Happy June! Blog hop time for SU's New catty + BLOG CANDY!

Hi friends! Happy June to you all! I'm excited to welcome you to the the first Crafty Paper Confectionista's Blog Hop for the Stampin'Up! New Catty, which you will be able to view and order from starting June 2 at noon.  AND, don't miss out on the Blog Candy at the bottom of the post!  For a chance to win, all you have to do is leave me a comment and following my blog by midnight on June 2nd! You can follow my blog with Bloglovin or from Google Friend Connect. Easy peasy, right?!  Good luck to you!

I'm the first stop and today I'm sharing the Bloom with Hope Hostess Stamp Set available in the 2014-2015 Stampin'Up! catalog and using In Colors card stock for the background.  For this first card the background is Hello Honey and I colored the pretty bloom with the Cherry Cobbler and Daffodil Delight Blendabilities marker sets.  If you look closely, you'll see there are a 5 rhinestones in the center that I also colored in with the Daffodil Delight Blendabilities.  Isn't that cool?  That's one of the features with the Blendabilities markers - since they're alcohol based, you can use them to color in the rhinestones, pearls, and buttons to match or coordinate with your projects.  So fun!

Here's a closer look at the bloom and the rhinestone center:

I used two of the three Cherry Cobbler Blendabilities markers - the darkest one closest to the flower center and the middle tone for the rest of the flower.  One last look at the card, glistening out in the sunshine.  I love how this flower pops against the Hello Honey background.  Such a Happy and cheery card!

Here's another card I created using the Lost Lagoon card stock as the card base.  

For this card, I used another flower image in Bloom with Hope stamp set and also used the new Lullaby DSP.  I added some texture to the card by embossing it with the Honeycomb embossing folder.  I colored in these sweet flowers with the Daffodil Delight and Pumpkin Pie Blendabilities markers AND I also colored in the pretty Vintage Faceted button, too!

What I love about the Blendabilities markers is that they truly add dimension to the image - I also discovered that I really enjoy coloring these images in and watching them come to life as I add color or shading to the images.  You can see that I used a darker marker in the Daffodil Delight family around the center of the flower.  By coloring in a circular motion, you are able to blend the colors more seamlessly.  

Here are the recipes for both cards:

{Happy Birthday Bloom}
Cardstock: Hello Honey, Whisper White
Stamp Set: Bloom with Hope
Inks: Black Memento Ink, Cherry Cobbler and Daffodil Delight Blendabilities
Accessories: Deco Labels Framelits, Banner Framelits, Gold Fancy Foil Designer Vellum, Gold Sequin Trim 

{Congratulations Happy Flowers}
Cardstock: Lost Lagoon, Whisper White
Stamp Set: Bloom with Hope
Inks: Black Memento Ink, Daffodil Delight and Pumpkin Pie Blendabilities
Accessories: Honeycomb Embossing Folder, Banners Framelits, Deco Label Framelits, Linen Thread, Vintage Faceted Button, Gold Sequin Trim, Banner Punch; Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, and Old Olive Blendabilities, Lullaby DSP

I hope you enjoyed the cards and sneak peek of the new Bloom with Hope Hostess Set!  You'll be able to order and view the products on my online store at noon on June 2! 

Now, for some Blog Candy... I'm going to pick 2 winners

One lucky winner will get this Simply Sent card kit, which comes with all the supplies needed to create 8 cards +envelopes.  You'll get 4 of each design (stamp sentiments not included). 

And another lucky winner will get the Undefined Stamp Carving Kit!  This kit includes ALL supplies to make your own custom stamp.  This is an amazing set and a allows you to explore your stamping creativity!

For a chance to win the pretty Simply Sent card kit or the Undefined Stamp Carving Kit, all you need to do is leave me a comment and become a blog follower by Midnight, June 2nd!  I'll be picking a winner at random and announcing on June 3rd.

Now, it's time to continue on with our mini blog hop to get more sneak peeks of products from Stampin'Up!'s new catty!  Here's the lineup:

Rosemarie {you're HERE!}

Norma

Nikki 

Thanks for popping by!  Your next stop is Norma!

Join my Crafty Paper Confectionistas group!

Oh Happy Day with the new 2014-2016 In Colors!

Hi all!  Happy Monday!  Hope you had a great weekend.  I've got a fun sneak for you all today - the NEW 2014-2016 Stampin'Up! In Colors! I love the bold and vintage-y feel of these colors.  Let me introduce you to these yummy new shades.  Blog friends, I'd like you to meet Hello Honey, Tangelo Twist, Mossy Meadow, Blackberry Bliss, and Lost Lagoon.  Would you like a closer look?  I stamped the background using the new Work of Art stamp set and the sentiment using the Starburst Sayings stamp set.

Blackberry Bliss

Hello Honey

Lost Lagoon

Mossy Meadow

Tangelo Twist

And here's a peak at the inside...a simple Happy Birthday greeting using the Remembering Your Birthday stamp set. 

Here they all are one more time. This time, they're chillin' on the patio furniture, keeping cool in the 90+ temps we've been having here in Southern CA!  I had a lot of fun making these cards and now am so glad to have a stash of new Birthday cards on hand. So, whaddaya think? Would love to get your feedback.  Leave me a comment here by next Monday, May 26th and I'll randomly pick one lucky winner to receive the New Stampin'Up! Catalog. 

Have a great week!  Bye for now. :)

Sneak peek - Blendabilities {up close}

Hi all!  Hope you had a great week!  Here's the post I wanted to share with you earlier this week - it's a closer look at the cool new Blendabilities markers by Stampin'Up!  I was so excited about this product that I couldn't wait to get my hands on them.  If you're wondering how they differ from the other markers that Stampin'Up! offers, it's that these are alcohol based markers and the original Stampin'Up! markers are water based.  For those crafters out there that like to blend and shadow, then these markers are just for you!  I used the Blended Bloom stamp, which I found works so well with these markers and really make the petals comes to life, don't you think?  One key thing I want to also point out is that you want to use the Black Memento Ink ink pad so that the stamped image doesn't bleed with the Blendabilities markers.

As you can see, the markers come in packs of 3 in a dark, medium, and light shade and are sold for $11.95/pack.  The picture above shows the colors for Coastal Cabana, Cherry Cobbler, and Rich Razzleberry.  For the flower centers, I used the Daffodil Delight Blendabilities marker assortment.  Here are a few more pics for you:

I love the way the the marker shades create such realistic shadows and make the blooms appear three dimensional.

In this pic, we have the addition of the Old Olive assortment.  Doesn't that flower look so pretty too?  You can play with the intensity and shadows by adding more color and saturating sections of the flower more. The blending of these markers is amazing, too!  They key is to color in a circular motion and then add shadows by using the different shade or layering the colors on top of each other.  I had a great time experimenting with these and can't wait to play with them some more!

Hope you liked this sneak peek!  Thanks for the visit. Have a great weekend!

New Stampin'Up! In Color Sneak Peek!

Hi all! Just popping in with a quick on-the-go mobile post from the handy dandy iPhone. I have a sneak peek for you from the Stampin'Up! new catty that showcases the new 2013-2015 In Color palette. I had an itch to craft once my goodies came in, so I was determined to squeeze in some stamping this past weekend. Don't these colors look so yummy? It was pretty hard to resist taking them out of the packaging! I love the pretty embossing folder, too. It definitely adds that extra little something that makes these cards look so fancy, yet so simple to put together. I had a lot of fun making this project! I also decorated some clothes pins using the new washi tape from the new catty as well. I made the little flowers in the same palette using the 3/4" scallop circle punch, the itty bitty punch for the flower center and topped it off with the basic pearls. So, what do you think? Excited to play with these new colors and pretty products? Just less than a month away and you'll be able to see it all!

Here's the list of colors for you:
Strawberry Slush
Brown Sugar
Coastal Cabana
Pistachio Pudding
Cantaloupe Crisp

Hope you have a great one!

Stampin'Up!'s retired list is here + a sneak peek for you

Hi all!  How are you?  Hope all is going well.  Can you believe it's already that time of year that Stampin'Up! has released it's retiring stamp sets and accessories?  They are available until June 3rd, so take a look and snap up your favorites before they're gone!  Here's the full list.  Remember, these products are only going to be available while supplies last.  You can shop on my online store anytime here.

Now, are you ready to see a sneak peek of the products that will be in the NEW catalog?  I have to say, it is a gorgeous new catalog and I think you'll LOVE it.  This will be coming in June.  I've ordered some sneak peek products and am so excited they'll be coming soon. In the meantime, here's a sneak project:

Doesn't that embossing folder look so FUN!?  Well, more to come when my goodies get here!  Hope you all have a great day!

September Paper Crafters Sampler {Sneak peek!}

Happy Saturday, dear blog friends!  I've got a little sneak peek of my project for the September Paper Crafters Sampler issue, Backpacks and Bookmarks, which will be available on September 10th!

Enjoy your day!  Thanks for visiting ;)

Ready for the Holiday Mini?

Hi bloggie friends! Hope you're having a great week! It's been quite an eventful one for me, so apologies for the lack of blog posts. In a nutshell, I went back to work full time this past Tuesday, so that in itself was quite an adjustment. It's amazing how much of an impact the past 12 weeks has had on my life.  LBD {Life before Denver} seems like a lifetime ago and now it's hard to imagine LWD{Life without Denver!}.  There's definitely a lot of juggling to be learned (by me, of course), but it's all good. 

My card share today is a card I created for a Demo Swap we had this past weekend for the WooHoo stamper's demo meeting.  I had fun making this card because it's predominantly made using goodies from the Holiday Mini that will be available tomorrow, September 1st in the US!  It's my first Christmas card this year...can you believe it?  Now that I've broken the seal on the Christmas stuff, you'll definitely see a lot more holiday cards in September!  Wanna see the full card?  Here it is for you:

What do you think?  The card sketch is actually a CASE of one of the Christmas cards I created last year that you can check out on this post.  I used some old current favorites - like the Top Note die, the Contempo Christmas stamp set, Real Red Baker's Twine, and the Decorative Label punch.  And the NEW goodies I used are the Holly Berry Bouquet Specialty DSP (#124004, $12.95), the coordinating Holly Berry Designer Buttons (#125636, $8.95), and the new Stocking Accents Originals Die (#124099, $17.95).  Lots of fun stuff!  I just LOVE the specialty DSP - the picture doesn't do it justice because those fun polka dots really pop with those embossed glittery red circles!  Hope you like it.  Remember, the Holiday Mini products will be available for purchase on my Online Stampin'Up! website on September 1st!

Thanks for visiting today.  Stay tuned for September's Final Friday giveaway post...it's coming soon :)

Bye for now!

Paisley Petal sneak peek!

Morning all!  Happy Saturday to you.  Before I head out for a run, I thought I'd drop in a quick card share and sneak peek for you.  How do you like the snippet above?  The sneak is that pretty Paisley Petal paper {say that 10 times fast!} that will be available with the Spring is Blossoming promotion starting on April 1st!  You'll be able to purchase this pretty DSP and or the Four Frames stamp set when you spend $20 or more in Stampin'Up! products.  The paper will be available for $9.95 and the stamp set will be available for $15.95 in Clear Mount or $20.95 in Wood Mount.  Right now, I have to say that the Four Frame stamp set is definitely one of my faves.  LOVE that it coordinates with the Decorative Label punch!!  Do you want to see the full card?  Here you go: 

The prints of this DSP stack are so pretty, I wanted to create a card that was able to show them off a bit.  The card shows 6 different prints that coordinate so well with each other, don't you think?  The birthday sentiment I used is from the Create a Cupcake stamp set.  It's such a sweet font and I love that it fits so nicely in the frame. Isn't the ribbon yummy?  It's the Victoria Crochet Trim, which I think creates the perfect vintage look.  I added the Antique Brad in the center to give it a little more vintage flair.  By the way - did you know that the glue stick works GREAT for adhering ribbon and fabric onto cards?  Just thought I'd share that little tip :)

My flower is made out of the 2 scallop circle punches - all you need to do is spritz them with water and scrunch it up, then let dry.  You'll get this pretty flower when you're done!  I threaded my button with a teeny sliver of DSP to pull in the colors of the flower.  Hope you like it!  Better get going for now - Gotta run before it starts to rain!

Have a fab day!

oooh...spooky!

I know it's only August, but Halloween is right around the corner!  I wanted to share a quick card I made with more sneaks from the Holiday Mini - namely the spider web embossing folder.  How cool is that?  And, not to mention, the cute punch in the bottom corner.  Are you getting excited about the upcoming mini?  It's seriously chockfull of awesome products!  That's my tease for the day. 

Luckily, if you want to get a jump on Halloween, the Wicked Cool stamp set and the Bitty Bat punch are available now in the catty, along with lots of great Halloween stamps.  Feel free to check it out at my Demonstrator Website here, where you can shop 24/7.  Just click on the "Shop Now" button and you'll be on your way!

Have a good one!

sweet fairy {hello} for 2S4Y

Hi all!  It's a brand new week, so that means it's time for a new 2S4Y sketch!  If you've seen my last couple of posts, you'll know that I've been having lots of fun playing with some of my new SU! products.  Well, I happened to incorporate a few things in my card today as well {wink}.  This week's sponsor at 2S4Y is Character Cafe, which is where the darling image you see above is from.  It's a digi stamp called Fairy Belletif.  But before I show you the full card, here's a look at Laura's sketch:

There's lots you can do with this sketch!  Very versatile, yet love the nice and clean lines.  Now, here's a look at the full card:

Isn't this fairy image precious?  I'm not typically one for Fairies, but this one is so sweet.  I had a lot of fun embellishing her - from her wings to her dress!  Not sure if you can tell in the picture, but I coated her wings with the Smooch Pearlized Accent Ink - it's applied like nail polish and has a nice little glimmer to it.  Then, I went a little nuts with my half pearl embellishments - those are so fun to apply!  Tip:  I've found that using a tweezer to place the pearls makes it much easier to get it to the exact spot you want.  What do you think of the card?  Hope you like it.  Here's the recipe for you:

{Fairy Hello}

*Stamps: Fairy Belletif {Character Cafe}, Tiny Tags {SU!}

*Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Blushing Bride, Sweet and Sour DSP

*Inks: Crumb cake {used to sponge the edges}, Regal Rose, Rose Red, Pretty In Pink, Blushing Bride

*Accessories: Tastful Trim Bigz XL die and Very Vanilla Seam Binding {sneak peeks from the Holiday Mini}; jewelry tag medium punch, string, Smooch Pearlized Top Coat

So, how about you check out the fab cards at 2S4Y and play along!  Cheers :)

{thank you} Funky Four

Hey there!  Hope you're enjoying your Sunday!  I have been having sensory overload with my new stamps and accessories that I had to share another card I created!  I was finally able to squeeze in some stamping time this weekend and boy did I have fun!  The snippet of the card above gives you a peek of some fun elements I played with.  Here's a look at the full card:

I just love the Funky Four stamp set paired with the Thank You sentiment from the Curly Cute stamp set.  So fun!  As you can see, I used my fave palette of orange a pinks - in this case, I used Pumpkin Pie Regal Rose, and Rose Red.  The square scallop frame is a sneak peek of a brand new Bigz die cut from the Holiday Mini.  It's a great size!  There's actually 2 squares on the die - one is 3" and the other is 1 3/4".  The scallop trim is also new - it's from a new Bigz XL die called Tasteful Trim.  It has 4 different trim styles that I know you'll love.  I know I do.  It'll be available on September 1st, so you can check it out in just a few weeks!  Here's the complete recipe for you:

{Funky Four Thanks}

All supplies Stampin'Up!

*Stamp Sets: Funky Four, Curly Cute

*Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Sweet and Sour DSP, Pumpkin Pie, Blushing Bride

*Inks: Pumpkin Pie, Rose Red, Regal Rose

*Accessories: {Holiday Mini sneak peeks} - Very Vanilla Seam Binding, Tasteful Trim Bigz XL die, Scallop Squares Bigz die; Brights and Regals designer buttons, linen thread

Funky Four Clear Mount Stamps - $11.95, Item #120438

Sweet & Sour Specialty DSP - $11.95, Item # 117390

Hope you like it!  Thanks for popping by!

How about some Sweet and Sour?

Hello again!  I'm back with some fun projects I created from a mix of scraps and new toys!  The UPS man came yesterday with my package of sneak peeks from the upcoming Holiday Mini and a few more items from the big new catty.  Of course, I couldn't resist.  I had to try out some new stuff! 

It's amazing what you can do with 1 sheet of cardstock.  I created the pillow box and 3x3 card above using an 8 1/2"x 11" sheet of Pretty in Pink paper.  Then, I dressed it up with the Sweet and Sour DSP, which is just adorable!  What I like most about it are the colors, which happen to include my current favorite palette of pink and orange.  I didn't use any of the orange DSPs this time, but rest assured you will be seeing those in the near future :)  My favorite part of these 2 quick projects is the die cut trim in the pink DSP.  It's a brand new Bigz XL die called Tasteful Trim that will be available in the Holiday Mini starting September 1st.  Here's an individual look at the 2 projects:

For the pillow box, I also dressed it up with the new seam binding that will be available in the Holiday Mini - it is so nice and shear and great for tying bows!  As for the butterfly - how cute is that punch?  I resisted so long getting it and finally broke down.  The pearl embellies are so fun, too.  Kinda getting addicted to those as well!

Hope you like the sneak peek.  That's it for now :)  I'm gonna try and make more projects this week for you guys {and for me, too!} 

Toodles.

Sneak Peek and Happy Friday

Hello there!  How are you guys today?  This is another week that flew by!  Is that just what happens as you get older?  My goodness!  Seems like time has a way of speeding up.  Well, today, I've got a little sneak peek for you - this is a card I made with a few goodies from the new SU! catty that will be available very soon.  July 1st in fact! 

I love the new DSP called Newsprint - it has a bunch of fun black and white printed papers - from maps, to musical sheets, to old advertisements...lots of awesome backgrounds to choose from to add character to your projects!  Here, I used the musical sheets for the background and punched out my leaves on the vintage map sheets.  Here's a look at the full card for you:

I was inspired to create my flower from Lisa Johnson's poppy flower tutorial.  I used SU!'s new larger scallop circle punch and punched 2 flowers, then layered it with the smaller scallop circle for the center flower.  For my black flower center, I followed Lisa's method of fraying black grosgrain ribbon to create that fuzzy center look.  Pretty fun!  Now, how about that sentiment?  So perfect for the look I was going for!  It's from the new Level 3 Hostess set called Occasional Quotes, which has a fantastic collection of sentiments in a variety of fun fonts.  I layered my sentiment on Very Vanilla cardstock, which was die cut from the Lots of Tags Sizzlit.  Then I layered that piece from one of the tag pieces on the Matchbox Bigz XL die.  I topped it off with a touch of bling and used 2 rhinestone brads from the pretties kit.  Did you see I used the pretty 1/8" taffeta ribbon too?  I just LOVE that ribbon - it dresses up my 5/8" black grosgrain ribbon quite nicely, don't you think? Viola!  That's it!  I basically described the entire card, but here's the recipe in an easy to read format:

{Birthday Wishes Newsprint}

All supplies Stampin'Up!

*Stamp Set: Occasional Quotes Level 3 Hostess Set {sneak peek!}

*Cardstock: Basic Black, Very Vanilla, Newsprint DSP, Regal Rose

*Inks: Basic Black

*Accessories: Matchbox XL die, Lots of Tags Sizzlit, Extra Large Scallop Circle and  Scallop Circle Punches, Eyelet Border punch, Black Grossgrain ribbon, 1/8" Black Taffeta ribbon, rhinestones from the Pretties Kit, corner rounder punch

For good measure - here's one last look at the card, without my candle prop ;)

Thanks for coming by today!  I'll catch up with you guys in a bit! Have a great weekend!

Mojo Sketch and Sneak Peek!

Hi all!  I am so excited to share a sneak peek of some new goodies from the upcoming Stampin'Up! catalog - and the great thing is, I got to incorporate it in this week's Mojo Monday sketch 142.  Here's a look at what the sketch looks like:

I'm so glad I got to play - it's been a while!  The sketch inspired me to create this fun card:

Whaddaya think?  How do you like that new embossing folder?  I think it's so pretty!  It's called Vintage Wallpaper.  I also used the gorgeous new 1/8" taffeta ribbon in basic black and the new Clearlits scallop rectangle die.  The paper I used for the butterfly is from the new DSP called Greenhouse Gala.  Here's the recipe for you:

{Thank You Vintage Butterfly}

*Stamp Set: Artistic Etchings {new!}, All Holidays

*Cardstock: Basic Black, Whisper White, So Saffron

*Inks: Basic Black, Daffodil Delight

*Accessories: 1/8" Basic Black Taffeta ribbon, Clearlits Scallop Rectangle, Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder, Eyelet Border punch, 1 3/8" and 1 3/4" circle punch, brad

Hope you like it!  Thanks for coming by!  Have a fantastic day!

{delicate} tissue flower

Wow - is it really Monday already?  Well, to start you off on your week, the card I created for today is based on a tissue flower technique that Liz Miller demonstrated at the WooHoo event this past weekend.  Of course I had to go home and try it! In making it, I was amazed at how delicate the flower looked as I crumpled and ruffled up the tissue!  Here's a close up of the flower:

Aren't those petals so natural looking?  I had fun making this flower - so easy and the finished flower looks so impressive!  Here's what I did to create this:

1.  I used the Extra Large Fancy Flower punch and punched out about 10 layers of gift wrapping tissue.  In order to punch it out properly, you'll need to sandwich the tissue between regular copy paper to create the firmess needed for your punch to go through all the tissue layers. 

2. Then I sponged the tips of the petals with s sponge dauber. 

3. Once I completed that, I stacked up all the flowers and used my paper piercing tool to create a hole in the center of the flower for my brad to go through. 

4.  After securing the flowers with the brad, I crumpled up the entire flower and mashed it into a ball.

5.  Then, I fluffed up and scrunched each of the layers until I was satisfied with my flower.

6.  For the petals, I used the new Island Floral Bigz die {available in the Summer Mini}

So whaddaya think?  I also tried my hand at making a vintage card.  I love seeing vintage cards, but I feel like I struggle creating the look.  So I decided to take baby steps.  I sponged the edges to create a vintage-y feel, but I think I've got a ways to go.  This is a technique I'll have to continue practicing!  Anyways, in the meantime, here's the recipe for the card for you:

{Delicate Flower Birthday}

*Stamps: Happy Moments, Tiny Tags

*Cardstock: Kraft, Whisper White, Sweet Pea DSP

*Accessories: Island Floral Bigz die, Impressions Square Lattice embossing folder, Old Olive Grosgrain striped ribbon, Square Ice Rhinestone Brad, Scallop Oval, Large Oval, and Modern Label punches, brads, tissue

Have a great day!  By for now :)

{sneak peek!} of Tropical Party and a 2S4Y challenge

Happy Friday, blog peeps!  Boy oh boy did this week fly by!  I got some super cute SU! Summer Mini sneak peek goodies in the mail the other day and decided to put them to use for this week's 2S4Y Challenge #50.  Here's what the sketch looks like:

I liked the idea of doing a long and skinny card.  I loved the nice and simple lines of the sketch and thought I would add a big splash of color with the Island Oasis DSP.  Here's a full view of the card I created:

I created a "ribbon" element with the Pinking Hearts Border punch, and I layered a piece of embossed cardstock using the new embossing folder called Impressions Square Lattice, which is also in the upcoming summer mini!  Are you wondering how I got it 2 toned?  Well, after embossing, I brayered over it in Old Olive, and viola!  Now, for the adorable stamps - that's from the new set called  Tropical Party.  These stamps and papers remind me of summer and are totally getting me excited for our trip to Kauai!  Here's one more snapshot of the card, just a tad closer up:

Are you excited about these summer mini products?!!  They'll be available from Stampin'Up! starting on May 1st!  Here's a recipe for this card:

{Tropical Party Birthday Card}

All supplies Stampin'Up! except where noted

*Stamps: Tropical Party , Well Scripted

*Cardstock: Whisper White, Island Oasis

*Inks: Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Creamy Caramel (sponge daubered on the edges)

*Accessories: Pinking Hearts Border Punch, Impressions Square Lattice Embossing folder, Large Oval Punch, Lots of Tags Sizzlits, Linen Thread; the buttons and wood wallpaper used for the tag are non-SU! supplies I had on hand :)

Thanks for taking a peek!  Enjoy your weekend