happy new baby {challenge card!}

Hey there blog peeps!  How are you all?  Today, I've got a card share for you that's doing triple duty!  First, it covers one of my swap cards this month, which is a baby theme.  Then of course, I had to get my challenge fix, so my inspiration came from the Taylored Expressions card sketch and the Embellish label color challenge.  Here's a look at the sketch and colors (it's actually my second card for the Embellish challenge!)

I have to say that I love the color palette for the Embellish challenge.  The colors are so pretty together.  Hence, my inspiration to do another card in this scheme!  And, how fun is the Taylored Expressions sketch!  Here's a look at my full card for you:

I used the Smooch Spray and the Presto Papers DSP to create my grid background and found that the finished paper looked so pretty!  It's hard to tell in the picture, but the Smooch Spray gives the paper a shimmery look to it.  All you need to do is spray the paper 2-3 times, then take a sponge and spread the smooch spray all over the DSP.  The color I used was Log Cabin.  At first I thought it was going to be really dark, but it's got a chocolate-coppery look to it.  Very cool!  For my circles, I used the Circle Bigz die for the white piece with the stroller image, then I used my Circle cutter for the mat.  The scallop circle is from the Scallop Circle #2 die.  Another thing I discovered in making this card is that the stroller image on the scallop circle would make a perfect sized tag, too!  Here's the recipe for you:

{Happy Baby Card}

All supplies Stampin'Up!

*Stamp Set: Fun and Fast Notes

*Cardstock: Regal Rose, Chocolate Chip, So Saffron, Whisper White, Presto Papers DSP

*Inks: Chocolate Chip classic pad, Regal Rose marker

*Accessories: Polka dot embossing folder, Scallop Trim border punch, 3/4" and 1" circle punches, Heart punch, Scallop Circle #2 die, Circle Cutter, Circle die, Itty Bitty Punches, brad

Hope you like it!  Thanks for coming by today!

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!

Polka dots and stripes for 2S4Y

Hi all!  This week's 2S4Y sketch was lots of fun!  Our sponsor for the week was The Stamping Boutique, so I got to play with the adorable digistamp image above.  Wanna see what the sketch looks like?  Kazan created this week's sketch below.

It turned out perfect for the stamp I chose - I had debated on the colors to use for my little boutique.  Finally, I got my inspiration from the Embellish Challenge colors, so I decided to go with a Chocolate Chip/Apricot Appeal/Regal Rose palette.  Here's a look at my full card for you:

I popped up the clouds and added a bit of glitter to give my card some dimension and pizazz.  I really do love that image!  It's such a cute building. Plus, I really like the polka dots and stripes together.  To finish it off, I added a pretty pink taffeta bow. Whaddya think?  Hope you like the card!  I'm gonna scoot for now.  Have a great Monday!

{cruisin'}

Hey there!  How are you all?  I'm finally feeling better today.  Being sick was definitely no fun.  On that note, I've got a bright and cheery card share today that just reminds me of summer and vacation!  I got my inspiration from the Stamping 411 sketch this week, which I discovered this morning that I was too late to play.  Oh well, kind of a bummer, but at least it got me into the card making mode!  I used the new Pedaling Past stamp set from the summer mini and the vibrant Island Oasis DSP.  Here's a look at the full card for you:

Doesn't this card just wanna make you go outside and ride your bike?  Heehee.  Well, maybe that's a bit of hyperbole, but still.  For me it does conjure up the images of summer.  It also reminds me of the beach cruiser I had in high school.  Ahhh - those were the days.  I remember riding my bike to school every day my freshman year til I finally had friends that could drive, so I got to carpool in my sophomore year and then finally drive in on my own.  Fun times.  Here's the card recipe for you:

{Cruisin' card}

All supplies Stampin'Up!

*Stamp Set: Pedaling Past

*Cardstock: Rose Red, Whisper White, Island Oasis DSP

*Inks: Basic Black, Creamy Caramel, and Tempting Turquise Classic Ink Pads; Basic Black, Rose Red, Old Olive, Tempting Turquoise markers

*Accessories: Jumbo eyelet, Modern Label punch, brads, Tempting Turquoise grosgrain ribbon, sponge daubers used to create the sand and the sky

Hope you like the card!

Now, I have some fun pictures to share from this past weekend!  My hubby's college roommate and dear friend, Eric, came to visit us for the day and flew in on his plane.  Yes - PLANE!  It's a cool 4 seater plane.  He asked us if we wanted to go to Santa Barbara for dinner, and of course, we jumped at the chance! It was the coolest thing!  Had I not been on a small plane before, I probably would have been a little more freaked out, but truth be told, this was my second time in a small plane.  The first time was also with Eric, however, he neglected to tell us then that we were his very first passengers!!!  This was a few years ago, and he did end up telling us that we were his first passengers after we landed that time.  Granted, I was a little bit stunned learning that, but was impressed at his piloting skills for being a novice pilot.  So, fast foward to today - he's now a seasoned pilot with lots of flying under his belt.  He even let us fly the plane a bit, which was an awesome experience!   Here are some photos of our littley sojourn.

This is Michael (my hubby) and Eric in front of his fun plane.

We got to go around the peninsula and check out our neighborhood from the sky!  Here's a view of the Long Beach Harbor and Trump National Golf Course.

More pics from the peninsula.  The lighthouse below is the Pointe Vicente lighthouse.

This is a view of the Terranea Resort.  It was just gorgeous being able to see it from this angle!  The weather was fabulous for a plane ride, too - so clear!

Then we also got to see a view of Downtown Los Angeles in the distance - it's the grouping of tall buildings just off center in the picture below.

And finally...45 minutes later, we landed at the Santa Barbara airport!

All in all, the trip was AWESOME!

Thanks for visiting today!  Have a good one!

Last Chance Stamp Sets and Accessories!

Hi again.  Today was quite the busy day! For those of you in the US, I had to share that Stampin'Up! posted the retiring stamp sets and accessories lists from this year's catalog.  So, you have from now until June 30th to scoop up your favorite stamps from this list!  And, for the accessories, it's your last chance while supplies last.  Click below to see the lists.

Last Chance Stamp Sets - by page number

Last Chance Accessories

Last Chance Definitely Decorative

You can shop any time 24/7 on my Stampin'Up Demonstrator Website.  Just click the "Shop Now" button in the upper right corner. 

If you've been thinking about becoming a demonstrator, Stampin'Up! also has a special for the month of June on the Starter Kits!  You can be a part of my team for just $99 - find out more about it on my promotions page on my demo website or you're always welcome to contact me if you have any questions!

I just ordered a bunch of sneak peek items from the upcoming 2010-2011 catty that I'll be sharing with you soon....stay tuned!  Super cute stuff!!!

OK - I think I'm gonna say goodnight. Bye for now.

embellish...{take 2}

Hello again - I made a second card for the Embellish with Butterflies color challenge.  I just got this ribbon this past weekend at a local craft store and have been wanting to play with it - can you tell I'm going through a ribbon fetish? Love this polka dot green ribbon! I also have been wanting to use my neglected Woodgrain background stamp.  It's definitely been underutilized, and I don't know why.  I'll definitely be using it more often! This card was way quick and simple.  Hope you like it! ;)  Here are the deets:

{Butterfly Thanks}
All supplies Stampin'Up! except where noted
*Stamp Set: Thank You Kindly, Woodgrain
*Cardstock: Kraft, Basic Black
*Inks: Creamy Caramel, Basic Black
*Accessories: Beautiful Butterflies Bigz die, Itty Bitty Shapes punch, 1/8" circle punch, Kiwi Kiss corduroy button (retired), Filigree desinger brad; Sizzix texturz plate, PTI twine

Thanks for peeking!

Embellish Challenge!

Hi all!  Happy June!  I've got a quick post for you today - I had a chance to create a card for the Eembellish challenge!  Here's a look at the fun colors:

I love this muted color palette.  The challenge also calls for butterflies, so here's the card I came up with:

I used the Beautiful Butterflies die and also had fun with the new Presto Papers, which I used in the background.  Aren't those ribbons fun?  I had to indulge when I saw them on a favor website I was checking out.  They really are gorgeous in real life!   

{Butterfly Birthday}

All supplies Stampin'Up! except where noted

*Stamp Sets: Watercolor Trio, Happy Moments {SU! SAB set}

*Cardstock: Textured and Plain Basic Black, Presto Papers, Sweet Pea DSP

*Inks: Creamy Caramel, Old Olive

*Accessories: Beautiful Butterflies and Top Note Bigz Dies, Playground Button; PTI twine and button; silk ribbons from favor site

Thanks for coming by today - hope you hav a good one!