A Triple Challenge

It isn't often that I can combine three challenges using one card, but this one came to gather right nicely.  I used the sketch from CAS(E) this Sketch, the colors from Pals Paper Arts and the theme of 'thanks' from SUO Challenges.  The flowers were stamped using Cajun Craze ink, two with a full load of ink and two that were stamped off to give a softer look.  So, what do you think of my leaves?  They were made using the Four Feathers stamp set and Feather Framelits Dies.  :-)   

Stamp Sets:  Hardwood, Flower Shop, Four Feathers; Inks:  Cajun Craze, Soft Suede, Mossy Meadow; Card Stock:  Soft Suede, Mossy Meadow, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Pansy Punch, Feathers Framelits Dies, SNAIL Adhesive, Glue Dots, Dimensionals, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

The CAS(E) this Sketch challenge can be found HERE.

The Pals Paper Arts color challenge can be found HERE.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Mother's Day Triple Treat Flower

A short post for today since there is so much on today's agenda.  Here is another card I designed for the llama blog hop using Blushing Bride and the retiring Triple Treat Flower Stamp.

Stamp Sets:  Triple Treat Flower, Delightful Dozen; Ink:  Perfect Plum; Card Stock:  Blushing Bride, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Adorning Accents Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Adorning Accents Edgelits Die, 1/2" Very Vanilla Seam Binding Ribbon, Jewels Basic Rhinestone, Fancy Flower Punch, Dazzling Details

Remember to check out the Retired Stamp Set List and order before they are gone.  You have until May 31st.

It's Raining

Well, I'm sorry to have to say it's been another day of let's just be a slug and get nothing done.  I really hope this goes away soon and I feel like doing cartwheels again.  I found a picture that matches my mood and am sharing it with you since I've not made anything lately.  It is actually raining as I'm writing this post and getting dark and just plain gloomy.  Yup... definitely matches my mood.  Now I'm off to watch "The Rifleman" on MeTV.  I love watching the programs that were on when I was growing up.

Until we meet again...

So You Think You're Not Creative!

Well, I have a solution just for you.  Our Simply Sent Kits are the ideal choice for the new stamper.  During October, when you Buy two Simply Sent Kits you can choose a FREE coordinating stamp set!  The card kits offer a variety of basic themes, so it's easy to create cards for any occasion.

And, think of what it would mean to friends and family to receive a special handmade by you card.

Get A FREE Stamp Set

Click Image for More Details

Don't wait.  Order your kits today and start wowing everyone with you creative ability.

Blessings from Marsha

Want To Send A Handmade Card?

Then, take advantage of upcoming events at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe.  Click the "Cafe Events 2011" tab at the top and find an event that works for you.  Impress your friends and family with a beautiful card for that special occasion.

This Thursday, September 22nd, you have two times from which to choose for the Card Buffet.  Come and goat any time during those hours and make as many cards as you need.  Details are on the "Cafe Events 2011" page.

 I look forward to seeing you there.

Blessings from Marsha

Want To Wow Your Family and Friends With a Handmade Christmas Card?

Sign up for the next Christmas Card Class.  It is scheduled for September 19 at 6:30pm to 9pm.  You will stamp ten cards with matching envelopes.  Prepayment is required one week in advance to allow for purchase of supplies and preparation of materials.  You can pay with cash, check or credit card.  Credit cards are through PayPal only.  Click the Buy Now button on the left to register for this class.

Register today to insure your spot for this event.  If you have any questions, please call or e-mail me.  The information is listed above.

Blessings from Marsha

You Are Loved

Today was full of fun with three of the little men in my life.  Nic (4) and Aiden (22 months) spent the day with me.  Zac (6) joined us after school.  Zac and Nic are brothers and are my youngest son's youngest sons.  :-)  Aiden is my number two son's number two son.  :-)  I love having them over but it does shorten my time to be creative.  Fortunately, I already had a great card made to share with you today.

When I saw the You Are Loved stamp set in the new Holiday Mini Catalog, it had my name all over it.  I love butterflies and flowers and swirls.  And, it doesn't matter what the reason is, sometimes it's just nice to be remembered with love.

Stamp Set:  You Are Loved; Ink:  Soft Suede; Card Stock:  Calypso Coral, Whisper White, Soft Suede Patterns Designer Series Paper; Accessories:  Decorative Label Punch, Love Blossoms Standard Wheel, 3/8" Early Espresso Quilted Satin Ribbon, Jewels Basic Pearls, Stampin' Dimensionals

Just another beautiful product featured in the new Holiday Mini Catalog.  This set, along with many other new products, will be available September 1st.

Blessings from Marsha

Easy Events Christmas

Here's a card I designed using the Easy Events Stamp Set.  I wanted to do something quick and simple and I wanted to use the new Frostwood Lodge Designer Series Paper.

Stamp Set:  Easy Events; Inks:  StazOn Black, Wild Wasabi Stampin' Write Marker, Real Red; Card Stock:  Old Olive, Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler, Frostwood Lodge Designer Series Paper; Accessories:  Decorative Label Punch, 5/8" Whisper White Organza Ribbon, Starburst Jumbo Wheel

And there you have another taste of Christmas.  There is only one week left to take advantage of the Buy Three, Get One Free Designer Series Paper special.  And, only one week left to order from the Summer Mini Catalog.  You have until midnight on August 31st.

Blessings from Marsha

Special Cards for Special Girls

Today I had planned to show another card designed using the new Christmas Lodge Stamp Set from the upcoming Holiday Mini Catalog.  My plans for the day changed and I didn't have time to make another card.  Instead I got to spend a great day with my best friend just simply spending time together.  It is time I so treasure.

What I am sharing tonight are the cards I made for my sweet little girls who I sponsor at Cien Fuego Children's Center in the Dominican Republic.  They are two very special little ladies!

Jahely will be seven next month so her's was definitely a birthday card.  Bright, cheerful just like her adorable smile.

 
Sulennes' is just to let her know I am thinking of her.  She has a gorgeous smile and her eyes just sparkle.

The majority of the cards are from retired product but I wanted to share these with you anyway.  I know the girls love getting mail.

Be watching over the next weeks to come.  Many new things are on the horizon that I will be sharing with you, even a contest or two. 

Blessings from Marsha

Cajun Craze Birthday

This is one of those cards that, once started, just took on a life of its own.  I had no idea where I was going or what I wanted to do once I committed ink to paper.  In the end, I really liked how this turned out.  It's another of the cards designed for the Come & Go Card Buffet.

Stamp Sets: Paisley Petals, Teeny Tiny Wishes; Ink:  Cajun Craze; Card Stock:  Cajun Craze, Whisper White, Not Quite Navy; Accessories:  Curly Label Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, Dazzling Details (from the Holiday Mini), sponge dauber

Well, it's late and I have a fantastically busy day lined up for tomorrow.  The best part of tomorrow, is I get my car fixed.  The poor little thing has been sick for a while and he is now over at Dr. Mike's waiting for a new compressor transplant.  I am so thankful that my son has the ability to fix my car.  It's such a blessing to have three mighty fine sons, each with their own talents and abilities.


Blessings from Marsha

Land of the Free

Oh what fun the Summer Mini Catalog continues to be.  Last night, I sat down to make another Christmas card but came across the Land of the Free stamp set from the Summer Mini.  Coming from a die hard patriotic family, this single stamp speaks volumes.  It is also a tribute to my oldest brother, Larry, who gave the ultimate sacrifice when his country sent him to Vietnam.  He walked, talked and breathed Marine!  He was proud to be an American, he was proud to be a Marine and he was proud to serve his country.  Big brother, you are missed even after all these years.  Semper Fi.

Okay, on to this great little clean and simple card.  The card base is Real Red.  Next I added a layer of Night of Navy with a strip of 1-1/4" Not Quite Navy Grosgrain Ribbon.  Be sure to attach the ribbon before attaching the Night of Navy card stock to the Real Red.  I took two pieces of Whisper White card stock and, with VersaMark, stamped the image on both pieces.  After using White Stampin' Emboss Powder, I used the Real Red Classic Stamp Pad and brayered it over the embossing then, wiped it off to let the white show through.  I did the same with the other piece of Whisper White but used the Night of Navy Classic Ink Pad.  I attached the red piece to the ribbon.  I cut the stars out and, using Stampin' Dimensionals, I attached it over the red layer.  I like the way the stars and stripes pop with the embossing powder.

Red, White & Blue

Stamp Set:  Land of the Free; Inks:  Real Red, Night of Navy; Card Stock:  Real Red, Night of Navy, Whisper White; Accessories:  1-1/4" Not Quite Navy Grosgrain Ribbon, White Stampin' Emboss Powder, Brayer

And there you have another Summer Mini Stamp Set creation.  The catalog has many great sets.  August 31st is the last day you can order from the Summer Mini Catalog.

Blessings from Marsha

Hello Blossoms from the Summer Mini

As promised here is a card using one of the stamp sets available in the Summer Mini Catalog.  Hello Blossoms is a cheery single stamp that brings a smile to your card.  Another Summer Mini feature is the new Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch.  An easy to use front lever let's you select the image you want.  Three images in one punch lets you create beautiful layered blossoms or you can use each layer by itself.

Stamp Sets:  Hello Blossoms, Just Believe; Inks:  Daffodil Delight Stampin' Write Marker, Old Olive Stampin Write Marker,  Marina Mist Stampin' Write Marker, Dusty Durango Stampin' Write Marker (retired); Card Stock:  Cajun Craze, Very Vanilla, Brights Daffodil Delight Polka Dot DSP;  Accessories:  Triple Layer Blossoms Punch, Modern Label Punch, Ice Cream Parlor Ribbon (retired), Stampin' Dimensionals

And there you have it.  Two great products from the Summer Mini Catalog.  There are only two weeks left before the Hello Blossoms Stamp Set will be gone so place your order now. 

If you have any questions, just let me know.

Blessings from Marsha

Christmas in August

I know, who is thinking of Christmas at this time of the year.  Well, today was the start of a monthly Christmas Card Class at the Cafe.  I thought it would be fun to give everyone a chance to make their cards to send to family and friends this year.  Each month will feature a different design.  The simplicity of this card was appreciated by all.

Snow Trees

Stamp Sets:  Lovely As A Tree, Joy (retired), Itty Bitty Backgrounds (retired); Inks:  Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White Craft; Card Stock:  Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White; Accessories:  Dazzling Details

I can remember scenes like this as a child when we would go hunting for the perfect Christmas tree.  Many times it would be snowing and we'd come home cold, wet and ready for some of Grandma's special hot chocolate.  Fond memories of time with family.

Tomorrow I'll show you a card made from one of the sets out of the Summer Mini Catalog.  August 31st is the last day you can order from that catalog, so place your order soon. You can order here or call me or e-mail with me with your order and payment information.  The Cafe is always open.

Blessings from Marsha

Pennant Birthday for Him

The Pennant Parade Stamp Set and the Petite Pennants Builder Punch are the perfect combination for a card that a guy won't think too sissy.  :-)  Early Espresso, Very Vanilla and Well Worn Designer Series Paper set the tone for this wish big birthday card.  No frills but just a little sparkle with a touch of Dazzling Details, just one of the new products from in the Holiday Mini. This is the masculine card designed for Thursday's Come & Go Card Buffet.

Stamp Sets:  Pennant Parade, So Happy for You; Ink:  Early Espresso; Card Stock:  Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, Well Worn Designer Series Paper; Accessories:  Petite Pennants Builder Punch, Modern Label Punch, Dazzling Details

Time to go for now.  My little people just arrived and I need to give them my undivided attention.  My next project will feature a stamp set from the Summer Mini Catalog.  It's only available through August 31st.


Blessings from Marsha

Calypso Coral Thank You

Everything is ready and while I have a wee bit of extra time, here is another card that was designed for today's Come & Go Card Buffet.  Eight designs are available and each day, I'll share one of those designs with you.

I love the new In Colors.  They are bright, sunny and warm.  For this card I combined Not Quite Navy and River Rock with Calypso Coral.  These colors really work well together.  I ran the Calypso Coral layer through the Big Shot using the Square Lattice Embossing Folder to give it some texture.

Stamp Set:  Easy Events; Ink:  Night of Navy, Calypso Coral Stampin' Write Marker, Certainly Celery Stampin' Write Marker; Card Stock:  Not Quite Navy, River Rock, Calypso Coral, Whisper White; Accessories:  Eyelet Border Punch, Decorative Label Punch, 1-1/4" Not Quite Navy Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Big Shot, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Stampin' Dimensionals

It's time to get to work.  If you'd like to know more about what I do and how you can do it, too, you can get the details here.

Blessings from Marsha

New Hostess Benefits Program

The Stampin' Up!® Hostess Benefits Program is now better than ever.  It's so much fun and so easy to earn FREE products. 

Now you can earn Hostess Dollars that you can spend anyway you want.  Select Stamp Sets that are exclusive to you, as a Hostess, or use them to purchase anything in the Idea Book & Catalog or current Mini Catalog. The choice is all yours.

Want to earn some FREE products?  Start now making those special cards to send to friends and family at Christmas.  Contact me today to schedule your Workshop.    You'll be glad you did!

Blessings from Marsha

Thinking of You

It was a fun day spent with three of my twelve grandchildren.  They are so full of energy and keep this grandmother on her toes!  With little ones underfoot, I made cookies instead of cards today.  And, of course, they loved that because they got to help.

Today's card is another earlier design and a simple study in blue and vanilla, one of my favorite combinations.  The Framed Tulips Embossing Folder made the perfect border.  Clean and simple, I love how this all came together.     

Stamp Sets:  For All You Do, Teeny Tiny Wishes; Ink:  Night of Navy; Card Stock: Night of Navy, Whisper White; Accessories:  Framed Tulips Embossing Folder, Modern Label Punch, Jewels Basic Rhinestones, Stampin' Dimensionals

Don't forget to take advantage of the Designer Series Paper special of Buy Three Get One Free that goes until August 31.   Just click on the image on the lower right for all the details.   

Leave a comment and let me know your favorite Designer Series Paper.  I enjoy hearing from you.

Blessings from Marsha

A Day of Rest

That's right, I'm taking the day off and just resting.  It's been a whirlwind of activity this past week and I'm ready for the break.  It's only a short one because tomorrow starts another week of more busyness; grandchildren visiting, cards to design, classes to prepare for... whew!  I love it.

Since I'm not working today, the card I share is one I designed back in February.  It is still one of my favorites.  It has no sentiment so one could be added that appeals to you and is right for the occasion.  The inside is blank so you can add your own personal greeting.

Stamp Set:  Just Believe; Ink:  Early Espresso; Card Stock: Very Vanilla, Early Espresso; Accessories:  Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, Eyelet Border Punch, 1/4" Very Vanilla Grosgrain Ribbon

And that's it for today.  I'm going to go enjoy the beautiful sunshine and blue sky. 

Blessings from Marsha

A Tribute To Sue

According to my calendar, it's Girlfriends Day.  I have been so blessed with many girl friends through the years but I have one who has stood the test of time and to this day she is and always will be my best girlfriend. We don't get to spend much time together these days but, with today's technology, we are only a text, e-mail or phone call away from each other.

I thought it would be fun to take a journey backward and dig out our high school graduation pictures.  (She is not going to like me for this!) 

Sue and Marsha

Well, here we are way back when gas was $.35 a gallon, we walked everywhere we went and Friday night was spent at the skating rink.  We had such fun together. 

This is the card I made for her.

Stamp Set: My Friend; Ink:Melon Mambo; Card Stock: Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla; Accessories:  Starburst Jumbo Wheel, Jewels Rhinestones, Permanent Markers, Sponge Dauber, VersaMark, Clear Emboss Powder

I used Crumb Cake for the card base and rolled it with the Starburst Jumbo Wheel inked with Melon Mambo.  The stamp was inked with VersaMark then, embossed with Clear Emboss Powder.  I took the sponge dauber and randomly covered the Very Vanilla and before the ink set, rubbed it off with a paper towel to let the embossed image come through.  A little trick I just learned from my llama sister, Buffy, is to color our Jewels Rhinestones with permanent marker.  It's just another way to add a bit of color to your finished project.

It's a simple card but it says so much.  I'm thankful and blessed to have Sue as a friend.

Blessings from Marsha