Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge SSC149

Just a reminder that I am enjoying the Stampin' Up! cruise this week and all my posts were pre-scheduled.

Hey everyone - it's time for another great sketch challenge from Stamping 411! I love being on this design team - they are a great bunch of ladies and ALL very talented stampers too!
Here is this week's sketch from Selene:

And here is my interpretation of it:

I have used one of my favorite new stamp sets that is coming out in the new Summer Mini Catalog - Blissful Bride. The images in it are just elegantly simple and oh, so easy to work with. This card is one that I did for another swap I participated in this month - hope you liked it Diana! :) This week's sketch worked so beautifully for what I wanted to do with this stamp set for my card - you may notice that I stretched the sketch wide and moved my greeting up, but that is what a sketch is designed for - a creativity starter!

My card may look kind of ho-hum in the photo, but if you could only see it in person! I used all Shimmer White cardstock for the white with just a bit of Basic Black. The ribbon is Very Vanilla Taffeta over Basic Black Satin - just yummy!
The flowing ribbons on the dress were dressed up with Dazzling Diamonds glitter applied with the 2 way glue pen.

The new Lattice Embossing Folder worked so beautifully for added texture on this card! I really didn't see this folder as being so versatile, but it truly is - you will definitely want to add this one to your collection!

I hope you've enjoyed my card today - be sure to stop by the Stamping 411 blog and see what the other operators created with this sketch - I know you will be inspired! We'd love it if you played along with us as well!

Have a great weekend!
~~Robin

Supply List - All SU!:
Stamps: Blissful Bride (sneak peek)
Ink: Black Staz-On
Cardstock: Shimmer White, Basic Black
Accessories: Big Shot with Lattice Embossing Folder; 1 3/8" and 1 1/4" Circle Punches; Very Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon, Basic Black Satin Ribbon, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, 2 way Glue Pen, Stampin' Dimensionals

Awash with Plum

Just a reminder that I am away on the Stampin' Up! Cruise this week, all my posts have been pre-scheduled.

Here I go with the case'd cards again, but sometimes you just don't need to re-invent the wheel, know what I mean?
My friend and GoDiva swap group member, Ashley VanCamp posted a beautiful card on her blog that really caught my eye and I used her idea to create this card here:

It uses the Sneak Peek stamp set - Awash With Flowers, which is only available through the 30th of April unless you want to wait until July 1st! But who wants to do that? You can order it from my website today! :)

Anyway, I paired it with the Oval All stamp set for the greeting using the colors Pale Plum, Perfect Plum and Old Olive. Do you recognize the Whisper White panel? No? Well, it's one of the super cute Hugs Notes from the Occasions Mini catalog! Those will retire on April 30th too, so don't miss getting these super cute little die-cut notes!

Thanks for stopping by today!
Blessings,
~~Robin

RAK from My Friend Diana - the Artisan!

Just a reminder that I am on the Stampin' Up! Cruise this week, all my posts have been pre-scheduled.

Look at this card, will ya?!

Is this not one of the most GORGEOUS things you've EVER seen?!
My chocolate bunny mutilating buddy Diana Gibbs is one of the new members of my GoDivas swap group and when she sent me her package of swaps, she included the gift of this card - just for little ol' me!!!

It truly is a masterpiece and my jaw just dropped when I opened the package, this photo does not do it justice - I'll be framing this beauty for my studio!

Thank you Di! You ROCK!
Can't wait to hug your neck at convention!
xoxo,
~~Robin

Brayered Manhattan Floral

Just a reminder that I am currently on the Stampin' Up! Cruise and all my posts through 5/4 were pre-scheduled.

Here is yet another example of using a few simple ingredients to make a gorgeous card!
I had been showing a friend how to brayer color onto the Embossing Folders in the Big Shot and just grabbed my Manhattan Floral Folder, Whisper White cardstock and Certainly Celery ink. When you brayer the ink onto the smooth side of the folder and run the white cardstock through the Big Shot with it, it colors the cardstock but leaves the raised design white - COOL, huh?
So, when I was preparing for Just Cards classes last week, I found this stray cardstock beauty on my counter and decided to make a card with it for class.
It was a hit!
Here is the finished card:

I layered the brayered piece (hey, that rhymes!) onto a piece of Lavender Lace cardstock - which is retiring at the end of June! - and that is on a Certainly Celery card base.
The pretty ribbon is the Organza Ribbon, simply wrapped around the layers and finished with one of my bows.
I did the greeting with Tiny Tags and the Jewelry Tag Punch. It is just slipped under the knot and adhered with a Mini Glue Dot. So pretty, yet so easy!
Here is a view of the inside:

For this, I just used the large rose from Fifth Avenue Floral (on sale for 20% off through April 30th!), stamped with Lavender Lace ink on Whisper White and sponged with a bit of Certainly Celery ink on the edges.

This would make a great Mother's Day card!
Thanks for stopping by today,
Blessings,
~~Robin

A Happy CASE of Stacey!

Just a reminder for all of my blog friends that I am currently on the Stampin' Up! Cruise and all my posts thru 5/4 were pre-scheduled!

One of the perks of being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator is having access to Stampin' Connection - an online resource just for demonstrators! It is chock full of samples, business information and ideas galore - my favorite place to visit for inspiration!

I saw a super cute card using the Happy Together stamp set a few weeks ago done by a demonstrator named Stacey Rose. Unless you are a demonstrator, you can't see her card at this link here, but you can see my version of it:

I just think these little partridges are the cutest thing and I loved the idea Stacey had of punching out a heart and using it as a mask for the Color Spritzer tool!
The card is done all in Dusty Durango and Whisper White - stock up on Dusty Durango if it is a fave of yours, it's being retired as of the end of June!
Here is the inside view for you:

Sometimes a sweet, simple card is all you need! Thanks Stacey for the inspiration!
Have a wonderful day everyone!
Blessings,
~~Robin

Supply List - All SU!:
Stamps: Happy Together
Inks: Dusty Durango pad and marker
Cardstock: Whisper White, Dusty Durango
Accessories: Large Heart Punch, Color Spritzer, Vintage Brads, Dusty Durango Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, 1/16" Hole Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge - SSC148

Just a couple of notes before I get into my post:
First of all, a big thanks to all of you who have so faithfully prayed for my Dad these last months. After a long and stressful battle, he did have his much needed surgery just today and came through with flying colors! I give all the glory to God alone! The power of prayer is an awesome thing and I am grateful for all of you!
Secondly, now that I know my Dad is ok, Mark, Emma and I will be leaving on the Stampin' Up! Cruise tomorrow morning! I am so very excited and grateful for this trip - and those of you who are my loyal clients, hostesses and stamping team are responsible for it! We will be gone through the 3rd of May, but I have planned and pre-scheduled posts here for you through the whole week! If you are local and on my mailing list, you also received a special e-mail offer from me today!

Now, on to this week's Stamping 411 sketch challenge and card!
This sketch is one of the most versatile around and Selene was so fab to give it to us this week when I was almost too stressed to stamp! :)
Here is the sketch:

And here is my card:

Can you tell I was in a travel kind of mood?!~ heehee! And I got to play with some new stampin' goodies that are going to be available in the Summer Mini Catalog starting on May 1st.
My card uses Kraft cardstock along with Textured Very Vanilla and Soft Suede.
To achieve the 'rattan' look of the background layer, I brayered Old Olive ink onto the new Lattice Embossing Folder and ran it through my Big Shot. Isn't that COOL?!~
All the layers were sponged with Soft Suede ink to make it look worn and aged.

The little tag was made with the Jewelry Tag Punch and the Define Your Life stamp set. I've simply attached it to the Old Olive Striped Grosgrain Ribbon with a Mini Glue Dot. The ribbon was tied up with a piece of Hemp Twine and both were frayed to continue the worn theme.

I added two Jumbo Eyelets next to the focal image for balance. These are in Pewter and really goes well with the color scheme I think!
For the focal image, I colored on the palm tree stamp from Tropical Party with my Stampin' Write Markers in Soft Suede and Old Olive. Stamping this image on Textured Very Vanilla cardstock was just an added step up from the norm and I think the sponging and tearing really finish off the card nicely.

I really hope you like this card and the little sneak peek of stampin' goodies to come!
Thanks for stopping in to check on me - be sure to visit the Stamping 411 blog and see what the other Operators did with this week's sketch!

Don't forget to check back during the week - I have some really great projects to show you - some by me, some from friends, but you'll love them all!

Stamped Blessings to you all,
~~Robin

I'm on the CASE Again!

This time I've cased the wonderfully talented Andrea Walford from Canada. I was perusing some of my favorite blogs last week and took a minute to look at Andreas'. I hadn't visited in a while, but here is the link to her original card that really caught my eye.

And here is my version of her lovely card:

As you can see, I didn't change a whole lot, just worked with the supplies I had here and I think it turned out pretty nicely! At least the ladies at Just Cards on Tuesday liked it! :)

Stampin' Up! has the most wonderful Designer Papers that all work so wonderfully with our colors - it's really like pressing the easy button for our stamping. I'd had this Tea Party Paper for a while now (hoarding it!) and decided that it was time to "let go". Can any of you relate? heehee!
It's a pretty easy card to put together, the Big Shot makes it so easy for making the flowers and the textured mid piece. The white fabric flower is from the Pretties Kit and the brad in the center is one of the Pretty in Pink Epoxy brads from the Occasions Mini Catalog. This catalog expires on April 30th, so get them now before they are gone.

If you are on my mailing list and are a local client of mine, be watching your inboxes the next couple of days - I have a SPECIAL offer just for you to take advantage of while I am on the Stampin' Up! Cruise next week. If you are not on my mailing list, you can sign up by using the block in my left sidebar here on the ol' blog!

Thanks for stopping by today - my supply list for this card is at the bottom of the post. See you again tomorrow!
Blessings,
~~Robin

Supplies (All SU!):
Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes
Cardstock: Almost Amethyst, Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, Whisper White
Inks: Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose
DSP: Tea Party
Accessories: Big Shot with the Flower Folds Die and Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Pretty in Pink Epoxy Brads, Pretties Kit, Pretty in Pink 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Stamping Sponge, Stampin' Dimensionals, Curly Label Punch

Spreading a Little Sunshine!

Well there's nothin' like a chilly, rainy day to bring out some Sunshine from your friends!
One of the things I love most about being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator is the amazing friendships that I've made with gals who would otherwise have never been part of my life! These ladies inspire me when I'm dry, lift me when I'm down and make me laugh when I feel like crying. Even when they are hundreds of miles away from me - their presence in my life makes me feel like they are right around the corner.

Recently I was lucky enough to receive a couple of blog awards from a few of those friends, the first came from my funny bunny friend, Diana Gibbs! She knows just how to mutilate a chocolate bunny and make me laugh out loud or spit my coffee all over my keyboard! Love ya, Di!
Here is that award:

This next Sunshine Award came to me from not one, but TWO stamping friends: Tiffany Bauer and Monika Davis.
Ya'll know that Tiffany is not only a fabuloso stamper, but one of my very few best BFF's, mainly because she "gets" me and vice versa. Love that girl and I wish she didn't live so darned far away!
Monika is simply an amazing stamper - her work is gorgeous and she is one who inspires me on a regular basis. I was flattered to learn that she feels the same about me! I can't wait to meet her in person someday!
Here is the award they both sent me:

Now both of these awards had some rules attached:

1) Put the award on your Blog
2) Pass the award on to other bloggers who bring sunshine into your life
3) Link the Nominees in your post
4) Let them know you nominated them by leaving a comment on their blog
5) Share the love and link to the person who gave you the award

Here is my Sunshine list in no particular order: (and the ladies who gave me my sunshine are at the top of my list already!)

1) Selene Kempton
2) Julie Pitta
3) Ashley VanCamp
4) Patti Chesky
5) Penny Thomas
6) Lisa Young
7) Jen Sannes
8) Michelle VanWiggeren
9) Lee Conrey
10) Kerin Sylvester

So, if you want a little sunshine today, go check out some of these ladies blogs - they will make your day brighter, I guarantee!
Blessings,
~~Robin

'CASE'ing is a Stamper's Best Friend!

Wow, it's been such a busy week - I didn't even realize that I'd not posted here since the Saturday Sketch Challenge - I can't believe it's Wednesday already!
I have been holding card classes, prepping for Pam's workshop tomorrow night, and oh, yes, getting ready to leave on the Stampin' Up! Cruise on Saturday morning! WOOHOO!
Lemme tell ya, that boat can't get there fast enough for me! I need a BIG dose of warm sun, soft sand and big hugs from my girlfriends!

I do have cards made along with some other fun things to share with you all the rest of this week and all next week while I'm gone, so you will still be getting an almost daily dose of creative energy - I'll just be scheduling my posts ahead of time - no computer for me on this trip!

As I referenced in my title, CASEing (copy and share everything) is sometimes a stamper's best friend, especially when you are overwhelmed, pushed and frazzled! I have been all of those in recent weeks and thank goodness I have some very talented stamping friends that I can borrow ideas from to share with you!
Here is my version of a beautiful card that I received in a swap at Leadership Conference in January. Unfortunately the original had no name on the back so I can't give credit, but if you recognize it as yours just e-mail me and I'll be sure to acknowledge you!

All the supplies are SU! and I used two of the soon to be retiring colors, Handsome Hunter and Pale Plum. These were paired with Rich Razzleberry and some Very Vanilla cardstock as well.
The leaves were stamped off three times to give it depth around the flowers.

Here's a little peek-a-boo of the inside stamping - didn't want to leave it naked!
For those leaves, I stamped off one time on scrap paper so it wouldn't be such intense color to start with.

On the original card, the large flower was just stamped, so I decided to do that, but also to step it up a little by stamping a second flower. Once I trimmed it out with my Paper Snips, I curled the petals with my Bone Folder, added the 5/8" Chocolate Chip Brad to the center and attached it with a Stampin' Dimensional to the card front.

All the Vanilla cardstock edges were sponged with Pale Plum ink to give it softness and the Handsome Hunter cardbase was stamped all around the edge with the vine stamp from Vintage Vogue. The greeting comes from Well-Scripted, which to the best of my knowledge is going away at the end of April, so don't wait to order it if you want to add this versatile stamp set to your tool kit.

Thanks for stopping by today - be sure to visit again, I have lots of fun things ready to share with you!
Blessings,
~~Robin

Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge

Hi everyone!
It's that time again - the Saturday Sketch Challenge from Stamping 411! This weeks sketch really was a challenge for me - I had a hard time visualizing a finished project, but once I sat down to actually stamp it, everything fell into place nicely. That was a relief!
Here is the sketch that confounded me so much:

And here is my finished card:

I just LOVE this new stamp set that is coming out next month in the Summer Mini Catalog. It's called Favorite Thoughts, and this quote has always been a favorite of mine. So glad I finally have a chance to use it in a project! I've paired it with Fifth Avenue Floral which is on sale this month and which I haven't used in ages! It was wonderful to get it out and play with it again!

My supply list for this card is at the bottom of the post and I'll update with the measurements tomorrow - I don't have the card with me right now.

To make the side border, I stamped the open flower with Whisper White Craft ink onto Chocolate Chip cardstock and let it air dry. I then simply layered Whisper White cardstock and a piece of Sending Love DSP onto some Pretty in Pink cardstock, wrapping it with a piece of Chocolate Chip Double Stitched Ribbon.
I also wrapped the card base itself with a piece of Pretty in Pink Satin Ribbon.

Next to the greeting, which was stamped in Chocolate Chip ink, I added a large Clear Rhinestone Brad - simple and elegant.

The finishing touch for the outside was the Pretty in Pink Satin Ribbon bow then I turned to the inside of the card.

Here, I simply stamped the same flower 3 times on a piece of Whisper White cardstock and colored them in with my Aqua Painter and Pretty in Pink ink refill. It's a super easy technique that gives great results.

And there you have it! Be sure to stop by the Stamping 411 Blog to view what the other operators designed for this sketch - I've already seen them and they are fabulous!
Have a wonderful weekend! We have a birthday cookout tomorrow night and then Emma has a skating competition in Maryland on Sunday - wish her luck and say a prayer. She was diagnosed with Exercise Induced Asthma on Tuesday and she's having a difficult time still even with her inhaler. This will take time and getting used to, I think.
My Dad is also back in the hospital, so say a prayer for him too. Thanks so much to you all for being faithful to lift up me and my family - I love my stamping friends!
Blessings,
~~Robin

Supplies Used: (all SU!)
Stamps: Favorite Thoughts (sneak peek), Fifth Avenue Floral
Inks: Whisper White Craft, Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink (refill)
Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Pretty in Pink
Accessories: Sending Love DSP, Pretty in Pink Satin Ribbon, Chocolate Chip Double Stitched Ribbon, Clear Rhinestone Brads, Stampin' Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots, Aqua Painter

UDI Inspiration Challenge - Bunnies and Blankets!

Ok, here we go again - when I opened this week's photo that our challenge Mom, Maria gave us, I just went "Awww, that's SO cute!"
So now it's your turn - take a look:

I KNOW! Aren't those just the sweetest little bunnies? And those blankets just look so soft and cuddly and WARM! (I've needed one of those this week - it's been cold and rainy here - brrr!) Anyway, here is what I was inspired to create:

I hope you love it, because I really, really love it! :)
Baby cards are not something I do very often, but the inspiration photo just lent itself so well to one this week. And if you like it too, then you'll just have to come to a stamp class next month, because you'll get to make one too!

The entire supply list is at the bottom of this post, but basically, I used a folded piece of Barely Banana cardstock in my Big Shot with the Scalloped Square die to make the card base. The 'quilt' was made using the 1 1/4" Square punch and the Pawsitively Prints DSP. I attached them to a piece of Whisper White cardstock and trimmed off the excess. The 'stitches' are hand-drawn with my Close to Cocoa Stampin' Write marker.

I made the bow using my technique (click here for the video tutorial) and the greeting was stamped with an image from the Cute and Cuddly stamp set.

Such an easy card and perfect for any Baby occasion! Leave me some comment love and let me know what you think, then be sure to go to the UDI Blog and check out what the other design team members were inspired to create!
Have a great Thursday everyone -
~~Robin

Supplies (All SU!):
Stamps: Cute and Cuddly
Inks: Black Staz-On
Cardstock: Barely Banana, Whisper White, Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Stampin' Write Markers - Close to Cocoa, Blush Blossom, Pretty in Pink; 1 1/4" Square Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch; Kraft Taffeta Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals; Big Shot, Scalloped Square Die

I'm Still Here!

And here's a NEW card to prove it! :)

Hey there everyone! I know it's been since Friday night that I last posted, but honestly, I have been so stinkin' busy with family stuff - all good this time, I promise - that I haven't even had time to stamp! I did do a very large stamp camp on Monday night in Lake Ridge with a delightful group of ladies, but that's all the fun stamping I've been doing!

Well, I finally got my pre-order from the new Mini Catalog that is coming out on May 1st - yours should be showing up in your mailbox very soon - and got to stamp a bit last night and this morning. This wedding card is for one of the four swaps that I am in this month - I hope they all like it!
It uses the new stamp set Blissful Bride and a new embossing folder too - Square Lattice! And if you like this card, YOU will be able to create one of your very own next month at a stamp class here in the studio!
Here a couple of close ups for you:

Don't you just LOVE this bridal gown image?! I love it's simplicity!

And the sweet little tag with the bow makes it the perfect card for any bride or new couple!

I love how the Lattice embossing folder makes it crisp and contemporary but still elegant. Yay! It makes my heart so happy when a card turns out like I've envisioned it! :)

Have a great day stamping friends - I'll be back tomorrow with the UDI Inspiration Challenge!
Blessings,
Robin

Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge - Sweet Scoops!

Hey there stamping friends! So glad you stopped by the blog today - I have a fun little surprise for you along with the Stamping 411 sketch card today. :) heehee, I love surprises!

So, here is the sketch that Selene gave us to work with:

And here is my card:

Well, do you see the surprise?!
Yep - I've used Pink Pirouette and Riding Hood Red on my card today. What? They are retired In Colors you say?
Oh, not so fast my fine stamping friends.....
Just this week Stampin' Up! announced their fantabulous Color Renovation!
Beginning July 1st all of SU!'s color families are being revamped and updated to give us the best color line-up in the industry! And I am doing the happy dance because they are bringing back SEVERAL of the retired In Colors and the two I've used today are part of the pack! The best part - they will be part of the core color line-up so they won't be going away in a year! Yahoo!! Love me some Riding Hood Red! :)
If you are a regular read of my blog, I'll be back with full info and color charts for you in the next few days - I don't want you to miss a thing. But for now, on to my card details....

To view all my supplies and measurements, check out the supply list at the bottom of this post.
My card was built on a base of Kraft cardstock with a layer of Whisper White which had been dry embossed with my Big Shot and Perfect Polka Dots folder. I then used my Stampin' Sponge and rubbed Pink Pirouette ink all over the front to make the dots stand out.

The Pink Pirouette cardstock layer was punched across the top with the Eyelet Border Punch and I wrapped the bottom with a piece of Kraft Taffeta Ribbon. The bow is also in Kraft Taffeta and I stamped the greeting with the Tiny Tags stamp set in Riding Hood Red ink. It was also sponged with Pink Pirouette ink on the edges. It was punched out with the Jewelry Tag punch and I attached it to the bow with a Mini Glue Dot.

My focal image was stamped with a new stamp set called Sweet Scoops which is coming out on May 1st in the Summer Mini Catalog. You will love this stamp set!
I stamped the images using my Stamp-a-ma-Jig tool and then cut a mask for the ice cream so I could add the sprinkles. I just used a post-it note for my mask. The sprinkles were jazzed up with some Dazzling Diamonds and my 2 Way Glue Pen.
I sponged this image a bit on the edges with more Pink Pirouette, then layered it on a piece of Riding Hood Red cardstock. Both were punched with the Ticket Corner Punch before layering. The whole Pink Pirouette layer is popped up on Stampin' Dimensionals to make it stand out.

I was so happy because this card turned out exactly like I had imagined it in my head! It reminds me of an old fashioned soda and ice cream shop with the colors and those polka-dots, what do you think?

Be sure to hop over to Stamping 411 so you can see what the rest of the operators designed for us this week. While you are there, you can play along with us! Just create your project, upload it online and link back to the Stamping 411 blog using the Mr. Linky widget we provide for you - easy peasy! The hardest part is just getting started! :)

Have a wonderful weekend everyone -
~~Robin

Supplies - All SU!
Stamps: Sweet Scoops, Tiny Tags
Cardstock: Kraft 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" folded to make an A2 card 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
Whisper White 4" x 5 1/4"
Pink Pirouette 3" x 4 3/4" before punching the border, finished length is 4 1/2"
Riding Hood Red 2 1/2" x 3"
Whisper White 2" x 2 1/2"
Inks: Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red, Soft Suede (stamped off one time for cone)
Accessories: Big Shot with Perfect Polka Dots folder; Ticket Corner Punch, Jewelry Tag Punch, Eyelet Border Punch; Dazzling Diamonds Glitter and 2 Way Glue Pen; Stamp-a-ma-Jig; Kraft Taffeta Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals; Stamping Sponges

Blogger's Challenge #146 - Alter It!

TGIF!

That about sums it up about this crazy week! It has been full of ups and downs, mostly ups thank goodness, but I'm not sad to see Friday come. I have a date with my handsome hubby tonight and neither of us is working all weekend! Yahoo! We might even get our garden planted, I can taste those home-grown tomatoes now!

So this week, our Blogger's Challenge Mom, Lisa, gave us one of my favorite challenges - Alter It! I love to take something that is, well, not so great and turn it into something that is. And it's appropriate that one of my favorite challenges is this week - because it is my last with the Blogger's Challenge group.
I've been doing these Friday challenges for longer than I can remember and they have pushed me so very far creatively and made me a better artist and stamper in the process. But, in all honesty, I need to shed some commitments in order to focus better on other things. While I'll still be stamping and sharing here on Fridays (and all week), I won't feel bad if I can't meet this particular commitment each week. Someone famous once said that "Time is our greatest commodity" and boy, is that ever true. Now maybe I can redeem some of it! :)

Speaking of time, here is the item I altered this week:

And here is my final piece:

I KNOW! It was a shame to cover up Zac Efron's face, but he's in love with himself, oops, I mean Vanessa, so get over him already! :)
And really, don't you like the clock so much better now?
I was going to give this to my daughter for her bedroom, but I may just have to keep it in the studio since it turned out so cute!

So, the short story of how I did it was to first disassemble the clock and work with just the face and hands. Since the hands were already secured to the face, I had to work with them in place. Using the glass clock cover, I traced it with pencil on a piece of Sending Love Specialty DSP - which is NOT just for Valentine's Day! I then trimmed it out using my Paper Snips, cutting inside the circle so it would be sure to fit easily. Then, I lined up the edges and creased the paper slightly in the middle without actually folding it all the way. I opened it up and did this again the opposite way so it would make a little 'X' fold in the exact center. Once I had this mark, I took my 1/2" Circle Punch and folding the paper again on one side of the 'X' slid the punch up halfway and added my circle to the middle of the paper. Does that make sense? If not, let me know and I'll do it again on some other paper and take pictures for you.
Anyway, once I had that hole, I was able to simply bring all the clock hands together and slide the paper over them through the hole. I glued the dsp down with Tombow Adhesive and proceeded to decorate!

The little pink rhinestones were actually on the original clock, I just picked them off so I could re-use them. I stuck them down with Mini Glue Dots. The butterflies were made with a piece of Roof Flashing that I ran through my Big Shot with the Beautiful Butterflies die and then again with the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder. I bent them slightly at the center and curved the wings before mounting them to the clock face with more Mini Glue Dots.
That's it! All in all, very simple to do once I figured out the paper thingy.

I hope you've enjoyed my project today - I sure had fun making it - be sure to check out all the other Blogger's Challenge players by clicking the link on my sidebar. I know they will have some fabulous altered items to share with you!

Stamped blessings,
~~Robin

UDI Inspiration Challenge - Tiptoe Thru the Tulips!

So, as I mentioned yesterday, there hasn't been much stamping going on around the ol' studio this week, I've been working, you can count on that, but stamping - not so much! :)
However, here comes Thursday and I HAD to get creative for the UDI Blog Inspiration Challenge. Especially when I saw this photo that Maria chose for us to work from. I love the clean, crisp look of those brightly hued tulips against the white background - don't you?

As I was thinking about where to go with the photo creatively, I remembered a stamp set that I honestly hadn't used since Christmas 2008 - yes, really! I know, I could hardly believe it either!
So, I pulled out A Flower for All Seasons and was able to come up with this card here:

Do you likey? :) Me likey very much, I just hope my Mother-In-Law will!
Even though my card takes a more feminine, sweet turn than I had originally intended, I {heart} the end result! And the best part is that I got to use some supplies that I'd only glanced at since I'd bought them - with grand intentions mind you! Nonetheless, this is the first time I'd used either the Hugs or Kisses notes from the Mini Catalog and I for sure don't know what was holding me back - these are fabulous!

I stamped the basket of tulips with Black Staz-On on the little Kisses note with the help of my Stamp-A-Ma-Jig and colored it in with ink refills and my Blender Pen. Refills are so important in stamping because you can do so much with them besides ink your pads. They are great for watercoloring, dying ribbon, coloring Crystal Effects for colored, glossy embellishments, I could go on and on..... but I won't!

So, after coloring my image, I used Stampin' Dimensionals to mount it on a Hugs note that I'd run through my Big Shot with the Perfect Polka Dots folder. I'd used my Horizontal Slot punch to make two slots for the ribbon - top and bottom - and threaded it through before mounting my stamped piece. The ribbon was then wrapped around the piece of Creamy Caramel cardstock that I'd texturized with my Big Shot and the basketweave looking Texturz Plate. I sponged it lightly with Creamy Caramel ink to give it depth and texture. Do you ever wonder what you'd do without your Big Shot? I sure do - how did I ever create without it?
Anyway, the white strip beside the ribbon is a piece of Whisper White cardstock punched with the Eyelet Border punch and I'd adhered it to the caramel carstock before the other layers went down.

The two finishing touches on this card are the bow, which I tied using my simple bow tying technique - you can view the video tutorial here - and the greeting. It is stamped with a sentiment from Teeny Tiny Wishes and punched out with the Word Window punch and layered on a piece of Melon Mambo punched out with the Modern Label punch. I love this punch layer combo!
And that's it for this card! It's a lot of steps, but really such a simple card to construct - maybe we'll do it at Just Cards this month, would you like that? Well be sure to let me know and be sure to RSVP - it's Tuesday, April 20th at either 10 am or 7 pm.

Now, go check out the other UDI Inspiration Team and see what they were inspired to create this week! My supply list is below if you'd like it!
Happy Stamping everyone,
~~Robin

Supplies:
Stamps: A Flower for All Seasons, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Inks: Black Staz-On; Green Galore, Pretty in Pink, Melon Mambo, Lavender Lace, Ballet Blue, Creamy Caramel refill inks
Cardstock: Hugs and Kisses notes, Creamy Caramel, Whisper White
Accessories: Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Texturz plates, Stamping Sponges, Melon Mambo Polka-Dot Ribbon, Mini-Glue Dots, Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, Stamp-A-Ma-Jig, Blender Pen, Horizontal Slot Punch

A Little Stamped Love

One of the things I've enjoyed most about being a demo with Stampin' Up! is all the wonderful friendships that I've formed with fellow demos from all over the globe! I love my peeps and love to keep in touch with them via e-mail, phone and sending RAK's. (random acts of kindness cards)
Lately, I've been the recipient of many RAK's from my gal pals and wanted to share them with you here today.
Please know that I DID NOT create these cards, even though my watermark is on them - it is simply there to protect the artwork of the artist. (To tell you the truth, my pal Selene created my watermark for me and I don't know how to adjust it or recreate it with someone else's name on it! Hey, my skills are in paper crafting - not computers! LOL!)

Here are the gorgeous cards I've received lately, I've linked the artist's blog (if they have one) with their name so you can go check them out!

Easter Card by Tiffany Bauer

Friend card by Tiffany Bauer

Embossed Metal Flower card by Tara Bazata

Vintage Butterfly Friend card by Selene Kempton

Contemporary Butterfly Friend card by Selene Kempton

Embossed White Butterfly card by Karen Duke

Vintage Friend CD Folder by Jan McClurg

Aren't these just the most wonderful projects? You can see why I treasure them and the friends that made them!
Have a wonderful day everyone! I'll be back tomorrow with some wonderful news and this week's UDI Inspiration Challenge project!
~~Robin

AWOL.....Not Really!

I hope you weren't wondering where I was yesterday! I had planned to get some stamping done, but there has been a little buzz in Stampin' Up! land about this waaay cool Color Renovation and I was a little busy Monday and Tuesday........ :) More great info for you about THAT later!

So, no, I didn't stamp a THING the past two days and it about killed me, but I do have some fabulous RAK's that I've received lately that I'm going to post in a little bit just so you have some eye candy, ok?

For now, let me leave you with a funny, but oh, too true story that happened to me yesterday - if you are a busy Mom, or have been, you will sooooo relate:

This just proves that I am losing my mind:

(Picking up Emma at the bus stop to go to the ice rink in Fairfax)
Me: "Hey Em, I've got your snack and skating stuff, how was school?"

Em: "Great Mom, thanks! School was good." (puts in ipod earphones and tunes me out)

Now we drive 50 minutes to the rink.......
Pulling up at the front door with minutes to spare

Me: "Ok, hop out and go change while I park."

Em: "Ok Mom. Hey, where are my skates?".... ........ ..

Yeah, that's what I said too! LOL !

Back later with some great cards to show you!
~~Robin

Elegant Wedding Card

Happy Monday Stampers!
Is today your last day of spring break too? I am missing the slower pace of last week already - but the Stampin' Up! cruise is less than 20 days away now, so there is that to look forward to!

Today's card for you is short, sweet and simple! With wedding season approaching I thought I'd share a card you can literally make in less than 10 minutes! AND it uses heat embossing AND glitter! Yeah!

I started with a piece of 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" Shimmer White cardstock - love this cardstock for making more elegant cards - and folded it in half to create a standard A2 card. These fit in the Medium Stampin' Up! envelopes.

For the main image, I stamped the large flower from the Wedding Sweet stamp set using Versamark ink. I then added Heat and Stick Embossing Powder to it and with my Heat Tool, warmed it until it melted. The trick to this powder is to not overheat it or it loses it's stickiness.

Then, I took out my Fine Cosmo glitter and sprinkled it liberally all over the heated image, tapping off the excess into my Powder Pal tray. I then reheated it with the Heat Tool, setting the glitter into the image.

The greeting (from Teeny Tiny Wishes) was stamped with Black Staz-On ink onto a scrap of Shimmer White then punched out with the Modern Label punch. It is popped up on Stampin' Dimensionals. Lastly, my ribbon knot is simply a piece of White Organza ribbon tied around the front of the card and knotted by the greeting.
Clean, simple and elegant!
(Note: the only thing I added after the photo was taken was to round the four corners of the card with my Corner Rounder punch. I thought it looked better with the flowy image.)

I'll be filming another video this week and was thinking about showing you how to cover Chipboard, but maybe I'll do it on using Heat and Stick powder instead. Let me know what you would like to see!
Have a great Easter Monday everyone - stamped blessings!
~~Robin

The Miracle of Easter Sunday

"In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song.
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease.
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe.
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save.
‘Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied.
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain.....

Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again.
And as He stands in victory
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me.
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me.
From life’s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand,
‘til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.

Wishing you and yours a blessed, Glorious Easter!
He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!

~~Robin