Simple Thanks

The Serendipity Challenge this week helps us get geared up for those thank yous we need to send out for all the wonderful gifts we received this holiday season. The goal...to create a simple thank you card. Here's my creation.

I used the "Present Border" as my focal image and the "Thanks" from the "Simple Flowers" Cling Set for the sentiment. The image was colored with Copic Markers. I chose these fun papers from DCWV's Tis the Season stack. The finishing touch is a ribbon from Stampin' Up.

Want more simple thank you ideas? Check out Amy, Anya, Lynda and Jenny and see what they've been up to.

Have a very Merry Christmas!






It's all about the details:
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Cardstock: Stampin' Up
Patterned Paper: DCWV, Tis the Season
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Stampin' Up Ribbon
Tools: MFT Scallop Die, Copic Markers

July in December

So here's a twist on "Christmas in July" ... today's challenge from Serendipity Stamps is to use one of the Illustrated Months cling stamps to create a birthday card. I chose to use the July stamp because a bit of summer warmth is pretty appealing right now. :)

I began with some kraft card stock and used October Afternoon patterned papers along with a panel that I created with the Happy Birthday stamp from the Nest with Eggs cling set.

I also broke out my Stampin' Up and Marvy markers to color the stamp and then gave it a good "huff" before stamping. I finished the card by popping the image up on dimensionals and adding my favorite silk ribbon from May Arts.

Head over and visit Amy, Anya, Lynda and Jenny to see which month they selected for the challenge!

Thanks for dropping by!






It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Patterned Paper: October Afternoon
Ink: Colorbox Chalk Ink
Accessories: Marvy and Stampin' Up markers, Ribbon
Tools: Nestabilities

Seasonal Beauty

Serendipity Stamps Challenge Time! OMG, I love this week's challenge. We were asked to stamp on a tile, a technique that was totally new to me. I'll admit I had to scour the internet and Splitcoast Stampers to find out what inks were OK to use.

I created my tile with the Small Autumn Wreath Cling Stamp Set and Stazon Ink. After stamping the sentiment and wreath, I gently dabbed a small amount of Versamark ink on the wreath and then colored it in using chalk. (Now there's something I haven't pulled out of my stash in awhile!) I love the softness the chalks give the image. That's it! Super easy. The scariest part was knowing I only had one tile and one chance to get the images stamped right. :-) I'm going to follow some of the recommendations I read and bake the tile in a 350 degree oven for 15 minutes to set the colors. Give this technique a try, I know I will definitely be making more.

Check out Amy, Anya, Lynda and Jenny too for more samples.

Thanks for dropping by!






It's all about the details:
Cardstock: None
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Patterned Paper: None
Ink: Stazon Ink, Versamark Ink
Accessories: Chalks and Tumbled Tile
Tools: None

Row, Row, Row

I don't know why it takes a challenge to make me create a business envelope sized card. Every time I do, I really enjoy it. It allows so much more "real estate" to play with. Today's card is for the Serendipity Stamps challenge and I pulled out the Row Boat stamp set to play with. The row boat and two companion sentiments (Let Your Boat of Life and the one used on this card) may be purchased as a set here. I colored the row boat with Copic Markers and then cut it out with my Nestabilities. I sponged the image with Antique Linen and Old Paper before removing it from the die.

Amy, Anya, Lynda and Jenny are playing along today too. Be sure to visit their blogs to see what they've created!

Thanks for dropping by!






It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Bazzill
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Patterned Paper: Basic Grey
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Distress Ink
Accessories: Ribbon, Dimensionals, Jute
Tools: Copic Markers, Nestabilities, Crop-a-dile

A Cardinal Christmas

I'm going to apologize upfront for the quick post today. I have been sick for two weeks with a particularly nasty case of bronchitis and I really need to head back to bed. This card is my take on creating a simple Christmas card for this week's Serendipity Stamps challenge. I chose to use this stamp for my main image. I think this stamp is gorgeous and there is absolutely no way to mess up a card using it. I mean it would be beautiful just stamped on white card stock with black ink and no embellishments. I love that!

I colored the image with some Copics as well as Distress inks and added it to some Basic Grey patterned paper and Papertrey Ink card stock. The sentiment is also from Serendipity and can be found here. Finishing touches are some red Stickles for the berries and a small silk ribbon.

Check out the other design team members below:

Anya
Lynda
Amy
Jenny

Thanks for dropping by!






It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Patterned Paper: Basic Grey
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Distress Ink
Accessories: Ribbon, Stickles
Tools: Copic Markers

What's Your Hobby?

What, you mean there are hobbies other than scrapbooking, stamping and cardmaking?! The Serendipity Stamp design team was challenged this week to make a card (see sketch below..I turned it to work with my image) that showcased any other hobby...either ours or someone else's. For me, there's no question, that my other love or hobby if you want to call it that, is cooking! Although I think my husband may may raise an eyebrow to that given just how little of it I seem to have time for these days. :-) From the time I was about 8 years old, I would spend most of my time in the kitchen.

I selected this stamp, called "Cooking Tools" from Serendipity's huge selection and colored it with Copic Markers. I used Basic Grey's Nook and Pantry papers and even cut out some of the lemon slices for a little border. The ribbon is from Stampin' Up. I cut a second heart out and popped it up on dimensionals and then added a bit of shimmer with an atSpica pen.

So, what's your hobby? Want more inspiration? Check out the other design team projects below!


Anya
Lynda
Amy
Jenny

Thanks for visiting!






It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Patterned Paper: Basic Grey, Nook and Pantry
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Distress Ink
Accessories: Stampin' Up Ribbon, Dimensionals
Tools: atSpica pen, Copic Markers

The Crow

Just a jump start on the upcoming holiday! I found this amazing set of free Halloween SVG files for my Cricut and SCAL program the other day at Scraption.com. This crow in a window is one of the images in the set. LOVE IT!

I cut a background from My Mind's Eye Blackbird "Neighborhood" paper with the cutest little trick or treater and then layered the crow cutout on top. I added a sentiment from Amuse Art Stamps and Glimmer Misted two small Prima roses in traditional orange and black.

Enjoy the weekend!







It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Coredinations
Stamps: Amuse Art Stamps
Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Distress Ink
Accessories: SVG file and SCAL software, Prima Roses, Glimmer Mist, Martha Stewart Micro Beads, Dimensionals
Tools: Quickutz Cookie Cutter Die, Sponge Dauber, Cricut Machine

Autumn Sketch Challenge

I can't help myself, I just get so excited when I sense fall is coming. I love this time of year! So, I was super excited to see the new fall collection of stamps at Serendipity Stamps. Our challenge this week was the perfect choice to help showcase some of these wonderful stamps. The Design Team was instructed to create a card with either an Autumn or Thanksgiving theme and use the sketch below for the design.

I flipped the sketch and then selected this whimsical "Autumn Chair" for my image and paired it with patterned paper from October Afternoon (perfect company for this challenge don't you think?) and Recollections Autumn collection. I stamped the image in Memento Tuxedo Black ink and colored the image with Copic markers. I added some fun pom-pom trim and a leaf button for accent.

Check out Amy, Anya, Lynda and Jenny's creations by clicking on their links below. You'll find the entire collection of Serendipity's new fall stamps here. You're going to love them!


Anya
Lynda
Amy
Jenny

Thanks for visiting!






It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Stampin' Up and Recollections
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Patterned Paper: October Afternoon, Recollections
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Distress Ink
Accessories: Pom-Pom trim, Button, Dimensionals
Tools: Copic Markers

Baby Shadowbox

Welcome to another Serendipity Stamps challenge! I switched things up a bit for this "baby themed" challenge and decided to try my hand at something other than a card. (Don't worry, they're still my first love.). I had saved this small shadow box from an embellishment purchase and thought it would be perfect for my project. I began by choosing four KI Memories patterned papers to serve as the backdrop for the box.

I stamped these darling images from the "Baby Girl" stamp set and then colored them with Copic Markers. I then cut it out with Nestabilities, popped it up on three layers of dimensionals and added a green silk bow. I cut out the little booties and popped them up on dimensionals and added them to the main image. Most of the other embellishments such as the alphas and epoxy stickers are also by KI Memories. I found them as part of a kit at Ross for $2.99. What a surprise. I never find anything I want there. I guess I can't say that any more now, can I?

Here's a close-up of the stamped image. So cute!

The "em" in the upper left corner stands for my 8 month old granddaughter Emelia. We like to call her Emme or Em for short. Want a little peak at my little munchkin? We snapped this shot today just before she went swimming in her backyard kiddie pool. Hard to tell that she was a preemie isn't it? :-)

There are more fun baby cards/projects to check out on our DT sites, so be sure you visit them too.

----Anya
----Lynda
----Amy
----Jenny




Thanks for dropping in!






It's all about the details:
Cardstock: None
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Patterned Paper: KI Memories
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Ribbon, Amuse crystals, KI Memories Alphas and epoxy stickers, Glitter Heart, Prima Rose, dimensionals
Tools: Copic Markers, Nestabilities

A Lot Older

My oldest sister and I are only 14 months apart but I love to refer to her as my much older sister. She hates it. Tee hee. When I saw this sentiment in the new The Cat's Pajamas stamp set called "Forget about the Cake", I knew it would be perfect for her upcoming birthday card. Isn't it super cute?

Did you know that The Cat's Pajamas now has felt and dies for sale? I fell in love with how easy it was to make the adorable little felt flower for my card. The felt is so soft and it cuts like butter with the flower button die and my Cuttlebug. You really should check out all six color sets. I will definitely be back for more. Gorgeous!

Hope you are having a fabulous weekend. It signals the end of my two week vacation *sniff *sniff. It has been so relaxing but I'm sure the piles of paperwork on my desk will bring me back to reality quickly.

Hugs to all,






It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Stampin' Up
Stamps: The Cats Pajamas
Patterned Paper: Basic Grey Olivia
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Felt Flower Button(TCP), button, Ribbon, twine, Kaisercraft Pearls
Tools: Copic Markers, Nestabilities, The Cats Pajamas flower button die, Quickutz Scallop Border Die

The Love of Learning

Serendipity Challenge Time! This week, it's making a card with either reading or writing as the theme. I chose one of my favorite Serendipity Stamps stamp set called simply "Books". I stamped the sentiment in Tuxedo Black Memento ink on Papertrey Ink kraft card stock. I added some Core'dinations card stock, Tim Holtz tissue tape and ribbon and then added the books image that had been colored with Distress Inks, cut out and popped up on dimensionals. I finished the card by rounding the corners with my We R Memorykeepers corner chomper. Love that thing!

Run on over to visit the rest of the design teams' creations, including our guest designer Jenny Gropp.

I'm off for a few days of R and R..... See you soon!

Anya
Lynda
Amy
Jenny






It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink, Core'dinations
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Patterned Paper: None
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Distress Inks
Accessories: Tim Holtz tissue tape, Ribbon
Tools: Corner Chomper, Glue Dots

I can explain . . .

Oh my goodness, we are having such a fun challenge this week over at Serendipity Stamps. We had to take stamp that would not normally be used as a Christmas stamp and make a Christmas card or project with it. This really pushed me to think outside the box. I chose to use the wonderful vintage typewriter stamp as my jumping off point. First I stamped the image with Memento Tuxedo Black ink and added some color with Copic Markers. I cut a small slit in the stamped image to add my "letter" to Santa which I printed using "Mom's Typewriter" font. (You can find it by Googling.) I used some Cosmo Cricket and Making Memories patterned paper and distressed the heck out of it with Distress Inks. I then added a bit of faux stitching and wrapped some matching twine around the card. The sentiment is also computer generated using the same font noted above.

The sketch for my card came from Paper Crafts "Go to Sketches" magazine I picked up awhile ago. I really needed some fresh ideas for card layouts. I don't know about you but I find that I keep using the same ones over and over and I really wanted to change things up a bit.

You really must play along with us this week! You'll find additional inspiration here:

Anya
Lynda
Amy
Jenny

Thanks for stopping by!





It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Stampin' Up
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Patterned Paper: Cosmo Cricket, Making Memories
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Distress Inks
Accessories: Twine, Buttons
Tools: Copic Markers, Glue Dots

Classic Serendipity

Hi everyone! It's challenge time again at Serendipity Stamps. What could be more fun than taking one of Serendipity's classic stamps and creating something new. I chose this beautiful Palm Tree stamp and stamped it with Memento Tuxedo black ink. I wanted a lot of color depth so I decided to color the image with Distress Ink and I love how it turned out. Can't you just smell the ocean? I don't know about you, but it really makes me want to take a vacation! Unfortunately (but a blessing) my husband just started a new job, so just a staycation for us this year!

I added one of Serendipity's sentiments..."Thinking of You", it's one of my personal favorites. You'll find the rest of the card details below.

Thanks for visiting. Check out my team mates sites and be sure and visit Guest Designer Jenny Gropp's creation too.


Anya
Lynda
Amy







It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Coredinations
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Patterned Paper: Pebbles, Graphic 45, Pink Paislee
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Distress Inks
Accessories: Dimensionals, American Crafts Felt Flower, Chatterbox wood brad
Tools: Nestabilities

I'm Late

I am so excited! The new Halloween in Wonderland papers by Graphic 45 are here! What a stunning collection! If you're a fan of Alice in Wonderland and Graphic 45 you'll be in heaven. They have married the styles beautifully.

I used one of the tags from the set as well as two of the patterned papers and added some Prima flowers that I Glimmer Misted with Haunted Shadows and Black Magic (How's that for staying with the Halloween theme? LOL). I added two images, clock and key, from The Girl's Paperie "Paper Girl" set. It was an unlikely pairing but I think it works.

Did you all have a terrific 4th? Ours was quiet, except for the neighboring revelers. We're not big on fireworks. I just keep seeing those dollars going up in smoke. :-) Hope your week ahead brings great things!







It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Stampin' Up, Bazzill
Stamps: The Girl's Paperie
Patterned Paper: Graphic 45
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Vintage Photo Distress Ink
Accessories: Dimensionals, Prima Flowers, Glimmer Mist, brad, lace, ribbon, Tag
Tools: Scotch Glue

Simply Two Peas

Today's card is for this week's Serendipity Stamps Challenge. And just what is our challenge this week you say? To make a simple card. Easy, right? Not! I have a difficult time showing restraint. LOL! So, we were to make a simple card with minimal layers, coloring, embellishments, etc. I selected these two fun stamps from the new "Pea Package Cling Set" (They're also sold separately). They seemed to just cry out for me to use Cosmo Cricket's Garden Variety patterned paper and my sole embellishment was a little "pea bling".

Want to see what Amy, Anya and Lynda have created? Check out their sites here:

Anya
Lynda
Amy






It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Stampin' Up
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Patterned Paper: Cosmo Cricket Garden Variety
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Dimensionals, Kaisercraft Crystals
Tools: My Favorite Things Die, Copic Markers

Day Lily Sympathy

My fellow DT members Anya, Lynda, Amy and I are tackling a card sketch and Sympathy card challenge today for Serendipity Stamps. I wish I could say that this is the first sympathy card I've needed to make this year but unfortunately that is not the case. It's been a really rough year for us so far. I'm really hoping the second half of the year is much happier!

I chose this new Day Lily stamp for my focal image. Isn't it beautiful? I stamped it with Memento Tuxedo Black ink on Papertrey Ink card stock twice and then cut out one of the lilies. I sprayed the cut image with Lemon Meringue Glimmer mist and then placed it on dimensionals. The gorgeous flocked patterned paper is from the DCWV La Creme collection. The sentiment is also from Serendipity (With Sympathy Small) and can be found here.

Head over to Serendipity Stamps to see all the gorgeous new summer stamps that have just been released and don't forget to check out Anya, Amy and Lynda's creations!






It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Patterned Paper: DCWV La Creme
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Dimensionals, Twill Ribbon, Glimmer Mist
Tools: EK Success Punch

Take a Memo

Another fun challenge going on this week at Serendipity Stamps. The challenge...make a memo pad design, any shape or size - a design on a piece of paper that leaves room for a note, grocery list, to do list etc.

I'll admit I took a bit of a detour on my design. I couldn't get past the idea of making a pretty cover for a ready made memo pad. So I took this beautiful paper from My Mind's Eye called Life Stories and cut a sheet to 10.5 inches wide by 8.125 inches tall and then scored it at 5.125 and 5.375 inches. I stamped the "Just a Quick Note" from the "Nest in Tree" cling set in the bottom right corner and then stamped this gorgeous "Goldfinch" and colored him with Copic Markers (in somewhat nontraditional Goldfinch colors!). I then cut him out and placed him on dimensionals.

I adhered an Office Depot memo pad to the back cover with Scor-tape to make sure it wasn't going anywhere. I took some silk ribbon from my stash and wove it through turquoise lace I had on hand and then wrapped it around a MME die cut from the same Life Stories collection. I finished off the project by stamping the "Bent Feather" and "Bitti Notes" images from Serendipity Stamps on the pages of the memo pad.

There are more great memo pad designs to be found at my team mates sites. Check them out below!

Anya
Jennifer
Lynda
Amy






It's all about the details:
Cardstock: None
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye, Life Stories
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa, Distress Ink
Accessories: Dimensionals, Lace, Ribbon
Tools: Copic Markers

Jane - The Fun Lady

I hope you all had a super weekend! I conned my sweet hubby into taking me to the Heirloom Rubber Stamp and Paper Festival in Puyallup. I was really disappointed by the lack of quality vendors this year but still managed to make a big dent in my pocket book!

One of my favorites from the show was a new company, (at least to me) called Loralei Designs. She has the most amazing stamps called "Fun Ladies". You really have to check out her site to see all the variety of woman and other stamps available. Super cute!

I decided to try my hand at Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge this week. Great sketch as always Taylor!






It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Coredinations, Stampin' Up
Stamps: Loralei Designs
Patterned Paper: Scarlet Lime
Ink: Memento Black Tuxedo
Accessories: Dimensionals, SU Dazzling Diamonds
Tools: Copic Markers, MS Punch, Quickutz Cookie Cutter Dies

Yum!

I decided tonight to get back to business! Card making business that is. I have been so bad about making time for my favorite pastime lately. I just haven't had the energy after work and I chose to just crash instead. What I forgot, was just what a wonderful stress reliever this hobby is!

Tonight's card is for Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge. It has been ages since I played along. Doesn't this little hopper make you long for summer? I picked up this little House Mouse Designs stamp called "Seed Shooter" a couple of weeks ago on a jaunt to Sequim. There's a terrific local scrapbooking store there called "Doodlebugs". I picked up this fun We R Memorykeepers paper there too. It's called Hippity Hoppity so it was just meant to be used with this image. The alphas and flower are from Prima and I called my go-to Nestabilities into service again to cut out the image.

Have a terrific Friday everyone!






It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Coredinations
Stamps: House Mouse Designs
Patterned Paper: We R Memorykeepers
Ink: Memento Black Tuxedo
Accessories: Dimensionals, Prima flower, Prima Alphabets, Pebbles Candy Dots
Tools: Copic Markers, Nestabilities

Deere Man

Ok, I just had to use this incredible stamp for today's "Make a Masculine Card" challenge over at Serendipity Stamps. I just love this little tractor and I had to pair it with some of my favorite new papers from October Afternoon called appropriately enough, "Farm Fresh".

I think most of us really struggle with masculine cards and I had to really wrestle with my impulse to add ribbon! LOL. I chose to keep embellishments to a minimum but I did add a bit of faux stitching and "grunged" it up with Distress Inks to add a little manly charm. I printed the sentiment out on my computer. I kicked around several really bad "groaners" before coming up with this one. I like that it is versatile enough to use for a birthday or a just because card.

Check out the links below for other great masculine card ideas!


Anya
Jennifer
Lynda
Amy






It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Bazzill and Stampin' Up
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Patterned Paper: October Afternoon
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa, Distress Ink
Accessories: Dimensionals
Tools: Copic Markers, Nestabilities, Mat Pack

Pansy Bookmark

For this challenge, the Serendipity Stamps Design Team is branching out and trying something new (at least to me). We're making bookmarks! This was really fun and so easy.

I decided to incorporate a card to use as the "delivery method" for my bookmark. The bookmark itself slips into the ribbon and lace at the base of the card. I used the beautiful "Pansy Corner" stamp along with Serendipity's "Just Because" sentiment stamp for my images. I stamped the pansies with Memento Rich Cocoa and then used my Prismacolor pencils to color and shade it. I absolutely love the look of colored pencils on kraft card stock. I then stamped the sentiment in Memories Violet ink and used my We R Memory Keepers Corner Chomper to round the top corners. I added matching ribbon. The beautiful background paper is from My Mind's Eye.


Check out Amy, Anya, Lynda and Jennifer's bookmarks by visiting their blog links below.

Anya
Jennifer
Lynda
Amy






It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink and Coredinations
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa, Memories Violet
Accessories: Prima Lace, Kaisercraft Rhinestones, ribbon, dimensionals
Tools: Prismacolor Pencils

Friends Forever

I ran across this adorable stamp while looking for a specific stamp set at Michaels and just had to have it. The pure innocence of their expressions just captured my heart. I colored them with Copic Markers and cut them out with Nestabilities. I also popped them up on dimensionals. The patterned paper is from October Afternoon and Basic Grey.

Hope your weekend was relaxing and your week ahead is a great one!





It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Stampin' Up
Stamps: Image Tree by EK Success
Patterned Paper: October Afternoon, Basic Grey
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Buttons, ribbon, dimensionals
Tools: Copic Markers, Nestabilities