The Wacky Watercooler April Blog Hop

Yes, I know, April Fool's Day has come and gone but you have to remember that we are a bunch of wacky Stampin' Up!® demonstrators who love to have fun and do the unusual.  We're up to more April trickery and some interesting projects that aren't what they appear to be.  Should be a fun time for all.

For my first project I made a birthday card.  This is just one of the six I need to make for the birthdays this month at the place where I live.  I volunteered to make certain everyone gets a birthday card on their special day.  I'm not sure it fits the bill for the "it isn't what it appears to be" but, as you can see on the inside of the card, I added a gift card holder but without a gift card.  I simply made a card to fit the holder.

Stamp Sets:  Crazy About You, Kinda Eclectic, Painted Petals, Work of Art; Inks:  Calypso Coral, Crisp Cantaloupe, Crumb Cake, Pacific Point, Pear Pizzazz, Pistachio Pudding; Card Stock:  Crisp Cantaloupe, Pacific Point, Very Vanilla; Accessories & Tools:  Butterfly Thinlits Dies, Elegant Butterfly Punch, Envelope Punch Board, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Sticky Strip, Dimensionals, SNAIL Adhesive, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine, Stampin' Trimmer

For my next project, I used the new photopolymer stamp set Just Kidding.  I wanted to do a fun card and the sentiment I used is so me.  Even my kids comment that a day Mom is not stamping is a day that should be marked on the calendar!  I have such funny kids. 

Stamp Set:  Just Kidding; Inks:  Basic Gray, Jet Black StazOn; Stampin' Write Marker:  Rose Red; Card Stock:  Basic Black, Basic Gray, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  What's Up Punch, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, SNAIL Adhesive, Dimensionals, Stampin' Trimmer

The sketch I used is from the Retro Sketches Challenge.

The colors I used are from the current ColourQ Challenge.

For my final project, I used the Label Love stamp set and coordinating Artisan Label Punch both of which were birthday gifts from my friend, Jean.  They have both been on my wishlist for quite some time and it was such a pleasant surprise to open up that package to find them inside.  Thanks, Jean! 

Stamp Set:  Label Love; Ink:  Blushing Bride; Card Stock:  All Abloom Designer Series Paper Stack, Painted Blooms Designer Series Paper, Rose Red, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Artisan Label Punch, What's Up Punch, Pistachio Pudding Thick Baker's Twine, SNAIL Adhesive, Glue Dots, Dimensionals, Stampin' Trimmer

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

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

Now it's time to move on and see what Heidi Weaver has created for you.  I know you going to love her projects.  She is amazingly talented!

If you'd like to take another look at what Penny Hanuszak shared, click on the image below.  Your going to love her projects.

To head back to the Wacky Watercooler Stamping Blog and start from the very beginning, a very good place to start, click on the image below.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Can't Thank You Enough

Where does the time go when you are having fun?  I sat down to make a card and suddenly it is after 2 a.m.  Something tells me I really need to set an alarm when I start crafting given this is not the first time this has happened.  It used to be reading all night long, now it's card designs that keep me awake at night.  Good thing I'm retired, right?

Today I've combined the colors from The Paper Players Challenge with the sketch from Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge.  I kept it a very clean and simple design as I do with most of the cards I need to put in the mail.  I love the 2013-2015 In Colors and I'm going to be very sad to see them retire in just a few short weeks.

Stamp Sets:  Lovely Amazing You (sentiment), Petal Potpourri (flower); Inks:  Coastal Cabana, Tuxedo Black Memento; Card Stock:  All Abloom Designer Series Paper Stack, Coastal Cabana, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Flower Medallion Punch, Large Pearl, Dimensionals, SNAIL Adhesive, Glue Dots, Stampin' Trimmer

The colors I used are from the current Paper Players Challenge.

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

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Sunday Christmas Card Challenges #19

This week's Christmas Card Challenge is all about travel.  Whether you go by boat, car, train, plane or sleigh to reach your Christmas destination, it's sure to be a fun trip.  The Traveler stamp set from Stampin' Up!® has one of my favorite train stamps.  I love to travel by train but it has been a long time since I've had the opportunity to do so.  It's a very simple design but I really like the way it turned out even with my little halo.  Yes, I know, but this is the only piece of this patterned paper I had, so I went with it.  Consider it the flag leaving flutters in the air!  :-)

Stamp Sets:  Joyous Celebrations (sentiment), Traveler; Inks:  Cherry Cobbler, Garden Green, Vintage Photo (Tim Holtz); Card Stock:  Cherry Cobbler, Vintage Christmas (My Mind's Eye); Accessories & Tools:  Postage Stamp Punch, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Blending Tool, Dimensionals, SNAIL Adhesive, Stampin' Trimmer

For all the challenge details, visit Christmas Card Challenges.  We'd love to see what you create!

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Pretty Birthday Wishes

Today's blue skies and sunshine are a welcome relief from the gloom of fog and rain we've had here for the past few days.  The Colour Me...! Challenge colors were prefect for some pretty flowers and butterflies to make a bright and cheerful birthday card.  I love the way Marina Mist and Daffodil Delight look together.  The sketch from My Favorite Things Card Challenges made for a nice showcase for the card. 

Stamp Set:  Butterfly Basics (big butterfly), Flower Shop, Four You (sentiment), Kinda Eclectic (small butterfly), Petal Potpourri (flower center); Inks:  Daffodil Delight, Marina Mist; Card Stock:  All Abloom Designer Series Paper Stack, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Circle Collection Framelits, Butterfly Basics Thinlits Dies, Pansy Punch, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, Elegant Butterfly Punch, Itty Bitty Accents Epoxy Stickers, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Dimensionals, SNAIL Adhesive, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

The pretty colors are from the current Colour Me...! Challenge.

The sketch is from the current MFT Card Challenges.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

The Friday Mashup Challenge #204

Would you believe this is the very first shaker card I've ever made?  It's true!  For some reason I've just never attempted one until today.  It's part of the Friday Mashup Challenge.  You can make a shaker card or make a congratulations card or mash it up and make a congratulations shaker card, which is what I did.  It's really hard to photograph a window sheet and bright sequins.

This is my second week as a Guest Designer for The Friday Mashup and I do hope you will join in and show us what you've created.  I'd love to see how you were inspired to use the challenge.

Stamp Sets:  Delightful Dozen, Gorgeous Grunge, Pictogram Punches; Inks:  Baked Brown Sugar, Coastal Cabana, Crisp Cantaloupe; Card Stock:  Baked Brown Sugar, Moonlight Designer Series Paper Stack, Whisper White, Window Sheets; Accessories & Tools:  Labels Collection Framelits Dies, In Color Sequin Assortment, Dimensionals, SNAIL Adhesive, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine, Stampin' Trimmer

All of the challenge details can be found at The Friday Mashup!

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Lotus Blossom

It's been a rainy day here so I spent it in my craft studio working on Design Team projects, challenge projects and birthday cards.  So, I'm keeping this post very short and simply sharing a card I made for a couple of challenges.

Stamp Sets:  Key to Heaven (Our Daily Bread Designs) (sentiment), Lotus Blossom; Inks:  Perfect Plum, Wisteria Wonder, Pistachio Pudding, Pear Pizzazz, Tuxedo Black Memento; Card Stock:  Lost Lagoon, Whisper White, Soft Sky, Perfect Plum, Here & Now (Echo Park Paper); Accessories & Tools:  Modern Morocco (MFT), Lost Lagoon Buttons, Glue Dots, SNAIL Adhesive, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

The colors I used are from the current Our Daily Bread Designs Shining Light Challenge.

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

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Retro Sketches #159

Today found me needing a birthday card for a guy so it was back to the designing board for me.  I thought the sketch over at Retro Sketches would make an excellent masculine card and so it was.  I love that Island Indigo for a guy card.  With the busy day I have scheduled for today, this is a very short post.

Stamp Sets:  Best Day Ever, Big Day (sentiments stamped on inside), Inks:  Hello Honey, Island Indigo; Card Stock:  Adventure Bound Designer Series Paper Stack, Island Indigo, Moonlight Designer Series Paper Stack, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Banner Punch, Frosted Sequins, Linen Thread, Glue Dots, SNAIL Adhesive

This is the sketch I used from Retro Sketches.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Sending Wishes Your Way

This card was my first attempt at the current Sunday Stamps challenge.  Unfortunately, I did a boo-boo.  The challenge is a one layer card and as you can see, mine is rather layer heavy.  So, I did a different one and posted it to their challenge site.  Whew!  I'm happy now!  It was a great sketch to showcase the flower I made from Crushed Curry and the Fun Flower Punch.  A bit of twine and a pretty button and voila! another pretty card that can be used for a birthday.  I'm always in need of birthday cards now that my months are full of seeing that each tenant gets a card.

Stamp Sets:  Butterfly Basics (sentiment); Beautiful Bunch, Gorgeous Grunge; Inks:  Blackberry Bliss, Crushed Curry, Mossy Meadow; Card Stock:  Blackberry Bliss, Crushed Curry, Lost Lagoon, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Fun Flower Punch, Lost Lagoon Thick Baker's Twine, Blackberry Bliss Button, Glue Dots, SNAIL Adhesive, Dimensionals

The sketch is from the current Sunday Stamps Challenge.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Blowing Wishes Your Way

Today finds me playing along with a new challenge.  It's the Sunday Stamps challenge.  I'm always looking for new ones even while staying faithful to my favorite ones.  It was a great sketch to showcase the pinwheel from the Pinwheel & Popsicles stamp set from Flourishes.  Although Flourishes is no longer in business, I do still love the stamp sets I have from them.  I don't use them as much as I used to but I thing it worked well for the another of the birthday cards I need for the birthday crowd this month in the place where I live.

Stamp Set:  Pinwheels & Popsicles; Ink:  Tuxedo Black Memento; Copic Markers:  B00, B02, B05, Y13; Card Stock:  Pool Party, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Frosted Sequins, Glue Dots, SNAIL Adhesive

The sketch is from the current Sunday Stamps Challenge.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Sunday Christmas Card Challenge #18

Hi everyone!  For this week's Christmas Card Challenge, we have a color challenge.  I love blues of any kind and loved the photo with the polar bear and ice and cold and wait... can I tell how glad I am that we are having 80 degree weather here in Iowa?  I've been totally enjoying the sunshine, blue sky and the fresh air.  You know, it really was kind of hard to make a Christmas card with Spring busting out all over! 

My card is a very simple one this week.  I received a very nice birthday present from a dear friend and the Filigree Frame Embossing Folder was one of the items in the package.  I know it's retired but I just loved it since you can use it for more than just Christmas cards.  It retired before I remembered to order it so I was so excited to see it in that package.  And, I love the sentiment from the Delightful Dozen stamp set.  It, too, is retired but one I go to often for a sentiment.

Stamp Set:  Delightful Dozen; Ink:  Pacific Point; Card Stock:  Pacific Point, Pool Party, Sahara Sand; Accessories & Tools:  Filigree Frame Embossing Folder, Chalk Talk Framelits Dies, 1/8" Silver Ribbon, Frosted Sequins, Glue Dots, SNAIL Adhesive, Multipurpose Liquid Glue, Dimensionals, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine, Stampin' Trimmer

Come create with us!  You can find all the details over at Christmas Card Challenges.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Watercooler Challenges #21

It's time for another Watercooler Challenge and it's all about color.  I managed to use all five of the colors in my design.  To get some of the Pool Party into the design, I took some Whisper White Baker's Twine and dyed it with Pool Party Ink.  I've colored ribbon before but not the twine.  It worked well, so now I'll probably go on a twine dying frenzy.  Why didn't I think of it before.  I can have whatever color twine I choose.  Yay!

We so hope you will join us this time and show us what you can do with these great colors.  Just link up on the Watercooler Challenge Blog to be considered for the winner for this challenge.  Only one participant will have that honor and the only way to win is to play along.

Stamp Sets:  Bloom with Hope, Kinda Eclectic; Inks:  Calypso Coral, Pool Party, Sahara Sand, So Saffron; Card Stock:  Bermuda Bay, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Elegant Butterfly Punch, White Baker's Twine (dyed Pool Party), Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Glue Dots, SNAIL Adhesive, Dimensionals, Stampin' Trimmer

The colors are from the current Watercooler Challenges.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Lovely Amazing You

Okay, who set the clock on fast forward?  I thought I had plenty of time to get to some of my favorite challenges but looking at my schedule (yes, I do write everything down - I'm a list maker), I've completely missed the mark on several of them and now I don't have time for all of them.  Who knows, I may just get a couple more done and posted.  Wouldn't you just love to be inundated with new projects from yours truly all the day long?  Well, maybe not.  :-)

So, today I focused on the color challenge from the Colour Me...! Challenge.  I love blue and I like monochromatic so it was an easy pick for me.  I absolutely love the new Lovely Amazing You stamp set from Stampin' Up!®  The feathers and the sentiment and all the other elements to the set.  I added just a touch of Sahara Sand and love the way it looks.  The sentiment is stamped with a full inking of the stamp but I stepped off the feathers since I wanted a softer look.

One of the things I try to do each month, is send a card to family and friends.  I think this one will be a perfect one for my oldest granddaughter, Bailey.  She's such a lovely young lady and I do so admire her and all that she is accomplishing.  I'm so proud of her!

Stamp Set:  Lovely Amazing You; Inks:  Sahara Sand, Soft Sky; Card Stock:  Soft Sky, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Linen Thread, Ticket Corner Punch, Clear Button, Glue Dots, SNAIL Adhesive, Stampin' Trimmer

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

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

The Friday Mashup Challenge #203

Wow!  I'm so excited to be a Guest Designer at The Friday Mashup Challenge!  I loved the challenge for this week.  It gave me a chance to use this cute little patchwork bunny stamp that was in a magazine I purchased.  Isn't he just too cute!

For today's challenge, create a project using the colors Calypso Coral, Pool Party and So Saffron or a project with an Easter Critter or "mash" it up and make a project that uses both the colors and the critter.

Stamp Sets:  Teeny Tiny Wishes (sentiment), Oscar the Owl (bunny); Inks:  Calypso Coral, Jet Black StazOn, Pistachio Pudding; Stampin' Write Markers:  Calypso Coral, Pool Party, So Saffron; Card Stock:  Calypso Coral, Pool Party, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Labels Collection Framelits Dies, Whisper White Baker's Twine (dyed Pool Party), Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Blender Pen, Dimensionals, SNAIL Adhesive, Glue Dots, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

I do hope you can join us this week over at The Friday Mashup!  We'd love to see what you create.  How can you resist such a cute little bunny?

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Full of Hearts

Do you ever have days when nothing you do seems to go well?  I have been trying all the day long to get a decent picture of this card I made for the CAS(E) this Sketch Challenge.  It is such a light card that no matter what kind of light I used in the light tent, it just would not photography well.  Sigh... so, here is the best I could get.  It's actually an anniversary card that I'll give to one of my guys.  I'll stamp the main sentiment is on the inside once I'm ready to use the card.

The dotted layer was sponged with Real Red but I liked the soft look of it so I didn't go any darker with the color.  The dots didn't show up well, either but the layer does make those Real Red hearts pop.  A few hearts punched using the Sweetheart Punch and that was all there was to it.

Stamp Set:  You Brighten My Day; Ink:  Real Red; Card Stock:  Irresistibly Yours Specialty Designer Series Paper, Real Red, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Sweetheart Punch, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, Dimensionals, SNAIL Adhesive, Stampin' Trimmer

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

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Sunday Christmas Card Challenges #17

As I think I've mentioned before, I love our "Anything Goes" challenges.  Well, I like them all but I love being able to just look at what I have and get busy making a card.  This one again has the Twelve Days of Christmas patterned paper from Graphic 45.  I didn't do any stamping on this one.  Sometimes you just don't need it.  I will add a Christmas greeting to the inside when I'm going through and getting cards ready to send.  I sometimes a certain sentiment especially for the person who will receive the card.

Card Stock:  Mossy Meadow, The Twelve Days of Christmas (Graphic 45); Accessories & Tools:  Mossy Meadow 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon, Glue Dots, SNAIL Adhesive

Come join us for this week's "Anything Goes" Sunday Christmas Card Challenge.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Black & White Birthday

This is the first time I've used the Aquamarine ColorBox Chalk Ink that is in the 2015 Occasions Catalog.  I was afraid it wasn't going to show up for you in the photo but it did better than I thought.  I needed another masculine birthday card and I do so love black and white.  With just a touch of Bermuda Bay, I think it turned other rather well.  I love the crisp clean lines of the card.

Stamp Set:  Big Day; Ink:  Aquamarine ColorBox Chalk Ink; Card Stock:  Basic Black, Chalkboard Paper, Stacked with Love Designer Series Paper Stack, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Bermuda Bay Sequin Trim, Dimensionals, Multipurpose Liquid Glue, SNAIL Adhesive, Stampin' Trimmer

The sketch I used is from the current Retro Sketches Challenge.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Thanks

Sometimes I think the cards I make have a mind of their own.  All I'm supposed to do is let it guide my hands in whatever direction it wants to go.  I'm not sure how I came up with this combination.  I'll grant you it's different.  I do like that big 'thanks' from the For Being You stamp set.

Stamp Sets:  For Being You, (thanks), You Brighten My Day (yay!); Ink:  Mossy Meadow; Card Stock:  All Abloom Designer Series Paper Stack, Blushing Bride, Daffodil Delight, Mossy Meadow, Strawberry Slush, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Banner Punch, What's Up Punch, 2013-2015 In Colors Sequin Assortment, Glue Dots, SNAIL Adhesive, Dimensionals, Stampin' Trimmer

The sketch I used is from the current Paper Players Challenge.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Pretty Little Bluebird

The robins have been finding their way back to Iowa and now that Spring has officially arrived, there just may be a bluebird in the mix somewhere.  Since I've not spotted one as of yet, I decided to make this cute little bluebird for a birthday card I need for today.  I love that Bird Builder Punch.  And, the feather from Lovely Amazing You stamp set was just begging for a chance to show off. 

Stamp Sets:  Butterfly Basics (sentiment), Lovely Amazing You (feathers); Inks:  Baked Brown Sugar, Coastal Cabana, Crisp Cantaloupe, Night of Navy; Card Stock:  Painted Blooms Designer Series Paper (bird), Pistachio Pudding, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Bird Builder Punch, Rhinestone Basic Jewels (eye - colored black), Dimensionals, SNAIL Adhesive, Stampin' Trimmer

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

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

A Birthday for Him

Here, at the place where I live, we have what we call the Residents Association and they like to be sure all those who need a card for any occasion get one.  Since I make cards on a regular basis, I've volunteered to provide cards when they are needed.  Each month we get a newsletter with all the birthdays listed for the month and I hand deliver a handmade card to each person on the list.  I really enjoy brightening someone's birthday with a special card made just for them.

Today I've combined two challenges to make this birthday card.  The colors from The Friday Mashup Challenge were perfect for a guy card.  One of the elements was to have a "see-thru" element on the card so I simply cut a circle out of the front of the card and stamped the image from The Open Sea stamp set on the inside of the card.  I used the sketch from the Paper Craft Crew Challenge.

Stamp Sets:  Four You (sentiment), The Open Sea; Inks:  Rich Razzleberry, Smoky Slate; Card Stock:  Adventure Bound Designer Series Paper Stack, Pacific Point, Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Circle Collection Framelits Dies, Linen Thread, 1/8" Mini Brads, Dimensionals, SNAIL Adhesive, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

You can find this week's challenge at The Friday Mashup! 

The sketch is from the current Paper Craft Crew Challenge.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Sunday Christmas Card Challenges #16

It has been quite some time since I did any coloring on one of my cards and it has been a while since I used one of my favorite Christmas stamp sets from Flourishes.  It's sad that they are no longer in business.  They had some beautiful images for coloring.

For this card I used some of my hoarded Twelve Days of Christmas patterned paper from Graphic 45.  I'm getting so much of it stacked up that I now have to start using it in my projects.  There just isn't room to keep everything I have on the shelves.  Well, I should admit that it's not all on shelves.  I do have too much so it has spilled over onto the floor!  :-)  I also didn't add a sentiment to the front.  I didn't want to detract anything from the image.

Stamp Set:  Christmas Candles (Flourishes); Ink:  Tuxedo Black Memento; Copic Markers:  YG11,YG13, YG17, R22, R24, R27, Y17, Y19, B00; Card Stock:  Always Artichoke, The Twelve Days of Christmas Patterned Paper (Graphic 45), Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Styled Labels Die (Tim Holtz), 1/4" Red Satin Ribbon, Jute Ribbon, Dimensionals, Glue Dots, SNAIL Adhesive, Big Shot-Die Cutting Machine

Join us for this week's "Anything Goes" Sunday Christmas Card Challenge.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Watercooler Challenge #20

It's time for another challenge at Watercooler Challenges.  This time it's all about the sketch.  I loved the sketch Buffy gave us for this challenge.  Every time I wanted to use some Washi tape I never seem to have the right ones one hand.  So, I created my own by stamping the images onto White Vellum.  It works well and gives the illusion of Washi tape.

We would love to have you join us and show us how you were inspired to use the sketch.  We look forward to seeing all of your lovely projects.

Stamp Sets:  Butterfly Basics, Gorgeous Grunge, Work of Art; Inks:  Baked Brown Sugar, Coastal Cabana, Strawberry Slush; Card Stock:  Coastal Cabana, Crisp Cantaloupe, White Vellum, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Adhesive Sheets, Blossom Punch, Dimensionals, Hexagon Punch, In Color Sequins, Multipurpose Liquid Glue, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, SNAIL Adhesive

Here is the sketch Buffy made for our current Watercooler Challenge.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Current Hostess Code:  BDU2XPTT