Young Vermillion - Another Favourite

Happy Wednesday! I can't believe we made it to the middle of the week...I've had to remind myself several times that it's Wednesday and NOT Tuesday.  I really need the weekend.

I wanted to showcase a stamp that I have used a lot and that is called "Young Vermillion" which is found in the 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalogue ($9.95).  I love it and use it because it fits any type of card - its just a classic image that lends itself well to any stamping project.  This is what I came up with using Peach Parfait cardstock, Spice Cake Designer Series Paper (found in the current issue of the Holiday Mini $13.50) and Crumb Cake seam binding ribbon ($9.50 - I am liking this way more than regular ribbon).  The huge button that I used is from the Spice Collection Designer Button set and the colour is More Mustard ($10.50 for 16 in 4 colours).

I hope you like it.  Its simple and took very little time to do which is a double whammy.  Hope to see you tomorrow!

Retired But Still Awesome

Happy Tuesday, readers! In Toronto, the forecast is rain all day.  A perfect day to do something crafty.

I had to do a thank you card for a friend who had us over for dinner.  I didn't want something overly feminine and I knew she was into Star Trek so I decided to do sort of a space theme.  The stamp is from the 8 piece stamp set called "Pun Fun".  As I've said, retired doesn't mean that the stamps are any less valuable.  To make room for more stamp sets, Stampin' Up simply retires certain sets so we can have more variety in the catalogues.  I wish I had used this stamp set more but it doesn't mean that I won't.

I embossed the "You're a blast" sentiment with gold embossing powder and then heat set it.  I can't take credit for this design though.  I saw a similar version of it in the "Card Ideas for Paper Crafters" (volume 1) magazine and the designer of the card is Cindy Major. 

When my friend got it, she told me that she loved it.  And also mentioned that it was nice to get a card from someone other than e-mail.  I thought that was nice thing to say.  It sure makes a difference when someone takes the time to let you know that you're thinking of them. Try it and let me know!

Get Back on That Horse

My dear friends and readers.  I am almost ashamed to see that it has been so long since I last posted - back in September.  Nothing earth-shattering happened.  Just that I hit a creative block and could not myself past it.  I still love scrapbooking and cardmaking but sometimes you just run out of ideas or inspiration (now THAT'S SAD) to keep it going.  So I stopped, played around with the products that I had on hand and even got some new ones and spent the time re-grouping.  It's been quite the journey.  I hope you'll stay with me on it.

One of the stamps that I use a lot is called the "Leaves of a Tree" ($11.95) in the Holidays Mini Catalogue.  It just comes in handy for any occasion.  Here are a few samples:

I have to say that my favourite technique using this stamp is the direct to stamp with marker technique.  You can use more than one colour when you use the Stampin' Write Markers and it gives the leaves a more realistic look to them.  At any rate, I think you can get more bang for your buck.

Hope to see you tomorrow!