In the Stamp Cave

Oh What fun it is to play!

2011-11-26T20:21:00.001-05:00

Oh what fun it is to play in my stamp cave all day. Well, actually a couple of days. We had a quiet Thanksgiving here this year. Being from Canada, we are always torn between celebrating Thankgiving in October on Columbus Day weekend or in November, the traditonal American Thanksgiving. This year, my DH and my youngest Alana celebrated in October. My collage grad, Lindsay and I went to Canada to visit family. Well, Lindsay headed back up north to visit her boyfriend this weekend so we ended not having Thankgiving dinner. Christmas will be about the same menu so I will look forward to that.

In the mean time, that left me with a few days to stamp, make curtains and generally be thankful for spare time. I made a six sets of cards to sell for our library fundraisers and some gift tags as well. Lucky for me I also had time to create some off the cuff fun stuff as well.

I love this one. Lots and lots of BLING. I just love the new Stockings Accent Die. I used the big shot and cut out the ornament from the red glitter paper. Martha Stewart supplied the punch for the greens from garden green card stock. I used the Owl Builder punch for the small circles of glimmer red to create the berries. Martha's glitter in silver, poured over sticky strip and then rhynstones added on the strip. Bling, bling it was just popping all over the place. Snow Swirled sentiment embossed in silver and everything mounted on Silver metallic cardstock created a WOW. The ribbon is offray gray. Hope you like!

Heather

Bells and Boughs My Digital Studio

2011-11-19T20:49:00.000-05:00

Another hybrid. I'm really enjoying being able to download images and print them out. This one is from Bells and Boughs and the sentiment well it's just computer generated. Silver Bells is one of my favorite Christmas carols. I colored the bells in with versaMarker then embossed them with silver embossing powder.

I used Cherry cobbler ribbon, and card stock and marker, Old olive card stock marker and rhinestones. The embossing folder is snow burst.

The silver embossing looks much better up close and personal. My camera really doesn't do this card justice.

Beautiful Season from My Digital Studio

2011-11-14T09:06:00.000-05:00

I'm a sucker for birds and this image is no exception. I tried not to cave since I have other bird images like Christmas Cardinal but I ended up caving and ordering it. In the mean time, I also bought the download for MDS 127779 and only $3.95. What I love about MDS is that you can play with the sizes of the images as I did on this one. Tomorrow my order arrives and I can't wait. My favorite cards to make are Christmas cards, and I have 4 new holiday sets coming tomorrow.

Stamp Set None

Card stock Red Ridinghood, Basic Black, Whisper White.

Ink Old Olive, Red Ridinghood, Sahara Sand.

Ribbon, Black Satin

Embossing folder, Petal-a-Plenty.

Crystal Effects on the berries.

Juggling Ornaments!

2011-09-18T14:10:00.000-04:00

This card has been in my head for days. Now that my stamp cave is almost finished and I've moved back in, I was finally able to make it.

Stamps Snow Much Fun
Card Stock Lucky Limeade, Red Riding Hood, Watercolor paper, red and silver glimmer paper.
Ink Basic Black, Lucky Limeade, Red Riding Hood, Pumpkin Pie, Crumb Cake.
Accessories, Designer Label Punch, Snow Burst embossing folder and 1/2 in circle punch.

My first SUO challenge card.

2011-08-30T09:25:00.001-04:00

This is my very first SUO challenge. I found the site http://suochallenges.com/ and I thought, why not. Looks like fun to me. Anyway, if you look at some of my past posts, you will know that my craft area is at the moment a mess in my living room. I did manage to come up with this card for the SUO 26, Invitation to a party challenge. I used, Have a Seat set, and Sincere Salutations. The card stock is Confetti White, So Saffron, Red Riding Hood and Soft Suede. Ink, Soft Suede and a little designer paper from stacks that I quilled for the first time, thanks to Stampin Success. Ribbon is retired red riding hood taffeta. Ribbon punch and a couple of pearls finished it off.

It takes longer but I did create today.

2011-08-15T17:21:00.000-04:00

This is the card I came up with. I have been meaning to put a little ink to the Plant Hope set. Also, I had thought the You're a Gem stamp it's the little things, went perfectly with Bonasi. Let's face it, they are small but mighty. I used Always Artichoke, Chocolate Chip and Calypso Coral for my colors and my favorite, seam bidding as the ribbon, in this case, Always Artichoke.

Heather

Still in the works.

2011-08-14T15:22:00.000-04:00

It's been a real challenge to stamp this summer. My Cave is still under construction. Today Mike is putting down the raised floor and then next week the laminate will go down. My job over the next few days will be sanding the drywall taping on the ceiling. He's promised me it will be finished by the time I go back to work in September.

This is a pictureof the mess of stuff before we completely emptied it out and moved it to our living room.

Under construction.

2011-06-27T14:23:00.000-04:00

Well, just when I have the time to go back down to the cave and work on some projects, Mike decides it's time to install a tank less water heater. Of course it is going in the cave. That meant clearing out everything on the main wall. Now I figure it is time to paint and redecorate it. As most of us know this is both a frustrating time and one filled with possibilities. I'm off to home depot to look at counters and cupboards.

Hopefully I will have something to post soon.

Heather

Back at it finally.

2011-03-21T16:55:00.000-04:00

Sometimes people can just take the wind out of our sails. In my case that happened awhile ago. I've still have enjoyed stamping but I had decided not to put anything on my blog or post on Splitcoast. I wish I could afford to have a fabulous blog but I must thank all my loyal customers who want me to get this blog up and going again. I don't plan to post on Splitcoast anymore. I will only be posting on SU's demo site and my blog. To be honest, I find it just takes to much time to do it all.

Here is a card I made a few weeks ago. I positively love the new Build a Blossom and coordinating punch in the Occasions mini. For this card I started with a crumb cake base. Then used my scalloped circle die and the big shot for the concord crush half circle in the back. The flower petals were stamped with pretty in pink on pink pirouette card stock. I took a retired button and put one of our fabulous pearl on top for the center. Do you know how hard it is for me not to put a pearl or rhinestone on a card now? I layered a piece of yummy Lap of Luxury DSP under the flower, as well as a strip of the dotted scalloped ribbon border. The sentiment is from another set from the mini, Bring on the Cake. I have to say I can never seem to have enough birthday sentiment sets. This one seems to cover all ages very well.

Hope you enjoy.

Halloween's just around the corner!

2010-10-13T07:25:00.003-04:00

This Spider Web embossing folder from the Holiday mini is so fun. I took a sponge with some white craft ink to highlight it. The basic black panel with its corners rounded with the corner rounder was mounted on a pumkin pie base. I water colored the little girl from "Greeting Card Kids" cut her out and mounted her with dimensionals. Happy Halloween is from the set House of Haunts.

Card Recipe

Stamps Greeting Card Kids c120633 w119887

House of Hauntas w111574

Embossing Folder Spider Web 120889

Corner Rounder 119871

Deck the Halls

2010-10-02T07:55:00.000-04:00

Love this paper. It looks yummy with our Cherry cobbler paper. I made this card back in August but wasn't happy with it. Now looking at it I think it's worth posting. Maybe, just maybe it will inspire you to cut into that designer paper you have stashed. Just trim around those large images and tada you have another way to use the paper.
Have a great day and thanks for visiting!

Heather

Recipe
Deck the Halls DSP 120810
Card Stock Cherry Cobbler and Very Vanilla
Stamp set Tags til Christmas
Punch Decorative Label 120907
Ink Always Artichoke and Cherry Cobbler
Embossing Folder Petals a Plenty 116824

Thank you rock and roll.

2010-10-01T09:11:00.000-04:00

Rock and Roll is a technique that I don't use often enough. I took this leaf from my new favorite set Day of Gratitude (w 120835) (c 121148). I first inked up the leaf in more mustard then rolled the edges of it in always artichoke, then stamped it on very vanilla card stock sponged with always artichoke. I stamped the thank you with artichoke and then added some piercing using my Paper Piercing Tool (116631) and the Mat Pack (105826). After that I mounted it on the Top Note Die (113463) which I cute twice to get the square, this was done with a piece of more mustard card stock. I used a piece of always artichoke scored with my score pal for the back panel, tied some retired more mustard ribbon. Mounted all of it on a base of more mustard.

Hope you have a GREAT day and thanks for stopping by.

Finally a moment

2010-09-24T08:07:00.000-04:00

September has been crazy, absolutely crazy. Not only have I started a new job at the high school here but I am still working at the library. On Wednesday, I worked at three different places. Last weekend our family went to Ottawa for my nephew Shawn's wedding. It was a three day affair that left me exhausted. I'm just not used to staying up late night after night. It was really fun though to be staying in downtown Ottawa, walking the streets and seeing the sites. Although it's nice living in the country, I still love the sites and sounds of a bustling city. If you've never been to Ottawa, the capital of Canada, it really is a great city to see.

Anyway, back to stamping. Yes I am back at it. Hopefully I will be able to get a few more idea's I've had made and posted this weekend. This card is one I made for my daughter who goes to Carleton University in Ottawa. I'll send it her way around Halloween with a little something in it. The sentiment is not SU's but I've had it for ages and find it comes in handy when I give gift cards or money. The stamp set is Autumn Harvest I stamped it on Very Vanilla, cut out the leaf and popped it up on a dimensional. It is watercolored using watercolor wonder crayons. The ribbon is the new narrow 1/8 taffeta ribbon in Old Olive. This stuff is just gorgeous and I love, love, love the feel. I plan on getting a few more rolls of this soon.

It's been a crazy week.

2010-09-10T13:42:00.000-04:00

This week has been stampless! Oh the horror and it's not even Halloween yet! This week I started a new job and I also was substituting at a two other jobs. Needless to say it's been CRAZY. But even though I haven't been physically stamping, I have been stamping like crazy in my head. That means this weekend I should have time to put them together and share. Can't wait to play again.

Heather

Giant Pumpkin Contest

2010-09-05T18:59:00.000-04:00

Our wonderful friends the Fishchers grow giant pumpkins every year. Hard to believe but they load the biggest pumpkin of them all onto the truck and drive it off to a fair where it's weighed in along with a bunch of others. They've yet to win the biggest, but this years is looking pretty good so far.

For this card I first stamped the pumpkin from Autumn Harvest, then I made a mask, and masked off the bottom of the pumpkin. Watercolored it. Hope they like it.

                   Card Recipe
                  Countryside Clear         120495
                   Autumn Harvest Wood 110372
                   Sincere Salutations        115068
                   Mini Library Clips         109857
                   Oval Scallop Punch       119871
                    Med Oval Punch          119855
                   Corner Rounder            119871
                   Square Lattice Folder   119976
Colors Pumpkin Pie, Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler, Basic Black. Sponged with Cajun Craze.

A Cardinal Christmas

2010-09-05T10:57:00.000-04:00

The stamper who is being featured today, Emily Stampingout has a fabulous gallery. I found lots to play with in it. What is so fun about the featured stamper for me is that you can look at a card and then make it your own with changes.

Card Recipe
Stamp Set A Cardinal Christmas 111760
Crochet Trim Chantilly                  118480
Curly Label Punch                        119851
Pearls                                           119247
Deck the Halls DSP                      120810
Watercolor Paper                         105019
Ink Black Stazon, Cherry Cobbler, Always Artichoke, more mustard and Crumb Cake for sponging.

Another Gratitude Card

2010-09-04T16:11:00.001-04:00

Today I am grateful. Grateful for two wonderful, smart funny, healthy girls. I am especially grateful that the oldest, mentioned in the last post, finally went back to Ottawa today. That's where our family lives and she goes to Carleton University and is in her 4th and final year. I will miss her, but not the mess she brings with her. Every year it's the same, it's like a hurricane hits and doesn't leave until she packs up and heads back up north. Mike and Lindsay left at 6:00am and I have finally now got the house back to normal. I have to thank Alana my almost 16 year old for pitching in and helping. All that being said, I am looking forward to seeing Lindsay up in Ottawa in a few weeks, my nephews wedding and her 21st birthday!

Okay, I've bored you enough with the family stuff, on to today's card. I took a break to make this card today. The Day of Gratitude stamp set just is so much fun to play with. I stamped the leaf image 3 times using Cajun Craze (such a yummy fall color) and Old Olive. The sentiment was stamped in Early Espresso, my new black. I mounted the Very Vanilla piece on Old Olive. Mounted that on a piece of More Mustard run through the Big Shot using the Lattice Embossing Folder. Again, the same DSP as yesterday, Autumn Spice was layered between them and a piece of Early Espresso grosgrain ribbon was tied around that. The finishing touch, something I don't grab enough, Build a Brad with a leaf from the DSP in it.

Recipe Same as yesterday with these additional items used
Build a Brad 109128
Early Espresso Grosgrain Ribbon 120931
Square Lattice Embossing Folder 119976

What a busy hot week.

2010-09-03T16:32:00.000-04:00

I haven't posted in over a week. Stamping seems to take a back seat when my almost 21 year old starts getting ready to go back to school. Seems like only yesterday Lindsay left for the first time now she's heading back for her final year. Well that is if she doesn't go to grad school.

Today I managed to make a card using the new set I got on Wednesday. It's called Day of Gratitude and it's in the new Holiday Mini.   Also in that order was the matching designer paper Autumn Spice. I love this paper it's heavier and textured. To make the card I started with a base in Cajun Craze and stamped the large medallion randomly on it in the same color. Then I stamped three of the matching leaves, two in Old Olive and one in Cajun Craze. Cut them out and layered them on More Mustard. I stamped the sentiment on Very Vanilla with Early Espresso and punch it out with the new decorative label punch. I added a little paper piercing around the edges. I layered all that on top of a piece of the designer paper that punched the bottom with the scallop border punch. I also added just a little strip of early espresso. Last but not least I used my sizzlets button die and Early Espresso and a bit of thread and it was all done.

Card Recipe
Stamp Sets Day of Gratitude Mini 121148 Clear
Cardstock Cajun Craze, More Mustard, Very Vanilla and Early Espresso.
                                                                                       Designer Paper Autumn Spice 120808
                                                                                       Sizzlet Buttons 113440

LynniePoo Case

2010-08-26T13:58:00.001-04:00

Sometimes you just see a card and you have to CASE copy and share with everyone. I saw a card on Splitcoaststampers by LynniePoo and I ran down to the cave to make one for myself. The differences between the two are the wheel I used, the pearls and the sentiment. Oh yeah and the card stock. Otherwise it's the same. Like Lynn, I scored above and below the wheels border which is from the new Holiday Mini, it's called Belle.

Card stock Whisper White 100730
Belle Wheel                        121430
Friends 24-7                       113218
Vanilla Smooch Spritz         118772
Always Artichoke Ink          105219
Pearls                                  119247

Water Color Trio Fun

2010-08-24T09:07:00.000-04:00

The inspiration for today's card is from Splitcoaststampers color challenge. Today's colors we a bit hard. Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry and Pacific Point. Gunnar and Lady both woke me up around 2:30 this morning. While I was waiting for them to come back in the house I checked the challenge. Thanks Betty, the colors kept me awake just trying to figure out what I could do with them.

Card Recipe

Stamps Water Color Trio soon to retire from the Summer Mini

Scallop Trim Border Punch, Med Oval and Scallop Oval

Retired Rich Razzleberry Ribbon and old olive button.

Colors for ink and cardstock Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive and Pacific Point.

Skating in the Sweet Snowglobe.

2010-08-22T13:07:00.000-04:00

I was thrilled when I saw this single stamp Sweet Snow globe in the Holiday Mini. My mind went to all the different images that could be put inside. Today I thought of the skaters from Winter Post. To do this I took my versamark pen and went over just the globe and the bottom part and omitted the trees and house. Next I used silver embossing powder and heat embossed it. I took my 1 3/4 circle punch and punched out a mask. I placed the mask on the snow globe the hole where the image was stamped. I then inked up the skaters in basic black. Colored them in and then put a little dazzling diamonds on the bottom with a two way glue pen. I put a strip of torn always artichoke on the side to cover up a dirty spot from my fingers then used mono adhesive down the edge and pored our new Silver Glass Glitter on it. The background is the embossing folder petals a plenty on Cherry Cobbler. I punched out a piece with the new XL Decorative Label punch and then stamped the sentiment from Home for Christmas on a scrap piece of Whisper White. It was then mounted on the back of the Cherry Cobbler. The card sits on a Always Artichoke base.

Card Recipe

Stamp Sets Sweet Snowglobe from Holiday Mini 120868

Winter Post 111780

Home for Christmas 111756

XL Decorative Label Punch Holiday Mini 120907

Glass Glitter in Silver Holiday Mini 120995

Petals a Plenty Embossing Folder 116824

Sweet Snowglobe Fun

2010-08-21T12:46:00.000-04:00

Over all I wasn't very pleased with the card itself but I just love what can be done with this Snow globe. The possibilities are endless. To make this one, I first took a sweet treats cup and set it on my desk and filled it with a little bit of dazzling diamonds and then some water almost filling it to the top. Then I peeled off the backing and adhered a 2 1/2 piece from a window sheet. After pressing firmly I cut the excess window sheet off. Next I colored in the inside image, the house and trees and stamped them on a plan piece of white card stock. This I then adhered it to the back of the sweet treats cup. I stamped the Snow Globe in Basic Grey onto Baja Breeze card stock the ran it through the Big Shot using the new Northern Flurry Embossing folder. I used my 1 3/8 circle punch to punch out the globe part and then put sticky strip on the edge of the Baja Breeze where the sweet treat cup would be adhered. The sentiment is from Occasional Quotes level 3 hostess set it was stamped on Whisper white and punched out with the large oval punch. The Not Quite Navy piece behind is the new XL Decorative Label Punch.

Give Thanks for Versamark

2010-08-19T08:17:00.000-04:00

Give Thanks is a retired set from SU. I just love the apples in the pail. Since I have decided to try and use something old with something new this is what I came up with for the ways to use it challenge today. Versamark was the challenge. I love the stuff, it can be used in so many ways. Poppin' Pastels, watermarks, embossing, resist, just to name a few.

On this card I used versamark three different ways. First, the apples, I put versamark on them with my versamarker. Did you even know they existed? Anyway after that I embossed them in clear. Snow White would have taken one of these shinny apples for sure. Next, the Cajun craze panel. I swiped versamark on the vintage wallpaper embossing folder and ran it through my Big Shot. After that I poured clear EP over it and heat embossed. The other is leaves from French Foliage watermarked down the pear pizzazz base. The sentiment is from Smarty Pants.

Card Recipe
Stamp Sets Give Thanks Retired
Smarty Pants
French Foliage
Cardstock Pear Pizzazz, More Mustard, Cajun Craze and Watercolor
Ink Versamark, Basic Black, Pear Pizzaz, Going Grey(Retired) Always Artichoke Versamarker
Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder and paper piercing too.

Today's card

2010-08-17T15:47:00.003-04:00

I used the retired set Art of Life. More details coming soon.
Things have been hectic in the Stamp Cave. I am going through what stampin' stuff needs to be sold, re gifted etc.

Anyway, about this card. I have been really trying to showcase retired sets like this one.....Art of Life. It was a hostess set a few years ago and I have always loved it.'

I double stamped the main image so it would be lighter in color. It's mounted on a mat of Always Artichoke. Behind that is a layer of retired DSP in Always Artichoke. The main layer pink passion \ embossed with the lattice embossing folder. The ribbon is the new seam bidding Cherry Cobbler. The panel under the Pink is Cherry Cobbler edged with the Scalloped trim border punch. The whole card is then mounted on Always Artichoke card stock.

Masculine Birthday Card

2010-08-16T14:52:00.000-04:00

Today I broke out the new in color Poppy Parade for the first time! Okay, truth be told, I didn't think I would like it. I'm totally over the moon in love with Cherry Cobbler. Real Red? What's that. Anyway.........I really, really liked it. This picture doesn't even come close to doing it justice. Poppy Parade leads the parade. The sentiment at the bottom is a bit light but it reads, "getting a little bit older and better than ever!" The stamp is from Congrats a sale a bration set from a couple of years ago. I omitted the first word "on."
Today's ways to use it challenge called for ribbon, not in a bow and not in a knot! This ribbon is just lopped though the jumbo brad.

Card Recipe
Card stock Basic Black, Watercolor, Poppy Parade
Ink, Poppy Parade, Basic Black, More Mustard, Old Olive
Designer paper, Newsprint
Stamps Countryside, Congrats(retired)
Ribbon Gingham (retired)
Paper Piercing and sponging.
This was water colored using stamp pad and aqua painter.

FS184 Sunday's Featured Stamper

2010-08-15T09:10:00.000-04:00

Today's featured stamper is the very talented CAKath this is the link to the card I decide to case.
http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1615593?&cat=500&ppuser=107330

Here is my version.
I changed the DSP, colors and the bird to the ornament.

Card Recipe.
Card stock Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler and Always Artichoke.
Ink Always Artichoke and Crumb Cake for sponging
Designer paper is from the yet to be released Holiday Mini and it's called Deck the Halls. Love the vintage feel it has.
Stamps, Four the Holidays and the ornament is from the new Tags til Christmas set.
The Ribbon is Cherry Cobbler seam binding from the mini.
Punches I used we the Scalloped Trim Border, Corner Rounder, Ornaments, and Large Oval. I used the Little Leaves Sizzlet and a small pearl on the ornament. Can't really see it in the picture but there is a little loop of retired gold cord on the tip of the ornament.

Timeless Decade Challenge.

2010-08-14T09:31:00.000-04:00

Today's challenge over at Splitcoaststampers caused me to rush down to the stamp cave and use my new set Timeless Treasures. The challenge hostess picks usually an online company, and you look through their catalog and find a picture that inspires you. This is the one I found.The idea isn't to copy it but to be inspired. The chair is what inspired me because right away it reminded me of the chair in Timeless Treasures. I pulled out a lot of retired accessories for this one. The wide organdy ribbon and the pretties kit pin. Hope you like.

Just Buzzin' By with my second posting today.

2010-08-09T15:31:00.000-04:00

Clean and Simple should be easy but for me it's a bit of a challenge. I love the look but can never seem to quite get it. Today's challenge was a great excuse to try and get it. With this one I think I did. The bee is the garden part of the challenge and the scalloped circle punch I think resembles a flower. I embossed him in black and colored him in with the new color in our brights collection, Daffodil Delight. I used a two way glue pen and a little dazzling diamonds on his wings and antennas. Punched him out with the 1 1/4 circle punch, punched out 1 3/8 circle in black and then daffodil delight scalloped circle punch. He is popped up twice. The first and last layer. White gel pens dots around the scallop. I scored two lines and then stamped the sentiment. Colored two dots with daffodil delight and then put the dew drops on. The look like honey droplets.

This card measures, 4 1/2 x 4 1/4.

CAS79 Pacific Elements Garden

2010-08-09T13:29:00.000-04:00

Between moving Lindsay into her apartment in Ottawa, and cleaning out my stamp room, I have not put ink to card stock in days. Today's CAS (clean and simple) challenge was garden theme. I used a monochromatic theme with the flowers from Elements of Style. Hope you like.

The sentiment is from the level 3 hostess set, occasional quotes which is fast becoming one of my favorite sentiment sets.

Card Recipe
Card stock, Whisper White, Pacific Point
Ink, Basic Black and Pacific Point
Punches, Curly Label, Eyelet Border and corner rounder
Embellishments, Bashful Blue ribbon (retired) pearl.

Pizzazz in Elements

2010-07-27T11:34:00.000-04:00

What a nice surprise I got on Sunday night when Betty who hosts the color challenge on Tuesday's over at Splitcoaststampers asked me to help out and make a sample using the challenge colors for this week. I almost said no because I haven't gotten my new in colors yet. But since you can substitute colors that are fairly close I went ahead and did it. It couldn't be posted until after 11pm last night so needless to say, I'm a little tired today.

The colors for this challenge CC281 are all new Pear Pizzazz, Daffodil Delight and Concord Crush. The neutral I picked was white. The only color I have at the moment, is Daffodil Delight. I colored white taffeta in it by taking a sponge dauber and putting the ribbon under it on the pad and dragging it along. Then I just let it dry. The background piece is actually Eggplant Envy that I ran through the big shot with the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder which I had covered with versamark. Then I embossed it with clear embossing powder. I really like the effect, it made it come out darker like Concord Crush and it looks like ceramic. Elements of style was the set I used and last but not least the dessert this week was to use dew drops. I do have some of those and if you look closely they are on a few leaves. Hope you like and don't forget to leave a comment and get your name in the draw for some free SU toys.

Card Recipe
Stamp Set Elements of Style
Card stock Certainly Celery, Eggplant Envy, Daffodil Delight and Whisper White
Ink Basic Black, Eggplant Envy, Certainly Celery, Daffodil Delight
Accessories, White Taffeta Ribbon, Clear Embossing Powder, Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder and dew drops which are not carried by SU.

Gift Card Holder

2010-07-24T07:23:00.000-04:00

At Marie's workshop last night, kindly hosted by Jodi we made a gift card holder that Marie wanted to make. She also requested the bird punch so I incorporated the two and came up with this.

Here are the instructions I promised everyone. Cut your card stock 4 1/4 x 11", score 3" in from each end and also in the middle at 5 1/2". Fold this so that you end up having a "W" shape and then you will see where you need to put your double sided tape or glue and where you will need to cut the opening for the gift card. Remember to put your adhesive on the edges so you can still slide the gift card in. Punch or cut slot large enough to fit the gift card. In this case I used the word window punch and the circle punch. After you have created the card you can design the front however you like. Just remember that the ribbon to hold it together should be put on before you adhere your layer or images.

Oh and if you really want to have fun.........cut out the circle but not the slot, then put the gift card in the other end and watch the recipient try to get it out! I can't remember who said that last night but it would be fun to watch.

Card Recipe
Card stock Marina Mist, Wild Wasabi, Confetti White
Ink Marina Mist, to sponge the bird and Basic Grey
Accessories, Bird Punch, Word Window Punch and 1 1/4" Circle Punch, Oval Punch and Scalloped oval were used on this one. Marina Mist Grograin Ribbon, Dimensionals and a pearl for the eye.

Hope you enjoyed this one.
Heather

I really do believe in Angels.

2010-07-20T09:26:00.000-04:00

I really do believe in Angels. So when I saw this sentiment in the new set from Stampin' Up, Just Believe, I knew I had to have it. This idea for this card has been in my head for a few days and today I finally put it together. First I embossed her and the sentiment in gold ep.I pulled out my pearl-ex and Lumiere to color her wings and dress she is really pretty up close. This angel is from an old hostess set On Angels Wings.
I mounted it on apricot appeal and then on old olive which along with regal rose. The colors for the challenge today were regal rose, old olive and peach parfait. I didn't have peach parfait so apricot appeal had to do. The regal rose is the pink pearl-ex color.

Hope you enjoy!

Flip the Bird

2010-07-19T17:13:00.000-04:00

Fun challenge over at Splitcoaststampers today. It was to make a tilt card. For anyone who has made a spinner card it's very similar except you don't make the cut long just a square. So the bird bobs his head up and down.

Card Recipe
Stamps Sentiment from Because I Care Hostess level 1
Wheel friends
Cardstock Baja Breeze, Wild Wasabi and Whisper White
Ink Black, Baja Breeze, Marina Mist
Accessories Dimensional, 2 pennies oval punch, lattice embossing folder, paper piercer black brad and retired Baja ribbon.

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/tilt_card/

Here's the link to the tutorial.

Masculine card!

2010-07-18T16:01:00.002-04:00

I used the same sketch for this card only I made a masculine card using a new set called Uncharted Territory. I really like this set because most of the men in my family aren't big into sports or hunting. That makes it hard to make cards for them. This set just works. My brother in law loves sailing and the other image is a sailboat. Needless to say this was on my must have list. I will just stamp the inside with a sentiment when I know what or who it's for.

Card Recipe

Stamp Set Uncharted Territory

Ink Basic Black, Cherry Cobbler, Marina Mist, Soft Suede.

Cardstock Marina Mist, Cherry Cobbler and Confetti White

Designer Paper from retired hostess pack

Accessories Color Spritzer tool, Large brads

Sponging.

Pulled out an old favorite today.

2010-07-14T10:41:00.000-04:00

Friendships Journey was one of the very first sets I purchased even before I was a demonstrator. I loved the look of this lady. As with many of my older sets they just don't get used enough. Last night I was lying in bed listing to the rain. I stared thinking about what I was going to stamp next and this image popped into my head. Vintage is back and although I have the new set Artistic Etchings, I felt the need to use this one. Last night my first new order from the catty came. Yahoo......finally, I really should have expedited it. Anyway, I digress. Vintage brads were in the order. So, when I saw the sketch challenge over at splitcoast I couldn't resist using this image and my new brads. Although you can't see it in the picture, I did use the medallion from Artistic Etching on the Cherry Cobbler background in Soft Suede and sponged all around both base and the vanilla image piece. I also used my aqua painter and Cobbler for her dress and lips. The lace isn't SU.........but mine came last night so I can unravel it anytime. Smooch Spritz finished it off. Hope you like.

Card Recipe

Stamps Friendship Journey retired SU and Artistic Etchings.

Cardstock Basic Black, Very Vanilla and Cherry Cobbler (my new favorite red)

Ink Basic Black, Cherry Cobbler and Soft Suede

Accessories Sponge, lace Antique Brads, Smooch Spritz

Another Challenge!

2010-07-13T23:01:00.001-04:00

Over the last week I have been trying to do the challenges over at Splitcoaststampers. Not only do I find it fun to participate but it makes me create cards that are not my normal style. Also you find out that sometimes the cards you don't think are nice others like. This is one that I didn't particularly like. Yet, it was a favorited great comments. Come join the challenges they can be really fun. This one was a color challenge. The colors were Cherry Cobbler, Marina Mist and Wild Wasabi. Wild Wasabi was an old in color that is now part of the core group of colors the other two are new.

Card Recipe

Stamps: Inspired by Nature, Occasional Quotes (hostess 3)

Ink and More Mustard, Basic Black

Card stock Wild Wasabi, Cherry Cobbler, Marina Mist and Whisper White

Accessories Scallop punch, white taffeta ribbon dyed with Marina Mist Marker

Extreme Embossing!

2010-07-12T16:21:00.001-04:00

Now this was fun.........you have to try it. This is from today's technique lovers challenge. Essentially what you do is heat emboss and then send your embossed piece through your big shot. Alana keeps asking me to make more extreme guitar cards. Guess my others aren't cool enough for her friends birthdays. I took my Classic Stars wheel and inked it up with versamark then ran it over whisper white cardstock. Embossed that in black and then did the same with the Extreme Guitar image. I then ran it though a Happy Birthday embossing folder. After that I stamped the rock star image from the retired set A little Somethin. Embossed that, and then punched it out with my big star punch. Popped it up with dimensional and last but not least added some black brads. You have to try it. It's really a fun technique.

2010-07-10T10:51:00.000-04:00

Yesterday's challenge over at Splitcoaststampers was to make a card using something you have that's new that you haven't used yet. Well for me it was Nature Silhouettes. I have liked it for sometime and think it's a great set for masculine cards. I embossed the tree and then the wolf on glossy in black. Then I took my 1" circle punch and cut out a circle from a post it note. I used that to mask the moon and then I sponged around it. Howl we had a good time was a sentiment I made up and printed out. Hope you like.

Card Recipe
Stamps Natures Silhouettes
Paper Night of Navy, Black, Old Olive and glossy the designer paper was from an old hostess pack.
Accessories, sponge, black ep old olive brads and sizzix die, oval punch
Ink Night of Navy and versamark

Etchings in the middle of the night.

2010-07-09T09:38:00.000-04:00

I'm usually one for stampin' in the middle of the night..........but with this heat wave we're having, my stamp cave is the coolest place in the house. Actually it's always the coolest place, but in this instance I mean temperature wise. I am waiting for my July order of new toys from Stampin' up, they are due to arrive on Tuesday. I can't wait. In the order I have Victorian Lace and Antique Brads among many other things. If I had these at 3:00 in the morning, this card would have look very differnent.

Card Recipe

Stamps Artistic Etchings

Card Stock Crumb Cake, Confetti Cream and Chocolate Chip

Ink Cajan Craze, Garden Green and Chocolate chip

Accessories old buttons and old crocet lace I had laying around.

Watercolor Trio fun

2010-07-07T16:49:00.000-04:00

Watercolor Trio is one of my favoite sets from the Summer Mini. I combined it here with the butterflies from the embosslit. I used the happiness stamp from the retired warm words. The white is actually from a big box store and I just cut it in a circle and trimed to make it work with the sketch challenge. I have been stampin up a storm this week. The weather is just to hot to be outside playing.

.Card Recipe
Stamps Watercolor Trio Warm Words
Cardstock Non SU White Wild Wasabi So Safron and Rose Red
Ink Basic Black Rose Red and Wild Wasabi
Punches and Dies Embosslit Butterflies, Scallop Trim and Border
Accessories Pearls and Satin Ribbon

Christmas in July

2010-07-07T09:55:00.001-04:00

This card is for the sketch challenge over at splitcoaststampers. I am finding inspiration from Stampin' Up's new color coach. I absolutely love it. It is so much easier to work with than the old one. I randomly picked these colors, More Mustard, Baja Breeze and Cherry....yummy....Cobler. Then I thought, well these don't look like summer colors to me. So this is what I came up with.

Card Recipe
Stamps Winter Post, sentiment retired To you and yours.
Ink More Mustard, Baja Breeze and Cherry Cobbler
Cardstock the same but add whisper white.
Accessories, Snowflake Punch, Circle punch and cuttlebug snowflake embossing folder.

Happy Birthday Sister

2010-07-06T15:58:00.000-04:00

Because I Care was a free set for demo's if we ordered the new colors during our preorder. So I have it in my hands now and couldn't resist trying it out for my sister's birthday card. I did use retired organdy ribbon on this card but I just thought it was the right ribbon for the job. The new color coach was the inspiration for the color combination. Perfect Plum, So Saffron and Wild Wasabi.

Card Recipe
Stamps Because I care, Occasional Quotes
Ink Wild Wasabi and Perfect Plum
Accessories, 1.25 circle punch, oval punch and square lattice embossing folder. White organdy ribbon SU retired.

Happy 61st Anniversary Mom and Dad

2010-07-06T13:59:00.001-04:00

Phew........... is it hot outside. Perfect reason to be down in my stamp cave! Another reason is Mom and Dad's anniversary is on the 16th. I love the new catalog and since I don't have the new stamp set Just Believe yet, I used the same layout but embossed the flowers from Elements of Style and the sentiment is from the level 3 hostess set Occasional Quotes.

Card Recipe
Stamp Sets Elements of Style, Occasional Quotes
Cardstock, Wild Wasabi, Confetti White
Ribbon Very Vanilla Satin
Ink Wild Wasabi and versamark, Espresso marker
Technique Embossing and tearing spritzer tool.

2010-11 Stampin' Up Catalog

2010-07-06T09:39:00.000-04:00

The new Stampin' Up catalog is here and I have your copy waiting for you. It's full of great idea's not to mention all the wonderful new goodies to see. I love the new set Just Believe and now that Stampin' up is offering clear mounts as an option, there is an even more economical choice. Don't forget you can always go to my web site and see the new catalog on line at http://www.heathergerus.stampinup.net/

Three Little Words

2010-02-06T10:32:00.000-05:00

Just noticed that I hadn't updated my blog since November. I really have been stampin alot but just not posting. The other day I saw a card where the stamper, had used ribbon behind the punched out hearts. I loved the idea and so this is my take on it. I used the set "Three Little Words," perfect for Valentines day. The card stock is whisper white melon mambo and basic black. Hope you like it.

Heather

Bar Mitzfah

2009-10-26T19:53:00.002-04:00

Alana was invited to a Bar Mitzfah and I had to come up with a card. A big shout out thank you to my friend Doris who I just knew would have the right stamps. I used these retired SU stamps to make this card. I used black, silver and white which were the colors used on the invitation. Hope you like.

Step 1

2009-10-17T11:29:00.000-04:00

Step 1 is to take your cardstock, I used a piece of Real Red on this and open it up. This is a regular A2 size card. Open up your embossing folder and put the cardstock at your desired stop half way, 3/4's whatever. Then close the embossing folder then move on to the next step.

Step 2

2009-10-17T11:23:00.000-04:00

Place the cardstock and the folder between two cutting pads and then put on top of your platform and run through your Big Shot. I should have taken a picture of this as well but I hope you get the picture!

Step 3

2009-10-17T11:08:00.003-04:00

This is what it will look like when it comes out of the big shot. On my card I added a few score lines to give it some detail.

Step 4 Jolly Petals a Plenty

2009-10-17T11:05:00.001-04:00

Last Step is to put your card together. I used my brand new Stampin Up set Jolliest time of the year
116584 $20.95 I also used the level 2 hostess set Christmas punch.

Embosssing folder fun!

2009-10-14T09:26:00.000-04:00

I had fun making this using the embossing folder Petals a plenty from Stampin Up.

Gotta a little punchy today!

2009-10-06T08:29:00.000-04:00

Fa la la la laaaa la la la la! I can't seem to stop making Christmas cards. I have way more than I send now but I just love them. Maybe I will pack up a bunch for my parents and my girls. This little guy I have seen on SCS and I thought he was really cute. Others had used a sizzlet for the antlers but since I didn't have the right one I tried out the snowflake punch and it worked fine. The Petals a plenty embossing folder was used again with the same technique I used in the Cardinal card. The sentiment was computer generated.

Just had to try it!

2009-09-23T10:46:00.000-04:00

I saw this technique on Patty Bennetts blog but I needed to go out to the craft store and buy a wood frame to do it. I will link you to her site so you can see the tutorial. Why reinvent the wheel. Just go to http://www.pattystamps.typepad.com/ and you will find it there.

Recipe
Cardstock Real Red and Whisper White
Ink Black stazon, markers real red, old olive, rich razzleberry, crushed curry.
Stamps A christmas cardinal, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Accessories Oval Punch, Scallop oval punch and the
Petals a plenty embossing folder along with a $1.00 unfinished wood frame from the craft store.

Finally having fun with my new toys!

2009-09-23T09:00:00.000-04:00

Friday I finally recieved my winter mini order. Yes, I waited that long. Anyway wouldn't you know it, Mike decided it was a good weekend to work on the heating in the basement. While that's a good thing, I'll be much warmer stamping down in the cave this winter! It was a bad thing because my stamp cave was an even bigger disaster area than usual. I couldn't even stamp. Imagine the shakes I had while all this was going on. Withdrawl I tell you, withdrawl!

Anyway, when I was finally able to stamp on Tuesday, this is the card I came up with. I am trying to KISS keep it simple stamping. I think this one fits that bill. I used the Delightful decorations set from the holiday mini. 116517 $25.95. I really love this set and the punch that goes with it. The sentiment is from Snow Swirled 111690 $24.95. The branch is from a retired SU set, DD Pines. The pearls were from my stash, not sure where I got them and the ribbon is the Basic Gray Taffeta which is 109064 $6.95. The designer paper is Merry Moments from the main catty, 115672 $9.95 a little paper piercing in the corner and it was finished. Ink colors are Basic Gray and Real Red, cardstock is Whisper White and Garden Green. Hope you enjoy!

2009-09-16T19:55:00.002-04:00

This is a card I made for Alana to give Mike for his 50th, tomorrow. It was the sketch challenge on SCS today. Mike and Alana like to play ROCK BAND and the inside says, U ROCK. I used the retired collage alphabet and retired starts. Love this image Extreme Guitar, perfect for teen cards.

CC236 Soft Suede and Pretty in Pink

2009-09-15T13:19:00.002-04:00

Today I decided I needed a challenge. Whenever I feel blocked and can't come up with any idea's I just head over to splitcoaststampers and do the daily challenge. Today's was the color challenge and from my title you can see we had to use Pretty in Pink, Whisper white and Soft Suede. Soft Suede is one of the six colors Stampin' Up has in it's in color line for 2009-10.

One of my favorite go to sets is Lovely as a Tree. I love that you can use it for any gender, any season and really any occasion. Lovely as a Tree really is a must have set in my opinion. The With Sympathy sentiment is from Teeny Tiny wishes. I love that these sentiments fit in practically any punch. Hope you enjoy!

Recipe

Stamps: lovely as a Tree,Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Pretty in Pink, Whisper White and Soft Suede Retired Pattern Pack paper
Accessories: Half pearls from pretties kit. Soft Suede Ribbon, modern label, 1" circle and small oval punches.

Never to early!

2009-08-29T08:55:00.000-04:00

In my humble opinion it is never to early to start making Christmas cards. This year even more so since my sister is taking me on a cruise in the middle of November. This is the card I made for the color challenge this week. Red, Chocolate Chip and kraft. The one thing on this card that is worth mentioning is that I bleached the mans sweater. I love the look, to me it looks like a fisherman's knit sweater.

Recipe

Stamps Snow Swirled and Winter Post

Paper as stated

Ink Basic Brown, Carmel, Chocolate chip, Real Red, versa mark before embossing white snowflakes.

It's been awhile

2009-08-24T09:47:00.000-04:00

Haven't posted for over a month but that doesn't mean I haven't been busy in the cave. I've actually knocked out about 35 cards in the last month. Today I am posting this one, I was looking at the SU spring/summer 2009 catty and on page 94 I saw a card I liked the layout they used. That's where I started but it really is a different take on the card. I like how it turned out, especially how the friend to friend sentiment sits right above the heart to heart sentiment. This card took about 5 minutes to put together, that's my kind of card! Let me know what you think.

Cardstock Certainly Celery, Chocolate Chip and Old Olive

Stamps Pocket Silhouettes, Friendly Words Wheel

Ink Old Olive, Chocolate Chip

Ribbon Old Olive 5/8 grosgrain

Lynniepoo to the rescue.

2009-07-14T10:45:00.000-04:00

My parents 60th Wedding Anniversary is on Thursday and I hadn't come up with a card for them. Well, Lynniepoo on SCS had a spectacular card with the happy anniversary 60 mom and dad. She was really kind and offered to send me some. This is what I came up with.

Paper Pink Pirouette, Whisper White, vellum.

Punch Retired butterfly SU, 1 1/4 and 1 3/8 circle.

Manhattan embossing folder.

Offray ribbon and half pearls.

Don't hunt, don't fish, don't sail......so??????

2009-06-23T08:08:00.000-04:00

Masculine cards are always a challenge for me. My masculine stamp sets consist of sailing, hunting and fishing........so what to do for my Dad and father in-law for Father's Day . Well, I saw this fantastic card by sunnyj on splitcoast. The card is really pretty self explanatory all the stitching was just chocolate chip marker. The buttons I used thread and then glue dots to adhere them. The designer paper is SU's To the Nines 114038. The Happy Father's Day stamp is retired from All Year Cheer ll. It is mounted on Sage Shadow and then Chocolate Chip. I also used a corner rounder on the bottom of the cuff. Inside I used Wonderful Favorites the set I earned free from Stampin' Up. Hope you like it.

Heather

Dreaming a Little

2009-05-18T08:29:00.000-04:00

My stamp cave has been cold. Seems when that happens I don't feel like stamping either. That said, yesterday, I put on some warm cloths and headed down to the cave. It was still cold but it was great to get the creative juices flowing again. With Mona Lisa Smiles DVD on for company, this is one of the cards I came up with.
I had yet to ink up Dream a Little the level three hostess set, so ink it up I did. Although I got this set because I like the hummingbird, I didn't end up using it.
I popped the middle flower up on dimensionals and also stamped the center again and popped it up as well, a touch of dazzling diamonds and it was done. Have to say I really like the new scallop punch we have.

Recipe
Stamps Dream a little
Ink Riding Hood Red, Cameo Coral, Regal Rose, Kiwi Kiss, Basic Gray,
Paper: kiwi kiss, regal rose, whisper white and DSP Raspberry Tart
Accessories: dimensionals, scalloped and regular oval, and photo corner punches and dazzling diamonds.

2009-04-30T11:12:00.000-04:00

So I've been looking for my stampin mojo. Wasn't in the stamp cave, not in the house or the car, might have been in the garden, but I've been spending a fair amount of time out there and hadn't come across it. Well, it finally showed up. It was hiding in Julia's Ways to us it challenge over at SCS.

This challenge called for black.......well, I've always loved black and white together yet haven't made a card using only black and white.

Finally I inked up one of my new sets from the Occasions mini. Great Friend. I embossed the butterfly with white ep on black cardstock. Faux tearing and layering was used with the paisly background stamp now retired. I find wire not easy to use but in this case I wrapped it around some silver brads for antena. I've had this metal edge tag forever and finally found a use for it. Non SU ribbon and the sentiment finished it off. Hope you like it Jodi!

Time up get cracking on my stamping and my blog.

2009-04-28T13:23:00.000-04:00

Guess it's about time I took some photo's of what I've been working on and update my blog. I left my regular part-time job at the library at the beginning of April. I still plan to work if they need someone to fill in but I won't be tied down to a regular shift.

April has been a busy month though. During spring vacation, my youngest, wanted take her friend up to Ottawa, for a visit. So off we went and visited the city and family. A week later I was back up to Ottawa to move Lindsay out of residence and into her new apartment before bringing her back for the summer.

I've been enjoying the HOT weather since getting back and have been spending time in the garden. Hopefully I can stamp a few things in the next couple of days and load them up onto my blog.

The Stamp Cave

2009-02-04T09:28:00.000-05:00

A few people have asked me about the rock that I mentioned was in our basement. Hence the name Stamp Cave. Here is an old picture with the rock in it. Also our dog Toby who had 18 Christmas' with us before we had to put him to sleep. He survived gastric blot just like Marley! He was a lot like Marley as well. Crazy dog, a dog only we could love.

Anyway, that's the Rock. I stamp on the other side but as you can see this is a basement that can't be finished.

Tart and Flowery

2009-02-03T09:35:00.000-05:00

The other day I saw a card made by Kerin Sylverster on her blog. http://www.kerinstamps.com/ I thought it was really cute but I don't have Petal Pizzazz. Okay, so I wasn't going to let that stop me. I'm a caser at heart. Love to stamp but I have a hard time coming up with my own designs. So this is my take on Kerin's design. I used Basic Gray instead of Black. I like the pink and grey together. I'm not happy with the use of pixie pink in this, I would change it if I did it again. I substituted Tart and Tangy for the Petal Pizzazz. I think it works okay. What do you think?

Recipe:

Stamps, Bella's Bloom, Tart and Tangy

Ink: Pixie Pink, Pretty in Pink and Regal Rose, Basic Grey

Cardstock : Pink Pirouette, Basic Grey Whisper White, Pixie Pink, Regal Rose and Pretty in Pink

Designer Paper: Retired Loves Me from 2007

Accessories, 1 1/4 circle, scallop circle punches, dazzling diamonds and basic grey taffeta ribbon.

Shelli and I Regionals Providence RI

2009-02-02T09:15:00.000-05:00

I just got this photo sent to me recently. Thanks Mary LeClair. Regionals was a blast. I'm going to have to go to convention some day.

Yummy Lovin'

2009-01-29T13:55:00.000-05:00

The other day I picked up some dollar store glasses. Yes, I am at that age. Anyway, they came packaged in these wonderful pillow boxes. I decided today to pick up some "Sweethearts" and fill them up. I used the coluzzel to cut the oval and stamped the Yummy stamp colored with the Regal Rose and Real Red makers. Then I distress it because it wasn't a clean cut. After that I tied a grosgrain ribbon in Regal Rose and then banded the box with SU's Candy Lane paper. A couple of brads and voila, it's ready for one of my DD's who just happen to love "Sweethearts."

A Little Something

2009-01-29T09:38:00.000-05:00

This one is for Ms. Horn who made the last comment on my blog the other day. I asked which of my new sets I should ink up first and Ms. Horn said "Yummy." Well this morning I rushed down and did just that. This is a gift card holder, one of my favorite things to make. for those of you who might not know how to make one, here are some instructions.
Cut a piece of cardstock in half length wise, now score at 3, 51/2 and 81/2. Fold in the center and then fold the other scored sides in like a W. Use double sided tape to seal the inside fold at the sides and bottom. I use a word window punch and circle punch to create a place for a gift card.

This is a fun set and I can't wait to play with it again later today.

All eyes on Wednesday's winter storm -- Page 1 -- Times Union - Albany NY

2009-01-27T09:56:00.000-05:00

All eyes on Wednesday's winter storm -- Page 1 -- Times Union - Albany NY

Looks like tomorrow will be a big stampin' day here. I am really happy that Mr. Brown is bringing my new goodies today. Besides all the new accessoires I'm getting, Dream a little, the love you much bundle, bella's bloom, dreams de jour and the Sale-a-bration set Yummy!

So which set do you want me to play with and post first?

Sad Day.

2009-01-26T15:29:00.000-05:00

Awhile back SCS was doing the pink week when we were all making cards for Cancer awareness. Anyway, I posted this one. It was in honor of my cousin, also named Heather who was fighting a nine year battle with Cancer. Here first diagnoses was breast cancer shortly after her first and only child Kieran was born. She fought that but shortly after it returned and essentially was all through her, brain, bone, liver etc. Heather has always had a very dry sense of humor and she maintained that until the end. She passed away yesterday morning, at home with her husband and son by her side. Her dog Merlin, stayed on her hospital bed in the living room for the last 24 hours. Although I am very sad today, I am grateful that I had her in my life and that her suffering is finally over. Heather Rest in Peace. Love Heather

Another one going.

2009-01-25T09:14:00.000-05:00

As I said before, I'm cleaning out my stamps ready for some new ones. Actually, I'm hoping to make
enough to put a big dent in the Big Shot starter kit. This one is the retired Blossoms Abound and it's ending shortly on ebay so I just had to use it before it's not mine anymore.

Don't know about where you are but her in the Albany area we are having a much colder and snowier (if that's a word) winter than usual. I am looking out the window right now at my lilac bush with leaves or lilacs right now and it makes me anxious for spring. After living in Tampa for 3 years, I just can't seem to enjoy winter anymore.

On this card I also used my Best Yet set which I love. As a demo it always makes me sad when they come out with awesome sentiment sets that we can only use for a short time. I wish this was in the main catty. Hope you enjoy.

Recipe:
Stamps: Blossoms Abound, Best Yet
Ink: Pacific Point, Kiwi Kiss
Card Stock: Pacific Point, Kiwi Kiss and Confetti White
Accessories, Med oval & ticket corner punches, vintage brads sponge and dimensional.

I'll Miss it a Latte!

2009-01-23T12:42:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I get in the mood to list some things on Ebay. This week I was really in the mood. I listed alot. Anyway, I hadn't used the retired set Like it a Latte in ages so I decided to list it. I've been having second thoughts but it's to late. So I decided to get busy and make a few cards with it before it's gone. I always loved using liquid applique with this set, it's just perfect for it. Hope you like it.

Recipe

Stamp set: Like it a Latte

Card Stock: Blush Blossom, Chocolate Chip and Ruby Red

Ink: Ruby Red and Chocolate Chip, Vanilla

Accessories: Clear EP, Ribbon from the winter Mini, Liquid Applique and the coluzzle.

Inspired by Nature Embossed.

2009-01-22T13:09:00.000-05:00

I just love this set, Inspired by Nature it's on the dormant list right now but is still available. It's such a pretty set to emboss with. I must be in the mood for flowers lately. Maybe I should head down to the Cave and find something other than a flower.

Recipe:

Stamp set: Inspired by Nature 111656 $23.95

Retired Greeting

Cardstock: Kiwi Kiss, Raspberry Tart Designer paper.

Ink: Versamark, Rose Red.

Accessoires: White EP, Clear EP, Ticket Corner punch and Rose Red Grosgrain Ribbon.

Still chilly in the Stamp Cave!

2009-01-22T10:49:00.000-05:00

Mike was suppose to hook up this heater to our hot water tank but hasn't gotten around to it yet. But I'm still Chillin and I mean Chillin in my stamp cave. Maybe if I bring everything upstairs he'll take the hint:)

It certainly has been a cold December, January around here and it seems from the news everyone else has been chilly.

Heading down to stamp.

Heather

Bloomin Cold!

2009-01-22T08:56:00.000-05:00

So what do I do to try and feel warm? Go down to my Stamp Cave and make a card using a flower. In this case I used Bloomin' Beautiful's poppy. One of my favorite sets to watercolor.

Recipe

Stamp set: Bloomin' Beautiful

Ink: Black Stazon and Watercolor wonder crayons

Cardstock: Confetti White, Kraft and Always Artichoke

Accessories: Aqua Painter, Always Artichoke Grosgrain Ribbon.

What a pleasant surprise!

2009-01-16T10:31:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I opened the mail box and there was a card BRAK in it. For those of you who don't frequent Splitcoaststampers.com it's a "Birthday Random Act of Kindness" Anyway it was the first card I received for my birthday this year. Don't tell anyone but it's a big birthday! Isn't it just goooooooooooorgeous! I love the close to cocoa with the blush blossom. I will treasure it always. A big shout out thanks to Julie Stieber (jkstieber).

Inspired Birthday

2009-01-10T09:27:00.000-05:00

I just love this set. Inspired by Nature. It's so quick and easy to use. I like having cards on hand that can be used for male and females alike. This set is now on the dormant list, but don't worry, if you still want it contact me and I can order it for you.

Recipe
Stamp Sets: Inspired by Nature, Hugs and Wishes
Card Stock: Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip Whisper White
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Accessories, Sponge, Chocolate Chip Grosgrain, Ticket Corner Punch, Tag Punch

Looking forward to the new Catty!

2009-01-10T08:58:00.000-05:00

Stampin' Up's new catty is on it's way but in the mean time I've been playing with Pick a Petal. I borrowed it but I'm thinking I may have to just get it for myself. Believe it or not, I bought it before and then traded it never having used it. I just couldn't get past the petal part and look outside of the box. Well, here is another using this set. I have seen this guy a lot on SCS and just had to make one for myself. I used the Party Hearty stamp on the bottom for a birthday card, inside I used a retired birthday sentiment, they say it's your birthday. I just see this guy using a very monotone sarcastic voice. Fun card.

Recipe

Stamp Sets: Pick a Petal, Party, Party Hearty

Ink" Basic Black, Elegant Eggplant and Old Olive

Card stock, Elegant Eggplant, Whisper White and Old Olive

Accessories, Basic Black Marker, Elegant Eggplant and white grosgrain.

Silver Brads.

Valentines is on it's way.

2009-01-09T14:14:00.000-05:00

So, it's time to start making VDay cards. I don't have a current Valentine set allow some such as Simply said have hearts in them. Today's card uses Pick a Petal that Marymargaret Corcoran was so kind to lend me. Thanks Marymargaret. I used the stamp a ma jig for placement. Hope you enjoy.

Recipe:

Stamp sets: Pick a Petal and Holidays and Wishes

Card stock: Whisper White, Basic Grey and Real Red

Ink: Basic Gray, Real Red

Accessories: Stamp a ma jig, Red Stripped Grosgrain Ribbon

Cuttlebug embossing folder circles, Distressing tool.

Catching up!

2009-01-09T13:48:00.000-05:00

Rustic Rooster is a new level 2 hostess set from the spring/summer 2009 Catty. The catty will be released January 19th. Which coincidentally is my 5oth Birthday.....shhhhhhhh.

Recipe

Stamp sets: Rustic Rooster

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Ruby Red

Card stock: Ruby Red, Chocolate Chip, So Saffron and Very Vanilla

Accessories: Chocolate Chip Grosgrain, Large oval punch distressing tool.

Technique: masking

Always Sad.

2008-12-02T10:39:00.000-05:00

Being the dog lover that I am, I know just how sad it is when a pet dies. Last month a couple of friends of mine lost their beloved pets. I got this stamp a long time ago and only wish I could find a similar one for cats. I used future floor wax and pearl ex on the wings stars and halo. The paw print was embossed in gold. Jake and Zak will be missed.

Tis the Season for Gift Cards.

2008-12-02T10:30:00.000-05:00

I love these gift cards. They are just so easy to make. All you need to do is cut a piece of card stock in half length wise. You will then have a piece of card stock 11 x 41/4. You need to score it at 3" 5 1/2" and 8" Then you fold it into a W. Now take two sided tape and tape the inside part of the bottom and sides of the W. Then at the top of the W, the fold, I use my word window punch and my circle punch to make a place for the gift card to slip into.

On this one I used a Snow Swirled snow flake and To you and Yours. The card stock colors are always artichoke, ruby red and the ribbon is from the winter mini.

2008-11-26T08:32:00.000-05:00

Cardinals are probably my favorite bird. If I could get another look at an Indigo Bunting then I might change my mind, but anyway for this card I used A Christmas Cardinal from Stampin Ups winter mini. It was watercolored using reinkers and an aquapainter. The base is Ruby Red and the then the next layer is Always Artichoke stamped with the mistletoe image. I used the ticket corner punch on this layer and the black layer under the cardinal Black Gingham ribbon tops it all off. Hope you enjoy!

To You and Yours in "07" Colors.

2008-11-18T07:18:00.000-05:00

I had a little fun making this card yesterday. I pulled out the SU in colors from 2007, Cranberry Crisp and True Thyme. I loved these colors for Christmas and the designer paper that matched was fantastic. I used the Top Note die in my Cuttlebug and started from there. I placed the dp on the cardstock before running it thought and then tied a little bit of true time sticked ribbon around. Added a brad and a little dazzling diamonds and it was done.

Here's our house.

2008-09-28T14:08:00.001-04:00

This is our Chalet! Can you see why I think it resembles the house in To you and yours?

To You and Yours

2008-09-28T13:55:00.000-04:00

I just love this new set in the Fall and Winter catty. When I look at this image it reminds me of our house. Especially the way it's surrounded by trees. I will have to find a picture of our place and post it so you can see for yourself.

On this card I used the new scallop punch along the side for a little detail.

The only colors I used were Real Red and Close to Cocoa. Although retired, I had to pull out my favorite all time background, plaid. A bit of Chocolate Chip grosgrain a couple of copper eyelets and it was all done.

Now let's see if I can find a picture of our place.

A Cardinal Christmas

2008-09-21T15:13:00.000-04:00

This weeks Color challenge on SCS was Always Artichoke, Red Ridinghood or Real Red and Basic Grey. I chose to use the new set A Cardinal Christmas. This set can be purchased October 1st. I just love this image and coloring it is so fun. The sentiment is from the holiday set in the fall winter catty called To You and Yours. I really like all the sentiments in this set because they fit easily into the SU punches.

2008-09-12T13:14:00.000-04:00

Today's card was made using SU's Inspired by Nature. I love the wonderful floral images. Purple Cone flowers are in my garden and I love them. I colored the images with markers and then huffed on them. The flowers were colored with red rose, the the tops with chocolate chip and touched with orange. The leaves and stems were inked up with always artichoke. I stamped the sentiment with chocolate chip, mounted it on Rose Red added a couple of brads and chocolate chip grosgrain. Although you can't see it very well in the picture, I used the faux tearing technique and wheeled the watercolor vine wheel over it in chocolate chip. Hope you enjoy.

Ageless Faux Tearing

2008-09-08T08:49:00.000-04:00

This morning I had a little fun trying Beate's SCS tutorial, faux tearing. I used an image from Ageless Adornment that I had watercolored while at my sister's cottage up in Perth, ON. Before we went, I stamped a whole mess of images on watercolor paper and just took my aqua painter and markers along with me. My DD Lindsay and I had a blast painting away one rainy day.

Anyway, I also used Flannel Plaid for the faux tearing part and the sentiment is from Many Merry Messages. I used Old Olive for the base, More Mustard for the background and Cranberry Crisp, Old Olive for the layers. Added a little burgandy grosgrain and it was done.

If you'd like to learn how to do this technique follow this link.http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/fauxtearing

Baby it's hot outside!

2008-07-19T13:25:00.001-04:00

So why would I want to be inside stamping? Because I just love it. I will have to get the camera and start taking a few pictures and update my blog soon. Sorry to those visitors who haven't seen anything new lately.

More to come soon. In the meantime, hope everyone is having a fabulous summer! Keep those flip flops flopping!

Heather

Ways to use it challenge 161!

2008-04-10T13:38:00.000-04:00

Thanks Julia for another fun challenge. Today we had to make a card using eyelets. Yes those little things you have to hammer into your card. Well, I was trying to think outside the box and not just use them like on the card itself. I took one look at Lady and saw her collar and that was it. I had my idea. I made the collar with SU's twill tape, which I rarely find a use for and pulled out a piece of my horded hodgepodge hardward. Hope you enjoy.

SC169 A little Art today!

2008-04-09T09:01:00.000-04:00

This was a really fun layout by Roxie over at Splitcoaststampers. I inked up my paisley backgound stamp with cameo coral for the main card. Then used my mellow moss and cameo coral makers for the flower from one of my favorite stamps from Art of Life. A little french script a scrap of DP and it was time to embellish. Thanks Sharyn for the silver hodgepodge buckle! I used some organdy white ribbon and a few clear gems and it was done.

Must say I really like this one.

It's Headless!

2008-03-20T09:22:00.000-04:00

The other day I started a thread on Splitcoaststampers about the headless images that My Favorite Things stamp company sells. I am not overly fond of them. Seems that it's a 50/50 split on how others feel about the headless images. Well I had a brainstorm when the sketch challenge was posted by Roxi on Wednesday. Why not create my own headless wonder. Well funny thing was I discoved that I only own one set with people in it. Summer by the Sea. So here it is, my card minus the head.

Faux Bloomin' Beautiful!

2008-03-05T12:12:00.000-05:00

I just love the new Stampin up mini and the first set had me drooling. But, do I really need a set that similar to a couple of stamps I already have. Stampin' Up's retired Stipple Hydranga and a cheepo, with the sentiment Bloom where your planted. Well, I had to see if I could use what I had to recreate the card in the mini. Here it is, what do you think?

Olive You

2008-02-04T07:04:00.000-05:00

I made this card for fun, nobody in mind. At least if I don't get one made for DH I will still have this one. Pretty sure last years used the same set though.

Used, Olive you and Everyday flexible phrases stamp sets.
Real red, old olive, chocolate chip and very vanilla cardstock.
Basic brown ink and watercolor wonder crayons and chocolate chip marker for faux stitching.
Brown ribbon is from wally world.
Circle and scallop punches.

Making it work.

2008-01-30T15:24:00.001-05:00

Sometimes when you make a card it just doesn't work. That is what happend with this one.

It's a rainy day in Sand Lake!

2008-01-30T08:34:00.000-05:00

At least it's not freezing rain. Can't believe we are just about into February. Where did the month go. Just a couple of weeks and Lindsay will be home again for break. Think today I will try to do a little house cleaning and the SCS challenge for the day. This is the Challenge card I made on the Sunday. Sunday challenges are featured stamper and this is the one I did.