Happy Birthday Butterfly

Just a quick post for you today.  I am working diligently to get my apartment ready for company that is coming in on Thursday.  It seems that I get one thing done and I think of two more that need my attention.  It's a never ending battle.  One of these days I'll get my mind wrapped around the fact that I just don't have room for everything in the world in my home.  :-)  Then again, that may never happen.  I'm a Stampin' Up!® Demonstrator who just keeps getting more stamps and more stamps and...well, you get the picture.

My butterfly was stamped in Daffodil Delight onto Whisper White and over that I added a Vellum layer that was cut using the Bold Butterfly Framelits Dies and lightly touched with some Night of Navy.  It does not show up well in the photo but in real life it's a very pretty butterfly.

Stamp Sets:  Butterfly Basics, Endless Birthday Wishes; Inks:  Daffodil Delight, Marina Mist, Night of Navy; Card Stock:  Marina Mist, Soft Sky, Vellum, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Bold Butterfly Framelits Dies, Butterflies Thinlits Dies, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, SNAIL Adhesive, Dimensionals, Precision Base Plate (Sizzix), Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine.  All Stampin' Up!® product unless otherwise noted.

The sketch I used is from the CAS(E) this Sketch Challenge.

The colors I used are from the ColourQ Challenge.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Sunday Christmas Card Challenges #30

It's an "Anything Goes" challenge this week at Christmas Card Challenges.  I was playing around with stamps and dies and paper and ink and here is what I came up with.  It's kind of a tree made from stars.  I know, you have to look really close to get the tree part out of it.  :-)  I love the new Watermelon Wonder and Cucumber Crush In Colors.  They are definitely bright and cheerful.

Stamp Sets:  Christmas Bliss, Happy Holidays (unknown); Ink:  Watermelon Wonder; Card Stock:  Cherry On Top Designer Series Paper Stack, Watermelon Wonder, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Stars Framelits Dies, Extra-Large Oval Punch, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Silver Sequin Trim, Dimensionals, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine.  All Stampin' Up!® product unless otherwise noted.

To join us for this week's challenge, visit Christmas Card Challenges.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Watercooler Challenges #27

For this week's challenge, Jackie had us using the Iris Fold Technique.  It's one I'd not tried before and found it rather interesting.  I was in the mood for a bright, cheerful card so I decided to use Cherry On Top Designer Series Paper Stack, Bermuda Bay and Whisper White.  For me, it doesn't get any brighter than that.  :-)  I love how this came together and the way the colors compliment each other.

We'd love to have you join us and share your projects inspired by Jackie's Iris Fold Technique challenge.  Just click on the Watercooler Challenges link found below. 

Stamp Set:  Crazy about You; Ink:  Bermuda Bay; Card Stock:  Cherry On Top Designer Series Paper Stack, Bermuda Bay, Whisper White, Whisper White Thick; Accessories & Tools:  Circle Collection Framelits Dies, Bermuda Bay Sequin Trim, Dimensionals, SNAIL Adhesive, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

The inspiration for my design came from the Watercooler Challenges.

Thanks for stopping by the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Time to Celebrate the Stars & Stripes

The 4th of July is next Saturday and the sketch from Freshly Made Sketches had me thinking it was time to bring out my favorite stamp set to use whenever I want to do a patriotic card.  It's the Stars & Stripes Stamp & Die Combo from Taylored Expressions.  I love the stamp and the die of the USA.  And, those images found in the Perpetual Birthday Calendar stamp set from Stampin' Up!® look like fireworks, right?  So, here is what I came up with using the sketch for my inspiration.

Stamp Sets:  Perpetual Birthday Calender, Stars & Stripes Stamp & Die Combo (Taylored Expressions); Inks:  Night of Navy, Real Red; Card Stock:  Real Red, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Stars & Stripes Stamp & Die Combo (Taylored Expressions), 2013-2015 In Color Sequin Assortment, SNAIL Adhesive, Multipurpose Liquid Glue, Dimensionals, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine.  All Stampin' Up!® product unless otherwise noted.

The sketch I used is from the Freshly Made Sketches Challenge.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Thank You

You know, there are days when you should create and days when you shouldn't.  Given the fact that nothing seemed to be going right today, I'm surprised I managed to get this card done.  My intention was to do both the color challenge and the sketch challenge from the current Your Next Stamp Challenge.  However, I didn't pay close attention to the sketch and left out a couple of the elements so I simply stayed with the color challenge this time around.

For this cute little image, I did a wee bit of paper-piecing.  Her hair is stamped with Soft Suede onto a piece of Soft Suede card stock.  Her dress was stamped with Cucumber Crush onto one of the designs from the Cherry On Top Designer Series Paper Stack.  The rose was stamped with Pool Party onto Soft Sky card stock.  Oh, and the little heart was stamped with Real Red onto Real Red card stock.  Then, everything was cut and layered onto the image that was stamped with Tuxedo Black Memento onto Whisper White card stock.  Whew!  A labor of love because I think this is such a cute stamp set.

Stamp Set:  Little Darling Aimee (Your Next Stamp); Inks:  Cucumber Crush, Pool Party, Real Red, Soft Suede, Tuxedo Black Memento; Copic Markers:  E33, E39, YG13; Card Stock:  Cherry On Top, Real Red, Soft Sky, Soft Suede, Whisper White Thick; Accessories & Tools:  Paper Snips, Glitter Pen, Dimensionals, Xyron Adhesive.  All Stampin' Up!® product unless otherwise noted.

The colors I used are from the Your Next Stamp Challenge.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Flourishes and Flowers

This week's Friday Mashup Challenge is all about stencils and a monochromatic theme.  I'm not sure I really pulled it off but I rather like the way the card turned out.  I don't often play with my stencils and this inspired me to dig all of them out to remind myself of all that I have.  I think you'll be seeing more stencil work in future projects.

Stamp Sets:  Flower Shop, Pictogram Punches; Inks:  Night of Navy, Pool Party; Card Stock:  Whisper White Thick; Accessories & Tools:  Pansy Punch, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, Flourish Stencil (Tim Holtz Collection), Candy Dots Brad Bases, Pearl Basic Jewels, SNAIL Adhesive, Dimensionals

The inspiration for my card came from The Friday Mashup Challenge.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Sunday Christmas Card Challenges #29

Such pretty colors for this week's challenge over at Christmas Card Challenges.  Red, white, beige; they are such nice colors together.  Did you notice that I actually did no stamping on my card?  The sentiment is from the patterned paper pad I used.  Sometimes you don't need ink and stamps to make a pretty card.

Stamp Set:  None; Ink:  None; Card Stock:  Cherry Cobbler, Santa's List Paper Pad (Teresa Collins); Accessories & Tools:  Ticket Corner Punch, 5/8" Whisper White Satin Ribbon, SNAIL Adhesive, Dimensionals.  All Stampin' Up!® product unless otherwise noted.

The inspiration for my card came from the Christmas Card Challenges Photo Challenge.  Show us how you were inspired.  We'd love to see what you create!

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Endless Birthday Wishes

It's a banner birthday!  Have I told you how much I love Stampin' Up!'s new Triple Banner Punch?  No!  Well, I do.  It lets you cut banners in 1", 1-1/2" and 2" widths.  There is even a way to cut a 3/4" banner, just ask me how.  Now how clever is that.  I was going to trim my embossed layer and make it more square but I just love that Boho Chic Embossing Folder and the image it gives.  I just couldn't bring myself to cut it.  What do you think?  A guy birthday card even with the rhinestones?  Guys like bling, too, right?

Stamp Set:  Endless Birthday Wishes; Ink:  Blackberry Bliss; Card Stock:  Bermuda Bay, Blackberry Bliss, Delightful Dijon, Very Vanilla; Accessories & Tools:  Triple Banner Punch, Boho Chic Embossing Folder, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, SNAIL Adhesive, Dimensionals, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

The sketch I used is from the Pals Paper Arts Challenge.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Wacky Watercooler Annual Catalog Blog Hop

Wow!  A month sure seems to fly by and it's again time for another Wacky Watercooler Blog Hop!  This time we are showcasing the new 2015-2016 Annual Catalog.  Can you say fantastic!  That's just how I feel about the whole thing.  I think it's one of the best yet.  I have a wish list that's a few miles long.  Well, not quite that bad but it's going to break the budget for the next few months.

For my projects, I chose three of the new stamp sets.  My first project uses the gorgeous Floral Wings stamp set.  It's one of the new Hostess sets and it's actually a three-step stamp.  I love the way you can add the flowers and leaves to the butterfly.  Now how cool is that!  I also used the new Bold Butterfly Framelits Dies.  This was a card front I all ready had made so just used the die to cut out the butterfly, adhered the stamped Whisper White layer and added the butterfly using dimensionals.  A few pearls and you have a pretty butterfly framed in flowers.

Stamp Set:  Floral Wings; Inks:  Blackberry Bliss, Lost Lagoon, Pumpkin Pie, Rose Red; Card Stock:  Lost Lagoon, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Bold Butterfly Framelits Dies, Pearl Basic Jewels, SNAIL Adhesive, Dimensionals, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

My next project is a CASE (Copy And Share Everything) of a card by Claudia Perry.  I loved how she used the Best Thoughts stamp set, which is another of our hostess sets, and the new 2015-2017 In Color Blossom Accents.  Mine is a bit different in that I switched the way the colors were used but I did stay with the Mint Macaron and Tip Top Taupe colors she used.  And, I added one of the tiny pearls to the center of the blossom.  You can see her card by clicking on her name.

Stamp Sets:  Best Thoughts, Gorgeous Grunge; Inks:  Delightful Dijon, Mint Macaron, Tip Top Taupe; Card Stock:  Mint Macaron, Tip Top Taupe, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Tip Top Taupe 2015-2017 In Color Blossom Accents, Mint Macaron 1" Dotted Lace Trim, Pearl Basic Jewels, SNAIL Adhesive, Glue Dots, Stampin' Trimmer

For my final project, I used the You've Got This stamp set.  I love that background stamp!  Not only is it used behind the flower, it is also the background under the lacy butterfly die cut.  I was going for a Monarch butterfly look but couldn't get the colors right so simply stamped the background in Crushed Curry and cut it out using the Bold Butterfly Framelits Die.  Then, I die cut the lacy butterfly from the Butterflies Thinlits Dies and glued it over the solid butterfly.  I had to use Multipurpose Liquid Glue and in case you are unaware of it, I simply cannot stand getting glue on my fingers.  Just ask my friend, Jean.  She just laughs at me.  :-)

Stamp Set:  You've Got This; Inks:  Always Artichoke, Crushed Curry, Delightful Dijon, Soft Sky, Watermelon Wonder; Card Stock:  Basic Black, Whisper White, Whisper White Thick; Accessories & Tools:  Bold Butterfly Framelits Dies, Butterflies Thinlits Dies, Pearl Basic Jewels, SNAIL Adhesive, Multipurpose Liquid Glue, Dimensionals, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

Well, that is it from me and now it's time to move on. Next up is Jackie Susnik.  Click the image below to see what wonderful projects she has for you.

If you'd like to revisit Heidi Weaver and see her projects again, Click the image below.

To go back to the Wacky Watercooler Stamping Blog, click on the image below.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Thanks

Just a quick post before I shut things down for the night.  I wanted to share the card I made for the Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge and the Colour Me...! Challenge.  I think the challenges came together nicely.  Oh, have I mentioned that I love Stampin' Up!'s new Whisper White Thick?  It is the perfect weight for a card base.

Stamp Set:  Banner Blessings; Inks:  Elegant Eggplant; Card Stock:  Coastal Cabana, Elegant Eggplant, Old Olive, Whisper White, Whisper White Thick; Accessories & Tools:  1" Circle Punch, Elegant Eggplant Regals Candy Dots, Itty Bitty Accents Epoxy Accents, SNAIL Adhesive, Glue Dots, Multipurpose Liquid Glue, Tear Drop Circle Die, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

The colors I used are from the Colour Me...! Challenge.

The sketch I used is from the Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Blushing Bride Blossom

You know, I really should be getting ready for company instead of playing with stamps and ink.  But tell me, how can you resist such a gorgeous stamp set!  The one I used for these challenges is a new Stampin' Up!® Hostess stamp set called Best Thoughts.  It is fast becoming my favorite and there are so many things you can do with it.  I think the next card I make with it with involve some fussy cutting, something I don't do very often but the love the effect you get.

Stamp Set:  Best Thoughts; Inks:  Blushing Bride, Night of Navy; Card Stock:  Gold Foil Sheets, Whisper White, Whisper White Thick; Accessories & Tools:  Night of Navy Regals Candy Dots, SNAIL Adhesive, Blender Pen, Stampin' Trimmer

The sketch I used is from the Freshly Made Sketches Challenge.

The colors I used are from the ColourQ Challenge.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Beautiful Butterfly

In between cleaning and sorting, I took time out to have a cup of coffee and make a card for a couple of my favorite challenges, CAS(E) this Sketch and The Paper Players.  I stamped the background image from the You've Got This stamp set then, punched 1" squares.  Although it's hard to see in the photo, the Pool Party layer of the butterfly is from the Cherry On Top Designer Series Paper.  There are little white lines and dots that are just not showing up in the photo.  I have totally fallen in love with those Regals Candy Dots.  Looks like I need to put more of them on my next order as well as the other colors that are available.

Now it's time for me to head out to pick up my two grandsons who are coming for a visit today.  They are so busy with summer baseball, that I don't get to spend a lot of time with them.  It's going to be a fun afternoon!

Stamp Sets:  Lovely Amazing You, You've Got This; Inks: Island Indigo, Real Red; Card Stock:  Cherry On Top Designer Series Paper Stack, Island Indigo, Thick Whisper White, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Bold Butterfly Framelits Dies, Butterflies Thinlits Dies, 1" Square Punch, Island Indigo Regals Candy Dots, Multipurpose Liquid Glue, SNAIL Adhesive, Dimensionals, Stampin' Trimmer, Bit Shot Die-Cutting Machine

The sketch I used is from CAS(E) this Sketch.

The colors I used are from The Paper Players Challenge.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Happy Father's Day and The Friday Mashup #213

Although I already have my Father's Day cards done, I wanted to use the colors and the theme from this week's Friday Mashup challenge.  We had to use Cajun Craze, Garden Green and Island Indigo for colors or a Father's Day theme or use the colors and the theme together.  I wasn't too sure how these colors were going to work together but I'm actually pleased with the final outcome.  The little tie from the Something for Baby stamp set were perfect for a tribute to Dad. 

Stamp Sets:  Crazy about You, Something for Baby; Inks:  Cajun Craze, Garden Green, Island Indigo; Card Stock:  Adventure Bound Designer Series Paper Stack (retired), Island Indigo, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Baby's First Framelits Dies, Silver Sequin Trim, SNAIL Adhesive, Dimensionals, Glue Dots

The colors and theme are from The Friday Mashup Challenge.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Sunday Christmas Card Challenges #28

It's an "anything goes" challenge this week at Christmas Card Challenges.  For this one I stayed with more traditional Christmas colors.  I decided to offset the ovals just to give it a different look.  While you can't see the rhinestones well, they are there in the middle of the silver sequins.  You know, some day I'm going to remember to stop in and get some new bulbs for the lamps I use with my light tent.  Yes, I put them on my list but drive right by the store.  Maybe I should just order them online.  :-)

I do hope you can join us this week and share your "anything goes" project with us.

Stamp Set: Happy Holidays (unknown); Inks:  Cherry Cobbler, Mossy Meadow; Card Stock:  Cherry Cobbler, Silver & Gold Collection (Bo Bunny), Very Vanilla; Accessories & Tools:  Ovals Collection Framelits, Silver Sequin Trim, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, SNAIL Adhesive, Dimensionals, Glue Dots, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine.  All Stampin' Up!® product unless otherwise noted.

For all the challenge details, visit Christmas Card Challenges.  We'd love to see your projects.

The sketch I used is from the Freshly Made Sketches Challenge.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Watercooler Challenges #26

Yay!  It's time for another Watercooler Challenge and this one is all about color.  Jean has picked three of my favorite colors, Crumb Cake, Daffodil Delight and Marina Mist, along with a great picture to inspire you.  Two of the stamp sets I used are Best Thoughts and Floral Wings found in the new 2015-2016 Annual Catalog.  They are new sets available to those who host a Stampin' Up!® party.

Stamp Sets:  Best Thoughts, Floral Wings, Pictogram Punches; Inks:  Crumb Cake, Daffodil Delight, Marina Mist; Card Stock:  Crumb Cake, Daffodil Delight, Marina Mist, Very Vanilla; Accessories & Tools:  Honeycomb Embossing Folder, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Linen Thread, Glue Dots, SNAIL Adhesive, Dimensionals, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

For all the challenge details, visit Watercooler Challenges.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Happy Birthday

Oh happy day!  I finally made it into my craft studio for a little R&R.  It's been a whirlwind of activity around my house what with getting ready for my son to come home from overseas on July 2nd and for friends to visit for several days over the July 4th weekend.  I'm so excited!  Only problem is, I'm the only whirlwind who's getting things done.  Can I just say I am tired!  But, it's a happy tired.  :-)

Now that I'm making more masculine cards, I'm always in need of another one.  The theme from The Paper Players Challenge and the colors from the Sunday Stamps Weekly Challenge melded well together and here is the card that came out of combining these two great challenges.

Stamp Sets:  Crazy about You (sentiment), Traveler, You've Got This; Inks:  Early Espresso, Pool Party, Soft Suede; Card Stock:  Early Espresso, Pool Party, Very Vanilla; Accessories & Tools:  Boho Chic Embossing Folder, Extra-Large Oval Punch, Linen Thread, 1/8" Silver Brads, SNAIL Adhesive, Glue Dots, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

The colors I used is from the Sunday Stamps Weekly Challenge.

The theme I used is from The Paper Players Challenge.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Sunday Christmas Card Challenges #27

It's time for another Christmas Card Challenge and this one is a color challenge.  I love these colors.  The card I made is simple and I tried to keep it all about the colors.  I really like how the new Mint Macaron In Color looks embossed with the Honeycomb Embossing Folder.  And, who can go wrong with Cherry Cobbler, right?

So, come play along and show us how these colors inspire you.  We'd love to see what you create!

Stamp Set:  Christmas Bliss; Inks:  Chocolate Chip, Sahara Sand; Card Stock:  Early Espresso, Mint Macaron, Sahara Sand, Very Vanilla; Accessories & Tools:  Honeycomb Embossing Folder, Decorative Label Punch, 1" Cherry Cobbler Sheer Linen Ribbon (retired), Regals Candy Dots - Cherry Cobbler, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Dimensionals, SNAIL Adhesive, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

Don't you think the colors were beautiful for this challenge?  They are some of my favorites to use for my Christmas cards.  I hope you will join us this week at Christmas Card Challenges.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Happy Birthday!

Just a quick post for you today as I'm in the middle of more spring house cleaning.  I've been as busy as the proverbial little beaver.  It won't be long and my house will look like a different place.  It's amazing how that can happen when you have a place for everything and everything is in its place.  Clutter drives me crazy so rarely do you see things where they shouldn't be.  So, here you have it.  A birthday card.  I'm stocking my stash to be sure I have enough made for next months birthdays, too.

Stamp Set:  Just Kidding; Ink:  Night of Navy; Card Stock:  Hello Honey, Marina Mist, Night of Navy, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Boho Chic Embossing Folder, Decorative Dots Embossing Folder, Circle Collection Framelits, Triple Banner Punch, Regals Candy Dots - Night of Navy, Glue Dots, Dimensionals, SNAIL Adhesive, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

The colors I used are from the Fab Friday Challenge.

The sketch I used is from the Freshly Made Sketches Challenge.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Sunday Stamps Challenge #102

Well, I've learned something new about myself.  I'm liking colors I never thought I would ever like and actually admit to it.  Go figure, right?  When I first saw the new In Color Delightful Dijon, I thought ick!  Not any more as you can see.  I love the way it looks with the Bermuda Bay and the Blackberry Bliss.

Now that my days have settled down, I just might get myself back on schedule.  I've been out and about every day this week but tomorrow looks like a stay at home, laid back kind of day.  Well, not really but it sounded good.  My oldest son will be home on July 2nd from overseas and Karen, a friend and fellow Stampin' Up!® demonstrator, and her sister, Pat, are coming for a visit over the July 4th weekend.  I am trying to get my house in order because you just know there is going to be a whole lot of stamping going on!  I'm so excited!

Stamp Set: Beautiful Bunch; Inks:  Delightful Dijon, Blackberry Bliss; Card Stock:  Bermuda Bay, Blackberry Bliss, Cherry On Top Designer Series Paper Stack, Delightful Dijon, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Boho Chic Embossing Folder, Triple Banner Punch, Fun Flower Punch, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Dimensionals, SNAIL Adhesive, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

The sketch I used can be found at the Sunday Stamps Challenge.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha