Summer Swirls

I'm taking a bit of creative liberty with the Stylin' Stampin' INKSpiration theme for today ~ Summertime!  Continuing with my focus on the Swirly Bird stamp set, I created a card using this week's Mojo Monday sketch.  The bright yellow reminds me of Summer, so we're just gonna go with it, okay?

 

I started with a Whisper White card base measuring 3-1/2" x 11", scored at 5-1/2".  Next I layered a strip of Neutrals Designer Series Paper (black polka dots) measuring 3/4" x 5-1/4", along the left side of the card.  I stamped Crushed Curry swirls onto a 2-1/2" x 5-1/4" piece of Crushed Curry card stock and layered it next to the DSP.  I die cut the swirly strip from Basic Black card stock and adhered it along the top of the card.

 

The banner focal point was stamped with an amazing new greeting stamp called Layering Love.  As a finishing touch, I added some die cut Crushed Curry card stock swirls.  I hope you are starting to fall in love with this stamp set.  You'll be able to start ordering from the new catalog on Wednesday.  The wait is almost over!

 

On the home front.....the reality of her brother being gone has settled in for Bella.  She came to me last night in tears and told me that she really doesn't like being the only child (at home).  We had a good, long heart-to-heart talk, and I let her get all of her feelings out.  It just breaks a mommy's heart.  That is the strange thing about his departure....there have been many emotions surrounding his leaving, but I haven't gotten sad about his decision to enlist.  I know that he is doing the right thing for him.  Just keep us all in your thoughts and prayers.  These emotional moments keep popping up at the most unexpected times.

  Thanks so much for stopping by!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Print Recipe

Product List

Layering Love Clear-Mount Stamp Set [141965] $16.00	Swirly Bird Photopolymer Bundle [142353] $46.75	Crushed Curry Classic Stampin' Pad [131173] $6.50	Basic Black Archival Stampin’ Pad [140931] $7.00
Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [100730] $8.50	Crushed Curry Classic Stampin' Pad [131173] $6.50	Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [121045] $7.00	Neutrals Designer Series Paper Stack [138435] $22.00
Banner Triple Punch [138292] $23.00	Big Shot [113439] $110.00

Masculine Monday

 Today on Stylin' Stampin' INKSpiration we are featuring Masculine cards for Father's day.  Yep!  It's coming up in just a few weeks.  This is also the second installment in my collection of Swirly Bird cards.  Since it's also Memorial Day, I went with a  Red, White, and Blue color combination.  

 

This is the first time using the new In-Color Dapper Denim and I think I'm in love.  It's not quite navy blue, not royal blue, but definitely somewhere in between.  I used it for the base of my card and also the bottom of the boat. For the "water", I die cut the waves from Vellum, Pool Party, and Marina Mist card stocks.  I layered them together and then had a happy mistake.  The glue seeped out around the edges, so I covered it with Dazzling Diamonds glitter. The glitter gives the water a nice shimmer.

 

The sentiment is from the Greatest Greetings stamp set and the Real Red patterned paper is from the Brights Designer Series Paper Stack.  You'll find the complete list of supplies at the end of this post.  The Swirly Bird stamp set and coordinating Big Shot dies will be available for ordering on June 1st.

Thanks for stopping by!

 

tams# 7266

Product List

Swirly Bird Photopolymer Bundle [142353] $46.75	Greatest Greetings Clear-Mount Stamp Set [140706] $25.00	Crushed Curry Classic Stampin' Pad [131173] $6.50	Pool Party Classic Stampin' Pad [126982] $6.50
Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad [126949] $6.50	Dapper Denim Classic Stampin' Pad [141394] $6.50	Dapper Denim 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [141414] $8.00	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [100730] $8.50
Pool Party 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [122924] $7.00	Marina Mist 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [119682] $7.00	Vellum 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [101856] $6.50	Brights Designer Series Paper Stack [138434] $22.00
Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter [133751] $5.00	Whisper White Thick Baker's Twine [141688] $3.50

Links by TheseAreMyStamps.com

 

Monday Montage 70

Welcome to the Monday Montage blog hop!  Every other Monday, my friends and I share inspiring projects.  Be sure to visit all 10 stops.....you don't want to miss anything!

 

It's been a huge week for our family as we sent our oldest off to boot camp.  I want to thank all of my stamping friends and family that have offered words of support and encouragement.  There was so much anxiety leading up to his departure, but now I'm starting to feel at peace about him starting this next chapter of his life.

 

This is also a big week with Stampin' UP! as we will be launching the 2016-2017 Annual Catalog.  There are so many amazing new stamp sets and products that it's hard to pick one favorite.  However, an early favorite for me is the Swirly Bird stamp set.  I'll be sharing samples that I've created with this set all week long.

 

I started with a layout from Freshly Made Sketches.  I cut the card base at 4-1/4" x 11" and scored it at 5-1/2".  The top layer measures 4" x 5-1/4".  All of the corners on the card base and top layer were rounded with the Project Life Corner Rounder Punch.  I've been using the Thick Whisper White Card Stock on most of my cards lately.  It holds up very well to watercoloring techniques like this background wash that I did with Pool Party ink and an aquapainter. 

 

This stamp set will pair perfectly with any greeting stamp set that you already own.  On this card, I used the Greatest Greetings stamp set.  I stamped the greeting onto Basic Black card stock with Whisper White Craft ink, then heat embossed with White embossing powder and the heat tool.  I punched Real Red card stock with the Sweetheart punch and the "cloud" was punched from Whisper White card stock with the Tree Builder punch.

 

Now you would think that with a name like Swirly Bird, that there would be swirls or birds, right?  Well, there are.  But there are also images that you can combine to create other objects, such as this kite.  For the life of me, I could not correctly line up the two images that make up the kite.  I ended up stamping them separately, cutting them out, and then putting them together on the card.  As a final step, I stamped the kite tail complete with red ties. 

 

Thanks so much for stopping by!  Be sure to visit all 10 stops on the hop.  Click next to see what the Wonderful Wendy has created or click back to check out Kreative Kaitlyn's fabulous project.

 

 

Back to Kaitlyn

 

Next to Wendy

 

 

Happy Stampin'

 

Print Recipe

Product List

Swirly Bird Photopolymer Stamp Set [141749] $25.00	Greatest Greetings Clear-Mount Stamp Set [140706] $25.00	Pool Party Classic Stampin' Ink Refill [122933] $3.25	Whisper White Craft Stampin' Pad [101731] $8.00
White Stampin' Emboss Powder [109132] $5.00	Heat Tool [129053] $30.00	Basic Gray Archival Stampin’ Pad [140932] $7.00	Smoky Slate Classic Stampin' Pad [131179] $6.50
Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad [126949] $6.50	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock [140272] $7.00	Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [121045] $7.00	Real Red 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [102482] $7.00
Aqua Painters [103954] $17.00	Sweetheart Punch [133786] $16.00	Tree Builder Punch [138295] $18.00	White Perfect Accents [138416] $5.00

Links by TheseAreMyStamps.com

Something Old & Something New

 

Welcome to the Control Freaks monthly blog tour! If you started at the beginning of the tour, you just visited the very talented, Heidi Baks. She always creates the most amazing cards!

 This month has been crazy busy with the end of the school year, recitals, presentations, parties, and preparing for my son to leave for Navy boot camp.  We are doing another going away party this weekend and have lots of friends & family coming to say good-bye.  I get anxiety just looking at our calendar!  If I can make it through the next 2 weeks, it will be good.  Our theme for the blog hop this month is something old and something new.....meaning that we are combining retiring products with products that will be available with the new catalog on June 1st.  I've had so little stamping time this month, so this was a nice challenge.

 

I'm really going to miss the It's My Party Designer Series Paper stack.  This is one of the brightest, boldest, and largest paper stacks that Stampin' Up! has ever offered.  I know that I've sold a bunch of them already and there is no way that anyone has been able to use the entire stack yet.  I still have a bunch left myself.  So for today's card, I paired the paper with a new stamp set called Confetti Celebration.  These work so well together so you'll definitely want to add this stamp set to your wish list.

 

 I also used quite a few new products that are great for making shaker cards.  Beginning June 1st, you'll be able to acquire Foam Adhesive Strips (essentially Dimensionals is strip form), Layering Squares Framelits, Thick White Baker's Twine (goes with EVERYTHING), and a fabulous Sprinkles punch (makes confetti--FUN!).

 

 If you haven't purchased the It's My Party Designer Series Paper stack, don't wait any longer.  It's only available while supplies last or May 31st, whichever comes first.  You will be very sad if you don't get this before it's gone forever.  LOL!

Please take a moment and leave a comment for the designers on the blog hop.  We love to hear from you!

 

Thanks so much for stopping by my little corner of the web!  Don't forget to visit Wendy Weixler to continue on the blog tour. 

 

 

 

Congrats Grad!

 

The Stout family is gearing up for a big graduation celebration this weekend.  My oldest son, Chandler, actually graduated mid-term but we decided to wait until Spring to have a party.  Then his ship date for Navy boot camp got moved up several months, so we've had to put a rush on getting everyone together before he leaves.  It's hard to believe this little guy is ready to take on the world.

 

So, today I'm sharing a quick gift card holder that I'll be giving him this weekend.  Since he's leaving soon for boot camp, I'll be filling it with stamps and calling cards, in addition to a little cash.  I found a great tutorial on Splitcoaststampers for this holder.

 

I used a combination of retiring and NEW products.  If any of these retiring products are on your wish list, be sure to order them now.  Many things are beginning to sell out!  Here is a link to 2 of the retiring products shown. 

Everyday Chic Designer Series Paper

Banner Punch

 

All of the supplies are listed at the end of this post.  You'll be able to purchase the Thoughtful Banners Stamp Set and a new Duet Banner punch beginning June 1st.  This is an awesome duo and has limitless possibilities!  I can't wait to show you more with them.

You can view even more graduation cards on the Stylin' Stampin' INKSpiration blog today.

 

Thanks so much for stopping by!

 

Print Recipe

Product List

B.Y.O.P. Photopolymer Stamp Set [137159] $25.00	Thoughtful Banners Photopolymer Bundle [142330] $35.00	Basic Black Archival Stampin’ Pad [140931] $7.00	Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad [126949] $6.50
Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [100730] $8.50	Real Red 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [102482] $7.00	Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [121045] $7.00	Silver Glimmer Paper [135314] $5.00
Kraft Tag A Bag Gift Bags [138315] $3.50	Banner Punch [133519] $13.00	Medium Star Punch [138293] $16.00	Handheld Stapler [139083] $10.00
Punch Corner Project Life [135346] $8.00	Everyday Chic Designer Series Paper [138445] $11.00	Big Shot [113439] $110.00	Large Numbers Framelits Dies [140622] $31.00

 

Monday Montage 69

Welcome to the Monday Montage blog hop!  Every other Monday, my friends and I share inspiring projects.  Be sure to visit all 10 stops.....you don't want to miss anything!

As I was going through my retiring Designer Series Papers today, I came across the cutest patterns in the Sweet Li'l Things DSP and knew that I needed to make a card pronto!  How had I not used this stuff sooner?  There are cute turtles, foxes, clouds, stars, and strawberries.  It sounds like a weird combo, but all of the patterns work well together.  I used 4 different patterns on today's card.

 

The layout is from Freshly Made Sketches.  I paired the Sweet Li'l Things Designer Series Papers with the Made with Love stamp set and Baby's First Framelits Dies.

 

 

The onesie image was stamped onto a patterned paper before cutting it out with the Big Shot and framelits.  I love the coordinating flower stamp/die along with the silver foil hanger, don't you?  You'll still be able to get this stamp set and the dies when the new catalog launches on June 1st.  However, there are only limited quantities of the Designer Series Paper. 

Edited to add: Ooops!  I just checked and this paper has already sold out!!!!

 

Thanks so much for stopping by!  Be sure to visit all 10 stops on the hop.  Click next to see what the Wonderful Wendy has created or click back to check out Kreative Kaitlyn's fabulous project.

 

 

Back to Kaitlyn

 

Next to Wendy

 

 

Happy Stampin'

 

Flirty Flamingo

There needs to be 3 versions of me to get through the next few weeks.  I'm not really sure I can do it all.  The end of the school year + my son heading off to the Navy + working full-time + new stamps = one stressed out mama!  I decided to escape to my stamp corner tonight for some rubber therapy.

Of course, while I'm whipping up this card, my darling husband begins to tell me that he has a box of my son's keepsakes/photos in the attic.  Apparently, I need to create a display at his going away party. The party is next weekend and I'm still trying to figure out food and basic decorations.

Disclaimer:  No husband was harmed during the making of this card.

 

I love to use window sheets on cards.  They're not just for shaker cards folks!  I cut my card stock base at 4-1/4" x 6-1/2", then score it at 1".  Cut the window sheet to 4-1/4" x 5-1/2", then adhere the flap of the card base over the top of the window sheet.  I added a strip of crumb cake that I had cut with the fringe scissors to hide my flap. The layout of the rest of the card comes from CAS(E) this Sketch.

 

I added the flamingo image, greeting, and a few candy dots onto the outside of the window sheet.  Next, I placed a small piece of the Botanical Gardens Designer Series Paper on the inside of the card.  This new stamp set is called Pop of Paradise and it coordinates wonderfully with the DSP shown.  The DSP is retiring at the end of this month, so you'll want to order it now.

Even though things are crazy-stupid-busy in my life right now, I've always got time for my customers.  If you need anything this month, feel free to email me at [email protected].  You can also stay in touch through Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.  All my links are in the right column.

 

Thanks so much for stopping by!

 

 

 

 

 

Words of Truth

What a difference a year makes!  Last year at this time, my family was struggling to make it to the end of the school year.  My daughter and her teacher had a bit of a personality clash, there was always an unhealthy amount of homework every evening and on weekends, and most days she would come home from school crying and exhausted.  It was a miserable time for all of us, but somehow we survived.

 

Words of Truth Clear-Mount Stamp Set $17

 

When the new catalog came out last year, one of the sets that caught my eye was Words of Truth.  I figured if we had another school year like that, I could make her some encouraging cards to tuck in her lunchbox.  It was one of the first sets I purchased!

Fortunately, Bella changed schools this year and has a wonderful teacher.  Miss Craig will be getting an awesome end of year gift, because we just LOVE her to pieces.  I think we'll all be sad to see this school year come to an end.  And sadly, Words of Truth never saw any ink.

 

Since I am trying to show a little inky love to my retiring stamp sets, I used a sketch from Freshly Made Sketches to whip up this quick card.  The background paper is from the Go Wild Designer Series Paper Stack which has been a favorite among my customers.  It's retiring, so you'll definitely want to add it to your next order.  I flicked some of the Gold Wink of Stella onto the Melon Mambo card stock to give it some texture.  And finally the Gold Foil Paper and Black candy dots pull everything together to make this card POP.

 

You only have a few weeks left to stock up on your retiring favorites. 

Here is a direct link to the Retired Products in my ONLINE STORE.

You'll also find a complete list of supplies for this card at the end of this post.

 

Thanks so much for stopping by!

 

 

 

Print Recipe

Product List

Words Of Truth Clear-Mount Stamp Set [139397] $17.00	Basic Black Archival Stampin’ Pad [140931] $7.00	Melon Mambo Classic Stampin' Pad [126948] $6.50	Gold Wink Of Stella Glitter Brush [141898] $8.00
Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [100730] $8.50	Go Wild Designer Series Paper Stack [138441] $8.00	Melon Mambo 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [115320] $7.00	Gold Foil Sheets [132622] $4.00
Neutrals Candy Dots [130934] $6.00

 

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

 Well, it's here......the 5th of May!  A great holiday that offers us the opportunity to eat Mexican food and drink Margaritas.  It sounds like the perfect celebration to me!  As if I really need an excuse to eat tacos. LOL!

 

We are featuring celebration cards on the Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration blog today. Check out what the other designers created HERE.

 

I used the Cherry on Top Cotton Papers and the fringe scissors to create the multi-colored fringe-y border.  Cut your strips of cotton paper into 2-inch widths, then score at 1".  Fold the paper in half and cut along the fold to create a fuller fringe look.

 

 

Since I didn't have any Cinco de Mayo stamps, I had to come up with something else.  I decided to use the Layered Letters Alphabet paired with the Balloon Builders stamp set for my "pepper" I.  The card was accessorized with White Baker's Twine and various enamel/candy dots.

 

You'll find a complete list of supplies at the end of this post.  Some of the items are on the retiring list, so be sure to order your favorites today.

Thanks for stopping by!

 

 

Print Recipe

Product List

Layered Letters Alphabet Photopolymer Stamp [138692] $27.00	Balloon Builders Photopolymer Stamp Set [140645] $16.00	Bermuda Bay Classic Stampin' Pad [131171] $6.50	Watermelon Wonder Classic Stampin' Pad [138323] $6.50
Cucumber Crush Classic Stampin' Pad [138324] $6.50	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [100730] $8.50	Watermelon Wonder 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [138334] $7.00	Cherry On Top Cotton Paper Assortment [138308] $7.00
Twine Baker's Whisper White [124262] $3.00	Fringe Scissors [133325] $10.00	It's My Party Enamel Dots [140554] $4.00	Brights Candy Dots [130931] $6.00
Subtles Candy Dots [130933] $6.00	Blossom Bunch Punch [140612] $18.00

More Retiring Goodies

I am such a huge fan of black & white, so it really surprised me that I haven't used the Everyday Chic Designer Series Paper very much this year.  Seriously, where has this stuff been hiding? 

Everyday Chic Designer Series Paper

 

And I really love adding a POP of color to Black & White, so I used the layout from this week's Freshly Made Sketches to create today's card.

 

I started by adding a POP of Melon Mambo ink directly onto the Everyday Chic Designer Series Paper with one of the stamps from Gorgeous Grunge (not retiring, thank you!).  I frayed some of the It's My Party Bakers Twine (retiring) and adhered it over the stamped area.  And finallly, I added a strip of Gold Glimmer Paper and a die cut "hello" from the Greetings Thinlits (retiring).

 

 

Stop whatever you are doing and double-check the retiring list of products.  There are still plenty of great items available and I would hate for you to miss out on any of your favorites. 

 

 

You'll find a complete list of supplies at the end of this post, along with links to easily purchase your retiring favorites.  And remember, anyone that makes a purchase with me this month will also receive a complimentary copy of the new 2016-2017 annual catalog at the beginning of June.

Thanks for stopping by!

 

Print Recipe

Product List

Gorgeous Grunge Clear Stamp Set [130517] $18.00	Melon Mambo Classic Stampin' Pad [126948] $6.50	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [100730] $8.50	Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [121045] $7.00
Melon Mambo 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [115320] $7.00	Everyday Chic Designer Series Paper [138445] $11.00	Baker's Twine Combo Pack [140555] $6.50	Gold Glimmer Paper [133719] $5.00
Greetings Thinlits Dies [138275] $15.00