Pink and Aqua Snowflakes

The current sketch at CAS(E) this sketch is so versatile, that I had to make another batch of cards.  Clicky to see my double wreath post.

Big Focal Point + Big Sentiment Underneath = Clean & Simple Perfection!  I'm adding this formula to my rotation.  :)

First up is this lovely Pink snowflake.  To make some of the layers sparkly I applied versamark to pink pirouette cardstock, then covered it with iridescent ice embossing powder.  I heat set the embossing powder, then ran it through the Big Shot with my dies.  

Here is my first design.  Clean and simple perfection, but I think I like the added layers of vellum and bling on the pink card.  Which do you prefer?

Just to be sure I made a few more.  6 in total, plus the 2 from the previous post.  I would say I was super inspired by this weeks sketch.  :)

Ink: Versamark
Paper: Pink Pirouette - Whisper White (Stampin' UP!), Surf Blue (Simon Says Stamp); Vellum Cardstock (SU)
Accessories: Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder (Stampin' UP!); Eliza Snowflake - Kate Snowflake (Simon Says Stamp); Joyous Wishes (Penny Black); Jewel Bling

Housewarming Party Blog Hop

Welcome to the Housewarming Party Blog Hop for Catherine Pooler's website makeover.   

My friend, and founder of StampNation, Catherine Pooler, had a "big girl" makeover on her blog recently and this week she is celebrating.  In the video below you will see how Catherine me while making this card for her blog hop.

Instead of getting gifts though, she is giving them away.  What?!  Yes, that's right.   Even better she is letting me give you a party favor or two!

Click on the link above and you can try out StampNation yourself for only $1 and see why I love it so much!  You can even jump right in and participate in the challenge going live today.  Here's a peek of what the design team did with this challenge.  If you saw my blog post yesterday you already know which one is mine.

That's not all.  One lucky person who leaves a comment on this blog post will win a FREE ONE MONTH SUBSCRIPTION TO STAMPNATION.

As if that wasn't enough, you have a chance to win some door prizes too!  Click on the picture below to go to Catherine's blog where the blog hop begins.  Then comment and link up for your chance to win one of the over $300 worth of prizes including...

• One FREE year membership to StampNation
• Some Odd Girl ~ $20 Gift Card
• Ellen Hutson ~ $50 Gift Card
• CASual Fridays ~ $25 Gift Card
• Winnie & Walter ~ Home Themed Stamp Set
• Penny Black ~ Shades Creative Die
• Pretty Pink Posh ~ $50 Gift Card
• Clearly Besotted ~ £30 Gift Certificate
• Hero Arts ~ $30 Gift Certificate

I know, right?  Completely awesome.  So, make a Home card to celebrate Catherine's new home on the web, visit her site to see all the wonderful changes and enter for your chance to win.  Be sure to leave a comment here before you go to be entered to win a free 1 month subscription to StampNation.

Hop on over there now and don't forget to take advantage of the $1 trial for StampNation.  Clicky

Stamping Supplies:
Stamps: Kinda Eclectic (Stampin' UP!)

Inks: Daffodil Delight, Melon Mambo, Wild Wasabi, Blackberry Bliss
Paper: Whisper White, Melon Mambo,  Stripe (Tattered Angels)

Accessories: Sparkling Clear Sequins (Pretty Pink Posh), Embellished Tag (Mama Elephant), Happy Die (Simon Says Stamp), What's Up Punch (Stampin' UP!)

Butterfly Hello

Since  I've been posting different seasons this week, I decided I must make a "Spring" card.  When I think of Spring I think of soft pastels, flowers and Easter.  Sitting on my desk was this beautiful embossing paste background that I made a couple of weeks.  (clicky to see that post) I've been meaning to make it into a card, but life got in the way.

I was inspired by the Inspiration Nation photo challenge at StampNation from a couple of weeks ago.  If you are counting, that is 4 cards inspired by one awesome photo.  It doesn't hurt that I love butterflies.  

This card was so easy to put together, because the background was done.  I cut out a couple of butterflies from some scraps of purple vellum, and the hello script from black cardstock.  A few sequins finishes it off beautifully.

Stamping Supplies:
Paper: Basic Black, Whisper White, Vellum
Dies: Hello Script (Mama Elephant), Interlocking (Penny Black), Leanna Butterfly (SSS)
Accessories: Dreamweavers White Embossing Paste, Sparkling Clear Sequins (Pretty Pink Posh)

Raining Hearts

As promised, here is the card I did not use for my design team submission this week.  At first glance, it might appear "design team worthy" and honestly it might be.

My only problem with this card is I went a little too heart crazy.  :)  What was I thinking?!  Sometimes it's hard to know when enough is enough.  Afterwards it is easy to see I have gone too far.  That's not why I didn't enter it though.  It didn't fit the inspiration photo as well as the card I posted yesterday.

Stamping Supplies:
Stamps: Lots to Say (Reverse Confetti)
Ink: Tumbled Glass - Milled Lavender - Festive Berries - Shabby Shutters (Distress Inks), Versamark
Paper: Whisper White, So Saffron (SU)
Accessories: Heart Rainfall Die (SSS), Fancy Clouds Die (PoppyStamps), Wild Wasabi Embossing Powder (SU), Coastal Cabana Thick Baker's Twine (SU)

Hello, Friday!

Friday is here at last.  Let's celebrate this special day with a colorful card inspired by CAS(E) this Sketch and the new Tag You're It challenge.

CTS#87
TYI#3

Hopefully it is pretty easy to see how I was inspired.  My rainbow of chevron stripes were created with my newest stencil.  Don't you just love them?  After I sponged on the Distress inks I sprayed them with a little water to get them to blend.  

***Simon Says Stamp is having a sale on all their Ranger products.  Save 20% by using code RANGERSALE.

Stamping Supplies
Distress Ink (by Ranger): Evergreen Bough, Festive Berries, Peacock Feathers, Picked Rasperry

Paper: Black (SU), Woodgrain Embossed (EH), Doll Pink (SSS)
Accessories: Zig Zag Stencil (SSS), Embellished Tag (Mama Elephant), Hello Script (Memory Box), Black Twine (Pretty Pink Posh)

StampNation Teams Up with Penny Black

UPDATE:  Video added to show how I created the focal point.  CLICKY to check it out. 

All week long the design team at StampNation will be joining with the crew of Penny Black.  Today is my day to be featured on their blog, and I cannot tell you how excited I am about it!!!

Penny Black is also the sponsor of the current challenge going on a StampNation.  Clicky to check out the sneak peek on my blog last week, and then go enter for your chance to win 3 stamp sets from the new release!

Not yet a member?  Click HERE for details.

Be sure to go to their blog and let them know I sent you.  They will be giving away 2 one month memberships from those who comment.  ;)

In honor of this special day I am showcasing a second card using my Penny Black stamps.  I chose this Cool Chicks stamp set a few months ago so that I could have a good set for practicing my Copic skills.

I have to say, the images in this set are great for those of us who love to color.   The spaces aren't too big, nor too small. The clear photo-polymer stamps gave me a crisp image every time.

Thank you Jill and the Penny Black team for allowing me to guest on your blog today.  I've fallen in love with your high quality products and awesome customer service!

Supply List (Stampin' UP! unless otherwise noted)

Card 1: Gathering Together
Stamps: Gathering Together (Penny Black), Special Wishes (Penny Black)
Ink: Bermuda Bay, Coastal Cabana, Crisp Canteloupe, Soft Lilac (Hero Arts Shadow Ink), Strawberry Slush, Versamark
Paper: Pink Pirouette, Whisper White, Basic Black
Misc: Interlocking Die (Penny Black), Black Satin Ribbon, Black Embossing Powder

Card 2: Cool Chick
Stamps: Cool Chicks (Penny Black)
Patterned Paper: Fresh Prints DSP Stack (SU), Gingham Garden (SU)
Copics:  Sorry I don't have a list of Copics used. This was one of my earliest coloring sessions and I just kept pulling out colors to experiment.
Misc: Banner Punch (SU), Punch Pack (SU), Rhinestones, Circle Framelits (SU)

Be sure to CLICKY to see Fridays post with a video showing how to create the focal point on the first card.

Basics & Beyond ~ Wonderful Day

My friends, Catherine, Chupa and Maureen, are launching a new class today called Basics & Beyond.   Boy do I wish this class had been around a few years ago when I was learning how to design & create cards.

Click here to see what the class is all about.  :)  I've already used some of the tips I picked up in the class to put together today's card.

I was also inspired by the following challenges:

CAS*ology: Paint


SSS Wed. Challenge Blog: Pearls

The Card Concept: Floral

Not sure if you would consider this CAS or Clean & Layered since I added pearls.  What do you think?

If you would like to check out the Basics & Beyond class: Click Here
StampNation members get 50% off: Click Here to become a member & get your code
Missed out on the first class, A Very Trendy Holiday: Click Here

Card Supplies:

Stamps: Special Wishes (Penny Black)
Paper: Watercolor Paper (SU), Lilac (SU)
SU Ink: Daffodil Delight, Real Red, Pumpkin Pie, Bermuda Bay, Tempting Turquoise, Rich Razzleberry, Strawberry Slush
Misc.: Kensington Border (Memory Box) Basic Pearls (SU)

Watercolor Rainfall

I'm on a watercolor kick lately.  It's so much fun to take a blank piece of paper and wash it with a rainbow of colors.  Perhaps I am being influenced by all the rain we're having here in the Pacific Northwest.  It's turning everything green and colorful again.

I combined the two February challenges at Stampin' Celebration as inspiration for my card.

SC#75 Feb.

SC#75 Sketch

One little tip I can pass on to you is to use a QuickStik tool if you are going to be attaching all these little hearts.  It makes the task so much easier.

QuickStik Tool

If you've never seen one and want me to do a video on how to use it, let me know in the comments below.  :)

Creative Blessings,
Heather North

I'm also linking up with the new Wednesday Workout at Simon Says Stamp.  The challenge is to use new products so I used my new SSS die, new paper pack and brand new Seattle stamp.  <3   No wonder I love this card, it's fun playing with new toys.  :)

New

Supplies:
Stamps: Seattle (Impress), Gorgeous Grunge (SU)
Ink: Bermuda Bay, Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Real Red, Rich Razzleberry, Strawberry Slush, Tempting Turquoise

Paper: Cupid's Arrow (MME)

Misc: Cloudy Day Embossing Folder (SU), Apothecary Accents Framelits (SU), Heart Rainfall Die (SSS), Scallop Border Punch (SU)

Fight Like A Girl

If I had superpowers I would erase Cancer.   Unfortunately I don't have the power to do that, but I can stand behind my friends and family in the battle for their lives and offer prayers, support, encouragement, tears and a well timed card.

This card will be sent to one of my friend's battling breast cancer, but it was made for all of you touched by cancer in some way.  {hugs}

Butterflies are symbol of hope for a beautiful tomorrow, to me, so I chose to include a butterfly over my pink ribbon.

TCC3

I'm linking up with a new challenge that I hope you will check out. The Card Concept There are so many styles represented in the design team for this challenge site that you are sure to find your own somewhere in them.  I'm pretty sure my card today fits in the Shabby Chic category, but it could also fall under Freestyle Collage and Classy & Elegant.

Fusion#4

I'm also linking up with the fusion challenge using the butterfly against a blush background. Hopefully I will get a chance to make another card using the sketch.

Sending out prayers and healing thoughts to all of you out there battling cancer or taking care of someone who is.  "Fight Like A Girl" and kick cancer's but!

Creative Blessings,
Heather North

Card Supplies:
Stamp: Fight Like A Girl (A*muse Studios), Gorgeous Grunge (SU), EnFracais (SU)
Colors: Blushing Bride, Pink Pirouette, Regal Rose, Smoky Slate (SU)
Accessories: Embossing Paste, Leanna Butterfly (SSS), Leafy Branch (Savvy Dies), Tessatina Stencil (Memory Box), Vellum Cardstock, Basic Pearls, Tea Lace Doily, Pink Taffeta Ribbon, Wink of Stella Pen, Irridescent Ice Embossing Powder

Song In My Heart

Your are the song in my heart.  Don't you just love this stamp set and matching die from CAS*UAL Fridays?  It combines my love of music with my favorite shape, the heart.

I've been familiar with CAS-UAL Friday challenge blog for awhile and often wondered what UAL stands for.  Recently I was looking through their online store and clicked on a link to the store blog and found my answer.  (plus a fun new to me challenge)  CleanAndSimpe- Utterly Adorable Layers.  I can do CAS, but I love my layers. How fun to discover that CFS does too.  

CFS GDT challenge

If you go to the challenge post you will see who inspired me.  The first card made by Virginia had me running to the stamp room, but all the entries have sparked my creativity. Clicky

I tried out ghost stamping on a sponged background.  It is subtle, but nice.  I'm on the hunt for a more opaque white ink.  Any suggestions?  

STS#13

The sketch for my card comes from one of my favorite sketch challenges, Seize the Sketch. Instead of a circle punch I mimicked the circular shape with sequins.  I thought it was a fun twist on the sketch.

This card is going to my hubby for Valentine's Day.  I practiced colors and inks on a scrap piece of paper and then used it to decorate the inside of my card.  I'm going to enter it in the Cardz4Guyz challenge as well.  

Truly, Madly Deeply.Challenge # 5

Three challenges for one card?  It must be a holiday week because this card could fit into several other challenges too.  :)   Each challenge is unique. One is color, the other a sketch, and the last one is a theme so I think it is safe to enter all three.  Check out the links to the challenges and see if they inspire you.

Creative Blessings,

Heather North

Stamps: Love Notes (CAS-UAL Fridays)

Paper: Glistening 6x6 pad (Authentique)

Color: (SU) Baja Breeze, Black Staz-on, Craft White, Marina Mist, Night of Navy, Soft Sky

Accessories: Basic Rhinestones, Heart Note Die (CFS), Gold Paper (CM), Sequins (Pretty Pink Posh)

Song of My Heart ~ CTD278

I'm so honored to be a guest designer for Color Throwdown this week!!!  A couple of weeks ago the card I made using a cute little nurse that Julz Butler made for me was chosen as the Featured Stamper.  Clicky to see that post if you missed it.

Barbara Anders graciously asked me if I wanted to be the guest designer on February 5th and I said yes!   She didn't know she was helping me reach one of my goals for 2014.

Aren't those colors yummy?!    Color challenges often stump me, but Color Throwdown does a fabulous job of combing colors and I'm usually happy with what I come up with when I use a CTD pallet.

In case you were wondering, here are the little tags I tucked inside the front pocket.  It's hard to see but those Lil' Inker Design tags have debossed hearts on them.  I embossed them with my new Love Notes stamp set from CAS-UAL Fridays.

The inside was kept simple by using scraps I made while designing the front of the card.

I'm linking this up with the current Simon Says Stamp Wednesday challenge.  Were they reading my mind when they put up a challenge for Have A Heart?  :)  I love this time of year where hearts can be found everywhere!

Have A Heart

Thank you  Barbara Anders and the Color Throwdown design team for allowing me to participate with you this week, and for the fabulous color pallet you give us each week.

Creative Blessings,
Heather North

Supplies Used
Stamps: Language of Love (SU), Love Notes (CAS-UAL Fridays),
Paper (SU): Crumb Cake, Fresh Prints DSP Stack, InColor DSP Prints, Pink Pirouette, Pistachio Pudding, Vellum, Whisper White
Accessories: Embossing Powder- Clear & White (SU), Linen Thread, Love Tags Dies (Lil' Inker Designs), Pink Pirouette Taffeta Ribbon, Pink/Red Baker's Twine, Stitched Scallop Border (LID)

Language of Love

Fresh Prints DSP Stack

Always & Forever

Do you ever just make something for the pure joy of creating?  That is what I did when I saw this challenge from the Monday Mood Board. In fact I was so inspired I want to make another card that is lighter in color with lots of lace.

Monday Mood Board Wplus9

Looking at the inspiration photo made me think of romance and femininity. You can see I had fun playing with some of my new goodies.  

I had to add some pearls and a pink flower to my romantic card. The card wasn't "pink" enough for me, so I stamped the Love Notes in pink and added a silver heart note die cut.

My layout came from a new-to-me sketch challenge called Tuesday Morning Sketches.  Isn't this a perfect pair of challenges?

TMS#234

When I saw this sketch I got excited because I knew I could use my new scallop square die from Reverse Confetti.

Creative Blessings,
Heather North

Card Supplies

Stamps: Hardwood (SU), Love Notes (CAS*ual Fridays), Lots to Say (Reverse Confetti

Paper: Smitten 6x6 (Authentique), Basic Black, Whisper White

Accessories: Black Satin Ribbon (SU), Basic Pearls (SU), Ribbon Flower (SU), Heart Note Die (CAS*ual Fridays), Love Note Die (Reverse Confetti)