Bohler's Babblings

Blogger's Challenge #225: Back to School

2011-08-12T08:14:00.000-05:00

It has to happen sometime...summer vacation has to end! I just didn't want it to happen! But, I'm looking forward to a terrific group of first and second graders so I guess I'll survive!

Our challenge was to "celebrate" the beginning of a new school year! I needed a birthday card for an adorable little guy who will be my great-nephew as soon as my nephew marries his mom on 9-10-11!!!

I used a set from the Summer Mini called Recess...best part of the day! (Usually my only prep time!) I also snuck in a set from the "big" catty called Pennant Parade...isn't it terrific? The punch matches the set perfectly! Love all of the new punches/stamp sets that Stampin Up has designed!

Check out the other players below and join in!!!

Blogger's Challenge #223 & 224: Embossing and Color Challenge!

2011-08-05T11:22:00.000-05:00

I don't know where my time went this week! But I didn't do my blogger's challenge last week so I combined the two by embossing this one! Our colors to work with were shades of green, purple and brown. Now, just saying those colors doesn't sound very appealing to me....but try different combinations and you may surprise yourself!

I went with Lucky Limeade, Wonderful Wisteria and Crumb Cake...they worked very well together! I embossed the doily images from the Delicate Doilies set and then used a sponge dauber in those colors to sponge in the color. I finished off using the Wonderful Wisteria Ruffled Ribbon and the Doily Triple Layer punch! Thanks for looking!

Stampin Up! August Promotion!!!

2011-08-01T09:45:00.000-05:00

Buy any 3 $10.95 Designer Series Paper (DSP) from the Summ er Mini or pages 184-186 & get one FREE!

Blogger's Challenge #222: Summertime

2011-07-22T07:26:00.000-05:00

I was really stumped on what to do for my Summertime theme. I finally resolved that I needed a birthday card and I would go with light, fun, "summery" colors.

I began with my color combo. Don't you love this retro pink/blue? I used Pretty in Pink and Tempting Turquoise but Stampin' Up has a lot of choices that you could substitute. (I wanted Island Indigo but I don't own it in a craft ink so I went with Turquoise.)

I pulled out the Fancy Fan Letterpress. The Letterpress plates work best with Craft inks and watercolor paper. SU now has much larger watercolor paper available, too!

Panels are a challenge for me...to get them the same size and spaced properly but I was successful! After that, the rest of the card came together really quickly with a few punches (Cupcake Builder, 1 3/4" Circle, 2 3/8" Scallop Circle and the Modern Label punch. I also used the Movers and Shakers to layer the Modern Layer punch.) I added a few rhinestones and ta-da, my card is complete!

Be sure to check out what Summertime fun the other players had below! Also, as always, you are invited to play along. Please make sure that Blogger's Challenge is a prominent part of your post.

Blogger's Challenge #221: Sketch

2011-07-15T20:41:00.000-05:00

Lisa created a sketch for us to work with this week. I really loved it and came up with a card lickety split! I used some DSP Paisley Petals and do you recognize the flower? Yep, it's the Fun Flower die again! Guess I love it, huh?

Be sure to check out the other players below! Also remember that you are always invited to play along. PLEASE make Blogger's Challenge the main focus of your post!

Blogger's Challenge #220: Floral Frenzy!

2011-07-08T15:27:00.001-05:00

The Big Shot shines again in my card this week! I used the Bigz L Die Fun Flowers to create the funky DSP/Pacific Point flower. I added a little color with a Melon Mambo Pastel. The background is done with the Elegant Bouquet Textured Impressions Embossing Folder and it's colored with more pastels in Wild Wasabi, Melon Mambo and Pacific Point.

Thanks for feeling floral with me! Be sure to check out the other players below! You are also invited to play along with us! Make sure to have Blogger's Challenge as the main point of your post!

Blogger's Challenge #219: Color Challenge

2011-07-01T06:21:00.000-05:00

Happy Independence Day!It's pretty obvious what our colors were for this challenge! Specifically, I used Pacific Point, Riding Hood Red and Whisper White. I kept it VERY simple. I used a new punch from the now available 2011-2012 Stampin Up catalog! It's called Petite Pennants...so cool! I also used my Big Shot and a Decorative Strip Die called Naturally Serif. It's a great way to own an entire set of an alphabet at a low cost!

Thanks for looking and be sure to see what the other players did with these colors!

Blogger's Challenge #218: Things with Wings

2011-06-24T08:57:00.000-05:00

While lying in bed last night, this idea came to me for the Things with Wings challenge this week. I got to use a few new things that will be in the new Stampin' Up Catalog, too!

First, the color: Wisteria Wonder. It's a new In Color. We now have 10 In Colors and this is a fab purple! The images are from a set called Delicate Doilies. So superb! I stamped the doilies in Wisteria Wonder and then, used a Versamark pad to stamp the butterflies from Flight of the Butterfly and clear embossed them. I used my brayer and Wisteria Wonder to roll the ink over the embossed images. I added some rhinestones for a little bling and stamped the sentiment with Concord Crush, an In Color from last year.

Thank you so very much for checking my card out today and be sure to visit the other players. Also, you are invited to play along and add your link below!

Blogger's Challenge #216: Sketch

2011-06-10T08:06:00.000-05:00

Didn't Lisa give us an awesome sketch? I love it when I just look at a sketch and know exactly what I want to do with it:

It came together really easily this week! I used the Paisley Petals DSP...it was a sneak peek in April and will be in the new catalog on July 1! I cut out the dies from the Big Shot Bigz die called Beautiful Butterflies (an SU exclusive die). I stamped it with the flowers from Tiny Tags. The Thank You sentiment is from Teeny Tiny Wishes stamped on the Modern Label Punch. I altered the punch a bit. I punched the entire label out and then reinserted both ends to trim it a bit.

Thanks for looking and see what you can do with this sketch! Remember to post Blogger's Challenge as the main focus of your blogger post when you share! Also, the other players are shown below! Please take time to check them out!

Mojo Monday!

2011-06-08T20:27:00.001-05:00

Boy! It's been a LONG time since I did a Mojo Monday sketch! I found a little bit of extra time now that school is out!

I used some soon to be retiring papers from SU: Blueberry Crisp! Blueberry pie was my favorite growing up and still is! Actually, anything blueberry is pretty darn good, especially this DSP!

Thanks for checking it out and shop my website (http://www.lisabohler.stampinup.net/ ) if you want to shop for these soon to be gone items!

Blogger's Challenge: Pets

2011-06-03T08:27:00.000-05:00

Our challenge this week was to do something with pets. I was all set as I just finished these pages last month on My Digital Studio...have I mentioned how much I love to do my scrapbooking the digital way?

Suzy and Daphne love to nap...they're dogs, aren't they? So I snapped a few pictures over the winter and made these pages.

Be sure to see the other Pet Challenges that the other players did and you are also invited to play along!

Happy Stampin!

Blogger's Challenge #214: Make it Shimmer!

2011-05-27T17:05:00.000-05:00

Our assignment was to Make It Shimmer! So, I pulled out the Sizzix Permanent Adhesive sheets and punched out a bunch of the 5-Petal Flower Punch, Shimmery White cardstock and the Fine Supernova Glitter and came up with this bit of shimmer this morning!

Thanks for checking it out! Please check out the other players below and also remember that you are invited to play, too! Please make sure that Blogger's Challenge is prominently included in your post!

Blogger's Challenge #213: Inspiration

2011-05-20T07:50:00.000-05:00

When I saw that the theme of the inspiration photo was mostly nautical items, I didn't know what to do. SU came out with some cool nautical stamps, paper and such for the Summer Mini...but I didn't buy any of it!!! No problem! My Digital Studio to the rescue!

I logged in to SU, bought the same mentioned items in DIGITAL format and created the following card with My Digital Studio!

Plus, just like when you buy stamps, I can use this stuff over and over and over! Plus, the digital paper will NEVER run out!!!

You can check out the other nautical ideas below from the other players! And...please play along with us! Be sure to mention Blogger's Challenge prominently in your post!

Blogger's Challenge #212: Sketch

2011-05-14T09:00:00.000-05:00

I begin with an apology for not posting on time! It wasn't my fault this time! I went to post on Thursday night and Blogger was doing some fixing. I woke up on Friday, same problem! It was out of my hands from that moment on as I was out of town for a school track meet all day Friday and pooped out all night!

Well, enough excuses! Here's the sketch:

I flipped it to the side and took a few liberties with the center portion. I had More Mustard and Marina Mist on my stampin station at the time so those are the colors that inspired me for this one!

Please use the sketch for yourself and share what you did! The other Blogger's Challenge players are below and add yourself! Be sure to make Blogger's Challenge a main portion of your post!

Blogger's Challenge #211: Nature

2011-05-06T06:10:00.001-05:00

Our challenge for this week was Nature. I chose to use the new set from Stampin' Up! called Strength and Hope. $2 from every sale of this stamp set will go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation!!! It's available for just $13.95 in Clear Mount (123660) and $17.95 in Wood Mount (118100). Such a GREAT deal! Let me know if you would like to place an order for this set...I'll have an order going in on May 15th!

Enough of my sales pitch! Please play along with this challenge! The "rules" are on Lisa Somerville's blog (http://www.lisasomerville.com/). Also, see what other players found in nature this week by seeing their links below!

Happy Stampin'!

Blogger's Challenge #210: Colors!! Rose, Green and Blue

2011-04-30T13:47:00.000-05:00

I had LOTS of fun with the color challenge this week! It took me a couple of days to find time to put the card together but I finally finished it this morning!

First, I chose two blues (Pacific Point and Baja Breeze), Rose Red and Wild Wasabi. My picture makes the rose look much brighter than it is in real life, though!

I chose to use a sneak peek from the Summer Mini catalog that starts tomorrow! I created almost all of the background punches with one punch!!! It's called Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch and you get your moneys worth when you purchase it! The only punch I added was the 1/2 inch circle in the middle of the outline flowers! I had dyed the satin ribbon a long time ago (back when Pacific Point was an In-Color and now it's a standard Stampin' Up! Color!)

My next door neighbor is celebrating her 80th this weekend so I thought I'd give her this card!

Happy Stamping! Please play along with us! The rules are found on our list mom's blog (http://www.lisasomerville.com/)

Blogger's Challenge #209: Ribbon or Lace

2011-04-22T13:20:00.000-05:00

I knew exactly what I wanted to do for this challenge! I just needed time at home to do it! But, after church last night and church this morning, I am finally posting my challenge...

I made this card to thank Julie, my latest party hostess. I used Sticky Strip and Seam Binding Ribbon in Always Artichoke and Crumb Cake as my ribbon technique. Super simple. I love how the seam binding can be added without making my cards too thick! Sure hope we see this product line in the new catalog in July!!!

Have a blessed rest of your Holy Week and a Blessed Easter to all!

Check out the other challenges below!!

Blogger's Challenge #208: Sketch

2011-04-15T06:36:00.001-05:00

Lisa created this great sketch for us. I wasn't sure at first what to do with it but all sketches end up inspiring me at some point!

I finally came up with this:

I LOVE the Cherry Cobbler color, don't you?

Thanks for looking and have a GREAT day! Be sure to see the other players below!

Blogger's Challenge #207: Inspiration Photo

2011-04-08T04:03:00.001-05:00

Lisa challenged us with the photo above. I really liked the idea of layered frames and so this is what I came up with:

I took images from several different stamp sets that had simliar line styles. I stamped them in Basic Gray ink, often stamping off to create depth. I punched them out with the 1 1/4 square punch and then put it on textured Basic Black cardstock and punched out with the 1 3/8 inch square punch. I layered them onto Marina Mist textured cardstock. Using the textured cardstock adds a little more that the photo doesn't quite pick up!

Thanks for checking out my card! Please see what the other players did below AND please PLAY ALONG!!!

Blogger's Challenge #206: Birds

2011-04-01T08:17:00.001-05:00

There was no question as to which stamp set I would use for today's challenge. I grabbed my Nature Walk set and created my own designer paper. I stamped the images onto Naturals Ivory cardstock wth Early Espresso ink. I added a touch of color on the bird's belly with Bravo Burgundy and used Not Quite Navy to sponge a little bit of blue around the images.

I used the Four Frames stamp set to create a label that goes with the Decorative Label Punch. Don't recognize this set? It's JUST available for purchase today! It's actually a sneak peek from the 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalog! You can purchase it after you meet a $20 minumum purchase requirement. There is also a package of Designer Series Paper that you can also purchase after meeting that requirement. Contact me if you are interested!!!

Thanks for looking and be sure to see the other challenges below. Remember, you are invited to also join in!

Blogger's Challenge #205: Sketch

2011-03-25T06:37:00.000-05:00

I have to make this a super quick post...my computer is tired and old this morning!

Lisa gave us the sketch above as our challenge! Super fun! I finally got to break out my Eat Chocolate set and came up with this card:

I think I successfully tinted my pearls pink! I just used a Melon Mambo marker and when I compared it to a pearl without color, you can see the difference. Probably the most subtle item but imporant as I was using white cardstock and the pearls are little off white.

Be sure to see what the other players did and please, play along by adding your name and your link to the group below!

Blogger's Challenge #204: Spring Flowers

2011-03-18T20:40:00.000-05:00

I am so glad to be sharing my version of a spring flower with you! In the latest copy of Stampin Success (a magazine for SU demos) they showed some samples of Mother of Pearl stamping techniques. I made up a quick sheet of it last night and finished my card tonight when it was dry and ready to run through my Big Shot with the Fun Flowers die...do you think I like this die?

I used some creative elements from some other recent cards (a layout from a sympathy card, the embossing from last week's challenge) plus the Mother of Pearl tech and my card is finally complete!

Thanks for looking and please play along! Just enter your name and project link below!

Blogger's Challenge #203: Happy Birthday to Lisa S!

2011-03-11T06:12:00.000-06:00

Our challenge given to us from our list mom, Lisa, was a birthday challenge. I happen to know that SHE will be celebrating her birthday next week so my card will be in the mail to her right after I finish this post!

Lisa LOVES Basic Black! If you check out her blog, I think it's rare to not find her signature black on her cards and projects! So that was MY inspiration for her card!

Thanks for checking out my card this week. Be sure to see what the other players did and know that you are invited to play along!

Blogger's Challenge #202: Color!

2011-03-04T08:09:00.000-06:00

Look Mom! No Stampin'!

Our challenge was to use peach, white and green. I chose Peach Parfait, Pear Pizzazz and Whisper White. Since my niece is soon due with baby #3, I was inspired to make a baby card with these colors! I only used some ink to color my scallop circle made from the Presto Patterns DSP! I used a layout/idea inspiration from a card by Julia Stainton in the latest issue of Papercrafts magazine.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today and please, check out the other players below. Also, I invite you to play along with the challenge!

Blogger's Challenge #201: Sketch!

2011-02-25T04:21:00.002-06:00

Don't freak out...I'm on time this week! I actually am going to try to work ahead of schedule...I used to be able to do this so I'm hoping I will be able to again!

Lisa S. created the awesome sketch above. It didn't take too long for me to figure out what I was going to do with it!

I knew I needed a bit of texture, some scallops and some DSP to complete my project! I did use Cherry Cobbler but this is coming out way brighter than Cherry Cobbler really is in real life!

Thanks for checking out my card and please, check out below what the other players did with the sketch. Finally, please play along with us!

Blogger's Challenge #200: Emboss Me!

2011-02-18T22:09:00.000-06:00

I'm finally posting again! I was super sick with the flu last week so I apologize for not creating or posting anything! I have conquered that illness so now I can produce something!

Our challenge this week was to emboss. I used a Texturz plate for my Big Shot to add the texture on the background after I stamped and the border is created with the Framed Tulips Impressions folder. I added lots of sponging to complete my work.

Please be sure to see what the other players embossed by checking out their links below. Happy Stampin'!

Explore Your Creativity with Stampin' Up!

2011-02-16T15:18:00.002-06:00

Blogger's Challenge #198: Color Challenge!

2011-02-04T06:33:00.000-06:00

This week's color challenge was to used Black, White and Red in our project. Well, I cheated a bit and used Very Vanilla in place of Whisper White but I wanted to use my Newsprint DSP so I had to make that adjustment.

My main image is from the set called Friends 24-7. I LOVE this set! LOVE IT! I also snuck in a set you can get for free with the Saleabration benefits (place a $50 order before shipping, handling and tax and choose this or LOTS of other sets free!) This set is called Bliss. LOVE the flourish in it! I also used the background stamp called Sanded. I finished it off with the ribbon and an Antique Brad.

Thanks for looking and be sure to check all of the Players below! You are also invited to play along!

Blogger's Challenge #197: Happy Birthday!

2011-01-28T06:13:00.000-06:00

Our challenge this week was to use birthdays as our inspiration. I always need a birthday card so that's what I did!

I started with the Springtime Vintage papers from the Occasions Mini. I used the Lattice Impressions folder to add texture and layered it with a piece of Rose Red, a favorite of mine! I distressed it with lots of Early Espresso ink. I used the matching paper and the Fun Flower Bigz L Die to create a flower as my focal piece. (Can you believe that at first, this die was a maybe on my wishlist? I can't now!) I added more depth by sponging the edges of each layer with Early espresso ink. My card base is Crumb Cake (again!) and I stamped the sentiment from the Create a Cupcake stamp set to finish the card.

Be sure to check out the other players' work below and please play along and create a birthday themed project of your own!

Blogger's Challenge #196: Pattern Papers

2011-01-21T14:34:00.000-06:00

Our Challenge this week was to use patterned papers in our project. I am sharing a little 3 by 3 notecard set that I made for my hostess last night. The box is created with four of the die cuts made from the Scallop Envelope Bigz die. (This also makes a really cute envelope!) By adhering together the side flaps from the envelope die, you can create a little box!

The DSP (Designer Series Paper) I chose to use is called Springtime Vintage. I love the combination of colors that this collection offers: Not Quite Navy, Baja Breeze, Rose Red, Pear Pizzazz, Crumb Cake, River Rock, Very Vanilla and Always Artichoke. Super pretty color options!

I tried a Faux Iris Folding technique on this one. I punched the heart with the Heart Punch and then used strips of paper on the back to create a random pattern.

This one uses the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border punch and the new birthday set from the Occasions Mini called Bring on the Cake!

This card uses a couple of the oval shaped punches (Large Oval and Scallop Oval) with an addition of Rhinestones to add a little sparkle.

Below, you can see the links to the other creations. We hope you are liking this new style of connecting the Blogger Challenge Players together. The other awesome part is that you can participate, too! Just add the link to where you are posting your card and you can play along, too!!!

Blogger's Challenge #195: Sketch!

2011-01-15T21:24:00.001-06:00

Our list mom, Lisa, created a sketch for us to use. I was inspired by the DSP Elegant Soiree. I continued to put my card together and never used the paper the inspired me! I did get to use a little something from the NEW Occasions mini, though! The "punch" around the sentiment is from a set called Baby Blossoms...super fun set! I actually used it for a recent swap, too!

Thanks for stopping by to visit and I hope you take a little time to check out what the other BC members did! I also invite you to try it for yourself!

Happy Stampin'!

Blogger's Challenge #194 Color Challenge

2011-01-07T06:37:00.000-06:00

Lisa issued a color challenge this week. I teased her because the colors were yellow, green and brown. I thought that maybe she was saying that I should go with a football and the colors of the Green Bay Packers!! As you can see, I decided not to go in that direction!

I'm using some new products from the Occasions Mini catalog just released this week. Sweet Stitches DSP, Sew Suite Stamp set, and the Sweet Buttons Embosslit for the Big Shot are the new items. I created the sentiment using the Sweet Shoppe Lower Alphabet.

The green is Wild Wasabi and the yellow is Daffodil Delight. I used Early Espresso for my brown and used it to stamp everything. My favorite neutral is Crumb Cake and I used quite a little bit...I guess that could also be my brown.

Thanks for looking and be sure to see what the other girls came up with...maybe there are other Packer fans who really did a Packer theme with these colors!! Hee hee! Have a GREAT day!

Blogger's Challenge #193: Reuse or Recycle

2010-12-31T13:44:00.000-06:00

I'll admit this is a stretch....big time! I am reusing (sort of) some fabric that will be unavailable on Jan. 4. I had used the fabric on my door decoration eariler so that's how I am reusing...super LAME!!!

I saw that Claudia had made a couple of these ornaments and I wanted to try them out. I used the larger scallop square on the Scallop Squares Duo Bigz Die to cut out the squares and the fabric is the Deck the Halls Fabric from the Holiday Mini catalog.

I watched this video to learn how to make it. Mine turned out a little odd shaped but only because I could only find a 2 1/2 inch styrofoam ball so try a 3 inch styrofoam ball and see if you are more successful!

Off to see how the other girls reused and recycled. Please check them out, too!!!

Happy New Year and God's blessings to you all!

Blogger's Challenge #192: Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T10:22:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas (Eve)! Our challenge this week was something Christmas. Since we can't have Christmas without Christ, I thought that using the Rejoicing in Christmas set was appropriate for this reason! This set is only available until Jan. 3. There is a sneak peek as I am using the Baja Breeze Seam Binding ribbon from the upcoming Occasions Mini. That will be available on Jan. 4.

I pray that all of you have a blessed Christmas and celebrate the real meaning of Christmas!

Peace to you from Christ Jesus, Our Savior!

Blogger's Challenge #191 Sketch Challenge

2010-12-19T07:18:00.000-06:00

We had a sketch challenge. My stampin muse/mojo/creativity had left me until now so I am so sorry to be posting so late! Here's the sketch that Lisa gave us to use:

Isn't it a good one? This is finally what I came up with. It's uses a set from the upcoming Occasions mini and an embosslet from that catty, too.

Thanks for looking and hope you play along, too! Please also check out what the other players created!

Blogger's Challenge #190: Happy Birthday!

2010-12-10T05:08:00.001-06:00

Our challenge for this week was to create a birthday card! I received my Papercrafts magazine in the mail today and saw a card by Susan Deering West that I had to CASE (copy and share everything). It's on page 79. She uses pinks and burgundys as her colors. I chose to base my work on the Blueberry Crisp DSP (designer series paper.) The bottom portion of the card is Crumb Cake...looks kind of olive in my photo...

Please be sure to see what other birthday celebrating is being done by my fellow BC members. Also, play along! I'd LOVE to see how you celebrate!

Blogger's Challenge #189: Christmas Ornament

2010-12-03T04:35:00.018-06:00

Please take my word for it but this is one project that definitely looks MUCH better in real life! Our challenge was to make a Christmas ornament. I knew that I wanted to use the Deck the Halls Designer Fabric from the Holiday mini.

First, I used twisted three pipe cleaners to make my base circle. Then, I cut strips of fabric (around 9 of each color, at 5 inch lengths) and started tying knots! I also alternated Always Artichoke and Very Vanilla seam binding pieces throughout. (I also wanted to use the Cherry Cobbler seam binding but mine just shipped from SU today...I waited TOO long to get this stuff...it's AWESOME!!!!!)

I wasn't quite happy with that finished product so I knew what I needed to add...BIG DESIGNER BUTTONS that match...that's what is always great about using SU product...it always matches!!! I used linen thread to tie on my buttons and my project was complete! I think I might hang it on a doorknob instead of my Christmas tree!

Be sure to see what the other players did for their ornaments and thanks for checking my project out!

Blogger's Challenge #179: Color Challenge

2010-11-26T05:20:00.002-06:00

Hope you all had a safe and blessed Thanksgiving!

Our challenge this week was to create something using blue, mustard and rust. I chose Pacific Blue, More Mustard and Cajun Craze. I stamped my background of the flowers and butterflies and sponged the More Mustard and Cajun Craze before I ran that paper through my Big Shot and the lattice die. Neat look, huh?

I also used some Victoria crochet ribbon that I had dyed for a previous project.

Thanks for looking! Please play along and take some time to see what the other players did for this challenge!

Blogger's Challenge #178: Give Thanks!

2010-11-19T09:41:00.000-06:00

I chose to give thanks by making and sharing a couple of thank you cards! The first one I made for a friend who invited me to an Affair of Tables. The theme of their table was coffee and tea so I used the images from Morning Cup to make a background set and stamped it on the background Naturals Ivory cardstock. I added a little extra color with the color spritzer and my Crumb Cake marker. I also sponged a bit of Crumb Cake and Real Red to antique the look. The button is from the Big Designer Button group called Candy Cane. So cool to have some big button options!

I created the second card to include in a set of cards to be given as a gift. I wanted something rather simple and quick. I used the Elizabeth stamp set and the sentiment is from the set called Just Believe. After adding the tied ribbon, my card was complete!

Thanks for taking a peek and be sure to check out the other Give Thanks challenges by the other Blogger's Challenge gals. AND please play along!!!!

Giveaway!

2010-11-15T12:51:00.000-06:00

A fellow stamping friend and a fellow Blogger's Challenge player is giving away a copy of the Fancy Folds CD from Technique Junkies!!!

Here's the link so you can enter, too!

http://chrissyd723.blogspot.com/2010/11/giveaway.html

Go do it!!! She's giving one away for every hundred entries!

Blogger's Challenge #177: November Sketch Challenge

2010-11-12T19:40:00.001-06:00

For our challenge this week, Lisa created this really cool sketch. I really focused on the oval portion of it.

My classroom received a gift of two fans recently so I wanted to make a special thank you to the family that donated them.

Have a super weekend and please be sure to check out what the other Blogger Challenge Players did with this super sketch!

Blogger's Challenge #176: Patriotic

2010-11-07T21:29:00.000-06:00

Usually when you think of Patriotic, you picture the colors red, white and blue. My town of Crookston is participating in the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon awareness week which is actually supposed to carry out throughout the year to support the families of those serving in the military. Our Bible study watched a video on this idea this morning so that was my inspiration for finally completing the Blogger's Challenge! (So sorry I'm late again!) I wanted a super simple card that was easy to reproduce and I htink that I found it! I used the Presto Patterns DSP with Daffodil Delight ink. Then, with the ribbon of hope stamp and some punches, my card was complete!

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to see what the other players did...I always wait to look at theirs until I finish my project so I'm anxious to check them out, too!!!

Blogger's Challenge #175: Halloween!

2010-10-30T16:23:00.000-05:00

I have a VERY simple Halloween contribution for my Blogger's Challenge this week! First, I made candy wrapper treats for my students. I used the Candy Wrapper Bigz L Die for the Big Shot...whipped them up rather quickly! I added the jack-o-lantern face from the Autumn Harvest set to make them look like little pumpkins!

I also made a little photo book to hold my Halloween pics! I used Elegant Elegance ink with the Trick or Treat Letterpress plate. You need to use craft ink for this item so I used a craft spot. I added a little trim with Basic Black Waffle Paper and punched a couple of bats to complete the project.

Thanks for looking! Sorry I was late with my contribution. Hopefully, you'll be like me and check out what the other Blogger's Challenge players did for their Halloween projects!

Pumpkin share!

2010-10-27T20:37:00.002-05:00

Thought I'd share the beagle pumpkin I did from a stencil I found online...thanks for looking!

Blogger's Challenge #174: Reuse Recycle

2010-10-21T05:24:00.002-05:00

I found this frame in a clearance section at Walmart for less than 40 cents! I added the sparkle on the frame using Gold Glow Smooch Spritz. The top image is simply Crumb Cake cardstock, the moon sponged with Crumb Cake and More Mustard and then the silhouette stamped in Early Espresso.

The bottom in background is Deck the Halls DSP and the sentiment is stamped in Early Espresso on Crumb Cake Cardstock and framed with Always Artichoke cardstock.

Thanks for looking. See what you can reuse and recycle and be sure to see what the other BC girls did with this challenge. There's a link on my sidebar to their blogs.

Blogger's Challenge #173: Black/White and a Splash of Orange!

2010-10-15T05:00:00.000-05:00

Our Challenge for this week was to create a black and white card with a splash of orange...I kind of dumped on the Peach Parfait but I like the results!

I began with my Basic Black CS and ran it through my Big Shot with the Spider Web Embossing Folder. I used my brayer again this week and with Whisper White ink, gently added the ink to the raised portions of the web. I needed a little glammer, so I sprayed the background with Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz.

The image is from the Greeting Cards Kids. I must confess, these little images kind of creeped me out at first with those beady little eyes. But then, I saw so many adorable cards that I got over that problem and bought it!!! I used markers and my Aquapainter to color the image.

I punched out the image with the XL scallop circle punch and used the 2 1/2 inch circle punch in Peach Parfait as the background. To add a little frill, I adhered a gathered up piece ( or four) of the Basic Black Waffle paper.

The Happy Halloween sentiment is from Teeny Tiny Wishes. A little more of a finish came with the Peach Parfait Glimmer brad and the Peach Parfait Stitched Poly-Ribbon.

Thanks for looking and please go and see the other players' Black and White and Orange creations!!

Blogger's Challenge #172: Sketch Challenge

2010-10-08T05:03:00.000-05:00

I LOVED this sketch that Lisa created for this challenge! I saw a lot of possibilities with it! But when I got my new Mary Kay perfume and lotion, I was so inspired by the design of the box and the colors that I went in that direction. Thinking of You is the name of the new scent and I love it!

Here is the sketch:

Here is the card:

Thanks for checking out my challenge this week and please visit the other players' blogs to see what they created with this sketch!

Blogger's Challenge #171: Happy Anniversary

2010-10-01T06:30:00.000-05:00

I've seen the owls done as a couple before and since that punch was on my desk, I thought that would be my starting point. I also incorporated a bubble heart using the new silver crinkle paper and a cotton ball!

Thanks for looking and be sure to check out what the other Bloggers Challenge players were up to!

Blogger's Challenge #170: Reuse/Recycle

2010-09-25T05:04:00.007-05:00

I am actually attending the Church Worker's Wives' retreat at the time this is posting but wanted to share a project that I made for that event! My friend Kelley had the frame and asked that I spruce it up a bit. Since our theme is Taste and See that the Lord is Good, I used coffee cups as an inspiration.

The following are the before and after pics:

Be sure to see what the other players came up with! Happy Stampin'!

Blogger's Challenge #168: Happy Fall to You!

2010-09-12T12:46:00.001-05:00

Another late post this week! I am so sorry! I really need to work ahead and stop working behined!

Our challenge for this week was fall. Thankfully I bought the new French Foliage stamp set from the Holiday Mini because it is one of the best for fall!

I began with glossy cardstock and used sponge daubers to add Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, More Mustard and Cajun Craze to the entired piece. Then, I tried a new trick that convention goers were shown at this year's SU convention (I wasn't there but I've seen it!) You moisten a paper towel with Stampin' Up's Stamp Cleaner, use that to "ink" your stamp and stamp directly onto the preinked glossy piece. Some of the color comes off, leaving a ghostly image. Then, after it dried, I stamped over the ghosted image with the regular image, inked with the same colors as the background.

I also used a new punch from the Holiday Mini called Decorative Label.

Thanks for checking out my project and please stop and see the other players' postings!

Blogger's Challenge #167: September Sketch

2010-09-04T10:44:00.000-05:00

A day late but I finally produced something for my Blogger's Challenge for this week. Teachers went back to work last week so my brain was creative for the classroom and not so much for my stampin' area.

Lisa gave us a sketch for this week's challenge:

It was a really fun one so I didn't miss out and came up with this card:

I began with more of a homespun look but when I added the silver to my background, that look was gone and I went crazy with the silver!

Thanks for looking and be sure to see what the other players' did!

Happy Labor Day (or as I like to call it..."Back to Labor" Day cause school starts on Tuesday!)

Blogger's Challenge #166: Color Challenge

2010-08-27T05:13:00.001-05:00

When I first saw the colors for this week's challenge (Red, Green and Yellow) all I could picture was various flags of different countries with those same colors! But, the inspiration hit me with a sneak peek from the upcoming Holiday Mini catalog!

I used a new stamp set called French Foliage...aren't these leaves just gorgeous? Have I got ideas for this set!!! My choices for colors were More Mustard, Cherry Cobbler and Old Olive. The background is simple Vellum Cardstock run through my Big Shot with the Vintage Wallpaper Impressions folder.

I made this card for our next door neighbor who will be celebrating his 80th birthday this Saturday.

Please take time to see what the other players contributed this week! Happy Friday!

Blogger's Challenge #165: Back to School

2010-08-20T04:24:00.002-05:00

As you know, I am a first and second grade teacher and I am deep into getting ready for this school year! When I saw this stamp set in the Summer Mini, I knew it was yet another "must-have!" Pairing it with the Two Tags Bigz die, made the perfect combination for a bookmark! I added my name with the Rough Type alphabet.

I needed a place to tuck my bookmark so I made a little pocket card.

The Spiral punch is a perfect accessory for a back to school card, creating the "torn-out paper" look. Brads and Clips accessories also add a "school" feel.

Please check out what the other players have done with this challenge and thanks for looking!

Blogger's Challenge #164: Birthday!

2010-08-13T05:15:00.001-05:00

As soon as I saw this set "Friends Fur-ever", I knew that being a "dog" fan, I had to have it! This is more of a scottie dog (I would've loved a Beagle, of course!) but isn't he/she adorable?

I decided to do a little watercoloring to complete the challenge. I stamped everything with my black Staz-on onto a piece of Watercolor Paper and added colors using my Stampin' Up markers and blending using my Aqua Painter. I am so glad that we have markers to go with our In-Colors so I could use my Concord Crush (which I have been calling Concord Grape...oops! I even made my ink pad labels with that name!)

I snuck in a little Daffodil Delight DSP from the Patterns Designer series Pack....another bargain in that for $19.95 you get 40 sheets of DSP! I topped off my homemade tag with a Daffodil Button from the Brights button collection.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to see what the other players did to celebrate birthdays this week!

Mojo Monday 150

2010-08-08T16:24:00.000-05:00

I've been trying to challenge myself this summer to do more challenges again. So I participated in the Mojo Monday challenge.

This card is not practical as the ruffled DSP for the scallop couldn't be mailed in a standard envelope but I could give it to someone in person!

Here's the sketch:

Thanks for looking!!!

Blogger's Challenge #163 AND PDCC#41: August Sketch

2010-08-06T15:08:00.000-05:00

I chose to combine challenges again this week. I had hopes of separating them but as the week got busier, I realized that if both challenges were going to be met, I was going to combine them! Lisa created this sketch for our challenge:

The Play Date Cafe Challenge was this:

And my card:

I was able to sneak in 7 Rhinestones! LOVE those!!! They are new in the Stampin' Up catalog and they are a BARGAIN! You get 150 Rhinestones (or Pearls) for just $4.95!!!

Please be sure to see what the other Blogger's Challenge players created this week and join in on both challenges yourself!!!

Blogger's Challenge #162 AND PDCC40: Black White and Color of choice

2010-07-30T11:56:00.000-05:00

Since these two challenges were so closely related this week, I decided to combine them! The Blogger's Challenge was Black, White and a color of our choosing and the Play Date Cafe Challenge, pictured below, was Black White and Green so I went with green to meet both challenges. But, I do have two cards!

First, here's the picture for the PDCC Challenge:

My first card was really a warm-up card. I borrowed the idea for the card from a blog but I was a BAD blog reader as I didn't save the original creator's name with her card! She used Daffodil Delight and I used a version of her card as my make and take for my open house. I substituted Pear Pizzazz for Daffodil and here's what I came up with for today:

I thought that I should also come up with one more for both challenges so here's my second take:

Thanks for stopping by and please play along with both challenges and check out what the Blogger's Challenge girls came up with for their "choice" color!

Play Date Cafe PDCC39 Challenge!

2010-07-25T19:08:00.000-05:00

It looks like I've been challenge happy and I guess I am! This time, I chose to do the Play Date Cafe Challenge. It was a color combo that I wouldn't thought to have put together but it works!

I used a brand new product from Stampin' Up! on it....see those adorable little pearls? Those are called "Basic Pearls" and you get 150 of them for a mere $4.95! They come in 3 sizes plus each package contains three 2 5/8" strips of connected pearls. They also come in Basic Rhinestones...too cute!

Another new product is the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border punch. That's in black along the bottom of the card.

Thanks for stopping by to see my card today. If you want to book a workshop and learn how to make LOTS of fun ideas, please let me know and I would LOVE to teach you!!!!

CPS: Sketch #176

2010-07-23T16:48:00.000-05:00

I wanted to participate in a sketch challenge again so I found this cool and simple sketch at Card Positioning Systems. I kept my card simple, too, using the new Cherry Cobbler, crochet trim and two stamp sets: Just Believe and Elements of Style. Thanks for looking!

Blogger's Challenge #161: Use Something Recycled

2010-07-23T07:35:00.000-05:00

I usually struggle with this type of challenge and when I told Lisa S. that she gave me some ideas to springboard what I could do. I also needed a bridal shower gift so this is what I came up with!

I recycled pieces of cardboard to make templates!

Then I used a tool I've had around for a long time to inscribe a metal cake pan with the couple's last name initial with a little design around it.

The tool is called an Inscriblio. I may have worn it out with this project. If I were going to do many of these, I would have to look at getting a tougher tool. But, it worked for me this time!

Thanks for looking and be sure to check out what the other girls did to turn trash to treasure!

Techno Stamper Challenge...

2010-07-19T18:58:00.000-05:00

It's been a LONG time since I participated in a TSC! But, I needed some inspiration and since I check out MJ's blog all of the time, the timing was just right!

Here's the sketch:

And here's my card:

Thanks for checking it out!!!

Have a terrific Monday!

Blogger's Challenge #160: July Sketch

2010-07-16T22:13:00.000-05:00

Lisa gave us this sketch and when I looked at it, I was so happy cause I just knew that it would be an easy one to work with...and then...it took me all day to find time to sit down and work on it!

When I finally did, I came up with this card:

As you can see, I took some serious liberty with my creation. Not only did I flip it, I readjusted where the focal image is! I also just noticed the "add text here." Sheesh...

I got to use a brand new stamp set called, Just Believe. I also snuck in some new Designer Series paper called Greenhouse Gala. The colors used were Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy and Whisper White. Thanks for taking time to look at my creation and if you would, please take time to look at what the other players created with this sketch. You can find them listed by scrolling down on my blog and way down on the right, there's link marked Blogger's Challenge. Have a GREAT day!

Blogger's Challenge #159: Inspiration

2010-07-09T07:08:00.000-05:00

I usually LOVE inspiration challenges. I can usually look at a piece and copy it with stamps/images fairly quickly. BUT this piece was truly a challenge but I am happy with the results!

Here's the picture Lisa gave us:

So much color and design. That's what stumped me for a bit. I finally dug in and decided to go with texture and pattern and colors that "go" with the bedspread. I chose Early Espresso, Regal Rose, Tempting Turquoise (stamped off one time), Daffodil Delight, Certainly Celery and finally Whisper White. I rarely work with this many colors....another challenge. Here's my result:

The base card is Whisper White. I began by designing each color piece. I simply stapmed on the Early Espresso, Certainly Celery and Tempting Turquoise pieces. To create the Regal Rose/Whisper White piece, I used the Lattice Textured Impressions Embossing Folder in the Big Shot, inked with Regal Rose ink. After putting it through the Big Shot, the ink remained on my Whisper White cardstock. For the Daffodil Delight piece, I used the Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Embossing folder and after putting the DD cardstock in the Big Shot, gently rubbed Whisper White ink over the raised portions. My focal point includes the Birds and Blooms Sizzlit 4-Pack dies and the Little Leaves Sizzlits die. I highlighted those edges with Certainly Celery ink and Melon Mambo ink to make the leaves and flowers POP!

Thanks for looking and be sure to check out the other players' work!

Blogger's Challenge #158: Patriotic!

2010-07-02T04:55:00.002-05:00

Stars, red, white and blue and a HUGE thank you to all who serve to keep our country safe!!!

The star is from a set called "Under the Stars." and the sentiment is from a set called "Three Little Words." I really don't own a patriotic set so stars were my inspiration. I used some new Core Colors: Cherry Cobbler and Marina Mist. The Kraft cardstock has a new name CRUMB CAKE!

Thanks for taking time to look at my card. Be sure to check out the other patriotic contributions from the other players and also be sure to thank someone who serves to keep our country safe!!!

Suzy & Daphne...

2010-07-01T20:55:00.000-05:00

Daphne on the left and Suzy on the right. (Sleeping in MY chair in the basement!!!)

Blogger's Challenge #157: Color Challenge

2010-06-25T04:30:00.011-05:00

Lisa challenged us to use kiwi (green), blue and white for our colors this week. I chose to switch to Old Olive for my green since it is close to kiwi and I could use it for my upcoming displays and made a second one, though, cause I needed to send a very late thank you to a friend. For my blues, I used a combo of Baja Breeze, Marina Mist and Pacific Point...a total sneak peek combination!

The images are also a sneak peek! They are from a brand new level one hostess set called Because I Care.

To create my image, I inked the entire image with my Versamark pad. Then, I used the various colors mentioned to color the flower and leaves. I stamped on my cardstock and added Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder and heated it. Love the glossy look and the texture heat embossing gives!

The polka dotted card base is thanks to my Big Shot and the Polka Dot Impressions folder and the Thank You tag is from a group of Big Shot Sizzlets called Lots of Tags.

Thanks for looking and be sure to see what the other players did with this fab color combo!

Blogger's Challenge #156: Sketch Challenge

2010-06-18T15:21:00.000-05:00

Isn't this a fun sketch for this week's challenge? I just knew it would be an easy one to work with. I turned it to the side for my card as you can see and I used a combination of items that are retiring, continuing into the new catty and a sneak peek!

The retiring items include the ribbon, the frame image from the stamp set Framed with Love, bling from the pretties kit and the Designer Series Paper. It's not too late to get these items...you've got until June 30th! The continuing items are the cardstocks (this is important cause there is a HUGE turnover in Stampin' Up! Core Colors!) and the stamp set Friends 24-7. The sneak peek is that I used a brand new color from the Core Color line called "Crumb Cake." Okay, it's not really new...it's the color formally known as Kraft BUT the new part is that it is now available as a marker, ink pad and ink refill!!!

Thanks for stopping by to take a look at my challenge card and please be sure to see what the other players did with this fabulous sketch!

Blogger's Challenge #155: Father's Day

2010-06-11T04:52:00.012-05:00

I had to use my Lattice embossing folder again this week! I just love that!!! This time I used it on the Travel Journal designer series paper and used a sanding block to rough it up a bit.

The Kraft (soon to be called Crumb Cake) Corduroy button is on the retired accessory list. I loved using this one so much, I almost have used the entire package...a rarity for me! I usually end up hoarding the pieces and using them sparingly. I will not do that anymore!

My layout is loosely based on the butterfly card on the front of the Summer Mini catalog. The sentiment was from the Occasions mini catalog from a set called Well Scripted!

Have a super Friday and be sure to see what the other BC players did for Fathers everywhere!

Clearance Rack!!!!

2010-06-10T08:44:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to post a quick one today from WI! We are visiting my family here and will return to MN soon but I wanted to share that Stampin' Up! added some AWESOME deals to the clearance rack on my website.

Click here to go to my site and then click on the shop now button and check out the clearance rack!!!

Lisa

Blogger's Challenge #154: Graduation

2010-06-04T07:51:00.000-05:00

Our challenge was Graduation and since my niece is graduating on Sunday, I needed a card for her. Her school colors are red and white so I went with Riding Hood Red (an upcoming core SU color), basic black and brushed silver cardstock. I LOVE the new Lattice embossing folder!

To color the images, I just used my aquapainter and a few drops of reinker in my stamp pad lid.

I put the sentiment on the inside so no need for one on the front, this time!

Be sure to see what the other players came up with for this challenge!

Blogger's Challenge #153: Color Challenge

2010-05-28T05:17:00.001-05:00

Our Blogger's Challenge was to use Red, White and Blue for our card. I chose Real Red, Pacific Point and Whisper White. I used a technique that I haven't for a LONG time: Split Negative. Dawn Griffith had done one recently on her blog that inspired me!

There are some stray bits from the embossing powder but I decided that I thought it made the stars look like shooting stars and didn't fix it!

Thanks for stopping by. Please check out the other blogs from the Blogger's Challenge group. Remember what this weekend is really about!!!

Thinking of You

2010-05-22T05:09:00.002-05:00

My MIL's birthday is coming up next week so I created this card for her! It's using another new set called Elements of Style. I used my aquapainter and reinkers to paint the image. Thanks for looking!

Blogger's Challenge #152: May Sketch Challenge

2010-05-21T04:59:00.001-05:00

Our challenge for this Friday is to use the sketch above created by Lisa Somerville, our list mom. Isn't it fun? I was a little bit perplexed but only because I loved how my background turned out and didn't want to cover it up too much!

My background is so fun but simple! I used the bicycle image from Pedaling Past and versamark ink to add some clear embossing powder and heated that up. Then, I used the Log Cabin Smooch Spritz to create the background! There is so much sparkle in real life! I also added some Smooch Spritz to my brads. All of the images on this card are from the Pedaling Past set.

Be sure to see what the other players came up with using this sketch! They should be fabulous!

News about the retiring colors!

2010-05-17T06:01:00.000-05:00

With Stampin' Up!'s recent announcement about the Color Renovation they expected an increase in orders for the retiring color products. The response has been amazing! Everyone wants to be sure to stock up on their favorite retiring colors. As a result of the overwhelming response a few colors have already sold out or been placed on backorder.

In regards to the Reinkers and card stock orders here's what you need to know...

Reinkers will be available through May 31st. Reinkers may be placed and backordered. Backordered reinkers will be shipped when the supply has been replenished. After June 1st, the reinkers will again be available only as supplies last.

The card stock is a much more difficult process to manufacture. There are not sufficient supplies to fill backorders. As a substitute, Stampin' Up! will fill backorders with textured card stock. Effective today, card stock supplies are as supplies last.
If you want to stock up on retiring color products (reinkers, card stock, ribbon, buttons, and more.), please place your order asap.

So Shelli Creative Challenge

2010-05-15T07:36:00.000-05:00

The creative challenge from Shelli Gardner, Co-founder and CEO of Stampin' Up! has a monthly challenge on her blog So Shelli. (http://www.soshelli.com/) Since her challenge was weddings and we are invited to a wedding today, I wanted to participate!

The background is a new stamp set from the Summer mini catalog called Elements of style. I stamped that with Chocolate Chip ink onto Very Vanilla cardstock. I sponged Creamy Caramel and Pink Pirouette ink to give it a more vintage look and feel. I tore this piece and added more sponging with Chocolate Chip and adhered it to the Creamy Caramel card base.

The sentiment is from a Sale-a-Bration set called Whimsical Words. It's not available anymore but I can see myself using into the future! The flowers and pearls are from the Pretties Kit. I used more sponging and my water bottle spritzer to make my flowers Creamy Caramel, Pink Pirouette and Rose Red.

You can see I used something old and something new but didn't get to the borrowed and blue...maybe next time!

Happy stampin' to you all!

Blogger's Challenge #151: Color Challenge!

2010-05-14T05:19:00.000-05:00

Our challenge was to use red, curry and teal. I chose Riding Hood Red (an upcoming Core Stampin' Up Color), Crushed Curry and Taken with Teal. I used the RHR (Riding Hood Red) and Crystal Effects to make my Flower Brad match! (Remember that the Flower Brad Pack is one you can choose for free with this month's scrapbooking special! See the button on the side of my blog for more details!)

Have a GREAT Friday everyone!

Blogger's Challenge#150: Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-07T06:42:00.000-05:00

I used a previous design to create my Mother's Day cards and since I needed a thank you card, I made a thank you card for this challenge. But, wouldn't it be perfect to say Thanks to our moms, too?

I used the floating reinker technique to create these pansies. I am actually giving this card to someone who gave me a pansy honor of Teacher Appreciation Day.

Have a super Friday!

May Scrapbooking Promotion!

2010-05-02T07:00:00.003-05:00

May is National Scrapbooking Month--the perfect time for you to share your love of scrapbooking.

To assist you in this, we're offering a special promotion for the month of May: purchase a qualifying scrapbooking stamp set or the My Digital Studio software and receive a FREE package of Designer brads--choose from four designs!

To see the stamp sets and brads with this promo, click on the MAY PROMO on the sidebar of my blog!

Blogger's Challenge #149: Emboss it!

2010-04-30T04:46:00.001-05:00

This card contains a teeny tiny amount of perspiration and a lot of inspiration! First, the layout idea totally and completely belongs to Mary Jo Price-Williams. The embossing inspiration is from Robin Merriman. Notice that both of these fine stamping ladies are blogger's challenge members so you can see I find inspiration from my fellow stampers, too!

To creats embossing style, simply take your brayer with your choice of ink color and brayer on the smooth side of the Textured Impressions folder and run through the Big Shot. I chose to use Rich Razzleberry (since I had it out for a swap I'm hosting....) and Kraft (soon to be known as Crumb Cake.)

Please be sure to see how the other Blogger's Challenge players can inspire YOU this week! Happy stamping!

Blogger's Challenge #148: Color Challenge!

2010-04-23T05:49:00.001-05:00

Our challenge was to use blue, orange and moss. I went with something retiring, something staying and something returning for my colors. The color retiring is Mellow Moss...Oh how I'll miss this color! The color staying is Not Quite Navy and boy, am I GLAD! It will be moving to the Regals Collection. Finally, the color returning is an In Color from last year called Tangerine Tango! LOVED this color...but I love ALL orange! It'll be apart of the Brights collection.

I made this card for my friend and our school secretary. I used the upcoming Decor Stencil called Mostly Vintage. With this one, you get both the stencil and the mask! I used the stencil on this one with Tangerine Tango, Mellow Moss and sponge daubers. I stamped the sentiment right over the stencil in Not Quite Navy. I also brought out my Pretties kit and made a Tangerine Tango flower for under the Mellow Moss taffeta ribbon...get this while it's available! I also used the pretties to add a little bling!

Be sure to see how the other players used these colors to make some wonderful creations!

Blogger's Challenge #147: Sketch Challenge

2010-04-16T06:37:00.000-05:00

Our challenge this week was a sketch challenge. I am using a brand new stamp All a Flutter from the upcoming Summer Mini Catalog from Stampin' Up! It's a real bargain because you can just buy the individual stamp for only $6.95. The phrase is also from the Summer Mini from a set called Elements of Style. Using my Bashful Blue marker and my Color Spritzer, I added just a splash of blue to the butterfly background. I used my Aquapainter and Pumpkin Pie ink to add color to each butterfly.

After stamping and cutting my butterfly background, I didn't want to cover it up with cardstock as in the sketch. So I used Vellum Cardstock so the butterflies were still visible.

Be sure to check out what the other players contributed to this sketch challenge this week! I know you will LOVE them!

Blogger's Challenge #145: Alter It!

2010-04-09T05:02:00.003-05:00

This week's challenge was to alter an item. I found 7 of these frames at our Walmart on the clearance endcap for $.33...that's right! Thirty-three cents!!!

I took the Flight of the Butterfly stamp and used Tempting Turquoise, Lavender Lace, Almost Amethyst, and Certainly Celery to create this fun spring decor item. I also broke out my Big Shot and my Simple Letters Bigz die to die cut the letters. (Remember that Lavendar Lace and Almost Amethyst are the Fond Farewell retiring colors list so get them while they're hot!)

I was inspired by a card I saw on a blog by Leanne Pugliese. I can't find her blog addy right now but her blog is called Wee Inklings, I believe.

Please take some time to see what the other Blogger's challenge players altered this week!

Blogger's Challenge #144: Happy Easter!

2010-04-02T04:55:00.003-05:00

Happy Easter and many blessings to you in the name of our Risen Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

Those of you who are in my Go-Diva swap have a copy of this card already but I haven't shared it on the blog yet. Since our theme was Easter this week, it was the perfect time to share!

As soon as I saw the Beautiful Wings Embosslit, I knew it was a must-have! It's still available but only until the 30th of this month!

Today is Good Friday and it is truly good as I attend worship services remembering the suffering and death of our Savior, Jesus. Many blessings to all of you at this special time!

Blogger's Challenge #144: Sketch Challenge!

2010-03-28T12:57:00.000-05:00

Our challenge this week was to use the sketch below:

I took a few liberties when making my card. I used buttons instead of the rectangular element and used a stamp instead of the circular element. Off and running to accomplish some more tasks today!

So sorry I didn't post on time on Friday! I promise to be better this week! Happy Palm Sunday!

Blogger's Challenge #143: Think Spring!

2010-03-19T05:24:00.002-05:00

I chose to do a page in My Digital Studio, Stampin' Up's fairly new papercrafting solution program. I LOVE scrapbooking this way and there are so many other things you can do with the program. I watched a webinar last night that taught me how to use it to make a multimedia project, such as a movie using a project. You can also create calendars, cards, and there's now a download to print little box patterns! Super cool!

I used the My Sweet Pea download that I purchased recently. It contains the same designs that you can also get as "real" paper! (That's another reason I love MDS...you can coordinate with SU's "real" materials and create a hydrid project; one that is digital and paper combined!) I also learned a little corner "folding" trick from Caroline Lebel's blog...thanks so much, Caroline!

The picture is of our dog Annie. Annie was 13 years old when we put her down. She was a great dog. In this picture Annie is really happy. We had gone to the Pembina trail where she didn't need to be on a leash. She loved her freedom!

Thanks for taking a look and be sure to see how the other players share their spring fever with you!

Blogger's Challenge #142: Happy Birthday!

2010-03-12T05:49:00.002-06:00

Welcome to my Blogger's Challenge for this week! Our challenge was very appropriate as it will be our List Mom, Lisa's birthday on Monday!!! Happy Birthday, Lisa!!!

My card today isn't her birthday card, however...I'll save that until after she receives it in the mail. My card today instead was created for my brother and my brother-in-law. Since these guys never see each other and have birthdays just 5 days apart, they usually get identical cards. I'm also fairly confident that they don't check out my stamping blog!

I began my card by stamping the medallion with my Whisper White Craft ink onto the Close to Cocoa cardstock and allowed lots of time for that to dry and set. Then, I inked the medallion with Chocolate Chip ink and slightly offset the image atop the original. The rest of the card is self-explanatory.

Thanks for checking out my blog and please check out the other birthday wishes for Lisa out there!

Blogger's Challenge #141: Green!!!

2010-03-05T21:50:00.000-06:00

It's Friday!!! So excited! We have our big Celebration Sunday this Sunday at my school so tomorrow is set-up and then Sunday (after church) the celebration begins!

I'm also excited because I finished my Blogger's Challenge! The challenge was to use green. I chose Always Artichoke. If you have any questions about my card, please let me know and I'll be HAPPY to answer them!

Be sure to see what the other players did with GREEN...I'm off to check them out!

Blogger's Challenge #140: Boxes and Bags

2010-02-26T21:18:00.000-06:00

Lisa gave us the challenge of creating any type of box or bag. I was stuck for a little while today (hence the late post) but then had a "duh" moment...."Lisa Bohler, you have a Big Shot die that will complete this challenge for you!" So I grabbed my Big Shot, some cardstock and DSP and Stampin' Up's exclusive Bitty Box & Envelope Bigz XL die and got right to work. In hardly anytime at all, my challenge was complete!

The most challenging part for me in using this die is that the card you need to make is only a 2 by 2 card! There isn't a lot of room in a 2 inch square! But thanks to the Saleabration set Vintage Labels, I had the perfect little words to fit that size of card.

The die makes both the envelope and the box and I just needed to cut a card to fit (and stamp and add some adhesive, of course!) I also just got the satin Old Olive ribbon so I had to put that to use with the Cottage Wall DSP.

Thanks for looking!

I've already checked out the boxes and bags that most of the other players created and you DON'T want to miss them! So go...check them out!!!

Whoo hoo! Products still available!

2010-02-21T17:52:00.001-06:00

Stampin' Up has chosen to carry over several products from the Holiday Mini catalog (shown below). These products will also be available in the next Idea Book and Catalog!!!

Item # Description Price

116794 Ornament punch $15.95

116806 Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint $5.95

116854 Frost White Shimmer Paint $5.95

116807 Platinum Shimmer Paint $5.95

116829 Décor Elements Blocks $9.95

116824 Stampin' Up! Textured Impressions Folder Petals-A-Plenty $7.95

116821 Stampin' Up! Holiday Windows Magnetic Movers & Shapers $29.95

116819 Stampin' Up! Table Setting Bigz XL die $42.95

116820 Stampin' Up! Embosslits Merry die $11.95

116823 Stampin' Up! Sizzlits Merry Details die $5.50

116822 Stampin' Up! O Christmas Tree Pop-Up Bigz XL die $42.95

118140 Stampin' Up! Tree Decorations Sizzlits die $5.50

118108 My Digital Studio $79.95

116519 Charming stamp set $19.95

Blogger's Challenge #139: Sketch Challenge

2010-02-19T10:00:00.000-06:00

Our challenge this week was a sketch challenge created by our list mom, Lisa Somerville. Kraft cardstock is still inspiring me but this time I used the Kraft coloring in the DSP that you can get for free during Sale-a-bration with Stampin' Up! called Welcome Neighbor. It's a 6 by 6 paper pack loaded with fun and cheery designs!

I got a little dot happy, too, by adding the dots onto the Extra Large Flower punch. It's also sweet that SU has coordinating Kraft Corduroy buttons to finish my card off!

Thanks for looking and please take some time to click on my sidebar and see what the other BC members did with this fun sketch!

Stamps for Sale!

2010-02-14T19:08:00.000-06:00

Underneath my new blog header, there's a link to the retired Stampin' Up! Stamps sets, wheels and accessories that I have for sale. Please check them out and let me know if you are interested!

New Blog header!!!

2010-02-14T11:27:00.000-06:00

I'm so excited!!! After watching some great hints by Patty Bennett on her blog, Patty's Stamping Spot, figured out how to make my own personalized blog header using My Digital Studio!! If you are on Google Reader, you'll have to click and come to my blog to see it!!!

Thanks for looking!

Blogger's Challenge #138: Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-12T04:38:00.000-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day...a little early! The girls from BC will have some wonderful cards to inspire you this Valentine's Day and it's not too late to try them out...if you hurry!

Kraft cardstock was my starting point this time and using the fabulous Sending Love Specialty DSP. Can you believe I almost didn't order this paper? Shocking!

Using lots of hearts, ribbon and the I {Heart} Hearts stamp set, I completely this LOVEly challenge. Did you know that with every sale of this stamp set, SU is donating $2 to the people of Haiti?

I am prepping my post a little early. Off to see Leap Year...hoping for a little fun and laughter with a girls' night out! Happy Valentine's Day!

My Digital Studio

2010-02-08T21:12:00.000-06:00

Whoo hoo! This weekend, I went to a scrapping day and finally made myself sit down with My Digital Studio and finished FIVE digital pages. In realty, I only spent a couple hours working on this. I can see that this style of scrapbooking is for ME!!!

My Digital Studio is available from me on my online website: http://www.lisabohler.stampinup.net/. If you already have a digital scrapbooking program, downloads are available for that, too!!!
Here are my pages. The cute little boys are my great-nephews but the rest of the page-stars are me, my dh and our dogs.

New Stampin' Up! Border and Corner Punch Video

2010-02-07T12:31:00.000-06:00

Bonnie Thurber with Stampin' Up! has a new video with lots of hints and tricks for using the new corner and border punches. If you've already purchased them, this will really help you! If you don't own them and after watching the video, you HAVE to have them, just email me or shop online at my website: http://www.lisabohler.stampinup.net/

Blogger's Challenge #137: Black, Red and White

2010-02-05T05:27:00.001-06:00

Lisa as given us one of the most elegant color combinations to work with this week: Red, Black and White. My Stampin' Up! color choices were: Real Red, Basic Black and Whisper White.

I am trying to hit a grand slam (Twins' Baseball spring training begins at the end of this month!) by meeting these challenges, all with one card: 1. A thank you to one of my Stampin' Up! party hostesses (hi J!...look in your mailbox soon!) 2. Blogger's Challenge 3. Mojo Monday sketch and 4. Using a new technique from the Technique Junkies latest newsletter. I succeeded!

Here's the Mojo Monday sketch:

The technique is called Mono Dies and it's from the February/March 2010 issue. I have a link to Technique Junkies in my sidebar...go check it out!

Finally, here's the Grand Slam (complete with using the Scallop Trim Border punch which you can get for free through the Sale-a-Bration promotion. Email me or check out my SU website for more details. http://www.lisabohler.stampinup.net/):

Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to see what the other girls did with this fabulous color combination!

Inspiration from Unusual items

2010-02-04T20:27:00.000-06:00

This isn't the first time that a Puffs tissue box has inspired a card from me! But I thought I would share some pictures to see how they may inspire you!

Card Recipe:

Stamp sets: Close as a Memory, Flower Fancy

Ink/Cardstock colors: Close to Cocoa, Bashful Blue, Sage Shadow, Very Vanilla

Other: Corner Rounder punch, Very Vanilla Taffeta ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

Blogger's Challenge #136: Happy Birthday!

2010-01-29T06:34:00.001-06:00

Our challenge for the week was "birthday". I needed a birthday card for a young man so this was perfect timing. I cased the card from the May 2009 issue of Stamper's Success, a magazine published exclusively for SU demos. I changed up the colors, the background texture (which the picture doesn't capture well) and the label but other than that, I copied it completely!

That's an important thing to note. I deal with copying quite a bit as a teacher. I always tell my students that it's a compliment when someone copies you. However, in the world of creativity and such, it is essential to give the original creator all of the credit! The Stampin' Success doesn't mention the creator's name which only tells me it was a Stampin' Up! employee but that person had my idea originally!

The card is a bound-edge card. To do this, simply score a selected distance from the fold of the card and score. The ribbon makes the card appear to be "bound" together.

Please be sure to see how the other BC members celebrated birthdays today! Happy Friday everyone!

Blogger's Challenge #135: Die Cuts and Punches

2010-01-22T15:15:00.001-06:00

What a fun challenge our challenge leader, Lisa, gave us! We were to use die cuts or punches. I used both!

I began with my brand new die for my Big Shot called Fancy Favor. I changed it up a bit, though. First thing was to trim off the "fancy" portion. I love the decorative trim that the box comes with but I wanted to use my SaleaBration FREE Scallop Trim Border punch. The intent was to weave some crochet thread through the holes of the trim. (Where's the crochet thread? Decided I did NOT like it, after all!) Before assembling the box, I stamped on the front and back of the box with the Vintage Vogue stamp set. Using some felt and the Birds and Blooms Sizzlet 4 pack, I added the bird atop an Large Oval punch, layered with the Scalloped Oval punch.

Hope you enjoy it and see what the other BC girls were punching and die cutting this week!

Hugs!

Taking care of your Ink Pads

2010-01-17T12:29:00.000-06:00

The Stampin' Up! ink pads are the best...I know I sell them but I owned them BEFORE I became a demo! They are wonderful! They also keep the ink for a long period of time. BUT....lots of you out there have had some of your ink pads for awhile now and it may be time to refresh the ink!

Here's how you know:

Can you see how the corner of the ink pad is lifting up a bit? Definitely a sign that you need to add some ink refill! Another sign may be that images are not stamping well on your projects.

The good news is that Stampin' Up! sells refills for all of their colors in the classic style for just $2.95 a color. OR you could purchase an entire color family of 12 for $28.95 that would be like getting two for free!)

Let me know if you have any questions about your ink pads or need some refills!