... today's sassy somethings.

• I adore the Rose is a Rose stamp set. I chose it when I joined Stampin' Up! as a demonstrator as part of my Starter Kit and have been in love ever since. A Rose Is A Rose is a 2-Step Stampin' set. (There is a base stamp as well as a 'shadow' stamp for each of the images.) I inked the base rose image in Regal Rose and stamped it onto Whisper White. Then, using my Stamp-a-ma-jig, I lined up the images and stamped the second layer in Melon Mambo. This same process was repeated for the buds. TIP: Baby wipes are perfect for cleaning your Stamp-a-ma-Jig and keeping all that ink off your hands! Of course, with a 9 month old in the house, I always have a ready supply.

• Stampin' Dimensionals were used to pop my flowers. I even trimmed a portion of a large rose to layer and 'pop' -- the added dimension is stunning! I only used the base image for the leaves - Bermuda Bay on Whisper White.
  

• A quick sentiment courtesy of Matchbox Messages completes the card. It was stamped in Chocolate Chip onto Kraft card stock and punched using the 1.25" Circle Punch. A Scallop Circle in Bermuda Bay highlights the sentiment. For the final touch, a bright pink button from my 'button bin' accents the floral bouquet.

Now, head on over to Pals Paper Arts to check out the rest of the Design Team's creations and get ALL the details on how YOU can participate in this week's Color Challenge.

Stamps: A Rose Is A Rose (111560), Matchbox Messages (113800)
Paper: Melon Mambo (115320), Bermuda Bay (115317), Chocolate Chip card stock (102128) and Patterns Designer Series (112164), Thoroughly Modern Designer Series (115673), Kraft (102125), Whisper White (100730)
Ink: Regal Rose (105211), Melon Mambo (115656), Bermuda Bay (115655), Chocolate Chip (100908)
Tools: Top Note Die (113463), 1.25" Circle Punch (104403), Scallop Circle Punch (109043)
Must Haves: Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Stamp-a-ma-Jig (101049)
Sassy Somethings: Chocolate Chip Corduroy Brads (114339), Melon Mambo Polka-Dot Grosgrain - reversible (115611)

A Tisket, A Tasket

Using Lauren Meader's, Pack a Picnic template, I whipped up a cute thank-you treat for some dear friends. It took a while to score, trim, and assemble this little basket, but I love the finished result. (I also have a new appreciation for how easy my Big Shot makes things.)

• I created my basket using Kraft cardstock paired with a Ruby Red lid. I punched the basket edge with the Scallop Edge Punch. TIP: When putting together 3-D items it is extra important to use a strong adhesive. I chose Sticky Strip.

• My main panel was made using Very Vanilla cardstock and the Season of Friendship stamp set. (An addition I was thrilled made it to the pages of the NEW Idea Book and Catalog.) My trunk was inked in Chocolate Chip and my Old Olive leaves were placed with the help of my trusty Stamp-a-ma-jig.

• For some extra sass, I stamped Ruby Red flowers and popped them using my 1/2" Circle Punch. (I wasn't in the mood to hand trim.) Next, I adhered the small flowers to a few Antique Brass Build-A-Brads. TIP: A standard rule of design is to add accents or embellishments in ODD numbers.

• A dainty fleurette with ribbon leaves perfectly accents my custom tag. I stamped, 'for you', from Great Friend onto Old Olive and snipped the end into a 'v' using Paper Snips.

• The lid of my basket has Alpine Ribbon trim (retired) and a sassy double layer bow using Chocolate Chip Double-Stitch Ribbon.

• I layered punches to create a super sassy 'tag' for the top. I punched the 'thank you' sentiment from Oval All using the Small Oval Punch and layered it onto an Old Olive Scallop Oval. I followed that with a Chocolate Chip Wide Oval and a Kraft scallop. (Marvy pink) To tie everything together I added ribbon 'leaves' and another Build-A-Brad flower.

Deal of the Week

This Week: Sizzix Doctor's Bag (113474)

NOW thru. July 13th, 9:50 am
Regular Price: $69.95 SALE Price: $49.95

Shop the NEW Catalog. Order Online 24-7.

Stamps: Season of Friendship (111776), Oval All (113790), Great Friend (113792)
Paper: Kraft (102125), Very Vanilla (101650), Chocolate Chip (102128), Old Olive (100702), Ruby Red (102030)
Ink: Chocolate Chip (100908), Old Olive (102277), Ruby Red (102259)
Tools: Stamp-a-ma-Jig (101049), Scallop Edge Punch (112091), 1/2" Circle Punch (104390), Small Oval Punch (107304), Scallop Oval Punch (114889), Wide Oval Punch (112082)
Must Haves: Sticky Strip(104294), Paper Snips (103579)
Sassy Somethings: Fleurette - currently available in Whisper White (115604), Build-A-Brads in Antique Brass (109108), Playground Buttons (116313). Chocolate Chip Double Stitch Grosgrain (111849), Alpine Striped Ribbon (retired)