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With all the changes in my life (retirement and moving), I've had to do some serious thinking about where this hobby is going. I actually considered letting go of it entirely for a number of reasons. First, I've been doing it for 30+ years and change is not a bad thing. Second, we are planning on buying a cute little house when we move to Idaho that may not have room for my stash. Third, without a job (and the exhaustion related to that job) I've had time for other hobbies and projects and I'm loving them! Fourth, without the large number of workmates to whom I gave birthday and holiday cards, my card needs have decreased substantially. And my last thought (in a negative moment) was the realization that people don't send cards much anymore so I'm feeling a bit old-fashioned. But - as normal with big and even small decisions - God saw fit to throw three people in a row at me that commented on how much my cards mean to them. Isn't it wonderful how that works?  So I'm not letting this hobby go.

However, I do feel a need for change to keep myself enthused. My plan, at least for the short term but probably longer, is to stop posting on this blog. Blog posts are just one more step after I've finished a card when all I really want is to move on to the next project. So many people have already stepped away from blogs both as authors and as reader/commenters. As I look back, I realize I've been essentially stepping away from it for years. I used to post pictures and stories of my family, but no longer. I used to subscribe to something like InLinkz so you could get directly to the products, but no more. I used to maintain multiple Copic charts for various companies, but no more.  This decision has clearly been coming for awhile. 

Thank you to all of my blog readers over the last 15 years. You have stuck with me through various design teams and through the evolution of my style. You have commented on my personal posts and have been such an inspiration. The blog will still stay open if anybody needs to look back at supply lists, etc.

You will still be able to find my cards on Instagram and Facebook. I hope to see you there.

Freshly Made Sketches: Birthday Wishes

It's time for a new sketch at Freshly Made Sketches! Today we have a sketch by Jen Mitchell and here’s what I did with it!

 

My posts for Freshly Made Sketches get the most views - so I'm making an announcement!

With all the changes in my life (retirement and moving), I've had to do some serious thinking about where this hobby is going. I actually considered letting go of it entirely for a number of reasons. First, I've been doing it for 30+ years and change is not a bad thing. Second, we are planning on buying a cute little house when we move to Idaho that may not have room for my stash. Third, without a job (and the exhaustion related to that job) I've had time for other hobbies and projects and I'm loving them! Fourth, without the large number of workmates to whom I gave birthday and holiday cards, my card needs have decreased substantially. And my last thought (in a negative moment) was the realization that people don't send cards much anymore so I'm feeling a bit old-fashioned. But - as normal with big and even small decisions - God saw fit to throw three people in a row at me that commented on how much my cards mean to them. Isn't it wonderful how that works?  So I'm not letting this hobby go.

However, I do feel a need for change to keep myself enthused. My plan, at least for the short term but probably longer, is to stop posting on this blog. Blog posts are just one more step after I've finished a card when all I really want is to move on to the next project. So many people have already stepped away from blogs both as authors and as reader/commenters. As I look back, I realize I've been essentially stepping away from it for years. I used to post pictures and stories of my family, but no longer. I used to subscribe to something like InLinkz so you could get directly to the products, but no more. I used to maintain multiple Copic charts for various companies, but no more.  This decision has clearly been coming for awhile. 

Thank you to all of my blog readers over the last 15 years. You have stuck with me through various design teams and through the evolution of my style. You have commented on my personal posts and have been such an inspiration. The blog will still stay open if anybody needs to look back at supply lists, etc.

You will still be able to find my cards on Instagram and Facebook. I hope to see you there.

SUPPLY LIST
Dies: Simon Says Stamps Birthday Wishes Circle, Concord & 9th Make a Wish
Cardstock: Stampin' Up Peach Pie, Petunia Pop, Summer Splash, Daffodil Delight
Other: The Stamp Market Delicate Details Embossing Folder, Stampin' Up 2024-26 In Color Flat Pearls

Freshly Made Sketches: With Love

It's time for a new sketch at Freshly Made Sketches! Today we have a sketch by Jen Timko and here’s what I did with it!

There is nothing unique or creative about this card but it is exactly what I need it to be. It's for my son and his girlfriend. She loves strawberries and her favorite colors are pastel pink and forest green. (I probably should put something of my son into this card, but isn't Valentine's Day really about the women??!)

The heart set came out of my not-yet-used valentine basket. It has eight hearts all with different patterns. When I bought it, it was strictly because of a design team sample that used all of the hearts and that's what I wanted to do with it. (See it here.) But I only used two of the hearts so maybe the dies need to stay in the basket until I get the full potential out of it!

So most of you guessed because of previous posts regarding our travel over the last couple of years. We are moving to Idaho! Colorado has just gotten too crowded and, in many ways, Idaho is a bit like Colorado was 20-30 years ago. Plus there is so much to explore. The state itself has mountains, rainforests, high deserts, lava flows, deep canyons and wild rivers and even part of Yellowstone and then the ocean is just a state away. We have ordered a Suboverlander which will allow us to experience all these landscapes. (It’s a really, really small camper built into a Suburban that can go into rugged areas!) We will live somewhere near Boise so when we aren’t exploring, we can enjoy the breweries, wineries and food culture; ride our bikes through the gorgeous greenbelt and trails in the foothills; and there’s even nearby fly fishing for my husband. We have some things to do to our house before it goes on the market at the beginning of April (we expected the roof, we didn't expect the sewer - ugh.)  We are going to start in an apartment simply because we don't know exactly where we want our forever house to be. I am extremely excited but completely overwhelmed all at the same time!

I hope to see you playing along with us at Freshly Made Sketches.

SUPPLY LIST
Dies: Pretty Pink Posh Stitched Hearts, Gemini by Crafter's Companion With Love, Honey Bee Stamps Scallop A2 Card Frames
Paper: Kat Scrappiness Berry Sweet, Stampin' Up Shaded Spruce, Pretty in Pink and Poppy Parade
Other: Stampin' Up Delightful Decorative Dots

Freshly Made Sketches: Happiest Valentine Wishes

It's time for a new sketch at Freshly Made Sketches! Today we have a sketch by Judy and here’s what I did with it! 

I tend to follow sketches exactly but I think you are going to be seeing some variety from me for the next few months. Of course the sketches are my inspiration - but there are products I want and need to use so I'll be inspired by the sketch but will make it work for these products. In this case, it's the simple change of going horizontal so I could use the heart set.

Why? If you read my blog, I'm sure you know already since we have been traveling to pick a place for retirement and I have since retired. It's time to move! Our plan is to downsize significantly. We want a sweet and tiny little house that's easy to deal with - but it does have to have lots of amenities (hot tub, beautiful patio/outdoor room, lawn and snow service, etc) Currently I have an entire craft room with a tall wall of built-ins plus a huge number of Elfa and IKEA storage units. I think most of us are collectors as much as crafters and I have stuffed this room full. Not only are we downsizing in our forever home but we will be apartment dwellers for a while so I simply cannot take this whole room.  Don't get me wrong - I'll take a large quantity but not floor to ceiling. I've been working hard at it for a year and even I have to admit that it's really lightened and freshened up my room and it's quite pleasant to work in. Let's hope with the downsizing that I've done, my stash doesn't eventually overwhelm my sweet and tiny little house!

My card uses a heart set that I've had for a while but it was still sitting in my not-yet-used stash. (I guess I should clarify. I have definitely found new homes for a lot of my stuff, but part of the "downsizing" effort is simply organizing by dealing with the huge variety of baskets and boxes, e.g. the valentine/easter not-yet-used basket, the Christmas not-yet-used basket, the perfect-to-use-for-a-specific-person basket and it goes on and on. This heart set and a set I'll be using for next week's card gets rid of the valentine's products in the valentine/easter basket!)

I keep sidetracking, sorry! The heart is a three part Birch Press set called Folk Art Hearts (Layers A, B and C). I love their layered sets but they do get pricey. I got this one (and will keep this one!) because it works for valentines, birthday, feel better and much more. When I realized it wouldn't fit on a vertical card, I knew I wanted a longer sentiment for the horizontal card and found this one in the Pretty Pink Posh Sentiment Strips: Valentine set and I cut it with one of their Sentiment Strips dies. Because it was an open heart, I wanted the strip behind it to be subtle so simply used some polka dot ribbon. 

I hope to see you playing along with us at Freshly Made Sketches.

I've talked too much this week so further details on where and when to follow - although if everything goes as planned (and I know it won't), there shouldn't be any disruption on my blog.

SUPPLY LIST
Stamps: Pretty Pink Posh Sentiment Strips: Valentine
Dies: Birch Press Folk Art Heart Layers A-C, Pretty Pink Posh Sentiment Strips
Cardstock: Stampin' Up Poppy Parade and Flirty Flamingo, Taylored Expressions Cupcake
Other: Stampin' Up Polka Dot Tulle Ribbon

Birthday for an Aspiring Actress

I almost didn't post this card, mostly because virtually everything on it dates way, WAY back. But as I've said over and over, I love this hobby because it allows us to create cards that are perfect for the recipient. In this case, it's for my teenage niece who adores being on the stage. I'm thrilled that I had products, no matter how old, that allowed me to put this together for her. (Notice that I'm giving myself and all of you an excuse for huge stashes and keeping old products!)

The old die set by Taylored Expressions - Center Stage - includes the curtains and stage as a frame along with the tiebacks and the lights. I filled the stage with another old TE die - Potty People Border. The "happy birthday" is Arched Happy Birthday by My Favorite Things (which of course is closed now). I gave it all some texture with embossed stars in the background and a corrugated panel for the stage. 

SUPPLY LIST
Stamps: Papertrey Ink Sentiment Staples: Birthday
Dies: Taylored Expressions Center Stage Cutting Plate, Taylored Expressions Potty People Border, My Favorite Things Arched Happy Birthday
Cardstock: Stampin' Up Mango Melody, Daffodil Delight and Pool Party, Taylored Expressions Granny Smith (I did the banner a while back and don't know what other colors I used)
Ink: Taylored Expressions Peapod
Embossing Folders: Stampin' Up Mini Corrugated 3D, Spellbinders Stargazer

Freshly Made Sketches: Happy Happy Birthday

We're back after the holidays with a new sketch at Freshly Made Sketches! Today we have a sketch by Amy and here’s what I did with it!

I decided that that fun angle of the sketch would allow me to go very simple with the rest of the card. I added a scrap of bright stripes along the bottom then embossed the main panel with sprinkles. I picked a sentiment die that was bold enough to fit across the front and unique enough to be eye-catching. Then I added a "happy happy" and a few glitter dots. 

And this is a perfect example why I love sketch challenges. Basically I used one patterned paper, an embossing folder and a die cut. The card could have been boring. But I think the angle on the sketch gave it a fun and celebratory look. 

I hope to see you playing along with us at Freshly Made Sketches.

SUPPLY LIST
Stamps: Neat & Tangled So Many Sentiments
Dies: Trinity Stamps Simply Sentiment Birthday, Stampin' Up Tasteful Labels
Paper: Stampin' Up Sunshine & Rainbows dsp, Flirty Flamingo, Mango Melody and So Saffron cardstock
Other: Taylored Expressions Sprinkles embossing folder, Doodlebug glitter enamel dots

Atlantic Hearts Sketch: Thank You

 My friend and Stampin' Up demonstrator gave me a wonderful Christmas gift - the Enduring Beauty stamp set along with stencils and dies! So the first thing that I had to do was make her a thank you card. A big thank you to the team at Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge for giving me the creative idea of splitting the bouquet of flowers into each corner.

I don't do a lot of stenciling probably because I find it very stressful. Adding the first color is OK but my anxiety level grows with each new stencil. What if it slips and all my previous work is ruined?! Then I can't tell you how carefully I line up the die and obsessively tape it down before I cut it out. This one really peaked my anxiety because then I had to cut it in half to fit each corner. My friend and SU lady loves stenciling so she'll never understand the stress that this card caused me.

Funny story. She's been my "dealer" for 25 years. For many of those years, we would meet up in my church parking lot when she had an order to give me. One time, her husband was along and as we were exchanging the order and the payment, he burst out laughing and said he was SO glad he knew what was going on. Think about it. An empty parking lot. One car window opens and hands an envelope to the other car. Then the second car hands over a large bag. Wouldn't it have been hysterical had the police shown up thinking they were taking down an illicit deal?! 

I went all Stampin' Up for this card although some of the supplies are long retired.

A big thank you to the team at the Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge for the inspiration.

SUPPLY LIST
Stamps: Stampin' Up Enduring Beauty (including stencils and dies), Thank You Kindly
Cardstock: Stampin' Up Daffodil Delight, Granny Apple Green

Ink: Stampin' Up Daffodil Delight, Crushed Curry, Lemon Lime Twist, Granny Apple Green
Other: Stampin' Up Layered Leaves Embossing Folder, Brushed Brass Butterflies

Freshly Made Christmas: Trimmed Trees

It's time for a new sketch at Freshly Made Sketches!  Today we have a sketch by Narelle and here’s what I did with it!

This is my last Christmas card!!  I've had a tough time getting them finished up because it just hasn't been winter yet in my part of Colorado. After I finished this card, I walked to my favorite brewery and sat on their patio - in short sleeves - drinking a cold beer - and it was still too warm. I live in a state that is supposed to have winter and the weather puts me in the Christmas mood but it might as well be spring right now (and for the rest of the 10-day forecast). Some of you may think that sounds fantastic, but I'm a winter person. In fairness, Denver doesn't typically have white Christmas (one in 2022 and prior to that it was 2015). Our big snow comes in February and March, but that doesn't mean there isn't typically snowy days by now and I use those days to play Christmas music and make Christmas cards. We've had one good snowy day this year and that's not enough for my cards.

This one started out being made for my friend and Stampin' Up demonstrator. It was supposed to be all Stampin' Up but took a left turn fairly quickly. I picked the paper but then none of my Stampin' Up Christmas tree dies fit in the space and stamped trees didn't work because it turns out my old Mint Macaron ink pad that matched the paper had dried up. I just gave up at that point and used products from three other companies!

I hope to see you playing along with us at Freshly Made Sketches. We'll be taking a break after this one and won't be back until January 7th.  Since I may not be posting between now and then - I hope you and yours have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 

SUPPLY LIST
Stamps: Waffle Flower Holiday Cheer
Dies: Echo Park Three Trimmed Trees
Paper: Stampin' Up Whimsy & Wonder dsp, Mint Macaron CS
Other: Concord & 9th Berries & Boughs embossing folder

Freshly Made Sketches: Peace, Joy & Love

It's time for a new sketch at Freshly Made Sketches! Today we have a sketch by Michele and here’s what I did with it!

This is a very fun set of dies by Spellbinders. Not only does it include the beautiful poinsettia, a wide variety of greenery and that sweet bird with his hat, but there's also a big candy cane! I'll definitely have to keep the set near the top of my stash until I've used the candy cane.

I had so many different color options cut out that I realized it wouldn't take much to make a second card!  But I still didn't use the candy cane!

I hope to see you playing along with us at Freshly Made Sketches.

SUPPLY LIST

Dies: Spellbinders Christmas Bird Poinsettia, My Favorite Things Stitched Jumbo Fishtails
Stamps: Waffle Flower Classic Holiday Sentiments
Ink: Stampin' Up Mossy Meadow
Red Poinsettia:
Cardstock: Stampin' Up Poppy Parade, Old Olive, Lucky Limeade, Mossy Meadow, Crushed Curry, Snowflake Specialty Vellum
Other: Stampin' Up Brick & Mortar Embossing Folder, Stampin' Up Gold Glitter Enamel Dots
Pink Poinsettia:
Cardstock: Stampin' Up Flirty Flamingo, Granny Apple Green and Daffodil Delight, Taylored Expressions Peapod, Granny Smith, Sprinkles and Salt Water Taffy
Other: Taylored Expressions Diagonal Stripe Embossing Folder, Stampin' Up Polka Dots Embossing Folder

Hand Stamped Sentiments: Cardinal Joy

I'm playing along with the inspiration at Hand Stamped Sentiments using products from the Nordic series at Poppystamps.

Obviously there was a cardinal in the inspiration photos and that is what caught my eye given I have this Nordic Resting Cardinal in my not-yet-used stash. (There's also a Perched Cardinal facing the other way but I didn't have space for him.) Since I was going Nordic, I also pulled out the Nordic Holly Sprig and the Nordic Layered Joy.

The color choices also came from the inspiration. Red and green were clear choices but when I decided to do the "Joy" in metallic colors, I originally had golds out. Then I looked at the photos and realized something I really liked about them were the cool white and gray backgrounds which really made the colors pop - so I switched to silver. 

Thanks to Hand Stamped Sentiments for giving me the inspiration to pull out these fabulous dies.

SUPPLY LIST
Dies: Poppystamps Nordic Resting Cardinal, Nordic Holly Sprig and Nordic Layered Joy, Taylored Expressions Diagonal Stitch Rectangle Stacklets
Cardstock: Stampin' Up Poppy Parade, Real Red, Cherry Cobbler, Pecan Pie and Granny Apple Green, Taylored Expressions Cilantro and Peapod, My Favorite Things Pineapple, both silvers are unknown scraps

Freshly Made Sketches: Joy

It's time for a new sketch at Freshly Made Sketches! Be sure to pop over to the blog because we haev a couple of fabulous new members on the design team!  Today we have a sketch by Karren and here’s what I did with it!

I love this fun "joy" and decided it was basically circular and would work for the sketch. I was thrilled when I stumbled on the paper that surrounded the "joy" with Christmas lights. From there, I just wanted to add joyful Christmas elements so used some candy cane stripes and candies and a background of embossed Christmas ornaments.

I hope to see you playing along with us this week at Freshly Made Sketches.

SUPPLY LIST
Dies: Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps (now Creative Worship) Peace and Joy word dies, Taylored Expressions Banner Stacklets 2
Paper: LDRS Creative Peace & Joy, Photoplay Brights, Stampin' Up Poppy Parade
Other: Simon Says Stamp Heirloom Ornaments Embossing Folder, Dress My Craft Carnival Candies, Imagine Sheer Simmer Stix

Inspired by...Christmas Trees & a Bunny

 I am playing along with the current challenge at Inspired by... (but see my caveats below).

I was inspired by the challenge at Inspired By but I took quite a few left turns. I knew right away that I was going to use the Heirloom Ornaments embossing folder to decorate the trees. I started out with rich greens and reds as in the photo inspiration but the embossing just didn't stand out on those dark colors. So I set it aside and waited a day. The next morning, I stepped away from the challenge picture and decided to go with my favorite lighter colors in a more frosty look. At that point, I was still using three really tall and skinny trees per the challenge but I couldn't find the right sentiment. One more day went by before this sentiment started calling my name as the look that I wanted but it required shorter trees so one more step away from the challenge. The final step away came this morning when I realized that I could easily add one of my son's girlfriend's favorite things - a bunny!  Even though it might be a bit of a stretch at this point, I definitely wanted to give credit to Inspired By because this card wouldn't have happened without them!

SUPPLY LIST
Dies: Stampin' Up Stitched Triangles, Impression Obsession Bunny Buddies, Poppystamps Merry Christmas Cheerful Script
Cardstock: Stampin' Up Granny Apple Green, Flirty Flamingo and Balmy Blue
Other: Simon Says Stamp Heirloom Ornaments embossing folder, Simon Hurley/Spellbinders Sparkling Snow embossing folder

Freshly Made Sketches: Joyful Christmas

It's time for a new sketch at Freshly Made Sketches! Today we have a sketch by the fabulously creative Cécile and here’s what I did with it!

 

I didn't try to find anything overly creative with this sketch because I knew I had beautiful ornament dies that I wanted to use. I picked an ornament from The Greetery mostly because I knew I also had a fabulous background by them that was in my not-yet-used stash. I love the classic look of the two of them.

I struggled with a sentiment. I do have Christmas sentiments by The Greetery but they were either big die cuts or tiny little stamps and just didn't fit. I came upon this old set from Papertrey Ink that had the look that fit the card, used the word "joyful" to fit my bright and cheerful colors, and fit well around the ornament. I think I struggle with finding the right sentiment more than anything else on a card but this one came together for me!

I hope to see you playing along with us at Freshly Made Sketches.

SUPPLY LIST
Stamps: Papertrey Ink Words to Live By: Joyful
Dies: The Greetery Jumbo Curiosity Teardrop Ornament, Twinkle Background, Papertrey Ink Joyful, Honey Bee Stamps Stacking Art Deco Labels
Cardstock: Stampin' Up Granny Apple Green, Poppy Parade and Daffodil Delight, My Favorite Things Pineapple, Concord & 9th Neutral Foils Paper Pack
Ink: Taylored Expressions Cilantro

Freshly Made Sketches: Give Thanks

It's time for a new sketch at Freshly Made Sketches! Today we have a sketch by Jen Brum and here’s what I did with it!

I saw the sketch and I remembered that I had a simple little die set from Stampin' Up named Label Me Grateful dies. I got it for the dainty little leaves and acorns but hadn't used it yet. It was clearly all coming together perfectly so I created a Thanksgiving card even though I technically have all that I need. Just preparing ahead for next year I guess!

I cut out the elements in the same colors that I used a few weeks ago on this card. I really liked the blue in the mix (and also the cardstock was still out on my craft desk!) I used a wood plank embossed background and then lightly rubbed it with white to make the grain stand out.  

I hope to see you playing along with us this week at Freshly Made Sketches.

SUPPLY LIST
Stamps: Stampin' Up Arrange a Wreath (sentiment)
Dies: Stampin' Up Label Me Grateful dies
Cardstock: Stampin' Up Old Olive, Lost Lagoon, Pumpkin Pie, Pecan Pie, Crumb Cake and Summer Sun (long retired)
Ink: Stampin' Up Pecan Pie
Other: Stampin' Up Pinewood Planks embossing folder

Freshly Made Sketches: The Heavens Rejoice

It's time for a new sketch at Freshly Made Sketches! Today we have a sketch by Verena and here’s what I did with it!

   

 

I had a totally different card in my head when I started. I already had the dies out to do a big poinsettia bouquet in the bigger space and a vertical sentiment. But as I was looking for the last few things that I needed, I saw this die that's spent a long time in my not-yet-used stash.  I figured if I didn't use a die that filled about 1/3 of the left side of a panel - just like the sketch - I might as well never use the die. Of course, it's not perfect, I don't have anything like the red panel on my card. I did try adding some panels behind the angel so I could have that edge but I just liked it too much all by itself.

I hope to see you playing along with us at Freshly Made Sketches.

SUPPLY LIST
Stamps: Penny Black Promise of Hope
Dies: Tutti Designs Angel Corner
Other: Simon Says Stamp Shimmering Starfall Embossing Folder

Freshly Made Sketches: Blessings

It's time for a new sketch at Freshly Made Sketches! Today we have a sketch by me and here’s what I did with it! 

I got the leaf die years ago when I saw a number of the design team samples included wreaths. I loved the way this sprig of leaves could build up to a layered wreath. One of the samples was in the same shape as the wreath on my card. I never got around to building any layered wreath so as I was designing this sketch, I put it together to build a wreath. I did toy around with some other sprigs but none of them rounded just right for this wreath. Although I added a banner on the sketch, when it came time, I didn't want to cover any of the leaves so I used a nicely-shaped sentiment.

I also used one of very favorite background dies from a long-gone company. I use it often but in all recent cards, the other elements on the card hide the cute little heart. I immediately thought of this die when I realized that on this card the heart would be shown off beautifully. Then I went one step further and added a sweet little bird right by the heart!

I hope to see you playing along with us at Freshly Made Sketches!

SUPPLY LIST
Stamps: The Greetery Blessed Blooms and dies
Dies: Simon Says Stamps Olive Leaves and Layered Bird Bunch, Lil Inkers Stitched Woodgrain
Cardstock: Stampin' Up Crushed Curry, Pumpkin Pie, Lost Lagoon, Old Olive and Crumb Cake
Other: Stampin' Up Streaked Dots

Freshly Made Sketches: Trick or Treat

It's time for a new sketch at Freshly Made Sketches! Today we have a sketch by Linda and here’s what I did with it!

I'll be honest. I do not need another Halloween card (although I do have someone to give it to) but I was flipping through my stash and saw these three already-made pumpkins left over from a past project.  How could I possibly walk by a trio of pumpkins when the sketch has three circles on a hill?!!  

Given to whom it is going, I had to find a somewhat snarky sentiment. I have a shockingly large collection of boozy Halloween sentiments that could have worked but I didn't have a small enough beer mug or wine glass for these guys which was needed if I wanted to use the sentiment. (I'm very matchy-matchy that way.)  So I just went with a childhood classic sentiment although I will admit to being really bothered by the fact that pumpkins don't have feet to smell!

I added "wind" in the background then corrugated the ground to give it some interesting texture. I was thrilled to find a big moon in another set that also has stitching just like the pumpkins. It all came together easily and I'm thrilled those sweet little pumpkins found a place!

I hope to see you playing along with us this week at Freshly Made Sketches.

SUPPLY LIST

Stamps: Concord & 9th Playful Pumpkins & dies, Photoplay Trick or Treat Halloween & word dies

Dies: Poppystamps Whittle Rainbow Unicorn (the moon), Photoplay Sentiment Strips

Cardstock: Stampin' Up Highland Heather and Crushed Curry, Taylored Expressions Candy Corn

Other: Taylored Expressions Twirls and Swirls EF, Stampin' Up Mini Corrugated 3D EF

Freshly Made Sketches: Miss You

It's time for a new sketch at Freshly Made Sketches! Today we have a sketch by Jen Mitchell and here’s what I did with it!

 

The idea for this card came to me almost immediately when I saw the sketch (which is rare for me!) I originally intended to use an actual banner, as per the sketch, instead of a branch then emboss/stamp/cut a woodgrain into it to look like a branch. I couldn't make that work without it looking super heavy which was not what I wanted for this card. I had the little bird picked, then needed a sentiment and when I saw "miss you", it just seemed perfect for the single bird.

I hope to see you playing along with us at Freshly Made Sketches.

SUPPLY LIST
Dies: Kristina Werner with Concord & 9th Big Type Greetings, Spellbinders Sweet Birds on a Branch, Taylored Expressions On a Limb - Branches and On a Limb - Leaves
Other: Spellbinders Head in the Clouds Embossing Folder

Freshly Made Sketches: Peace, Hope & Joy

It's time for a new sketch at Freshly Made Sketches! Today we have a sketch by Jen Timko and here’s what I did with it!

At this time of year, anything round looks like a wreath to me - whether it be a fall, winter or Christmas wreath. I was determined to be different with this sketch, but obviously I couldn't get past the wreath. I tried, but as I was flipping through my not-yet-used stash, I started realizing this card could be a real stash-buster with multiple products, including at least one of my many wreaths, that could be moved into my regular stash after I used them. (As I decrease my not-yet-used stash, I can enjoy shopping, although it could be a year from now before I make a big enough dent to bring too much new stuff home.)

Since I didn't challenge myself with the wreath, I decided to jump out of my comfort zone with colors - or at least with the greens. It's a big step for me but I'm sure it won't be noticed by anybody else. I decided to use the cooler greens that I never use - Stampin' Up's Shy Shamrock and Shaded Spruce. I am always about yellower greens; Granny Apple Green is my favorite. I'm looking at the picture and thinking I could branch out of my comfort zone more often! 

I hope to see you playing along with us at Freshly Made Sketches.

SUPPLY LIST
Stamps: Pinkfresh Basic Banners: Christmas
Dies: Poppystamps Stitch Wreath and Nordic Bird Bunch, Sizzix/Tim Holtz Christmas Minis (the ornament), Pinkfresh Basic Banners
Cardstock: Stampin' Up Shaded Spruce, Shy Shamrock, Flirthy Flamingo, Poppy Parade, Real Red
Other: Studio Katia Red Hearts

A Christmas Hello

I was surprised recently to realize I didn't have any embossing folders with trees. I immediately remedied that when I found this Christmas Tree 2D folder by Chloe's Creative. I wanted to use it right away by adding a trio of bright and graphic trees in front of that forest of white, snowy trees!

I want to give credit to last week's 52 Christmas Card Throwdown. Had my order arrived in my mailbox before the challenge ended, I had intended to play along with their sketch. When it didn't come in time, I changed my card up a bit from the sketch - but still wanted to give credit as due.

SUPPLY LIST
Stamps: The Stamp Market Heaps of Holiday Words
Dies: Neat & Tangled Scandinavian Prints Christmas, My Favorite Things Mountain High (the snowy ground)
Cardstock: Stampin' Up Granny Apple Green, Summer Splash, Flirty Flamingo, Daffodil Delight, Michaels glittery white
Other: Chloe's Creative Christmas Tree 2D embossing folder, Memory Box Fairy Jewels