Valentine Heart

Today I took a break from birthday cards and made my first Valentine card.  I'm thinking about making and sending Valentine cards to my sons and their families this year.  It's been a long time since I've done that and I think it would be fun.  I love making easel cards and it fit perfectly with Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Challenge which is to create a 'shaped' card..

Stamp Sets:  Flower Shop, Teeny Tiny Wishes and Language of Friendship-retired (Stampin' Up!®); Inks:  Strawberry Slush, Coastal Cabana and Pistachio Pudding (Stampin' Up!®), Tuxedo Black (Memento); Card Stock:  Blushing Bride, Rose Red and Whisper White (Stampin' Up®), Patterned Paper (Crate Paper); Accessories & Tools:  Hearts Collection Framelits, Extra-Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch and Stampin' Dimensionals (Stampin' Up!®), Rhinestones

As you can tell, I still haven't got my light tent set up.  There are just too many shadows to suit me but it was the best I could do.  And, yes, tomorrow I am getting that light tent set up!

Click on the image below to find out all the details about the Timeless Tuesday Get in Shape Challenge.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe...

Marsha

Baked Brown Sugar Birthday

Today I started to work on getting all of my February birthday cards made as I have five of them scattered throughout the month.  Since I want to get some Valentine cards made, too, I think I'm going to mix it up so I don't get so bogged down with birthday cards that I go 'bleck' and don't get anything done.  :-)  Not likely, but you just never know.  Anyway, this is the card I made for my oldest younger brother.  I found the sketch on the Operation Write Home website while doing some research on their organization.

Stamp Set:  Simply Sketched (Stampin' Up!®); Ink:  Baked Brown Sugar; Card Stock:  Baked Brown Sugar, Raspberry Ripple, Summer Starfruit, Soft Suede and Very Vanilla (Stampin' Up!®), Silver & Gold Collection (Bo Bunny); Accessories & Tools:  1/8" Silver Mini Brads, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine and Stampin' Dimensionals (Stampin' Up!®), Small Octagons Dies ( Spellbinders)

Here is the sketch I used.  Just click on the image to visit the Operation Write Home website.

 I love that the measurements were included.  It made it so quick and easy to make the card.  They have other sketches, too, that I want to use so be sure to check them out if you enjoy using sketches.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Jean's Birthday Card

Just when you think you are ahead of the curve, an oh my gosh moment happens.  While adding birthdays to my new calendar, I realized that I had overlooked one.  My friend, Jean, lives in Oregon and her birthday is next week.  So, I sat right down, made this card just for her and sent it on it's way.

For her card, I wanted to follow the challenge over at CAS-UAL Fridays but it also had to be a CAS design.  Don't you think the sketch from the Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge works perfectly?

Stamp Sets:  Loving Thoughts and Beautiful Birthday - retired (Stampin' Up!); Inks:  Wisteria Wonder and Coastal Cabana (Stampin' Up!); Card Stock:  Wisteria Wonder, Coastal Cabana and Winter Frost Designer Series Paper (Stampin' Up!), Glitzy Glitter Paper (The Cardstock Stack); Accessories & Tools:  Circles Collection Framelits, Essentials Paper-Piercing Pack, Stampin' Pierce Mat, Paper Piercing Tool, Rhinestone Basic Jewels (Stampin' Up!), Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

What you can't see is that I stamped a very elegant looking Happy Birthday on the inside of the card using Coastal Cabana on the Wisteria Wonder card stock.  Those two colors look great together.

Here's where you can find the challenges I used for today's card.  Just click on the image and away you'll go!

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Another January Birthday

Well, here is the final card needed for my January birthdays.  Devin joins the ranks of teenager this year.  I figured it will be the last year I can get away with a somewhat cutesy card for him.  I love the bright colors of this one and who says bright colors are only for girls.

Stamp Sets:  Gorgeous Grunge and Swirls & Curls (Stampin' Up!); Inks:  Coastal Cabana and Crisp Cantaloupe (Stampin' Up!); Card Stock:  Coastal Cabana and Very Vanilla (Stampin' Up!), Vintage Bliss (Simple Stories); Accessories & Tools:  Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder and Stampin' Dimensionals (Stampin' Up!), Blender Pen, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

This one is being entered in two challenges.  I used the sketch from The Friday Mashup challenge.  I think it would work for the theme of time as well given a birthday marks the passing of time but I'm not sure that's what others would think.  Here is the sketch from The Friday Mashup!

I'm also sharing it over at Seize the Birthday.

Whew!  All the January birthday cards are done.  I only have five to make for February.  I'd better get busy.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Birthday Grunge

As I may have mentioned earlier, I have three grandsons with birthdays in January.  One on the 12th, the 13th and the 14th.  I am so please to announce that I have them all done and just need to write a note, put them into their addressed envelopes, put a stamp on them and get them in the mail.  Whew!  Usually, I'm late.  Grandma is trying to do better!  :-)

Here is the I made for Gage who will be 16.  It's hard sometime to realize that some of my grand-babies are growing up.  Cutesy just doesn't go far these days, especially with teen boys, so I'm transitioning into more grown up looking birthday cards for them.

I love this current sketch from MFT.  I was at a loss as what to do but once I saw the sketch, it just seem to make itself.  I love the clean and simple look.

Stamp Sets:  Gorgeous Grunge and Simply Sketched (Stampin' Up!); Inks:  Pistachio Pudding and Marine Mist (Stampin' Up!); Card Stock:  Pistachio Pudding and Very Vanilla (Stampin' Up!), Little Yellow Bicycle Patterned Paper; Accessories & Tools:  1/8" Silver Mini Brads and Stampin' Dimensionals (Stampin' Up!)

Here is this week's MFT Wednesday Stamp Club Sketch.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Bible Verse of the Week

For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Proverbs 2:6

NASB

MFT Color Palette Challenge 1

Since I so rarely use pink, this was a challenge that I wasn't sure I could pull off.  But, adding the black and the white, I got through it.  :-)  Actually, it was fun.  It gave me a chance to use one of the cute little picket fences that my oldest son, Wayne, made for me.  He and I had gone to Michael's one day and I was going to buy a package.  He looked at me and said, "Mom, I can make those for you, save your money."  Okay, I'm game for saving my pennies.  He made several of them in different lengths for me, this being one of the shortest.  I can't wait to try one on a canvas.  I've had an idea floating in my head for ages and just needed the fence.  Hmmm?  I wonder what other goodies he can make for me?

Okay, on to the card.  This one is for the My Favorite Things newest challenge.  Since it was the first one, they opted to go with a classic color scheme of pink, black and white.  It definitely stretched me.  I'd rather do blue but I love how this thank you card came together.  It's for a new friend here at the new place I live.  She had a coffee for several of us newbies this morning and invited me to join in and get to know more of the other residents.  She is quite the lady.  She makes the yummiest cookies and candy.

Stamp Sets:Simply Sketched and Language of Friendship (Stampin' Up!); Ink:  Strawberry Slush (Stampin' Up!); Card Stock:  Whisper White, Basic Black and Blushing Bride (Stampin' Up!), Santa's List Patterned Paper (Teresa Collins); Accessories & Tools:  Bird Builder Punch, Boho Blossoms, Extra-Large Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch, 1/8" Silver Mini Brads, Pearl Basic Jewels and Stampin' Dimensionals (Stampin' Up!), Wedding Cake Acrylic Paint (Martha Stewart), Picket Fence (Wayne Reed)

The little fence is unfinished when I get them so I simply painted this one.  They don't take any time at all to cover and to dry.

To participate in the challenge yourself, just click on the image below.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Mojo Monday 326

This week's challenge gave you a choice of round or square.  I chose to do a 5" x 5" square using the new In Color Strawberry Slush.  I paired it with some Basic Grey patterned paper and Pool Party Seam Binding.  I used the sentiment from the current Hostess Simply Sketched Stamp Set.  It's much prettier in person.  I don't have my light tent set up and I can sure see the difference in my photos.  Think I'd better put that on my to do list for this weekend.

Stamp Set:  Simply Sketched (Stampin' Up!); Ink:  Strawberry Slush (Stampin' Up!); Card Stock:  Strawberry Slush and Whisper White (Stampin' Up!), True Love Patterned Paper (Basic Grey); Accessories & Tools:  Labels Collection Framelits, 1/2" Pool Party Seam Binding Ribbon, Rhinestones, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine, Stampin' Dimensionals

Here is the sketch from Mojo Monday.  I may just have to do the round one too and use my new Circles Collection Framelits.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha                     

Happy New Year!

The new year has begun and I don't know about you, but I am so looking forward to all there is to come in 2014.  Here is a New Year's card made from another of the plaid backgrounds that my friend, Heather, stamped for me.  The new In Colors from Stampin' Up!® were perfect for this plaid.  The colors used are Baked Brown Sugar, Coastal Cabana and Strawberry Slush.  I love how they look together.

The 'happy new year' sentiment is from the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set from Stampin' Up!®  I used a chalk ink pad from Color Box to stamp it onto a strip of chalkboard tape.

The sketch I used is the current one over at Freshly Made Sketches.  The sketch was perfect for this background and I  love how the simplicity of the sketch allowed for the plaid to shine.  You still have time to play along, too.

With the day being snowy and cold, I'm staying in all the day long.  The plan is to get a bunch of new designs made.  I have one of the birthday cards I need for January done and have two more to go.  Three of my grandsons have birthdays one right after the other.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe.

Marsha

MFTWSC156

Despite the snow, the rather slick roads and the seriously crazy drivers, I made it over to my friend, Heather's, for a Panera lunch and some fun crafting time.  It was a real treat for me as I have been wanting to use some of her My Favorite Things stamps and dies since I don't have any, yet.  We played along with this week's MFTWSC sketch and this is the card I made.  My oldest grandson, Rodney, has a birthday next month and this was a perfect sketch to use for his card.

The dies used were MFT Die-namics Stacking Stars and Die-namics Blueprints1.  I don't remember the name of the stamp set that the happy birthday came from but I love the cursive.

Now here's the sketch from the MFT blog.

It was such a good day!  I am looking forward to the next time Heather and I get together. 

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe.

Marsha

My Day of Rest and Worship

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.  Do not let your heart be troubles, nor let it be fearful.

John 14:27

Merry Christmas!

May you have a safe and wonderful Christmas. 

Thank you Jackie Topa for the Snowman Tutorial

Thank you for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe!

Marsha

My Day of Rest and Worship

And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Luke 2:7

Santa's Christmas Elf

So, what do you think?  Personally, I think all of my grandchildren, from the youngest to the oldest, will love to have one of these hanging on the tree with their name on it.  He's made out of different punched shapes and his arms and legs are candy.  One of the club members made the comment that it could also look like a girl elf.  Just add some earrings, maybe a bit of curly hair and instead of short pants, a skirt.  I think this little elf is just the cutest project.

I don't know all of the different punches used but I just love the way he looks.  Red, green, white, all the perfect Christmas colors.

Thanks for stopping by the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe...

Marsha

A Beautiful Night of Navy Christmas Card

We had such fun at our Sunday Stamp Club.  We made a couple of neat projects, played a game and won some cool prizes and had some yummy treats.  One of the projects we made was this really pretty Christmas card.  As you may know, blue is my favorite color and Stampin' Up!'s Night of Navy has been my favorite since I was first introduced to Stampin' Up!  The design is clean and simple and I love the sparkle of the Silver Glimmer Paper.

Stamp Sets:  Prince of Peace (#134811), Gorgeous Grunge (#130517); Ink:  Silver Metallic Encore Pad (#132142); Card Stock:  Night of Navy (#100867), Silver Glimmer Paper (#124005); Accessories & Tools:  Deco Labels Collection Die (#130102), Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (#113439), Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430)

Tomorrow I'll show you the other cute project we made.  It's all made with punches and you are going to love it!

Thanks for stopping by the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe...

Marsha

The Blitz Continues

The Clearance Rack still has a lot of great products available at up to 80% off the original prices.  You can shop any time at my online store; it's always open for business.  But you'll want to hurry.  Clearance Rack items are only available while supplies last.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stampin Cafe...

Marsha

My Day of Rest and Worship

How blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, Who walks in His ways.

Psalm 128:1

Whitehaven Welcome Center

This week has been a wild one!  Tuesday and Wednesday was spent on the road with my oldest son making a fast trip to Tennessee and back.  Consequently, that did not give me much time for creating and crafting.  I've spent Thursday and Friday recuperating!  It was an enjoyable ride and the best part was getting to spend so much time with my son.

Today I'm sharing a very cool stop we made on both days.  It's a fantastic rest stop found in Paducah, Kentucky.  We didn't have time for the tour, which I would have loved.  I tell you it is the cleanest and best rest stop I've ever seen.

Unfortunately, I didn't take a picture myself.  Yes, it was planned for the Wednesday and we took off before I remembered I wanted the picture.  I think my brain was in melt down by then.  Anyway, here are a few pictures I found to share and if you click on the top two photos, you'll go to websites that give a bit of the history of Whitehaven.

We actually saw it at night on Tuesday with the Christmas decorations and it was beautiful all lit up!

Monday should see me back on a more normal schedule and I do have plenty of creating time set up for next week.  I have Christmas cards to make and send as well as gifts to get finished.  Such a busy time!

Thanks for stopping by the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe...

Marsha

Michelle Brown Postcard

A few weeks ago, I attended a Mixed Media Postcard Art Tutorial given by Michelle Brown.  Mixed Media Art was celebrating it's 4th birthday.  At the end of the tutorial, Michelle gave us the opportunity to win one of the postcards she made.  All we needed to do was leave a comment on her blog.  Low and behold, I was a winner!  I've been anxiously awaiting the arrival of the postcard.  Well, today the wait ended.  I can't wait to make one of my own!

Isn't it great!  Now I need to save up some cereal boxes and make some of my own.  She makes it look so easy.  She also has a book I purchased, after I took my first class with her, and it is one I go to often just to be sure I haven't forgotten anything.  You can find it on her website.  Be sure to check it out clicking on the link above or on the postcard.

Thank you so much, Michelle, for the postcard and for helping me learn more and more about mixed media art.

Thank you for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe!

Marsha

My Day of Rest and Worship

I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come?  My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.

Psalm 121:1-2

Michael"s Birthday

Today is my youngest son's birthday.  I hadn't used The Open Sea stamp set in quite a while and thought it would be perfect for a guy card.  The design is one I saved  during one of my browsing through card designs days.  I don't remember who originally designed it but I do want to say thank you to whomever it was.  I really like how it all came together.

Stamp Sets:  The Open Sea and Simply Sketched Hostess Set (Stampin' Up!); Ink:  Baked Brown Sugar; Card Stock:  Whisper White (Stampin' Up!) Blue card base (unknown), Down by the Shore (Fancy Pants); Accessories & Tools:  Extra Large Oval Punch, Spiral Border Punch - retired and Early Espresso Baker's Twine (Stampin' Up!)

Now I'm headed over to have pizza with the family to celebrate his birthday.  You know I must really love him a whole bunch to go out in this weather.  It's only seven degrees at this time.  By the time I get ready to come back home, it ought to be nice and frigid!

Until next time...happy creating!

Merry Christmas Plaid

Plaid is one of my favorite designs but I never would have thought of stamping in plaid.  A combination of old colors, Cherry Cobbler and Old Olive along with new color, Baked Brown Sugar and Pistachio Pudding were used to make this pretty Christmas plaid.

Stamps:  Christmas Lodge (Stampin' Up! - Retired), DC Plaid Background Builder (My Favorite Things); Inks:  Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive and Baked Brown Sugar (Stampin' Up!), Tuxedo Black (Momento); Card Stock:  Baked Brown Sugar, Pistachio Pudding and Cherry Cobbler (Stampin' Up!), Classic White (Flourishes); Accessories & Tools:  Scallop Trim Border Punch, Curly Label Punch, Brights Old Olive Button (Retired) and !/8" Silver Ribbon (Stampin' Up!)

Since I used the sketch from My Favorite Things, I decided to play along with this week's challenge.  If you'd like to join, you can click HERE or on the image below to go find out all you need to know to play along.  And, I also entered the make your own background challenge at Simon Says Wednesday Challenge.

Until next time...happy creating!

Silver Wreath Ornament

Another Stamp Club favorite is this clean and simple card with just a touch of sparkle.  Season of Style Designer Washi Tape, the new Mosaic Punch, a circle punch, some 1/8" Silver Ribbon, twine and a stamp and you have the makings of a very cool Christmas card.  And don't you just love that Silver Glimmer Paper!  It comes in Red and Champagne, too.   

Since my upline, Andrea, designed this card, I don't remember what stamp set was used.  I've looked and looked in the catalogs for it and have had no luck finding it.  Of course, your favorite Christmas sentiment would work as well.

Until next time...happy creating!

Time Crafting with a Friend - Priceless!

Yesterday afternoon was spent crafting with my friend, Heather.  I really enjoy the time I spend with her and I always learn something new whenever we get together.  After she had stamped some plaid backgrounds from the new 2013-2015 In Colors, she designed a beautiful Christmas card for me.  I love how she combines the different patterned papers.  She used three different ones on this card alone.

Stamp Set:  Bells & Boughs (Retired Stampin' Up!®); Inks:  Tuxedo Black (Memento™), Copic Markers; Card Stock:  Naturals White, Strawberry Slush (Stampin' Up!®), True Love Patterned Paper (Basic Grey), Classic White (Flourishes); Accessories & Tools:  Labels Collection Framelits Dies, Extra-Large Oval Punch (Stampin' Up!®), Pop Dots

She does a fantastic job of fussy cutting, too!  I had such a great day and look forward to crafting with Heather again soon.

Tomorrow I'll share one of the cards I made using one of the plaid backgrounds Heather stamped for me.  They are so cool!

Until next time...happy creating!

My Day of Rest and Worship

The Lord is my strength and shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him.

Psalm 28:7