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

Live Simply

My week is fast approaching full to the brim.  There is something to do all the week long.  I'm not complaining but it does limit access to the craft studio.  So, on to the card I made for the current Friday Mashup Challenge.  You could use the sketch or the watercolor theme or mash them up by putting them together, which is exactly what I did.  There was no rhyme or reason to the water coloring.  I just wet the watercolor paper, drop some ink on it, let it run around on it's own for a bit then, took the paint brush and started blending it all together.  This is the end product.  Not bad for someone who doesn't do much watercolor art.  What do you think?

The whole thing is covered with shimmering mist but it did not photograph well no matter what I tried.  In real life, it's has a definite bit of sparkle to it.

Stamp Set:  Trust God; Inks:  Calypso Coral, Crushed Curry, Marina Mist, Night of Navy, Pear Pizzazz, VersaMark; Card Stock:  Night of Navy, Watercolor Paper; Accessories & Tools:  Corner Rounder Punch, Black Embossing Powder, Shimmering Mist, Glue Dots, Sticky Strip, Stampin' Trimmer, Heat Tool

The sketch and watercolor theme I used is from The Friday Mashup Challenge.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Sunday Christmas Card Challenge #26

Woo! Hoo!  Another "anything goes" challenge from Christmas Card Challenges!  I love these as it gives me a chance to just play around with stuff.  I had this All Is Calm Washi Tape hanging around and thought how pretty it would look on a card.  Was I right?  Hope you can join us this week for another challenge.  We'd love to see what you create!

Stamp Set:  Bells & Boughs (retired); Ink:  Lost Lagoon; Card Stock:  Pool Party, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Decorative Label Punch, All Is Calm Washi Tape (retired), SNAIL Adhesive, Dimensionals.  All Stampin' Up! product unless otherwise noted.

For all the challenge details and other inspiration from our Design Team, visit Christmas Card Challenges.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Watercooler Challenge #25

This week's Watercooler Challenge is full of beautiful colors.  I decided to draw my inspiration from those colors.  This was my first chance to use a new stamp set that is in the 2015-2016 Annual Catalog.  You'll be able to see it on June 2nd.  You are definitely going to love it!

This set is You've Got This.  I love that great background stamp, don't you?  For the flower, I did a bit of paper piecing.  First I stamped the image on Mossy Meadow and cut it out.  Next, I stamped the image on Cajun Craze and fussy cut just the flower and layered it over the Mossy Meadow layer.  And, that embossed layer, it's the new Boho Chic Embossing Folder.  The new product is just a sneak peek and I've noted that in the product list below.

Stamp Sets:  Kinda Eclectic, You've Got This (sneak peek); Inks:  Cajun Craze, Delightful Dijon (sneak peek), Elegant Eggplant, Mossy Meadow, Tip Top Taupe (sneak peek); Stampin' Write Marker:  Crushed Curry; Card Stock:  Cajun Craze, Elegant Eggplant, Mossy Meadow, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Boho Chic Embossing Folder (sneak peek), Elegant Butterfly Punch, Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Tangelo Twist Thick Baker's Twine, Ovals Collection Framelits, Pearl Basic Jewels, SNAIL Adhesive, Glue Dots, Dimensionals, Paper Snips, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

You'll find Kath's lovely inspiration photo and all the challenge details at Watercooler Challenges.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Butterfly Love you

Remember that Lotus Blossom stamp set from Sale-A-Bration?  Remember the cool little tabs it had to help you align the images easily when you stamped them?  Well, have I got news for you!  The new Floral Wings Hostess stamp set has those same little tabs.  It makes it absolutely a breeze to stamp the flowers and leaves within the butterfly.  You have got to try it!

The vine from the Floral Wings stamp set is actually a bit curvy but the beauty of photopolymer stamps is you can change the orientation of some of them.  I straightened out the vine to eliminate the curves to make a picture frame for my Lost Lagoon butterfly.  This one is all stamping and a way to showcase the challenge colors with just a bit of embellishment with the rhinestones.  I love how it turned out.  I even managed to use all of the colors from the challenge.

Lydia Fiedler has a great video on how she uses the Floral Wings stamp set.  It's exactly how I stamped my images and it was so easy.  Just click on her name to watch her video.  Thanks, Lydia!

Stamp Sets:  Crazy about You, Floral Wings (sneak peek); Inks:  Blackberry Bliss, Lost Lagoon, Pumpkin Pie, Rich Razzleberry, Tuxedo Black Memento; Card Stock:  Lost Lagoon, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Rhinestone Basic Jewels, SNAIL Adhesive, Stampin' Trimmer

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

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

The Paper Players Challenge #246

Don't you just love it when an order arrives full of new product?  Today I have more sneak peeks for you.  Again, I've noted them in the product list under the photo.  I showcased three of the new 2015-2017 In Colors; Cucumber Crush, Tip Top Taupe and Watermelon Wonder.  I'm surprising myself by using them since I wasn't sure I was going to like them.  It is a woman's prerogative to change her mind, right?  And, the tiny pearl in the Pearl Basic Jewels, fits right in the center of those cute little Blossom Accents.

Stamp Set:  Floral Wings (sneak peek); Inks:  Crumb Cake, Cucumber Crush (sneak peek), Tip Top Taupe (sneak peek), Watermelon Wonder (sneak peek); Card Stock:  Cherry On Top Designer Series Paper Stack (sneak peek), Tip Top Taupe (sneak peek), Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Ovals Collection Framelits, 2015-2017 In Color Blossom Accents (sneak peek), Pearl Basic Jewels, Glue Dots, SNAIL Adhesive, Dimensionals, Paper Snips, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine.  All Stampin' Up!® product unless otherwise noted.

The sketch I used is from The Paper Players Challenge.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Fab Friday Challenge #64

The launch of the new Stampin' Up!® 2015-2016 Annual Catalog is just a week away so I thought I'd give you a sneak peek of some of the new products you're going to see in the catalog.  I've noted them as (sneak peek) in the list of product I used for the card.  For now, I'm getting ready to watch a webinar so this is going to be a short post just to share the card I made for the Fab Friday Challenge.

Stamp Sets:  Best Thoughts (sneak peek), Endless Birthday Wishes; Ink:  Rich Razzleberry; Card Stock:  Delightful Dijon (sneak peek), Elegant Eggplant, Moonlight Designer Series Paper Stack, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Boho Chic Embossing Folder (sneak peek), Elegant Eggplant Candy Dots, Triple Banner Punch (sneak peek), SNAIL Adhesive, Dimensionals

The sketch I used is from the Fab Friday Challenge.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Happy Birthday Hi

It's time to get ready for the birthdays coming up next month.  I don't have my list yet, but I'm sure there will be a masculine card needed.  This was a fun one to make and I loved the sketch. 

And, that would be all she wrote for this time around.  Just a short post for today.  There are many projects on my desk so I need to get busy and make sure I get them all done.  I love to stamp!

Stamp Sets:  Crazy about You, Work of Art; Inks:  Always Artichoke, Crushed Curry; Card Stock:  Always Artichoke, Very Vanilla; Accessories & Tools:  Hello Honey Thick Baker's Twine, Glue Dots, 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 Memorial Day Tribute

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Sunday Christmas Card Challenge #25

For today's "Anything Goes" project, I brought out one of my all time favorite stamp sets, Lovely As a Tree.  It's a very clean and simple design using just two colors.  I think it looks very elegant, don't you?  So, come join us for this week's Christmas Card Challenges and share your project on the blog.

Stamp Sets:  Heard from the Heart (retired), Lovely As a Tree; Ink:  Always Artichoke; Card Stock:  Always Artichoke, Very Vanilla; Accessories & Tools:  1/8" Vanilla Ribbon (Berwick Offray), Glue Dots, SNAIL Adhesive, Stampin' Trimmer.  All Stampin' Up!® product unless otherwise noted.

For challenge details and more inspiration from our Design Team, visit Christmas Card Challenges.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Butterflies and Lace

Well, I started out to use some of my antique tatted lace but couldn't find it.  That doesn't surprise me given the fact that I've got the craft studio along with every other room in my house torn apart.  I've been sorting and rearranging and putting things in order.  That's what your supposed to do come Spring, right?  Anyway, I did find this white lace butterfly applique that I've had in my stash for years.  What you can't see in the photo is that I covered the butterfly with Dazzling Details and it has some pretty sparkle to it.

You know, I think that new Cucumber Crush is going to make a great green for Christmas this year.  Hmmm?  It looks really good with the new Watermelon Wonder.  Would you say two new colors for the holidays?

Stamp Set:  Butterfly Basics; Inks:  Cucumber Crush, Delightful Dijon, Tip Top Taupe, Watermelon Wonder; Card Stock:  Mint Macaron, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Butterflies Thinlits Dies, Lace Butterfly Applique, Dazzling Details, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Glue Dots, Dimensionals, Snail Adhesive, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

The theme I used is from The Friday Mashup Challenge.

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

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Butterflies and Grace

So much to do and so little time in which to do it!  Now that I have a car that I can actually take off and drive at any given time, I seem to always be on the run.  In about ten minutes I'm off to run some more errands which means I only have time for a very short post.  Here is the card I made for a couple of my favorite challenges, Freshly Made Sketches and Our Daily Bread Designs Shining the Light.  Bye for now!

Stamp Sets:  Amazing Grace Hymn (Our Daily Bread Designs), Butterfly Basics; Inks:  Crushed Curry, Mint Macaron, Mossy Meadow, Vintage Photo (Tim Holtz); Card Stock:  Mint Macaron, Mossy Meadow, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Butterflies Thinlets Dies, Tick Corner Punch, Trim Bordure (Fabulous Finds), Dimensionals, Glue Dots, Snail Adhesive, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

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

The inspiration came from the Our Daily Bread Designs Shining the Light Challenge.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Retro Sketches Challenge #165

Today has me sharing my last Father's Day card.  This one was made with my youngest son, Michael, in mind.  He is my handyman and although he is a project manager at a local business, he still likes to get his hands dirty.  One of his gifts is the ability to figure out what is wrong with a car and fix it.  Wayne, his oldest brother, calls him the Spock of cars because he can put his hand on the car, mind meld with it and figure out the problem.

When I needed a different car, Mike started looking around for one while I started saving my pennies to fund the project.  Lo and behold, he found a Ford Escort LX station wagon that had a blown engine.  Since the engine in my Ford Escort LX sedan was in perfect running order, he swapped out the engines.  Now I have the sweetest little red station wagon that will take me anywhere I want to go.  The beauty of it all is, I have no car payments!  Sweeeeet!  I am so blessed!

For my card, I used up some of the scraps that were left from other projects.  I love being able to use them up.  The new 2015-2016 Annual Catalog is coming out on June 2nd with new colors and new papers and, well, lots of new products.  Here is a sneak peek at Tip Top Taupe, one of the new 2015-2017 In Colors and the new 6 x 6 Cherry On Top Designer Series Paper Stack.

Stamp Set:  Crazy about You; Ink:  Tip Top Taupe (sneak peek); Card Stock:  Cherry On Top Designer Series Paper Stack (sneak peek), Tip Top Taupe, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Mustache Framelits Die (retiring), Scallop Edge Punch (retiring), Bermuda Bay Sequin Trim, Dimensionals, Snail Adhesive, Multipurpose Liquid Glue, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

The sketch I used is from the Retro Sketches Challenge.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha