Mummy's Here

 

HI again! It's my second post today because I didn't get this card posted yesterday. Scroll down for my Colour Q and Sketch for you to Try card. We did have a great yesterday- even though it did not involve stamping. We got a lot accomplished around the house. We will be painting on our main level soon (before Christmas) & we spent a lot of time at the paint store trying to pick out a color. Plus we got other supplies for some other home improvements projects. 

My card, another Halloween card was made using the Mojo Monday 264 sketch. 

All supplies are Stampin' Up except the large scalloped circle which was made using Marvy punch.
Have a great week! Hugs, Marilyn

Farewell CPS

Happy Weekend, friends! My card today was made for the very last CPS challenge- pick your favorite sketch. That would be a challenge to pick just one favorite from all the super CPS sketches. I did settle on the one below, CPS222. As sad as it is to see this blog go, I am happy for Tami Mayberry. I admire her for letting go of something she loves, the CPS blog, in order to make room for new exciting adventures in her life. I am also very excited as she will be working on Project Life which has become a recent interest of mine. Good Luck, Tami!!

I also used the colors from this week's Color Throwdown Challenge (CTD215) to use Pumpkin Pie, Certainly Celery, Almost Amethyst & Black. 

I'm almost done with my Halloween cards & I'll be posting them every day between now and Halloween. So please come back soon. I really appreciate your comments & your friendship.
Hugs, Marilyn

Poppy Polka Dots

Hi Friends! I hope you had a great weekend; I sure did. Yesterday we got to see our two daughters who are away at different colleges. It is always a special treat when we get to see one of them, but seeing both of them is extra special.

My card today is for the Freshly Made Sketches challenge as shown below.

I have been making an assortment of cards for my daughters so they can use them for their own needs. I mentioned several months ago that I call this project- CB42DD- Card Box for Two Dear Daughters as I have decorated a box that matches their decor & will fill it with these assorted cards. Often I have been using retired card supplies for the cards; & when making my monthly club swap cards I just make two more. I hope to have a nice collection for them by Christmas. Speaking of Christmas- have you started your cards?! I've made some but not near enough. Look for a Holiday card here later this week.
Hugs, Marilyn

Supplies: SU unless otherwise described
Stamps: Fresh Vintage
Paper: Poppy Parade, White (Neenah-solar white)
Designer Paper: Poppy Parade, Concord Crush
Ink: Concord Crush
Accessories: Punches: Modern Label, Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer, 1/2 circle, Blossom & MS Leaf. Circle Rhinestone brad & Poppy Parade ribbon.

Giraffe Birthday

Happy Father's Day!
We had a nice and easy lunch with my FIL (father-in-law) and step-MIL (mother-in-law). They are elderly & although they still get out, it really takes a lot out of my FIL. So to keep it easy on them, we brought to their home a BBQ lunch from one of our local restaurants to them. I am so thankful to have them both in our lives and just a short drive away. I made a German chocolate cake which is my husband's and FIL's favorite. Tonight I will give my husband a little gift from me & he'll open the cards that our daughters sent.

This card wasn't a Father's Day card but rather it was made for my youngest daughter's best friend whose birthday is upcoming. She has a thing for giraffes and anything with animal prints. The sketch I used is from Freshly Made Sketches. Love that sketch challenge and their sketches.

Thanks for stopping, Hugs, Marilyn

Supplies: 
Image: Zoo Review, Sentiment (SU)
Papers: More Mustard, Close to Cocoa (retired), WHite (Neenah), Dsp- Safari Kids Matstack (DCWV) 
Ink: Rich Cocoa (Momento), Barely Banana (retired), Close to Cocoa, Certainly Celery markers (SU)
Accessories: Scallop Oval, Extra large Oval punches (SU), Extra Long Rectangles Nestabilities (Spellbinders)

Masculine Birthday

Happy Memorial Day to my American friends! A special Thank You to all who do serve & those who have honorably served in our military &  their families who have made their own sacrifices for their loved one to do so.

My card today is for two challenges. The sketch is from Card Patterns #167 (see below) and the theme from Hand Stamped Sentiments to make a masculine card. This card also fits the Simon Says card challenge to make a 'special male card'.

I used the "Just My Type" stamp set from SU! This one didn't make it to the new catalog so I am glad I purchased it. I used my black pigment ink for the typewriter and embossed it with black embossing powder. I distressed the edges with black ink. The paper is basic gray and poppy parade with white. The DP is from Basic Grey. The ribbon and brads are also SU! supplies. Even though there is ribbon on the card, I don't think it looks girly. Hope you like it!

Have a great week!  Hugs, Marilyn

Chocolate Case

Hello friends! I hope you had a super weekend. I sure have enjoyed mine; some family time & lots of paper crafting time. Here's the template card I made for my stamp club swap in August. We swap every month; and since I work full-time, I can't wait til the last minute to get 12 cards made. As a matter of fact, I hope to get another set of 12 done before our August date so I have one set as a backup.

I made this for two Splitcoaststamper challenges. First, today's Featured Stamper challenge (FS233) where Jennie was honored. I chose to case her Elzy Sneak Peek card. I kept the design, the polkadot paper, and the ribbon. I changed to a white base, moved the ribbon and changed the stamp.

The second challenge was yesterday's Inspirational Challenge where Stef chose Linda Billet's on line glass gallery. I picked Linda's mosaic glass piece entitled True which has a heart shaped box of chocolates (glass mosaic, of course). The colors included chocolate and pinks.

Please consider coming back tomorrow morning. I have an exciting (to me) announcement to share with you.
Hugs,

Marilyn

Supplies:
Stamps: (Eat Chocolate (Stampin' Up)
Paper: (Regal Rose, Pretty in Pink) Stampin' Up, (Solar White) Neenah
Designer Paper: (Sweet Always-retired) Stampin' Up
Ink: (Chocolate Chip) Stampin' Up
Accessories: (Decorative Label punch) Stampin' Up, (Sweet Treat ribbon) Michaels

Another Ship card

Hey friends! I have another ship card for your today. It is so similar to one I posted earlier in June that I almost decided to not post at all. But I really liked the sketch of this card so I thought I'd share. I also was trying out the camera on my new phone so my picture isn't my usual quality. On top of it, I gave the card to my Father-in Law & didn't get another shot. Anyway enough excuses...here it is. I hope you like it!

I have lots to post over the weekend as I my holiday plans include almost nothing but stamping. Yahoo!! Have a great Thursday!
Hugs,

Marilyn

Supplies: please follow link to previous card

A Rose is a Rose

 

Roses have to be one of the most beautiful flowers in the world. I just love this retired DSP from SU! called Bella Rose- which my stash is almost all gone. As much as I have loved it; it has become an 'old toy' so it's time to move on to something new. For my card, I used different  papers for the upper and lower section from the  Bella Rose collection. I stamped the rose using the large rose stamps from the retired "A Rose is A Rose" set; first in "Pretty in Pink" followed by "Riding Hood Red ", then I cut the rose out and placed it on a nestie eyelet square die-cut with a "Pretty in Pink" center.  The white ribbon is from American Crafts & the pink ribbon from Michaels. I used the Bow-easy to created the double bow. I think this card would work for many occasions- Valentines, sympathy, birthday or 'thinking of you'. It's nice to have a few generic cards like this ready to go. I'll leave the inside blank until I'm ready to send. Thanks for stopping by to see me & I hope you have a great week! 

Hugs, 

Marilyn

VSN Challenge Cards

Here are my cards for tonight's Virtual Stamp Night (VSN) Challenges over on SplitcoastStampers. I am so excited to play as I haven't been able to play for several years. I have this evening and all day tomorrow open. Nothing better than stamping all day!

I really need a lift too. This past week I started meeting with my career coach since my position at work was eliminated with a restructure. Last Friday, 8/20, was my last day. I received a good severance package so I won't have to worry about income for a while which is quite reassuring. I'm optimistic that I'll find a rewarding position. Keep me in your thoughts, please.

Back to the cards. I missed the first challenge, but hopefully I can start early tomorrow and make a card for it too. My first pictured was for the "B" challenge ( AUG10VSNB); the challenge was to incorporate a window. The second card was for the 'C" challenge (AUG10VSNC); we were to use the wax paper cuttlebug resist technique.

Our challenge on the third card, "D" (AUG10VSND), was to be inspired by the camping theme. I don't really care for camping. Here in the midwest, I get eaten alive by mosquitoes if I stay out past dusk. Plus I'm not a big fan of all the other creepy, crawly things. But I do love nature, the outdoors & I love to stay in the cabins or lodges at the state & national parks. We took our daughters on a 'western states" vacation & one of our stops was the Grand Canyon. How beautiful! We stayed in a cabin there. Each morning right outside our cabin was an Elk grazing on the tree's foliage. That is one HUGE animal; downright intimadating when you are only six feet away. Thus the inspiration for this card.

My last card was for the last challenge for the evening ( AUG10VSNE) and we were to be inspired by summer vacations. We took some vacations when I was a kid, but mostly we stayed home. We rode our bikes everywhere. One of my best girlfriend's family had a tandem bicycle which is what inspired my card.

That's it for tonight! I'll post the rest of the VSN cards on Sunday. Hugs!

AUG10VSNB supplies:
Image: Sweet of You (SU-retired) {I still love this set}
Paper: Pear Pizazz, Rich Razzleberry, White (SU), DSP- Green at Heart (Basic Grey)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Momento), Pear Pizazz, Rich Razzleberry,Melon Mambo, Wild Wasabi
Accessories: 1/2" Pear Pizazz poly ribbon (SU), Cha Ching brad (Brazzill), Velvet flower (7 Gypsies)

AUG10VSNC supplies:
Image: A Little Bit of Happiness (SU-retired)
Paper: Barely Banana, Soft Suede, Glossy (SU)
Ink: Vintage Photo (Tim Holtz-Distressed-Ranger)
Accessories: Wax paper, Iron, Woodgrain Embossing Folder (Tim Holtz), Cuttlebug, Twine.

AUG10VSND supplies:
Image: Yukon (SU-retired)
Paper: Mellow Moss, River Rock, Vanilla, DSP-Fall Traditions (SU)
Ink: Rich Cocoa (Memento)
Accessories: Thread, Twine, eyelets (SU!), oval punches (SU), Zipdry glue.
Info:

AUG10VSNE supplies:
Image: Pedaling Past (SU)
Paper: Ballet Blue, Old Olive, DSP-The Paper Stack (DCWV)
Ink: Old Olive (SU)
Accessories: Bling Flourish (Want2Scrap)

Route 66

Hello friends!

We just returned from a wonderful week of vacation at the Lake of the Ozarks. Lots of fun in the water and sun~ amazingly HOT like most everywhere else in the US. Since I don't have anything new, I thought I'd post the card that I made in late July for my BIL. He is my DH's twin so I always spend a lot of time trying to make his cards extra special. He is a car nut ~ he builds stock cars for races & he has completely restored several cars. He loves it like we love our paper artistry.

I am crazy about this Classic Convertible set from Stampin' Up, but I seem to have a hard time with sketches for it. So I turned to my friends at Splitcoaststampers and stalked the SU! Classic Convertible gallery. Well it wasn't hard, I fell in love with the newest one from July. It is from a fabulous artist~ Wanda, aka cullenwr on SCS . You can view her card here on her website. As you can also see, I changed up the colors, but otherwise, I made very little changes to her card. (why mess with wonderful?!) I even had the same DP in my stash which I bought some time ago to match this stamp set.

I'll be back soon with a new creation, a few photos from vacation, and a little bit of personal news. {{{Hugs}}} Marilyn

Supplies:
Images: Car - Classic Convertibles (SU!), Route 66 (free image from internet), Gear - It's About Time (SU!), Rough Texture jumbo wheel (SU!), Happy Birthday (SU!)
Paper: Bermuda Bay, Tempting Turquoise, Real Red, White, Black (SU), DP- Roadmap (paper Pizzaz)
Ink: Black (Momento), Tempting Turquoise (SU!)
Accessories: Red brads (SU!)

Another Birthday Card!

My take on the Queen for the day challenge (QFTD16) over at Splitcoaststampers. Dorothy (aka etsdas) was our honored stamper. I cased this card of hers.

I made another birthday card. My family has been raiding my stash for birthday cards for their friends and family. So besides from being flattered, I am making more to add to the stash.

I apologize for not posting more and not visiting your blogs. Life has been a little crazy- nothing tramatic except not having much time with my paper and ink. I'll be around a lot this weekend so I hope to e-chat with you!

Happy 4th to my American friends!

Supplies:
Image: Piece of Cake (CTMH), Teeny Tiny Wishes (SU!)
Papers: Dusty Durango, Crushed Curry, Melon Mambo, DSP- Razzleberry Lemonade (SU!), White (Neenah)
Ink: Rich Cocoa (Momento), Dusty Durango, Crushed Curry, Melon Mambo (SU!)
Accessories: Apricot appeal brads

Cupcake Birthday & Coral Blooms

This card was made for the Featured Stamper challenge on SCS. LeAnne's gallery is filled with wonderful creations. I chose to case this card. I am very happy with the Close to My Heart acrylic stamps- very crisp images & no need to prep or prime the stamp in order to get a nice image. I love this sketch and have used something similar and possibly identical in the past. I used up some retired stamping up designer paper. One thing that is really nice when you use double sided DP is that you can cut the full size (in this case 3 3/4 X 5 panel) and then just cut it in half and flip one side over and mount; because the double sided DP always matches. Another thing I love about this sketch is that you can use the center ribbon or narrow paper to hide if the designer papers don't match up precisely. It is a fairly quick card.

I am really happy with how this card turned out. And happy because it is honoring a very special stamper. This was made for the Queen for the Day SCS challenge. Lesley, aka Marleygo was crowned on Friday. It took me several days to complete as I only had a few minutes on Friday and Saturday to work on it. I chose to case this card. It is perplexing to me how sometimes when I start with an idea- whether it be a sketch, color combo, a case, or embellishment and as I create the card, it morphs. Most of the time, my idea doesn't look like my imagination pictured. I know other stampers experience this as I have read similiar descriptions.

I intended to also complete this past Tuesday's color challenge with this card, but I couldn't get turquoise to work. So I stuck the other two colors- cameo coral and ruby red and added close to cocoa. The image panel started larger like Lesley's; but that didn't look right either despite numerous adaptations. I just love this creative journey, don't you?

Have a great week friends! Marilyn

Cupcake Birthday Supplies:
Stamps: Piece of Cake (CTMH-D1407)
Paper: Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery (SU!), White, DP- retired SU!
Ink:Tuxedo Black (Momento), SU markers: Apricot Appeal, Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery
Accessories: Nestabilities- circle and scalloped circle (Spellbinders), Apricot Appeal ribbon (SU), glitter glue (Sulyn Industries- stash recycled from my kids old art cabinet)

Coral Blooms Supplies:
Stamps: Eastern Booms (SU!)
Paper: Cameo Coral, Ruby Red, Close to Cocoa, Vanilla
Ink: Cameo Coral, Close to Cocoa, Ruby Red
Accessories: Ribbon- 5/8"white organza (SU!), Button (stash), adhesive pearls (want2scrap)

Chocolate Easter Bunny

Our Easter card for dear daughters (dd) who are away at college. {I made two identical cards- one for each daughter.} Brian and I also prepared Easter basket contents and boxed with Easter grass & shipped to 'the girls'. Adult children Easter baskets are fun to prepare; we always include a little candy, some fun things and a few useful items that are usually needed or an extravagance on a college student's budget. This year with the card was a real Dove Milk chocolate bunny, Starburst jelly beans, a miniature egg carton filled with little bubble gum eggs, a wind up toy (you're never too old for fun), dental white strips, a jeweled bracelet and a package of mechanical pencils.

The card was cased from Kay- aka Speedy Stamper. Kay did a fancy fold; I cut my top layer and 'overhung' my bunny panel. Other than that it is nearly identical. I just love this stamp from SU!

Supplies:
Stamps: Chocolate Bunny, Teeny Tiny Wishes (SU!)
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Pink Pirouette, White, DSP- retired Berry Bliss (SU!)
Ink: Chocolate Chip (SU!)
Accessories: Felt flower (Fancy Pants), small oval punch (SU!), edge punch (MS), corner punch (SU!)

Happy St. Patty's Day!

Grettings! Here are some fun cards I made for friends and family for St. Patty's day. My maternal grandmother's parents were Irish & she was 1st generation American, so I enjoy celebrating St. Patrick's Day.

The images are from the Stampin' Up set- Pinch Proof. I'm glad I purchased that set even though it has limited use because most every year I make St. Patty's day cards. Except for a few pieces, I used up all of my remaining, retired Wild Wasabi cardstock. (I love that color!). Unfortunately, I don't recall the company who made the Designer Paper. I added green glitter to the leprechan and green jewels to the card on the left. As you can see, both cards are square which is quite different for me.

Enjoy your weekend! Marilyn

Birthday Cards

Here is card I made for this past Sunday's Featured Stamper challenge. HamiltonGal (aka Laurie) was FS158. I really admire Laurie's work. She has a beautiful gallery filled with great cards, but I especially like her CAS (clean and simple) cards. I love the look of CAS however it is not easy for me...I am more of a layers, papers & embellishments kind of gal. So I enjoyed the challenge to case because it didn't take me very long and I ended with a card I really like. I will be making several duplicates of this one for February and March female birthdays. This card was also made for Sharon's SS no time challenge 126 to make a card with purple and green- any shades. Anyway...here is the card I chose to case from Laurie's gallery. http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/ga...;ppuser=147277

Have a great evening! Thanks for stopping by.

Recipe:
Images: Let's Party & Birthday Whimsy (SU!)
Paper: Solar White (Neenah), Pefect Plum (SU!), DP- Paper Studio Pack
Ink: Perfect Plum, Versamark
Accessories: Heat 'n Stick powder, dazzlind diamonds glitter (SU!), circle punch (SU!), Scallop circle nestabilities(SU!), ribbon (Offray)
Challenges: SSnotime126, FS158

Friend Valentine & Featured Stamper Challenge

Isn't this a great card?! Well, I am not bragging, but "tooting my horn" for Karen B. Barber who was selected as the Featured Stamper over at SCS. I chose this card to case. It is really more like a copy but I did change a few things.

I added eyelets to the scallop circle instead of Karen's punched circles. I move the bow and changed the color. I changed the stamp in the scallop circle, and changed some of the paper patterns. I kept the red and white theme, the sketch, the sentiment and used similar papers from SU patterns pack.

Happy Sunday! Marilyn

Recipe:
Image: All Holidays, Riveting
Paper: Real Red, DP- Pattern Pack (SU!), Solar White (Neenah)
Ink: White Craft
Accessories: Eyelets (stash), cropadile, ribbon (michaels), Bow easy

Always

Today was the Featured Stamper challenge over at Splitcoaststampers. I enjoyed looking thru WeeBeeStampin's gallery was a real pleasure. Here is her blog. This card was pretty simple, but I like how it turned out. One little tip on this card is about my corners. I do not own a ticket punch instead I use a small circle punch 1/4 inch. I insert my paper with the punch upside down where I can see a little triangle of paper or 1/4th of the punch circle and then snip that tip.

Thanks for stopping by! Have a great week!

Recipe:
Image: Always (SU!)
Paper: Dusty Durango, Melon Mambo, White, DSP-RazzleBerry Lemonade (SU!)
Ink: Pink Passion
Accessories: Heart border Punch (MS), Melon Manbo polka dot grosgrain ribbon (SU!),

Happy Birthday!

A very happy birthday to my sister, Mary and a best girlfriend, Denise who celebrated their birthdays this week!

I took a break from making holiday cards and enjoyed making this quick birthday card for the SCS Inspirational challenge (IC207) where I chose this fabric covered button from the Etsy store 'aimoobaroo' for my inspiration. I also used the sketch from the Card Positioning System challenge (CSP142).

I used an retired SU! scrappin' kit called "Just Delightful". I love the colors in this kit and still have some of the DSP and stickers. The images are acrylics from the $1 bins. I liked the cupcake image but it doesn't stamp very crisp so I added glitter, which I think looks fun for a b-day card. I'll be back late tonight to check out blogs. I'm off to run errands, shop with one of my daughters who is home from college and go to the local craft fair. Thanks for looking! Have a great weekend!!

Image: cupcake (inkadinkado $1), birthday (studio g $1)
Paper: So Saffron, WW, Just Delightful-scrapping kit (SU!)
Ink: Chocolate Chip, So Saffron, Certainly Celery (SU!), versamark (Tsukineko)
Accessories: 1" circle punch (SU!), button from stash, Scrappers floss (TAC-Karen Foster), crystal glitter (GaryM. Burlin)

Autumn Thanks

Happy 'fall back' day to those of you who live in the central time zone. Not only is tonight Halloween night but we turn out clocks back one hour. I made this card for two SCS challenges; the first was Friday's Limited Supply Challenge where we made a card to exemplify our weather. It has been dreary and rainy until yesterday afternoon when the sun finally showed up. Our trees here are just vibrant~ full of color and also beginning to fall; so I chose these DPs from SU! plus when viewing the IC challenge website last evening, I saw this 'Golden Leaf and Acorn" tray. I knew exactly what to do. I just love when things come together like that!

One of the tricks I learned a bit ago was how to quickly use two or more colors on a stamp like my sentiment without having to use markers for every area. Ink up your stamp with the predominant color (or in some cases it is best to ink up with the lightest color); then take a blender pen and 'erase' the ink where you want to add another color. Then use your markers and re-color the erased area. On my card here, I inked my 'Give Thanks' stamp using my close to cocoa stamp pad, erased the cocoa on the leaf area using my blender pen, then recolored the leaves with my Ruby Red marker. Huff, puff & stamp~ Viola! I have dedicated an older blender pen for this use. It is really fast!

Happy Halloween!

Recipe: Everything is SU! except the leaf brads.
Stamp: Holiday Best
Paper: Ruby Red, Elegant Eggplant, Soft Suede, More Mustard, DSP- Autumn Traditions (SU!)
Ink: Ruby Red, Close to Cocoa
Accessories: Leaf Brads (Target) & Scor-Pal

Happy Saturday! I am happy to be home. I had a quick business trip this week~ a 24 hour trip from here in St. Lou to New Jersey & back. My team got some great info, so it was worth it. But I have missed my stamping!

Today I combined the sketch challenge from Wednesday with today's Inspirational Challenge.
I chose this Bustling Avenue dress from Anthropologie for my inspiration.

This card might be considered retro ('out of style' is a bit negative, don't you think?). I used a very old stamp from a SU! set called Tricky Treats. It was a 2001 set that I purchased inexpensively from the bay about three years ago when I had a very small stamp collection. That said, I still love it. I send Halloween cards to family and friends who aren't aware of stamping trends, old paper colors or last year's design paper. They usually love my cards and are very happy to receive them. Good thing they are not stamping enlightened because I also used last year's in color Tangerine Tango and last Christmas' DP from SU! called Frosty Days. And then, eyelets to boot.

Despite all the old products, I like how the card turned out. I especially liked this sketch from Roxie; but then I always like her choice in sketches. I like the little bats brads too, but my frugal nature is really showing through as these were part of a kit with the black eyelets that I purchased from an discount store that carries discontinued items.

Here in St. Louis, the trees are at their peak fall colors; they are just gorgeous. I hope to get out for a ride & see the natural splendor. I hope you enjoy your weekend.

Recipe:
Stamps: Tricky Treats (SU!); Happy Halloween (Studio G)
Paper: Tangerine Tango, Black, White, DSP-Frosty Days (SU!)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento); Pumpkin Pie, Summer Sun (SU!)
Accessories: Bat brads & Black Eyelets (source unknown); Orange Embroidery thread (stash)