Stampin' with the Oldies

OK, I realize that the title of this blogpost could have two meanings.  I am spending the winter in the retirement RV resort, after all.  But the oldies I was referring to are Flower Shop and Gorgeous Grunge, of course!  One of my RV neighbors is having a birthday today and we are celebrating with them and two other couples at a Mexican restaurant tonight.  So of course, I had to make her a card.  Mind you I already have a stack of birthday cards with me, but I never miss an opportunity to make another, lol!

This card is fun & easy to make in your favorite colors.  Just use a neutral color for the stamping on the card base.  I used Crumb Cake on these samples.  Match your mat to the neutral you choose, then add your favorite colors!  Email me for more details if you need them.  Have a great day!

Pat

Thinking of You

Hello!  Did everyone survive the madness of the holidays?  I guess it's not really over until after this Friday but let's face it, New Years Day is a wee bit more relaxed.  For us anyway, hope it is for you too!  I love the start of a new year, it's a fresh, clean slate in front of you just waiting for new joys and new experiences.  2015 was a rough year for my family health-wise and I'm looking forward to putting all the pain behind us and starting fresh!

I'm anxiously awaiting my shipment of new goodies from the brand-new catalog which you have received by now if you're one of my customers.  If you haven't gotten yours, please let me know so I can correct that!  In the meantime, I was inspired to make this simple but lovely "Thinking of You" card.  This is truly a 5-minute project, but if you've ever seen sandpipers running along the ocean's edge, you can appreciate the simplicity of it.  I think it's perfect for my new Florida friends!  The colors are Pool Party and Crumb Cake sponged on using a die-cut oval to get the shape and the stamp set is Wetlands.  Hope you like it!

This was my inspiration...

Have a great day,

Pat

My Paper Pumpkin

Hello friends,

I spent some time with my November Paper Pumpkin today while I was waiting for the laundry to finish drying.  These are my alternate ideas, I added a little bit of gold bling to the kit to spice things up!  Rather than Christmas cards, these will be thank-you's for my customers who placed orders in December.  You know who you are-watch your mailbox, they'll be on the way soon!  If you haven't ordered from me before, head on over to my website and you'll get one of these beauties too!

Thanks for your support,

Pat

Happy Holidays

It's less than 2 weeks till the big day - how are your holiday plans progressing?  Hopefully your handmade cards are done or nearly there, but just in case, here's another sample for inspiration!

The colors on this card are Pool Party and Whisper White.  The snow bank was cut freehand.  The trees are from the Peaceful Pines stamp set #139728 and the Perfect Pines framelits #139665.  The snow bank is embossed with the Softly Falling embossing folder, #139672.  "Peace" was cut from the Christmas Greetings Thinlits dies #139659 and "on earth" is from Holly Jolly Greetings #139879.  The snowy background is stamped in Pool Party using images from both Peaceful Pines and Holly Jolly Greetings.  The design on the tree in the foreground was embossed using silver embossing powder.  The background tree has a silver foil sheet behind it shining through.  Lastly, the star is punched using the Itty Bitty Accents punch #133787 and Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Paper #135315.  Visit my online store to purchase these or any other supplies for your crafting fix-stampwithptecza.stampinup.net

Pat

Lovely as a Tree

I had no clue that ONE tiny rubber stamp purchase would lead to this...

For me, that rubber stamp purchase was Stampin' Up's "Lovely as a Tree".  I saw a card on Pinterest that I absolutely loved and I had to have that stamp.  There was nothing else like it in any of the craft stores that I frequented, so I found the Stampin' Up website & used the Demonstrator Locator feature to find someone who could get that stamp for me.  That someone was Cindy Brown, who is now my upline.  One year later here I am, proud and excited to be an Independent Demonstrator for Stampin' Up.  I have the best customers in the world and we share and learn from each other.

Today I want to show you a card that one of my customers created.  She made this with me in mind and I adore it!  She used "Lovely as a Tree" and the stamping-off technique to make the background for this card.

Laura knows me well...

This stamp set is on my list of must-haves.  It's one that you will use over and over in many different ways!  If you would like to add it to your craft stash, please visit my website.  

Have a wonderful week,

Pat
"the Ramblin' Stamper"

Fun with the Gift Bag Punch Board

Christmas is right around the corner.  Thirty-three days from today, to be exact.  I'm determined not to let it sneak up on me this year.  No procrastinating and no last-minute stressing out over details. That's why I spent this morning making gift bags!  These bags are the perfect size for a Christmas ornament - that's what I'm using these ones for.  You could use them for jewelry, perfume, a tie or scarf, a small picture frame, a small jar candle, the possibilities are really endless.  They would also be lovely for packaging your homemade candies and cookies, just seal your treats in a plastic sleeve tied shut with decorative ribbon and drop in the bag.

These are so much fun to make!  The Gift Bag Punch Board makes it so easy, after the first couple of bags you don't really have to think about it anymore.  I used designer papers from the Season of Cheer collection and also Home for Christmas.  Some of the tags I used are from the Oh, What Fun tag project kit and others I designed using the Wondrous Wreath and Peaceful Pines stamp sets.

I hope you'll be inspired to try making your own gift bags!  Don't forget about the Stampin' Up' Online Extravaganza that starts tomorrow, November 23 and runs through November 30.  Look here to see what's on sale.  You can order through my website using the hostess code 2NWHY2NB, good through December 12.

Have a great week!

Pat

Tis the Season

Tis the Season for making beautiful cards for your favorite people!  If you are thinking you don't have time to send handmade cards this Christmas, this project may change your mind.  If you like a clean, simple country-inspired theme, you can mass produce this card in no time at all!

This card uses the Peaceful Pines stamp set, which is not being retired, but will still be available in the new catalog coming out in January!

      The card base is cut from a half sheet of Crumb Cake.  

Stamp the center tree using the medium sized tree from the Peaceful Pines stamp set in Old Olive.  Stamp 2 more trees on each side of the center tree in Crumb Cake.  Stagger the height of the trees.  Stamp “Tis the Season” in black.  Add a strip of red & white striped washi tape across the bottom edge of the card.  Flag one end of a piece of gold glitter ribbon and attach on top of the washi tape using your tape runner.  Punch a small star out of gold glimmer paper and attach 6 different color sequins from the Brights collection to the center tree using mini glue dots.

Supply List

	Item Number
Peaceful Pines photopolymer stamp set	139728
Crumb Cake 8/1/2 x 11 cardstock	120953
Old Olive Classic Stampin’ Pad	126953
Crumb Cake Classic Stampin' Pad	126975
Brights Sequin Assortment	138389
Gold Glimmer paper	133719
Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack	133787
Gold 3/8” Glitter Ribbon	104430
Season of Cheer Designer Washi Tape	139611

Visit my online store at stampwithptecza.stampinup.net . Please use hostess code 2NWHY2NB for online orders placed through December 12, 2015.

Have a wonderful week,
Pat

Wondrous Wreath

Hello friends,

I've missed sharing projects with you these last few weeks.  As some of you know, I've been in California helping out my son as he recovers from surgery.  I do have one card to share with you, it's a thank you card I made for my customers who placed orders in September.

The cardstock used is Very Vanilla and Really Rust (retired).  Cajun Craze would be another great option.  Emboss the front with the Brick Wall embossing folder and sponge it with the matching color ink (either Really Rust or Cajun Craze).  The Wondrous Wreath is stamped in Crushed Curry, overlaid with Really Rust or Cajun Craze.  The berries are stamped with Cherry Cobbler.  The bow is stamped in Versamark and heat embossed with gold embossing powder.  I punched the heart out of Gold Glimmer Paper using the Itty Bitty Accents heart punch.  The words on the banner are from Endless Thanks; the leaf and dots are from the September Paper Pumpkin stamp set.  The wreath and heart are attached with Stampin' Dimensionals.  The gold 1/8" ribbon is non-SU.  

I hope you like this project and have a wonderful day!  You can email me with any comments or questions.  To purchase your Stampin' Up! products please visit my website:  stampwithptecza.stampinup.net

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas

Well, not really.  Truth is, I'd be perfectly happy if the only snow I ever see is on this card!  But isn't the idea of sparkly white snow simply charming?  Here's a sneak peek at one of the cards we will be making at next week's class:

For this card I used the White Christmas stamp set from the annual catalog.  I wanted to make a shaker card and I think the tiny snowman inside a 1-1/4" circle is just perfect.  The card base is cut from Night of Navy and the mat is Real Red.  I used the Softly Falling embossing folder from the holiday catalog (emboss AFTER you cut the circle - don't ask me how I know, just take my word for it).  I did the coloring with blender pens.  The snowdrifts are highlighted with Soft Sky and added a touch of glitter for extra sparkle.  Add the glitter BEFORE you attach the window sheet (again, don't ask, just trust me on this!)  Here's how I finished the inside of the card and the envelope:

The supplies used on this card can be purchased at my website - thanks for looking! stampwithptecza.stampinup.net

Happy stamping,
Pat

Cozy Window Scene

Good Monday morning!

I've been anxious to start designing Christmas cards ever since I got my first order from the new Stampin' Up Holiday catalog, but I've been patiently waiting to receive the backordered Brick Wall embossing folder for the card I had in mind.  Well, the folder has shipped and is on its way, but my patience ran out yesterday so I pulled out my good old Tim Holtz brick wall folder from my stash and got busy.  Here's the result:

I love the warm cozy feeling of looking through this frosty window and seeing the glow of a sparkling Christmas tree.  I used a lot of different products on this project. The brick wall is embossed from Crumb Cake cs and sponged with Crumb Cake. The tree is fussy cut from the gorgeous Home for Christmas dsp.  The window frame is cut using the Hearth & Home framelits, and the frosty snowflakes in the window are stamped in Versamark and embossed with Irridescent Ice. The snowflakes are part of the Happy Scenes stamp set (available as a bundle with the window die!). The pine bough is stamped on Old Olive cs using Always Artichoke and the red bow is die cut from Red Glimmer paper.  Both the pine bough and the bow are from the Festive Fireside bundle.  Finally, the greeting in Real Red is from the Versatile Christmas stamp set and the holly spray on the banner is from the Oh What Fun stamp set.  Whew!  It's no wonder my work table looked like this when I got done...

 This is how I finished the inside of my card and the envelope:

Thanks for looking at my project!  To purchase these or any other Stampin' Up' supplies, head on over to my website! stampwithptecza.stampinup.net

Have a great day,

Pat

Welcome Fall!

Hello Everyone, I have a very special project to share with you today.  This gorgeous wreath was created by one of my customers using the Leaflets Framelits Die set (#138283).   When I saw this, I was blown away!  I think you'll like it, too...

Sharyn used 4 sheets each of 4 different colors of cardstock.  She die cut 2 sets of the leaflets from each sheet of card stock - ladies, that's 192 leaves in all!!  Look closely and you will see that she scored each leaf where the veins would be on a natural leaf - what wonderful detailing!  She used a styrofoam ring for the base of the wreath and hot-glued each leaf on individually, then added the finishing touches of red apples & a plaid bow.  I love this project - it is so beautiful and creative, and it also demonstrates the versatility of this die set.  Sharyn, thank you for sharing!

Happy Scenes

I am totally inspired by the combination of the new Happy Scenes stamp set and the Hearth & Home Framelits!  It's so much fun to create little scenes through the window frame.  This card was a favorite with all the ladies at my last card class!

The inside is decorated with the corner spider web & BOO!  Have a Happy Halloween.  I glittered the pumpkins because as we all know, no card is complete without glitter!  Here is a list of the supplies used:                        

Happy Scenes Bundle

Pumpkin Pie 8 ½ x 11 cardstock

Very Vanilla  8 ½  x 11 cardstock

Boho Chic Embossing Folder

Classic Stampin' Pads - Tangerine Tango, Pumpkin Pie,          Pear Pizzazz & Soft Sky

Jet Black StazOn Ink Pad Memento Tuxedo Black Ink Pad Festive Fireside Framelits Dies Basic Black Baker’s Twine Free pdf file containing detailed instructions and color photo with any purchase through my website - just click the "Shop the Catalog" link on this page and be sure to leave your email address! Pat

Acorny Thank You

Hello Stampers!

I'm back from vacation and stampin' again.  Had a great time in Florida visiting my son and his wife, but now I'm ready for Fall, my favorite season.  Cool, crisp days, pumpkins, apples, falling leaves...I love everything about this time of year. When I saw the new Acorny Thank You Stamp set in the holiday catalog, I knew I had to have it.  I've been busy with it all week and here is one of my creations:

Made from Acorny Thank You Bundle #139681

The card base is cut from Very Vanilla, and the edges are sponged with Chocolate Chip.  The background is Gorgeous Grunge, stamped first with Old Olive & Tangerine Tango, then overlaid with Versamark & gold embossing powder.  The acorns are stamped with Chocolate Chip & Crushed Curry.  Washi tape, linen thread & a button from the brights collection add the finishing touches.  I hope you like it!

On the beach with a storm a-brewin' in the background

Gators!  We actually fed them!

Me & my sweet daughter-in-law

Just chillin'

Kinda Eclectic in Soft Tones

Hello, stampers!

Hope everyone had a good weekend.  Our weather this weekend was picture-perfect for being outdoors and we enjoyed every minute of it, hope you did too!

The card I'm sharing today is one I originally designed as a sympathy card, but it would work equally well as a wedding card.  I love the soft, pleasing colors on this card.  I sent it to a friend this week who called after she received it to thank me & tell me that it was the most beautiful sympathy card she had received. :)  I'm going to make a few of these to keep on hand!  Here it is:

The card base is Crumb Cake and the card face is made from Very Vanilla.  The images are stamped in Sahara Sand and the sentiment is stamped in Crumb Cake.  The butterflies are punched from Blushing Bride cardstock & stamped in the same ink.  The gold streamers coming off the butterfly are a piece of gold metallic bakers twine untwisted and attached with a glue dot under the butterflies. Four small pearls add the finishing touch.

Happy stamping!

Pat 

Rainbow of Endless Thanks

Hello!  I hope you had a good weekend.  Ed & I went to Michigan this weekend for an impromptu get-together with some classmates from his high school days.  What a good time!  Even though I didn't go to school with any of them, we've been to so many reunions together and I've heard so many stories that I feel like they're my friends too!  While we were there he showed me around town and one of the places we went to was Jim's Sunoco where he worked as a teenager pumping gas (back in the days when there were no self-serve pumps - now you know just how old we are!)  The biggest surprise of the trip was that Jim's is now the Round Barn Winery!  Definitely a pleasant surprise for me because that was one of the places I wanted to visit.  If you ask me, wine tasting and a good bottle of red to take home beats the gas station tour any day!


This week's card is another thank-you, clean and simple.  I repeated "thanks" from Endless Thanks in a rainbow of colors - from top to bottom, Pear Pizzazz, Bermuda Bay, Rich Razzleberry, Tuxedo Black, Real Red, Tangerine Tango & Daffodil Delight.  The photopolymer stamps make this easy-peasy, no Stamp-a-ma-jig required!  The butterflies and sun are from Kinda Eclectic.  I took a length of my Bermuda Bay sequin trim apart, and the "streamers" coming off the butterfly are the threads that the sequins were attached to.

a Rainbow of Endless Thanks

Here we are at the Round Barn Winery

Have a great week!

Pat

Clean & Simple

Good Monday Morning!

I have two quick cards to share with you today.  The first is a thank-you card for one of my Stampin' Up! customers.  I used the stamp set Endless Thanks.  It has so many nice ways to say "thank you", I know I will be using this one a lot.  The background is stamped with Gorgeous Grunge.  My colors are Rich Razzleberry, Pool Party & Pear Pizzazz.  Flowers from the Itty Bitty Accents punch trimmed with rhinestones and a few loops of metallic thread finish this card.

The second card is one I made for my son and daughter-in-law's anniversary this week.  I pulled out an IO stamp, an oldie but goodie that I've always loved for cards like this.  I love the way the "swishes" from Work of Art emphasize the image.  I used Crumb Cake for the base and Baja Breeze (retired) for the mat.  It doesn't show up well in the photo, but the bottom swish is stamped with heat & stick powder then glittered - it's really simple but beautiful.  The top swish is Baja Breeze.

Sunset Balloon Ride

Good Monday Morning!

I hope everyone had a nice weekend.  Mine was very relaxing - a little bike riding, a little crafting, just enjoying the beautiful weather we're having (finally!)

A couple of weeks ago I got the Celebrate Today stamp set and I've been anxious to play with it.  I'm pretty pleased with my first project, I hope you like it!  A hot air balloon ride at sunset is on my bucket list and this is how I imagine it will be...

My card base is Whisper White, the mat is Night of Navy and the scene was created on Whisper White.  I started by stamping the stars in the sky using Versamark & embossing them with clear embossing powder. Then I created a mask using the Circles Collection Framelits and sponged it with Calypso Coral. Next I removed the mask and started sponging the sky, working upward, in this order: Daffodil Delight, Soft Sky, Marina Mist, Elegant Eggplant and Night of Navy. The clouds are from Work of Art, using Elegant Eggplant stamped off once. The trees are from Lovely as a Tree, stamped in Memento Tuxedo Black.  The basket on the balloon is also Tuxedo Black. The sentiment and stars on the balloon are stamped in Versamark and embossed in gold on Night of Navy cs.  I then cut out the balloon using the Balloon Framelits Dies and adhered it to the card front.  I finished the card with a sprinkle of sequins from the Brights Sequin Assortment, just because I like the effect.  This card was a lot of fun to make and I'm sure I'll be using this stamp set often!

Happy Stamping,
Pat

New Home = New Card Design!

Once a year all of my first cousins and I get together for breakfast at Sugarcreek.  I know, you're thinking "only once a year?"  Believe me, between work, family, travel and all the other things life throws at us, we're fortunate to manage once a year.  Turns out my cousin Bob & his wife, Terri, just moved to a new home.  AHA!  A new card design began percolating in my brain.  Here's the result to share with you:

I made the 5 1/4" square base from Very Vanilla cs.  The face of the card is cut from Tip Top Taupe and layered.  The circle was cut using the Stampin' Up! Circles Collection Framelits.  The sunburst is from Kinda Eclectic, and the houses are from the now retired (sadly!) Holiday Home set.  I stamped each house with Versamark and heat set with white embossing powder.  The center house is cut from Watermelon Wonder.  I love the combination of these three colors!  I used the "congratulations" from Itty Bitty Banners (also retired) because it's what I had, but the "Bravo" set or "And Many More" also have great sentiments which would be lovely.  Finished it off with sequins from the Brights Assortment and a piece of Metallic Baker's Twine.  I hope you like it!

All of the supplies to make this card with the exception of the retired Holiday Home set can be purchased at my online store:  stampwithptecza.stampinup.net .  I don't personally own the Holiday Home set, but I am fortunate to have a good friend who knew this stamp set was a winner and bought it before it was retired! (Thank you, Laura!)