With a Stamp and a Song

PCP Friday Sketch

noreply@blogger.com (Deb) — Sat, 18 May 2013 00:30:00 +0000

Here's my card for today's Friday sketch at Paper Craft Planet, using the fun new Fabulous Floral Gerbera stamp from Flower Soft and components from one of the new digital downloads. I was inspired by "watermelon" colors in anticipation of summer!

Visit the Paper Craft Planet sketch challenge forum to play along!

Notes:

Memento Tuxedo Black ink

Copic markers

faux suede ribbon

Two Points of View!

noreply@blogger.com (Deb) — Tue, 14 May 2013 15:45:00 +0000

Hello friends! I have a fun little project for today's Paper Craft Planet 3d challenge! It is a mini-album with "two points of view" that I found on Pinterest. I used a Martha Stewart scoring tool, and modified the scoring just a little bit because mine was made with textured 12 x 12 card stock and needed a little extra room to fold squarely, but otherwise, I followed the instructions from the original post.

What's unique about this album is that it has two "fronts." The fold lends itself nicely to giving a contrasting perspective of one theme. I chose to use the same colors throughout, although it would be fun to make another with some bold contrast...maybe even half dark, half light.

This would make a great "his and hers" keepsake album for a newlywed couple to jot memories of their treasured moments or collect trinkets from their wedding or honeymoon. It's tall and thin, so only tiny photos would fit, but it would be fun to include theatre ticket stubs, receipts, and other small sentimental memorabilia.

Visit the 3d challenge thread for my modified "how-to's" and to share the link to your completed project!

Notes:

No stamps!

Martha Stewart score tool

12 x 12 inch card stock

Tim Holtz tea-dye distress ink

Prima and My Mind's Eye designer papers

You Are Special!

noreply@blogger.com (Deb) — Tue, 07 May 2013 14:15:00 +0000

It's special sets release day at The {Stamps} of Life! We've got phones2decorate and talk4phone that accompany our latest club set, phone4you. There's also a new patterned stamp, frame5background, AND a surprise!! A new product: card stock that coordinates with Stephanie's inks. Woohooooo!

Be sure to check out all the new stuff, and take a peek at the gallery of projects using them!

Notes:

talk4phone

Stephanie's plum ink

Sizzix star die

Authentique Remembrance designer paper

Hemptique twine

button, bosher (ha! remember those?!)

Celebrate Nat'l Scrapbooking Day ALL Weekend!

noreply@blogger.com (Deb) — Fri, 03 May 2013 17:00:00 +0000

Happy National Scrapbooking Day! Hopefully you're inky and enjoying some crafty goodness!

It's raining here in northeast Florida for the 3rd day in a row, so I've been staying in my studio where it's warm and dry, playing with some stamps that were just begging for ink. Although I started out as a scrapbooker, stamping and coloring are my true love, so I'm celebrating NSBD by catching up on some card-making.

Wanna celebrate NSBD in a big, fun way? How about a SALE?! i {heart} papers is offering you some great savings, now through Monday! There are lots of new goodies in the store, so make sure to stop by, and SOON!

Notes:

Paper Smooches Needle Little Love stamp set

W+9 Lacey Layers stamp set and matching dies

Memento ink assortment

Spectrum Noir markers

My Minds Eye Quilting Bee designer paper

May Arts mini pom-pom trim

Spring Bloom Hemp Twine

New stamps from TSOL!

noreply@blogger.com (Deb) — Wed, 01 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000

The brand new club set from The {Stamps} of Life was released this morning...it's a really FUN, retro set called phone4you. The TSOL gallery has so many inspiring cards in it! You NEED to see it!

It's so funny how a certain image will trigger a whole flood of memories. This phone reminds me of the little alcove at the top of the stairs at my grandmother's house, a little niche tucked into the wall. A phone just like this one in sat inside it, like a queen on her throne! I had a little pink princess phone in my bedroom at home, but THIS phone was black and heavy and important looking and when it rang it sounded more like an alarm clock than a telephone! I was intrigued by it. ;)

I hope you're having a good week so far!

Notes:

phone4you

Stephanie's licorice and strawberry inks

Framelit Majestic Labels die

Strawberry spray

Sprinkles glitter

Studio Calico wooden hearts

My Mind's Eye Quilting Bee designer paper

Red twill ribbon

Coffee Quick!

noreply@blogger.com (Deb) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 17:15:00 +0000

Here's a cute coffee project for this week's Paper Craft Planet 3d challenge. It was inspired by a darling project I found on Pinterest! I hope you'll play along!

Notes:

Stampin' Up card stock
Flower Soft Coffee Time stamp set by Elisabeth Bell
Memento ink
Spectrum Noir markers
Kool Tak adhesives
Spellbinders dies
Jenni Bowlin button
Zva bling
May Arts ribbon

GRS Color Challenge!

noreply@blogger.com (Deb) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +0000

Here's a card for today's Gourmet Rubber Stamps' color challenge. LOVE these colors! So fresh and springy and HAPPY!

We have a fun announcement that you are going to LOVE! Today we are starting the "Chef's Choice Giveaway" for each of our monthly color and sketch challenges. It's super easy to enter and I know you'll want to win the great prizes we have planned! Here's how you can enter...

Just leave a comment on any of the Gourmet Rubber Stamps Facebook posts between April 25th-27th.
Visit each designer's blog and leave comments between April 25th-27th on their challenge posts. (The blog list will be posted on each blog or click on the photos above.)
If you want an extra chance to win, play along on our challenge and post your lovely creation to our Facebook page. We'll add your name for another entry to win.

On April 28th, we will select one of our designers as our Chef's Choice Blog. The winner will be selected from the comments left on her blog and on her card posted to the GRS Facebook page.

The Chef's Choice winner will receive one of the recently released Appetizer sets and will be announced on the GRS Blog and Facebook page. You'll have one week to claim your prize.

Are you ready to WIN???? Here are the blogs to visit and love a little! :)

Notes:
Happiness sentiment
Memento ink
Spectrum Noir markers in yellow and turquoise
My Mind's Eye Unforgettable
Cotton Candy Stickles
mint glimmer ribbon
Zva bling
flower
wooden heart

More than Meets the Eye!

noreply@blogger.com (Deb) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 18:30:00 +0000

Hi! I'm here with a simple Paper Craft Planet sketch to help you welcome the weekend! At first glance, it is a super clean and simple design, but you'll see from the open tri-fold card that there is more than meets the eye. I've used a couple of newly released Flower Soft stamps (You've Reached the Top! and Little Friend) to construct a cute scene that goes along with the sentiment, which is the only thing that's visible when the card is closed.

Feel free to make your design as simple or as detailed as you like! Can't wait to see what you come up with! Be sure to upload it to the PCP gallery, and link to your creation in the challenge thread!

I have a little surprise BONUS for you on the PCP blog, so be sure to check the bottom of that post for more info!

April ClubCR8

noreply@blogger.com (Deb) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 03:19:00 +0000

This month's edition of ClubCR8 is now LIVE! It can be yours for just $8, less than the cost of 2 cups of coffee! I hope you'll join us!

OM!

noreply@blogger.com (Deb) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 12:30:00 +0000

Have you seen this month's new sets from The {Stamps} of Life? So many adorable images, but I think my FAV is this new alphabet!

Since my current focus is following doctor's orders so that I can get healthy, and yoga is one of the things he's prescribed, I couldn't resist combining the lotus flower from froggy2love with a little "OM!" I love this combination of warm and cool colors and that little dangly Pink Paisley dragonfly!

New GRS Appetizers!

noreply@blogger.com (Deb) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +0000

Gourmet Rubber Stamps is releasing two great new appetizer sets today! The one I've used for today's card is called Butterfly Trio. I love the versatility of these three butterflies...you KNOW that I love the music one, but there's also a solid one, and one that's "natural." That means you have all kinds of options!

This Authentique designer paper was a perfect accompaniment for that lovely musical butterfly! All the supplies I used are from i {heart} papers.

Visit the GRS blog, our design team's blogs, and of course, the new products page!

GRS Blog

Jeni Allen
Jennifer Ingle
Kelli Palmer
Kendra Wietstock
Stephanie Lee
Melissa Cash
Lori Barnett
Joy Stagg

Meridith Ethington

Notes:
Gourmet Rubber Stamps Butterfly Trio
Authentique Remembrance designer paper
Memento Elderberry ink
Spellbinders' Decorative Labels 8
Spring Bloom 1 hemp twine
Basic Grey button
Zva bling

GRS Sketch!

noreply@blogger.com (Deb) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +0000

It's sketch challenge time for our Gourmet Rubber Stamps design team. Here's this month's sketch.

My card is made with the appetizer set, True Colors, along with Memento ink, Spectrum Noir markers (turquoises, reds, yellows and warm greys) and MME Unforgettable designer paper. (Are you're singin' Cyndi Lauper now? I am!)

Here are links to lots of great inspiration! Leave some love, and be sure to welcome our newest designers, Lori and Joy...this is their first official GRS DT challenge!

Lots of Dots!

noreply@blogger.com (Deb) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 11:30:00 +0000

If you've visited the Flower Soft FaceBook page recently, you know that all our Mabel Lucie Attwell products are on sale! I pulled out my MLA Card-making Kit and a few sheets of polka-dot designer paper to make a pair of cute Spring cards.

These were so fast and easy to make! Sure to bring a smile!

Timeless Tuesday!

noreply@blogger.com (Deb) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 04:00:00 +0000

It's time for another Flourishes' Timeless Tuesday challenge...and this week we're using real or faux stitching on our projects. I used straight and zig-zag machine stitching on mine.

This fuchsia image from Old Fashioned Florals makes me smile! My mom had a beautiful hanging basket of these gorgeous blossoms when I was a teen. The flowers are small, but their colors are so vibrant!

I wanted this card to be bright, frilly, and girlie since it will be going to my mother-in-law who recently fell and fractured her shoulder. My heart goes out to her...since I injured my leg about six weeks ago, I know very well how difficult it is to keep up with normal everyday life when your body is broken. This month has gone by in a blur of doctor, chiropractor, and physical therapy visits. I am struggling to "get all of my plates spinning" again, and am still trying to get used to a "new normal" when it comes to food and two more months of this elimination diet! Thankfully it is getting easier every day!

Notes:
Flourishes card stock
Old Fashioned Florals
Memento Tuxedo Black ink
Copic markers
Cuttlebug embossing folder
Spellbinders classic scallop edgeabilities
May Arts ribbon and tulle trim
American Crafts button
hemp twine
rhinestones

Visit the Flourishes blog and the design team to see their Timeless Tuesday creations! And before you go...I'd like to thank you for all of your visits and comments during my guest design time! It has been a blessing and a pleasure! I am sad that the time passed so quickly!

GRS Color Challenge!

noreply@blogger.com (Deb) — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 10:00:00 +0000

I absolutely LOVE the palette that the Gourmet Rubber Stamps team was given for this month's color challenge! Such soft beautiful greens, heralding Spring and bringing a quiet calmness of spirit.

I chose to stamp a neutral rendition of "Bluejay," an image from our Laura Hunter series, onto a scrap of designer paper, tinting it subtly with alcohol markers and a few smudges of distress and chalk inks.

Notes:
GRS Laura Hunter Bluejay
Authentique "Grace" designer paper
paper scrap from stash
Memento Espresso Truffle ink
Spectrum Noir warm gray markers
Ranger Frayed Burlap distress ink
Clearsnap chalk Queue ink
crochet lace trim
Zva pearls
natural hemp twine cord
button from stash

Visit the GRS blog and our design team to see creations for today's challenge!

ihp DT challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Deb) — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 10:00:00 +0000

It's time for our i {heart} papers design team challenge. This one is quite bittersweet, because we've been doing challenges from the very beginning, and this is our last one! I thought it would be appropriate for the team to pick their favorites (you'll find the list of them at the bottom of this post). Mine is actually a combination of several of my favorites from the list...I really LOVE this My Mind's Eye designer paper, so I combined the December 2009 MME challenge with 2010's March reduce/re-use/recycle challenge. I reused some old wooden spools (inspired by these)...even the little spiral pins were reused from another project. This is also today's Paper Craft Planet 3-D challenge. I hope you'll join me!

Notes:

Flourishes' Just My Type stamp set

My Mind's Eye Unforgettable designer paper

Copic markers

Spring Bloom 1 hemp twine

May Arts sheer ruffle trim

buttons

dressmaker pins

circle die

Take a peek at what the rest of the team chose for their favorites!

March's guest designer, Mary Dawn Quirindongo
Carole
Gretchen
Judy
Lori
Taylor
Tracy
Kate

And here's the list. In the beginning, we didn't use keywords, so some of the early ones don't have links.

2008

December--Christmas thank you

2009

January--Valentines for "other-than-sweethearts"
February--Christmas Paper NOT for Christmas
March--Sketch Challenge
April--Going Askew
May--Stampin' Out Alzheimers
June--Bling it On!
July--wide ribbon
August--ABC's and 123's
September--large-scaled prints
October--1st Birthday Bash (multiple challenges)
November--Sketch
December--My Mind's Eye

2010

January--case calendars
February--Best Creations shamrock paper
March--Green (reuse/recycle)
April--flowers
May--CASEing Kimberly Crawford
June--Getting Krafty
July--From the Stash (to make room for new stuff from CHA!)
August--Get Organized (stuff "from the office")
September--Treats and Tablescapes
October--Birthday Bash
November--Lights All Aglow
December--Fashion-inspired

2011

January--Candy Shop photo inspiration
February--inspired by a story
March--Anything Goes (new product from JanCHA)
April--ihp exclusive stamps
May--technique-color blocking
June--sensational summer
July--inspiration-favorite charity logo
August--beat the heat (cool colors)
September--Anything Goes (new product from July CHA)
October--Tsukineko Fireworks
November--SRM Calendars
December--Market Street Stamps

2012

January--Decor Inspiration
February--ihp + PCP trends challenge
March--Mint Motif
April--100% Wool Felt
May--Paper Smooches Stamps
June--Studio Calico Journaling Kits
July--Anything Goes
August--Color Inspiration Challenge
September--Zva Creative
October--ihp's 4th birthday
November--Technique Tuesday Stamps
December--All About Food

2013

January--Design Seeds Color Inspiration Challenge
February--Spectrum Noir markers with 12 x 12 Collection Packs
March--Today's Pick Your Fav

Rejoice!

noreply@blogger.com (Deb) — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 05:00:00 +0000

It's Flourishes' Timeless Tuesday! This week's challenge is "Spring!" I am happy that Spring will officially start in just a few days! There are things that I love about each and every season...in Spring, it's the brilliant array of colors, the bright greens of new growth, the sweet fragrances of emerging blossoms, and the sights and sounds of new life, especially at Easter with its theme of renewal and resurrection. Flourishes' set, Easter Wishes, captures the very essence of Spring and Easter.

Find more inspiration on the Flourishes blog, and be sure to visit the Flourishes design team:

Notes:
Easter Wishes
Classic Ivory card stock
My Mind's Eye designer paper
Memento Tuxedo Black ink
Copic markers
Spellbinders Fancy Labels 3 die (cut in half)
ruffle trim
bling

Have a Ball!

noreply@blogger.com (Deb) — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 10:00:00 +0000

Gourmet Rubber Stamps is releasing two brand new sets today! This one is called "Have a Ball!" With an orange basketball, I couldn't resist going for a bold orange, black, gray and white, high-contrast card! Orange and black were our high school colors!

I used a Cuttlebug folder to emboss the numbers, then brayered Memento London Fog ink over them. The basketball stamp was inked with (Clearsnap Cat's Eye Jelly Bean Queue) Marigold and then around the edges with Orange and stamped on white card stock. I used a die template made with copy paper to perfectly align a circle die over the stamped image before running it through the machine.

Visit the GRS blog and my design team mates to see more great cards made with this set and with our other new set, "Magical Birthday!"

Tea For Two!

noreply@blogger.com (Deb) — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 22:30:00 +0000

Here's a very quick and easy project that uses Gourmet Rubber Stamps images, a single 6 x 6 sheet of paper, a few card stock scraps for a focal point, and whatever embellishments you like. You'll find step-by-step photos on the GRS blog.

The inspiration for this project came from Studio M.

Notes:

Vintage Verses and Hello, Friend

Scor Pal

Authentique's Spring designer paper
Clearsnap ink

Spellbinders oval dies and labels dies
crop-a-dile
satin-edged grosgrain ribbon
Spring Bloom hemp twine
button
pearls

Subtle, Yet Glorious Green!

noreply@blogger.com (Deb) — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 07:00:00 +0000

It's time for another Flourishes' Timeless Tuesday challenge, and this week we're using green.

Usually I begin a card by choosing card stock and coordinating patterned papers, but the starting point for this one was that lovely deep, dark olive green sheer ribbon. It harmonizes so beautifully with a trio of prints from My Mind's Eye Unforgettable, whose colors were perfectly suited for this particular image from Windows to the World. The layout is one from Flourishes' "layouts we love" Pinterest page.

Visit the Flourishes blog for all the challenge details and for more inspiration!

Notes:
Windows to the World
Memento Espresso Truffle ink
Frayed Burlap distress ink
Copic markers
My Mind's Eye Unforgettable designer paper
sheer satin, scalloped edge ribbon
pearls

Keep Calm and Pray on!

noreply@blogger.com (Deb) — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 12:15:00 +0000

Here's a new set from The {Stamps} of Life, calm2keep!

So many of my friends are struggling with life issues lately! One had bilateral mastectomies and is undergoing chemotherapy, two others recently lost their husbands, and another dislocated her kneecap during a yoga class, which is a huge challenge with a two year old to care for.

When circumstances are overwhelming, "keep calm and pray on" is a perfect admonition! Sometimes when we're in the thick of things, we need a reminder! Something simple and straight to the point!

Take a peek at the gallery to see more calm2keep cards and the other words of encouragement that are a part of this versatile set!

Notes:

calm2keep

matching Majestic Labels die

Clearsnap ink

Premium dye sprays by Colorbox and Stephanie Barnard

Authentique Spring designer paper

pleated satin trim

Spring Bloom hemp twine

paper flowers

Kaisercraft rhinestones

GRS Sketch

noreply@blogger.com (Deb) — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 10:00:00 +0000

Today, the Gourmet Rubber Stamps team is playing a sketch challenge...it is a simple, straight-forward sketch which is absolutely perfect for our newly released Laura Hunter series stamps. This one is called Paris. The sentiment at the bottom is from Vintage Verses.

Back in the early 90's, Patrick was deployed to the Mediterranean, and when the ship pulled into Marseilles, I met him there and we took the bullet train to Paris. What an amazing, romantic trip it was! We stayed in a tiny hotel near the Louvre, and had coffee in a small cafe` near the Eiffel Tower. We toured the Opera and spent some time shopping in the fashion district, where I bought a snazzy pair of spectator pumps...they're what inspired the use of this pretty striped ribbon from May Arts ("aged" with Glimmer Mist), the dressmaker pens, spool button, and thread.

Visit the GRS blog to see sneaks of what my design team mates have created!

Flourishes Timeless Tuesday!

noreply@blogger.com (Deb) — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 10:00:00 +0000

Hello friends! I'm so excited to share the news that I am guest designing for Flourishes' Timeless Tuesday Challenges for the month of March! This week's challenge is Embossed Corrugate - Use Real or Faux Corrugate on your project.

It's been "really cold" in Florida this week, which doesn't happen all that often (and yes, I know, "really cold" is relative!)...when the cold weather comes (even though the flowers are blooming and it's nearly Easter), it puts me in the mood to make wintry cards. This one is a nearly monochromatic Christmas card, with the exception of some soft, coral-red holly berries. The image was stamped with Memento ink, colored with Copic markers, and framed with a soft sponging of distress ink.

The corrugated paper was more kraft-colored than my designer paper, so I inked its ridges with Memento ink, then finger-painted it with ivory acrylic paint and spritzed it with some pewter shimmer spray to help it harmonize with the other colors. That gave it the Winter White look I was hoping for.

Visit the Flourishes blog for more inspiration and details regarding the challenge.

Notes:
Flourishes Doves and Holly stamp
Flourishes Classic Ivory card stock
My Mind's Eye Unforgettable designer paper
corrugated paper
ivory acrylic paint
pewter shimmer spray
Memento ink
Copic markers
Tim Holtz Frayed Burlap distress ink
Spellbinders' classic ovals dies
sheer ribbon
velvet ribbon
Prima flower
sewing machine

What's cookin'?!

noreply@blogger.com (Deb) — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 11:00:00 +0000

The GRS team is playing a fun color challenge today! Our inspiration came from this gorgeous retro kitchen photo, which was so much fun to work from!

I chose to take the challenge "literally" and make a card with an apron on it...the "?!" pretty much sums up how I'm feeling about the elimination diet I'm on right now. It's like an extreme limited supply challenge for every meal! The sentiment inside is "what's cookin'?" which has become the ongoing mantra in our household lately!

Notes:

heart apron and what's cookin' sentiment stamps

My Mind's Eye Unforgettable designer paper

Memento Rich Cocoa ink

Spectrum Noir turquoises and reds marker sets

Spring Bloom 1 hemp twine

button

Thickers

sewing machine and thread

Be sure to visit the GRS blog and my team mates' blogs to see all the adorable designs they've created!

i {heart} papers design team challenge!

noreply@blogger.com (Deb) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 11:00:00 +0000

It's challenge time for our i {heart} papers team. This month, we're featuring Spectrum Noir alcohol ink markers and our 12 x 12 collection packs.

Unfortunately, it's been Plan B (or C or D...) week for me! I literally "popped" a muscle in my right calf last Monday, so I have been stuck in my favorite cushy chair with my leg iced and elevated all week long. I haven't been brave enough to try to venture upstairs to my little stamp haven but once or twice, and even then only for a short time since I can't allow my leg to dangle for long. Let me tell ya, hobbling around, having to depend on loved ones for every little thing, and being unable to drive really makes one appreciate the everyday little things and value one's independence!

All that being said, I'm sure you can tell that this project didn't make it much farther than the framework...all of the stamping, coloring, and embellishing are yet to be done! This little pocket album is made using two 12 x 12 sheets of card stock, contrasting card stock for the pocket inserts, and lots of lovely designer paper. I am hoping to finish it with some beautiful Lacy Layers stamps, matching dies, and some pretty floral images inside and out.

Here's how it was made:

Trim 1 inch from one edge of one sheet of card stock, then cut the sheet into three 4 x 11 inch strips.
Score each strip 1/2 inch from each long edge and then at the 5, 5 1/2 and 6 inch marks. Round the corners with a corner punch.
From the second sheet, cut a strip of cardstock approximately 2 7/8 x 10 inches.
Score at 4 1/2, 5, and 5 1/2 inches.
Adhere the scored flaps to the long edges of the flat strip to make one long pocket, but leave the center "spine" portion and ends free. Repeat for remaining pockets. Once firmly set, fold each pocket along the center score line with the pockets facing each other.
Punch holes in the spine using a small hand-held punch.
Stack the three layers together, and lace some ribbon through the holes from front to back, then around the spine back to the front. Tie into a bow.
Cut pocket inserts, ~2 3/4 x 5 inches. Round corners and add pull tabs if desired.
Stamp and embellish!

Be sure to visit my team mates and our guest, beloved, gorgeous Sankari! Here are the links to their blogs!

February's guest designer, Sankari Wegman
Carole
Gretchen
Judy
Lori
Taylor
Tracy
Kate