Tree Card

I recently pulled out a neglected stamp set of mine, Trees and Things (CTMH).  It is a fun set to play with because it has a three part tree image and then cute accessories like swings, lanterns, small animals, etc.  I will be featuring this stamp set for the rest of the week and into next week.  I used the "rock n' roll" technique to create a two-toned leaf design for the treetop using Pear and Olive inks, and then used some patterned paper from one of my MOST favorite paper packs, Stella (CTMH), for the "grass."  The sentiment, tree trunk, and swing are stamped in cocoa ink, and the sentiment is from Because of You stamp set (CTMH, retired)--the inside reads "when friends fill our lives."  I plan to send this card to a dear friend who is struggling with some things in her life right now.  

Treasure Life Card

This is a fun, generic card that was fun to make.  It did take a bit more time to put together because of the layered stamping, but the background effect is really nice.  I used patterned paper from Perfect Day paper pack (CTMH, retired) as my card front, and then stamped on cream cardstock with Noted Backgrounds (CTMH) stamp set with Bamboo ink.  Then, I used A Tweet stamp set (CTMH)--the bird in Juniper ink, and the twigs and sentiment in Cocoa ink (and used cocoa to ink the edges)--and used that as my focal point for the card.  I then tied a piece of twill at the bottom for a bit of added interest.  I LOVE using background stamps, but sometimes skip this step for the sake of time--I need to get back into using them more.  Thanks for stopping by :)

Find Your Style Cards

Sorry I have been away for awhile!  My MIL has been visiting and we have had some great time with the kids.  I wanted to share a few cards with you using the stamp set Find Your Style (CTMH) that is truly a beautiful set.   I stamped it in black ink (which really makes the details of the stamped image POP) and then matted it on black cardstock.  The patterned paper is from Making Memories--a small paper pack from Michael's if I recall correctly. I gave these four cards as a boxed set for my sister last year :)

Cross Sympathy Card

Sympathy cards are never fun to make in some ways--I usually make them up as needed and it is often associated with a severe illness or death of a friend or family member. I think the only way around that is to make them up ahead of time! This card features the Magnifique paper from CTMH (retired) and a great stamp set from Papertrey Ink (PTI) called Everyday Blessings. The inside sentiment is from a SU set called God's Blessings. I used Pacifica ink exclusively (CTMH) and the blue adhesive gems from CTMH, as well, for the cross points. Thanks for stopping by!

Embossed Star Birthday Card

I put my Creative Memories star punch to good use again with this fun birthday card featuring Stampin Up "in colors" cardstock--calypso coral, pool party and lucky limeade--on a kraft card base. I pretty much copied one of CM card ideas from their home page, but then used my own stamped sentiment (calypso coral ink) using CTMH's Card Chatter Birthday stamp set. Love how it turned out--crisp, clean, and great for guys or gals. (note: inside reads "...and many, many more"

Snail Card

I am still having fun with the Button Buddies stamp set (SU). This card features the snail image and the sentiment from Petite Pairs (SU). I used the square punch from Creative Memories--this is handy because it has two square punches that can be used together to create a mat effect--very handy. I used various ink colors (SU) with coordinating cardstock: lucky limeade, pool party, calypso coral, and pacifica (CTMH). You can pair this image with buttons, but I chose not to--I thought the stamped image was just as cute by itself. Inside reads "begin with you." Thanks for stopping by :)

Button Buddies cards

I made a few little 3x3 enclosure/gift cards using the Button Buddies stamp set (SU). These are pretty simple--I made my own 3x3 white card bases (just had to buy 3x3 envelopes from SU or CTMH) and stamped the images on white cardstock, then backed them using coordinating cardstock with the ink I used. I sewed the cherry buttons on, while I just used a glue dot for the pig's nose. Either way looks cute, I think. The sentiments come from Petite Pairs (SU) on the cherry card, and Say it in Style (CTMH) on the pig card. Have a great Tuesday :)

Kraft Flower Button Card

I am trying out some Stampin' Up products this week. I really love the concept of pairing stamped images with buttons, so this stamp set Button Buddies (SU) was a great choice for me and lots of fun to use. I especially love the flower vase image because I've collected quite a few flower-shaped buttons, and they look adorable paired with this image. I just love with this paper pack from their sale-a-bration collection, Everyday Enchantment--it uses several of their "in colors" like lucky limeade, calypso coral, and pool party--love this color combination. I mostly stamped in pool party (aqua) and mounted my stamped image on pool party cardstock. The sentiment is from CTMH card chatter sympathy stamp set (one of my favorites) and I am also using a CTMH kraft card base. Thanks for stopping by today :)