Showcase Saturday

Beginning next Saturday (December 6th--wow...already DECEMBER?!), I will be posting the UDI sketch challenges. I hope you'll join us in participating.

Today I would like to introduce Karen F. to you.

Hi, I'm Karen and I live in Maryland with my husband and our 3 children. We've been married for 11 years and our kids are Madison - 8.5, Mackenzie - 4, and Trenton (TJ) - 2.5. They definitely keep me busy. Outside of taking care of them, I work part-time in a clothing consignment store - almost 2 years now. I've been a Stampin' Up! demo now for 9 years (Nov). I mainly do clubs - currently have 2. One meets at my house monthly and the other one is a long distance club that submits orders. I just send them a project in their order each month. While I enjoy doing the clubs, I don't like the prep work. :) I tend to be a procrastinator and thus am always planning for them at the last minute.Other than the above that keeps me busy, I'm on 3 design teams. I enjoy them as I get to work with other things that I normally wouldn't get to. It's also nice to see your work out there. :) I'm also a big sports nut - I love watching sports. I mainly enjoy Football, Baseball, and Basketball, but will watch most anything sports related. My favorite station to be on is ESPN. My DH jokes that I watch more than him! Well - that's about it for me. Thanks!!

Snow Swirled Card

Stamps - Snow Swirled

CS - Kraft, Bravo Burgundy

Ink - Craft White, Bravo Burgundy

Other - White Embossing Powder, Burgundy 5/8 Grosgrain Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

I DTP (direct to paper) all edges of card stock with the Craft White ink.

Harvest Thanks Card

Stamps - Loads of Love, Loads of Love Accessories

CS - Confetti Cream, Really Rust, Garden Tea DSP (I think)

Ink - StazOn Black

Other - Markers: Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Close to Cocoa, Basic Black, Going Grey

Fresh Cuts Card

Stamps - Fresh Cuts

CS - Fresh Cuts Notecards, Elegant Eggplant

Ink - Elegant Eggplant, Craft White

Other - Eggplant Grosgrain Ribbon, Scallop Edge Punch

Have a wonderful weekend.

Alicia :)

Fun Friday

I hope you all had a wonderful, relaxing, blessed Thanksgiving.

As you can see this isn't the normal Friday sketch posting. Things are going to change a little bit and the sketch challenges will be moved to Saturdays. I (Alicia) will be coordinating the challenges starting next Saturday (December 6th). I hope you all join in on the fun.

I don't want to leave you empty handed today, so here are a couple of card projects for you to enjoy.

The Dream card was created by Stephanie G.

Stamps: Dreams Du Jour, Paisley background

Paper: Sahara Sand, Very Vanilla, Baroque Burgundy, Pink Pirouette

Inks: Baroque Burgundy Craft Pad, Sahara Sand Classic Pad

Markers: So Saffron, Pretty in Pink, Sahara Sand

Accessories: Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Baroque Burgundy 1/4" Grosgrain, Dimensionals

I took this color scheme for this card from the Parisian Summer Designer Series Paper, which I don't have, but I love! I originally stamped the main image with Classic Ink, but it bled when I tried to color it with markers. Then I stamped it in Craft Ink and heat embossed with Clear Powder. I LOVE the look it achieved. The colors are rich, and the embossing creates a glossy, dimensional look. It also sets the ink so that I could color the image with my markers. I stamped the Sahara Sand card base with the large Paisley background in Sahara Sand ink for a subtle, tone-on-tone look. A little ribbon, layering, and Dimensionals, and it's finished! This card measures 3x3.

This punny card was created by Ruthie B.

Set: Puns from the Past
Cardstock: Tangerine Tango, Confetti White, Haiku DSP
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Accessories: 1" Double Stitched Chocolate Chip Grosgrain, Library Clips, Curly Label Punch, Scallop Edge Punch

Have a wonderful weekend!!

Thanksgiving and Diva Inspiration Challenge #19

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!! Today is the day we gather with family and focus on what we have to be thankful for. I know I for one have been very blessed with my family and friends!

Today we also have Diva Inspiration Challenge #19. In honor of Thanksgiving, today's inspiration picture is in season and was taken from PriceGrabber's Blog.

My sample today is a Giant Paper Clip with a Large Paper Clip by it's side. The base is 4- 1/4" x 5- 1/2". I love this Autumn Harvest set and was so happy to see it in the current catalog!
Stamps: Autumn Harvest, Holiday & Wishes
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Creamy Caramel, Very Vanilla
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Creamy Caramel, Pumpkin Pie, Really Rust, More Mustard, Old Olive, Always Artichoke
Accessories: Hemp Twine, Always Artichoke Grosgrain Ribbon, Silver Brads, Crystal Effects, Giant Paper Clips, Large Paper Clips, Blender Pen, Circle Punches, Glue Dots

To see what my creative team came up with, just click on their name:
Bev
Elizabeth
Alli

To view the submissions on SCS click here.

Now it's your turn! Post a link in the comments section with your blog entry or SCS gallery showing us what creation you were inspired to come up with!! If you upload to SCS be sure to put DivaIC19 (no spaces) as the keyword. Have fun!!

Inspire Stampin' happiness wherever you go!! :)
~~Maria~~

Jingle all the way!

Today's card comes from Kristine Memmott. Isn't is just so pretty? I ordered some Decor Elements that match this image in the stamp set. They will be here this afternoon! I can't wait! I think I may have to order the stamp set, too. Thanks for enabling me, Kristine! ;)

Stamps: Christmas Classics
Paper: Real Red, Whisper White, Ski Slope DSP
Ink: Old Olive, Real Red and Going Grey Markers
Accessories: Old Olive 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Dimensionals, Dazzling Diamonds

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday!

See you next week!

Stampin' Smiles!
~*Elizabeth*~

Projects made in Florida!

Here are some fun projects made by Adriana Benitez from Florida. I am so excited to be going to Leadership and the fact that is in Florida makes it much more exciting. I have been to 34 States and this will make it 35. I dread the UTAH Winters so January in Florida will be perfect for me.



This little memo box made using a template shared by Janine Tinklenberg. (Her blog: stampspaperscissors.typepad.com) It's the perfect sized box for sticky notes, or you can cut scrap printer paper to 2-7/8" square. This is the kind of project that comes together quickly and makes a great gift for a teacher, receptionist.... anyone who tends to jot down a lot of notes. If I keep this one, it'll reside next to my computer - seems like I'm always looking for a place to jot down notes!

The box base is made out of Pink Passion and I dolled it up a little with some Bali Breeze (ret.) dsp. Our 5 petal punch helped me to make a cute topper for the stack and I added a few dots of glitter just for fun! And because I can't seem to work with out ribbon (!), a little 1/4" red grosgrain adds a nice little touch to the outside of the box.

This project is a small card based on our layout challenge from 2 weeks ago. I have a class that meets every Friday and have decided to focus on layouts for the next few months. Every week, I give them a 4-1/4" x 5-1/2" reference card printed with the layout we are working on; then we get to make a sample card based on the layout. It's been a great way to share different ways to use the stamps, tools and supplies they have (and want) as well as the techniques we've learned so far.
And the size of the card makes it easy for them to keep it handy no matter where they are crafting. Thank you UDI for the weekly layout challenge - without it, I'm not sure I would have thought of this and it's SO nice to give my customers something they are enjoying so much!

This card sample uses the following supplies:
paper: pumpkin pie, chocolate chip, old olive, naturals white
ink: chocolate chip, stazon brown
stamps: Thoroughly Thankful, Autumn Harvest
other: hemp twine, 1" and 11/4" circle punches, coloring pencils, odorless mineral spirits and paper stumps

Holiday Line Up!

This is such a cute set. Lots of coloring, but that's so much fun!

Thanks to Kristine Memmott of our Design Team for sending this in. She really does create some wonderful projects.

Stamps: Holiday Line Up, Best Yet, Dotted Lines Wheel
Paper: Old Olive, Real Red, Whisper Whitem Chocolate Chip and Holiday Treasures DSP.
Ink: Black Stazon Black and SU Markers - Real Red, Old Olive, Blush Blossom, Creamy Caramel, Summer Sun, Close to Cocoa
Accessories: Alpine Ribbon Originals, Dimensionals

Simply Saturday

Instead of turning in my homework (Designing Diva projects) and having someone else post them, I asked the teacher (blog manager--WAVING!) if I could just post them myself. So...here they are..... :)

**Punch Turkey (as seen in October's Stampin' Success)

Since I do not yet own the Boho Blossom Punch, I used the Flower Trio Punch for the feet and a tip of the star punch for the beak.

**Mini Pizza Box-This was created by using the information found here.

Stamp Set-Thoroughly Thankful
Paper-Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, More Mustard, Bravo Burgundy
Ink-Basic Brown
Accessories-Stampin' Write markers, Blender Pen, 3/4" circle punch (to cut out half circle on top half to make the box easier to open), Sticky Strip, Distressing tool from Cutter Kit

**Freestanding Pop Up Card-Wow was this fun to make!! Here is the tutorial I used.

Stamp Set-Happy Blessings
Paper-Creamy Caramel, Naturals Ivory, Really Rust
Ink-Basic Brown, Really Rust
Accessories-Watercolor Pencils, Blender Pen, Pumpkin Pie Striped Grosgrain ribbon, Rope Twine, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, 1/4" Circle Punch, Paper Snips, Sticky Strip

I hope you all have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving.
Alicia :)

Sketch Challenge #8

Here is the sketch we used for week 8 of the sketch challenge...



Here is my card. I love Mr. Twigster! It has been snowing like mad here so I had to pull out my Frosty Day DSP. That is what we get for living on the eastern shores of Lake Michigan.



I used the Chit Chat rub-ons again this week. There are just so many greeting to choose from ... over 75 for every occasion on each sheet! I also love that they come in Chocolate Chip and White. Right now you can get 20% off all rub-ons with a $20 purchase.

Here are the cards my team has come up with...

Tammy

Carol

Michelle

Splitcoast gallery


We would love to see what you create using this sketch. You can leave a comment with a link to your card or upload to your splitcoast gallery using divasc8 as your keyword. Thanks for playing!

Enjoy~
Becky

Supplies
Stamps: Mr. Twigster
Ink: Close to Cocoa, Old Olive, Tangerine Tango
Paper: Old Olive, Tangerine Tango, Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip, Frosty Day DSP
Other: Apline ribbon originals, chit chat rub-ons, blender pens

Diva Inspiration Challenge #18

I can't believe next week is already Thanksgiving!! I am not yet prepared for Thanksgiving or the Christmas season immediately following, but one way or another everything will get done! In the meantime, pull up a chair and roll up your sleeves - it's time for Diva Inspiration Challenge #18!! This week's picture has come from Martha Stewart again. She has such appealing pictures that are perfect for these inspiration challenges. Today's image is a yummy happy cake dripping with flowers.

For my sample today I chose Summer Sun, and Whisper White. I first stamped a background using the Floral Background Stamp in Summer Sun on Whisper White cardstock. I knew I wanted to use the flowers that are on the cake, so my next step was to punch out a few with the Boho Blossoms Punch. After playing around with it, my eyes were hurting - too much white and yellow! That's when I changed out the base of the card and then added the Basic Black to the card. This did help tame it a little bit better. The flowers were sponged with Summer Sun Ink and glued on the band at the bottom of the card. The flower up by the saying has a little Basic Black sponged around it's edges and then popped up on a dimensional.

Stamps: Floral BG, Best Yet
Paper: Summer Sun, Whisper White, Basic Black
Ink: Summer Sun, Basic Black
Accessories: Boho Blossoms Punch, Scallop Square Punch, Dimensional, Sponge

To see what my creative team came up with, just click on their name:
Bev
Elizabeth


To view the submissions on SCS click here.

Now it's your turn! Post a link in the comments section with your blog entry or SCS gallery showing us what creation you were inspired to come up with!! If you upload to SCS be sure to put DivaIC18 (no spaces) as the keyword. Have fun!!

Inspire Stampin' happiness wherever you go!! :)
~~Maria~~

Wacky Wednesday!

Hello! Happy Wednesday! Today's projects come from Carol Marbach. She is a demo in Michigan. I bet it's really cold there! ;) I had the pleasure of meeting Carol and spending some time with her at the SU! Convention in SLC just a few months ago. She is a wonderful person, and I can't wait to see her again!

This is Carol and me in SLC! Carol is the blonde.

All Carol's projects are made with one stamp set...Puns from the Past!

Here's what Carol had to say!

When I first saw the Puns, I fell in love with the set. It brought back memories of my gramma, mom and dad, as well as me, and what I grew up with. There is not one of the eight images that I haven't either seen or used myself. What’s not to smile about this set.

Baby ~ this card just screamed “well loved.” It’s a treasure of a time when a child was born. A beloved memory from the past. As I sat there “aging” my card I literally said out loud: “I can’t believe I’m doing this.” I achieved the look I wanted but had to wonder about my sanity for making this card from scratch and destroying it. :$

I used pink pirouette cards stock and 1 ¼” ribbon, chocolate chip cs, 5/8” ribbon and ink and creamy caramel cs and ink. The caramel was used to age the card with smudges of chocolate chip here and there. If I drank coffee I would have dripped a few spots on it also. I scrunched up the ribbon (which bounced back immediately), roughed up the edges and “instant age.” (The torn corner piece I kept inside the card. I just couldn’t throw it away.)

Sew ~ a bit more contemporary twist on this card. Selene got me hooked on using gray as a dominate color instead of an accent. J The sewing machine is embossed on the urban garden dsp and then I build the layers from there. The large gray cs also has the sanded background on it. A gray taffeta bow finishes it off.

Grateful ~ is my quirky card. I punched a scrap with the scallop edge punch for a template. I then dry embossed the “ridges” and smudged Night of Navy ink on them to mirror the cutting edges of the grater. Whisper White, Night of Navy, Barely Banana and Kiwi Kiss make up this card.

Sorry ~ When I first saw the Ski Slope DSP, all I could think of was the 70’s. Mind you, the names have been changed, but they are darn close to the real thing. Guess that’s why it’s call “Retro.”

Making this card made me smile because I used to use one of these erasers in typing class in high school. (A computer??? I’m scratching my head.)

Tangerine Tango, Kiwi Kiss and Apricot Appeal helped me to make this card. As we know, hind site is 20/20. That’s why I kept this card so simple. The only stamping on it is the one image (embossed), and everything else is just layered cs and ribbon. Compared to today, the 70’s were simple. Though we were coming out of the Vietnam War, things were not as turbulent as they are today for teenagers.

Perk ~ Riding Hood Red and Bella Rose DSP created this simple card. The second image from the left is embossed.

Camera ~ Balance came to mind for the camera card. I framed the camera with a chipboard frame and added the “U” in the opposite corner. The “picture perfect” is framed with our styled silver hardware. The silver brads in the lower left corner balance the sentiment also. “Picture Perfect U.”

Fan ~ I wanted to duplicate the fan blades by using the small oval punch, bending the long sides up and down and then sponging to add dimension. The fan is stamped on Shimmer White cs and punched with the square scallop punch, as is the opening.

Type ~ Elegant Eggplant and Always Artichoke finished out the

Puns collection. I stamped little hearts from “Short and Sweet” on the textured card stock and then embossed the typewriter on the artichoke and finished off with a clip from our new “clips assortment” and added eggplant and black grosgrain ribbon.

Thanks for sharing your cards and your memories, Carol!

See you all next Wednesday!

Happy Stampin'!

*~Elizabeth~*

Thanksgiving Day Cards and Candy Bag

Hard to believe yet another THANKSGIVING approaches us. Here are a few projects geared to the holiday created by our Divas. The above project was made by Janice Rosenthal Rock of CA. What a cute idea using our Big Shot and Punches.

This card was created by Heather Wright-Porto of NY. This is the set that everyone loves (or the majority). It can be used for all kinds of holidays and in so many ways. Long may Lovely as a Tree live. I wonder if it might be on our upcoming retirement list.

This card was created by Edie Bunting of PA. The use of Designer Series Paper on cards is such a wonderful touch. What a reminder of pumpkin pies at the Thanksgiving table.

And finally this card was created by Barb Mullikin of WY. It is a pocket fold card and again the addition of the Autumn Vine Designer Series Paper gives it a wonderful touch.

Call your Demonstrator today to find out how to make your very own Thanksgiving day cards/projects.

Have a wonderful day

Max

Saturday Thanks

During this season of thanks, I have two beautiful Thank You cards to share with you. These were created by Kristine. Enjoy. :)

Stamps: Only Ovals
Paper: Riding Hood Red, Chocolate Chip, Kiwi Kiss and Whisper White, Bella Rose DSP
Ink: Kiwi Kiss, Riding Hood Red and Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Riding Hood Red Double Stripped Ribbon, Ticket Corner Punch, Large Oval Punch, Medium Oval Punch, Scallop Edge Punch, Dimensionals



Stamps: Upsy Daisy
Paper: Kiwi Kiss, Chocolate Chip, Pink Pirouette, and Whisper White
Ink: Pink Pirouette, Chocolate Chip, Regal Rose Classic Ink Pads and Old Olive Marker
Accessories: Kiwi Kiss Double Striped Ribbon, Scallop Edge Punch, Dimensionals, Sponge Daubers

Have a wonderful weekend. :)
Alicia

Sketch Challenge #7

Here is the sketch we used for week 7 of the sketch challenge...



Here is my card. I used the color challenge from this past Tuesday from Splitcoast stampers. I really liked this color combination and had to try it since my Pacific Point paper and ribbon have been neglected since I can't figure out what to put with it.



I used the Chit Chat rub-ons again this week. There are just so many greeting to choose from ... over 75 for every occasion on each sheet! I also love that they come in Chocolate Chip and White. Right now you can get 20% off all rub-ons with a $20 purchase.

Here are the cards my team has come up with...

Tammy

Carol

Ruthie

Splitcoast gallery


We would love to see what you create using this sketch. You can leave a comment with a link to your card or upload to your splitcoast gallery using divasc7 as your keyword. Thanks for playing!

Enjoy~
Becky

Supplies
Stamps: Kindred Spirits
Ink: Certainly Celery Craft Ink
Paper: Certainly Celery, Pacific Point, Whisper White, Urban Garden DSP
Other: Large Oval punch, Pacific Point Striped ribbon, filigree brads, chit chat rub-ons

Diva Inspiration Challenge #17

Feeling a little on the blue side today? Another Thursday means another Diva Inspiration Challenge. How fresh and crisp does this week's inspiration picture look?!? This lovely tranquil blue picture came from Martha Stewart Living. I can always count on great challenge pics from her site!

For my sample today, I started with a card base of 5x7. Since I knew I wanted to use the Inspired by Nature set, I had to make my card bigger than the normal 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" size. I chose to take the monochromatic blue colors from the pic and ran with that. Add some ribbon and a few silver brads and BAM you're done! I love the simplicity and crispness of the final outcome.


Stamps: Inspired by Nature
Paper: Whisper White, Night of Navy, Brocade Blue, Bashful Blue
Ink: Bashful Blue, Night of Navy Craft
Accessories: Silver Brads, Bashful Blue Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Night of Navy Grosgrain Ribbon, Dimensionals

To see what my creative team came up with, just click on their name :
Bev
Elizabeth
Charmaine
Tandra

To view the submissions on SCS click here.

Now it's your turn! Post a link in the comments section with your blog entry or SCS gallery showing us what creation you were inspired to come up with!! If you upload to SCS be sure to put DivaIC17 (no spaces) as the keyword. Have fun!!

Inspire Stampin' happiness wherever you go!! :)
~~Maria~~

Fabulous Fall Projects

Happy Wednesday!

These 2 cards were also submitted by Kristine Memmott. She is a demonstrator in Utah. I bet she gets her boxes from Stampin' Up! super fast! I am so jealous! ;)






Stamps: Upsy Daisy. Paper: Kiwi Kiss, Chocolate Chip and Whisper White. Ink: More Mustard, Pumpkin Pie, Ruby Red, Chocolate Chip. Accessories: Scallop Edge Punch, 1/4" white grosgrain ribbon, 1 1/4" circle punch, sponges, brayer and a post-it note for masking.

Stamps: Season of Friendship, Polka Dot Background. Paper: Riding Hood Red, More Mustard, Whisper White. Ink: Riding Hood Red, More Mustard, Chocolate Chip and Baja Breeze. Accessories - Chocolate Chip Double Stitched Ribbon, Dimensionals.

Enjoy! See you here next Wednesday!

Stampin' Hugs!

~*Elizabeth*~

Friendship Monday

I love this stamp set. I have seen so many wonderful projects made using it. It was not on my original wish list when I first saw the Mini Catalog but after seeing all the fabulous projects, I just HAD to have it. Isn't that pretty normal?

This weeks projects were submitted by Kristine Memmott of Salt Lake City, UT. Kristine makes the most cutest things and if I was not a demo, I would be her customer for sure.

Here are the products Kristine used for the above card:

Paper: Chocolate Chip, More Mustard, Whisper White, Old Olive DSP, More Mustard DSP, Pumpkin Pie DSP and Chocolate Chip DS
Stamp set: Season of Friendship
nk: Chocolate Chip, More Mustard, Old Olive and Pumpkin Pie
Accessories: Old Olive Brads, Dimensionals, 3.4” circle punch



Another cute card. I can hardly believe Thanksgiving is here yet again. This year has flown by, as they all seem to these days. I was told that happened once you hit 21 tee hee!

Card stock: Chocolate Chip, Really Rust, More Mustard, Very Vanilla

Stamps: Harvest Home, Thank You Kindly, Polka Dot Background

Ink: Stazon Black, Chocolate Chip

Accessories: Water Color Crayons, Aqua Painter, Blender Pen, 5/8" Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon, Dimensionals, Sponge Daubers, Scallop Edge Punch

If you would like to submit any THANKSGIVING cards, please e-mail them to utahdivasinternational@gmail.com

Happy Stampin'

Max

Easy Shopping Saturday

Today Sara is sharing a couple of gift certificate holders that she created. What a great way to give friends and family a Stampin' Up! gift certificate. Contact your demonstrator today for some fun, easy shopping. :)

Measurements for both: 8" x 9", score at 4"

CS: Chocolate Chip
DS: Holiday Treasures
Ribbon: Riding Hood Red Striped
Ink: Riding Hood Red
Stamp: Say It With Scallops
Misc: Slit Punch, Scallop Square, Button Bouquet, Red Hemp

CS: Old Olive and Riding Hood Red
DS: Holiday Treasures
Ribbon: Riding Hood Red Striped
Ink: Riding Hood Red
Stamp: Say It With Scallops
Misc: Slit Punch, Scallop Square

Thanks for sharing, Sara.

Have a great weekend.

Alicia :)

Diva Sketch Challenge #6

Time for the sketch challenge again! There were many great cards last week. Thank you to my team and those of you who participated and linked your cards so we could see them. I finally made time to stamp since my Stamp Camp last Saturday. I was so busy getting ready and then unpacking my stuff. We have also had the most beautiful weather here - temperatures near 70! That is very warm for Michigan this time of year and I have been spending a lot of time outside. It did feel good to stamp again today. Here is the sketch we used...



Here is my card. I still love this little snowman so much! I used Baja Breeze in the background of the snowman on the watercolor paper. I made sure not to get any in the actual snowman body. I think it makes his body really pop off the paper. My picture of that isn't the greatest - you'll just have to try it yourself!


I also used the Chit Chat rub-ons with this card. There are over 75 different greetings for every occasion on each sheet - one in Chocolate Chip and one in White. Starting Nov 10, Stampin' Up! is offering 20% off all rub-ons with a $20 purchase.

Here are the cards my team has come up with...

Tammy

Michelle

Alicia

Ruthie

Carol

Splitcoast gallery


We would love to see what you create using this sketch. You can leave a comment with a link to your card or upload to your splitcoast gallery using divasc6 as your keyword. Thanks for playing!

Enjoy~
Becky

Supplies
Stamps: Merry and Bright
Ink: Staz-On black, Riding Hood Red, Tangarine Tango, Baja Breeze, Old Olive
Paper: Watercolor paper, Old Olive, Baja Breeze, Ruby Red and Holiday Treasures DSP
Other: Alpine Ribbon Originals, Dimensionals, Aqua painters, scallop circle punch, 1 1/4" and 1 3/8" circle punches

Diva Inspiration Challenge #16

Happy Thursday stampin friends! I hope you're ready for today's challenge! I know I am. October was a whirlwind month for me and I hope November will be a little bit calmer.

I want to wish my sister, Jenny, a very happy birthday!! Today is her special day and when I made my card for this challenge I had her in mind. This card will find it's way to Florida. ;) Happy Birthday Jenny!!!!

Today's inspiration picture comes from SweetDreamsDecor.com. I love this little set up and all the options available to be inspired with. I do enjoy the softer girlie colors and gotta love the flowers! Some possible colors I pull out of this pic are Regal Rose, Certainly Celery, Pink Pirouette, Almost Amethyst, and Whisper White just to name a few.

For my sample today, I chose to focus on the baby blanket. I punched out 3/4" squares and layered them on a piece of White card stock to give that patch quilt look. I then ran it through the Big Shot with the Top Note Die. Next I cut out 2 ovals using my Coluzzle. To get my image and saying lined up in the middle of the small oval, I used my handy dandy Stamp-a-ma-jig. If you haven't used this tool yet, you're missing out! It takes the guess work out of trying to line up your image for perfect placement!
I don't know if you can see the little flowers in the background, but i stamped them with VersaMark and then colored them in with the VersaMarker.

Outline the inner oval and outer edge of the Top Note die cut with Crystal Effects, sprinkle with glitter and add Taffeta Ribbon to get the finishing touches. One little extra I added to this card was a flower punched out using the Trio Flowers Punch and adhered it on the knot of the ribbon using Mini Glue Dots.
Stamps: A Flower for All Seasons, Little Flowers, Crazy for Cupcakes
Paper: Regal Rose, Whisper White, Pink Pirouette, Almost Amethyst, Certainly Celery, Georgia Peach DS Paper
Ink: VersaMark, Basic Black, Regal Rose
Accessories: Crystal Effects, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, 3/4" Square Punch, Trio Flower Punch, Top Note Die, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Blender Pen, Mini Glue Dots, Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon, VersaMarker, Coluzzle, Stampin Write Markers - So Saffron, Almost Amethyst, Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue

To see what my creative team came up with, just click on their name :
Bev
Elizabeth
Charmaine
Tandra

To view the submissions on SCS click here.

Now it's your turn! Post a link in the comments section with your blog entry or SCS gallery showing us what creation you were inspired to come up with!! If you upload to SCS be sure to put DivaIC16 (no spaces) as the keyword. Have fun!!

Inspire Stampin' happiness wherever you go!! :)
~~Maria~~

It's Wednesday!

Happy Wednesday! Can you believe that it's the holiday season already? I know my neighborhood Wal-Mart has had Christmas decorations out since the beginning of October, but now it really is the holiday season! LOL Thanksgiving (in the US) is just 3 weeks away! You know what that means! Christmas is just 7 weeks away! Have you started your shopping yet? LOL

Here are 2 ideas to add fun to your tree.

Supplies(all SU!): Square Ornament: Stamps- Deer Friends (Level 2 hostess). Paper- Very Vanilla, Always Artichoke, Always Artichoke Patterns DSP (Level 1 hostess). Ink- Chocolate Chip, Real Red. Accessories- On Board Essentials, Very Vanilla taffeta, crop-a-dile. Misc.- lightweight coaster.

Round Ornament: Stamps- Merry & Bright. Paper- Shimmery White, Bashful Blue. Ink- Jet Black Stazon, Bashful Blue, Almost Amethyst, Pumpkin Pie. Accessories- Wrought Iron punch (retired), Whisper White taffeta, Crop-a-dile, Coluzzle, Big Shot, Scallop Circle die.

Thanks for visiting!

Happy Stamping!

~*Elizabeth*~