Stylin' Stampin' Squad Blog Hop: Mar 2012

It's time for our monthly Blog Hop!  I'm very excited to share my projects with you today.  If you just came from Shellie's Blog, welcome!  This month's theme is Easter/Spring/Baby/St. Patrick's Day.  Wow, that was a mouthful.  I'm so ready for arrival of Spring, that I decided to make my card a Spring card.

I know you're scratching your head thinking, didn't this stamp set retire with the last Occasions Mini?  Well, the physical stamp set did, yes.  But what I'm using is the Digital Stamp Brush Set, which NEVER RETIRES!!!  How stinkin' awesome is that?!  Last year I did a whole series of Digital Easter Blossoms, because I just love it so much.  I'm so happy to be able to bring her out again this year.  BTW, you, too, can have this stamp brush set (#124436), for only $3.95!  You can order it online via MY STORE.  And if you haven't tried My Digital Studio software yet, Stampin' Up! is now offering a free 30-day trial for it!  You can read all about it HERE.  Although the trial does not come with much in the way of content, digital downloads are so inexpensive, you can purchase and download a couple to play with.  Plus, you can download it right away after you place your order.  Talk about instant gratification!

My Supplies List (all supplies and images by Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted):

Stamp Set(s): Easter Blossoms (Digital)

Ink: Crumb Cake, Soft Suede

Papers: Bashful Blue, Blushing Bride, Beau Chateau DSP

Accessories: Labels Framelits, Blushing Bride Ruffled Satin ribbon, Oval punch, Scallop Oval punch

Now, with arrival of Spring comes the arrival of Allergy Season.  Can't leave home without your Kleenex!

Now you can tote your tissues in this fabulously cute Tissue Holder.  You can find the tutorial HERE.  I don't know why I didn't do this as my very first sewing project ever.  It's so easy, you can easily make several at once.  The fabric is from the Twitterpated suite.

You know what else arrives with Spring?  Baby animals!

What do you think of this special SU fabric-outfitted baby owl?  Pretty cute, huh?  You know where I got the pattern???  Our MDS program!  Did you know that there is a punch download available for our Two-Step Owl (#122153)?  I called it up in MDS, enlarged it as big as I wanted.  I gave it a mat, so I can see the outline.  Printed it out and that became my pattern!  It's only $0.95 for the digital download.  It's got to be the cheapest pattern out there for the cutest owl out there!  For the eyes, I used Circles #2 die for the Big Shot.  For its beak, I just cut a piece of felt and put it behind the eyes and shirt.  I didn't bother with its feet, because it was too hard to cut out.

Well, that's the end of this stop.  If you like what I've made here, please feel free to look around my blog.  And if you like me enough, please follow me, subscribe to my blog or Pin me!   Next up is Creative Pam.  Go on over and see what she's got in store for you!

        

Blog Hop Participants:

1. Shellie G. of Creative Electica
2. Annie L. of Love Me Cards  <--- You are here!
3. Pam S. of Stampin' in the Sun!
4. Nancy B. of Lady Stamps a Lot
5. Anji C. of Altered Scraps Blog
6. Rose C. of Stamp with Rose
7. Tonya B. of Stampin' with Tonya
8. Amanda H. of Live Laugh Craft
9. Dawn S. of Dawn's Creative Chalet
10. Patricia T. of Sunnyone Stampin'
11. Heather W. of Heather's Stampin' Blog
12. Pamela W. of Stinky Tofu
13. Linda O. of Stamp at Linda's
14. Marla R. of Marla's Stampin' Spot
15. Michele M. of Michele's Stampin' Blog
16. Darcy J. of DJ's Stampin' Place
17. Nicole B. of Creations by Mommy
18. Pam S. of Sunny Girl Scraps
19. Kim R. of Stamping with Kim

Get Well Blossoms

This card started out as a CASE of Vicki's card, seen HERE.  But I had to change a couple of elements to suit me.  In any case, I think it turned out nicely.

I added a little Q-Tip sponging around the blossoms, just to give the image some soft colors.

My Supplies List (all supplies and images by Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted):

Stamp Set(s): Easter Blossoms, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Ink: Early Espresso, Pretty in Pink

Papers:  Early Espresso, River Rock

Accessories: Polka Dot embossing Folder, Modern Label Punch, Word Window punch, Cr*cut, Eyelet border punch, ribbon (my stash)

Sweet Sunday Easter Girl

Upping my challenge participation this week.  Today I have a card based on the Sweet Sunday sketch, shown below.

I like the simplicity of this sketch, not too many layers, with a large focus for main image.  Plus, Karen always has awesome sketches for Sweet Sunday anyways.  Here's my card.  Told you I'm not done with Easter Blossoms yet!

My Supplies List (all supplies and images by Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted):

Stamp Set(s): Easter Blossoms

Ink: Crumb Cake, Soft Suede

Papers: Baja Breeze, Rose Red, Always Artichoke, Springtime Vintage DSP

Accessories: Corner Ticket punch, Subtles Brads, Beautiful Wings embosslit, Basic Pearls, Cr*cut (for the big circles)

Sale-a-Bration Almost Over!

Oh, I'll be soooo sad when Sale-a-Bration ends tomorrow.  It's the most fabulous time of the year when you can get FREE STUFF!!!  Luckily we still have another month of the awesome Occasions Mini catalog to go.  Then Summer Mini catalog starts.  There are some good surprises in store for you!  Then, the brand spankin' new Idea Book & Catalog for 2011-2012 will be here in July!  I cannot wait!!!!  Anything you want to see in the new catalog?

This card is CASE'd from LaLatty.  OK, I confess... I don't have Top Note Die yet.  I used Cr*cut to cut this shape.  And actually this was a piece of scrap that's been on my table forever.  So I was very happy to use it up!  I changed some elements, so that I could use the freebies from the Sale-a-Bration catalog.  The butterfly was added per my daughter's request.  Apparently the lone bee was very lonely and wanted a friend.  LOL.  I used Versamark to stamp the last layer.  Because, as you know, I can't stand plain paper!

 Oops!  How did Easter Blossom sneak in here again? :D  This one is CASE'd from Kelli.  I used the FREE Ice Cream Parlor Paper and Quick Accents Pack.

ETA:  Geez, you guys, I must be losing my marbles.  Sorry, this second card was already posted once on 3/22.  Oops.  Sorry for the re-run.

My Supplies List (all supplies and images by Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted):

Stamp Set(s): Sweet Summer (FREE Sale-a-Bration set), Punch Bunch (FREE Sale-a-Bration set), Easter Blossoms, So Happy for You (FREE Sale-a-Bration set)

Ink: Old Olive, Melon Mambo, Crumb Cake, Brocade Blue (retired)

Papers: Melon Mambo, Old Olive, Ice Cream Parlor DSP & Quick Accents Pack, Brocade Blue (retired)

Accessories: Circle punches, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, Square Lattice embossing folder, Scallop Oval punch, Ice Cream Parlor Quick Accent Pack, Ice Cream Parlor Ribbon, Basic Pearls, Blender Pen

Easter Blossoms - DIGITAL Day #10

I think this is the last day of this series.  I really, really, really hope this set comes back in the new 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog.  I can't get enough of this set!  Well, since the Occasions Catalog runs through end of April, you just might see a few more of these cards in the near future!  I just don't want you to be sick of my blog. :D

This card is CASE'd from Jill.  I only changed a couple of elements.  I don't have the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder, so I used Finial Press embossing folder.  I also added 1/8" Marina Mist Taffeta ribbon.  Lastly, I added some flowers from the Punch Pack with Pearls.  I sponged the embossed layer, the main image and the sentiment.

Also CASE'd from Jill.  I used Corner Rounder punch and scrunched the ribbon, instead of tying in a knot.

 I'm not sure exactly where the inspiration for this one came from, or is it CASE'd?  Or, did I actually design this one myself???  I kind of doubt it.  But I can't find where I might have gotten the idea from.  If you know, please kindly let me know and I will credit the original post.

This came about partly because I had a piece of this embossed scrap and can't stand to waste it.  I also wanted to try out the new Vanilla Rosettes that I got.  I colored it using our Stampin' Write marker.  It is soooo easy!  And stunning, isn't it?  I also love that I can tear our cardstock, and there's no white core showing through.  Our cardstock is dyed all the way through.  Wait, I just realized this is not Easter Blossoms.  Oh well.  It's still pretty using the Springtime Vintage DSP.

My Supplies List (all supplies and images by Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted):

Stamp Set(s): Easter Blossoms (digital download), Punch Bunch (FREE Sale-a-Bration set)

Ink: Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Baja Breeze

Papers: Marina Mist, Early Espresso, Baja Breeze, Always Artichoke, Crumb Cake, Springtime Vintage DSP

Accessories: Finial Press embossing folder, Marina Mist 1/8" Taffeta ribbon, Punch Pack,  Basic Pearls, Scalloped Oval punch, Oval punch, Corner Rounder, Crumb Cake Seam Binding ribbon, Baja Breeze Seam Binding ribbon, Scallop Circle punch, Vanilla Rosette, Elegant Lines embossing folder

Easter Blossoms - DIGITAL Day #9

Can you believe there's more???  I think I'll do another couple of days and I'll move on to a different stamp set.

The first card today is CASE'd from Joanna.  I loved how she used the Beautiful Wings embosslit on this card.  Also, her colors were so soft and feminine.  With my version, I wanted to use the more floral design of the DSP.  Then, I picked my colors from the DSP.  So I used Rose Red and Baja Breeze.  Not a surprise there.  I used Blushing Bride for the butterflies.

I rounded the corners of the main image, then I decided to round the corners of the back layer panel.  For the sentiment, originally I was trying to do something I saw in passing while blogsurfing the other day.  But it didn't turn out right, so I have to go back and review the video.  In any case, I defaulted to my standard, Scalloped Oval and Medium Oval punches.  I decided that was too boring, and was determined to use my Decorative Label punchouts that I had already done.  So I layered everything together.  I actually like how this looks.  This is one of my absolute favorites of this set so far (I think I may have said this about another card or two before.  Ha!).  I just love how this all turned out.

This next one is CASE'd from Kelli, with a minor change toward the bottom of the card.  I was trying to use some of my scraps.  This is from the FREE Sale-a-Bration product called Ice Cream Parlor Paper and Accent Pack, which you can get for FREE with an order of $50.

My Supplies List (all supplies and images by Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted):

Stamp Set(s): Easter Blossoms (digital download), So Happy For You (FREE Sale-a-Bration set)

Ink: Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Baja Breeze, Brocade Blue (retired)

Papers: Rose Red, Pear Pizzazz, Baja Breeze, Blushing Bride, Springtime Vintage DSP, Melon Mambo, Brocade Blue (retired), Ice Cream Parlor DSP (FREE Sale-a-Bration product)

Accessories: Polka Dot embossing folder, Corner Rounder punch, Scalloped Oval punch, Oval punch, Decorative Label punch, Pear Pizzazz Stitched-Poly ribbon, Square Lattice embossing folder, Basic Pearls, Ice Cream Parlor Accent Pack (FREE Sale-a-Bration product)

Easter Blossoms - DIGITAL Day #8

The first 3 cards here are CASE'd from swaps on Dawn O's blog.  I had to use the Cr*cut to cut some of my shapes, as I don't have the appropriate die or punch.  For the first card, I love how she used a button on the ribbon.  I basically threaded the twine through the button, take a small piece of ribbon, tie the whole thing to the back of the long ribbon.  Hope that makes sense.  Believe it or not, it actually took me awhile to figure out how to tie everything together.  My fingers are not the most dextrous, apparently, when it comes to tying bows or knots with the ribbon.  I kept feeling like my fingers were just in the way.

 Other than tying the button and ribbons together, this card was easy to put together.  Also loved the use of Square Lattice embossing folder here.

This one, I had to change the papers used.  Then I decided that lining them up straight was not my cup of tea, so I tilted them.  When I saw Dawn's card, I liked the simplicity of it.  But somehow, I don't love this one I made. :-(

This next one is an interesting design, isn't it?  I like how the circle fits just inside the square, which then layers on top of a bigger scallop square.  And of course, how can it not be sweet when you use Crochet Trim?  It's a great ribbon.  If  you don't have it, you really should get it!

ETA: This is CASE'd from Laurie.  See her original card HERE.

The last card is CASE'd from Patti.  Loved the use of the Rosette here; and how the ribbon is not tied in a bow or a knot.  Just cut into the dove tail.  Oh, and I thought adding the Basic Pearls to the left added a touch of sweetness to the card.

My Supplies List (all supplies and images by Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted):

Stamp Set(s): Easter Blossoms (digital download)

Ink: Crumb Cake

Papers: Rose Red, Pear Pizzazz, Not Quite Navy, Blushing Bride, Crumb Cake, Springtime Vintage DSP

Accessories: Square Lattice embossing folder, Rose Red Seam Binding ribbon, Victoria Crochet Trim, Designer Button, Rosette, Basic Pearls, Scalloped Oval punch, Oval punch, Sponge, 2" circle punch (non-SU), Cr*cut

Easter Blossoms Challenges

Today's cards are CASE'd; but they were originally made for couple of Mojo Monday challenges.  This first one is CASE'd from Vicki (again, I LOVE her cards!), for Mojo Monday a couple of weeks back.  She used Sweet Summer on her card.  There's no reason why I couldn't use my sweet Easter Blossoms again, right?  So, here's my version.  Vicki made hers a square card.  I stuck to the standard A2 size.  I don't have the Eyelet border punch yet, so I used Scalloped Trim border.  I also moved my circle a little bit.

My Supplies List (all supplies and images by Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted):

Stamp Set(s): Easter Blossoms (digital download), So Happy For You (SAB)

Ink: Crumb Cake, Soft Suede

Papers: Crumb Cake, Rose Red, Springtime Vintage DSP

Accessories: Scalloped Trim border punch, Scalloped Circle punch, Rose Red Seam Binding ribbon, Victoria Crochet Trim, Square Lattice embossing folder

This next card is CASE'd from Krystal.  Hers was originally made for this week's Mojo Monday sketch.    I, of course, changed the main image to my beloved Easter Blossoms.  This little girl is especially sweet. Since I don't have a scrap large enough to do the same background pattern (does that make sense to you???), I had to use a different pattern from the same pack.  Now that I look at Krystal's picture again, I forgot to add the pearls.  I think I'll go add those later.

I didn't have the same satin ribbon, so I used my new favorite, Seam Binding ribbon.  After I tied the Seam Binding ribbon on , I thought it still needed something, so I added a small strip of Crochet Trim and Antique Brad.  What do you think?  I thought it was lovely myself. :)

My Supplies List (all supplies and images by Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted):

Stamp Set(s): Easter Blossoms (digital download)

Ink: Crumb Cake

Papers: Rose Red, Springtime Vintage DSP

Accessories: Very Vanilla Seam Binding ribbon, Victoria Crochet Trim, Antique Brad, 2" circle punch (non-SU), Cr*cut

Easter Blossoms - DIGITAL Day #6

Back to my lovefest with Easter Blossoms.  This card is CASE'd from Vicki.  I moved the main image to the left side and used Signo white gelpen instead of Basic Pearls around the scallop.  I didn't have the Jewelry Tag punch (that's on the next order) like Vicki did, so I went with my usual... Scallop Oval and Oval punches.

Seriously, I hope you're not sick of these yet.  I have so many more.  These are just so pretty.  And all the ones I've shown so far using this particular pattern from the Springtime Vintage DSP?  ONE SHEET!  In all, I made at least 9 cards with this particular sheet, and I still had some left over that I'm using.

My Supplies List (all supplies and images by Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted):

Stamp Set(s): Easter Blossoms (digital download)

Ink: Crumb Cake, Baja Breeze

Papers: Always Artichoke, Crumb Cake, Springtime Vintage DSP

Accessories: Scalloped Oval punch, Oval Punch, Baja Breeze Seam Binding ribbon, Signo white gelpen, 2" circle punch (non-SU), Cr*cut

Easter Blossoms - DIGITAL Day #5 (Except there's no Easter Blossoms!)

This set of cards are CASE'd from Sharon, with some modifications.  But what I loved was how she was able to make these three cards using 6x6 piece of DSP, without any waste!  This first one had quite a bit of empty space on the bottom.  So I decided to emboss the bottom portion.  And because I love the scrunched gathered look of the ribbon, I did it again here.  I colored the image from Punch Bunch using markers.

When I made this next card, I didn't have the In Stitches jumbo wheel yet, so I felt it was missing something.  Big Shot embossing folders to the rescue.  I used Elegant Lines here.

This last one is a total and complete CASE, except for the sentiment.

ETA: There's NO Easter Blossoms on these cards!!!  OMG, I crack myself up.  I'm in love with Easter Blossoms AND Springtime Vintage DSP.  Guess I only had the papers here. :-)

My Supplies List (all supplies and images by Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted):

Stamp Set(s): Sincere Salutations, Punch Bunch, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Ink: Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy

Papers: Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy, Pear Pizzazz, Springtime Vintage DSP

Accessories: Scallop Border punch, Scallop Trim edge punch, Scalloped Oval punch, Oval punch, Scalloped Circle punch, circle punch, Modern Label punch, Word Window punch, Pear Pizzazz Seam Binding ribbon, Very Vanilla Seam Binding ribbon, Elegant Lines embossing folder, Square Lattice embossing folder