Never Give Up

Have you had a chance to play along with the new Calling All Sitahs Encouragement challenge?  There are still a few days left to enter your cards to win a $25 gift code to CAS-ual Fridays Stamps shop!!!  psst... the odds are in your favor.  ;)  

This challenge asks you to make an encouragement card based on the photo or colors or both above and link up to http://callingallsistahs.blogspot.com/2017/05/may-challenge-post.html by June 13th at 9am EST

I'm in love with this color palette, so I made another card using it.  I also pulled out my patterned papers.  They've been collecting dust in my stamp room and I've been missing them.  This pack was one I picked up in New York over a year ago!  Don't be surprised if you see a few more cards with layers on them again from me.  The tide is turning.  LOL

Looking forward to seeing some of your lovely cards in the challenge.  Clicky to go there now.

Stamps: Dream the Do (CFS) Wild Garden (CPD)
Ink: Aquatini, Garden Party, Flirty Fuchsia, Pixie Dust, Sweet Sixteen (CPD) Night of Navy (SU)
Paper:  Fairy Dust (Kaiser Craft) Night of Navy, Whisper White (SU) 

Accessories: Buble Box Fri-Dies (CFS)

Don't forget to use coupon code encourage17 to get 15% off at CAS-ual Fridays!

Sold Out

You all were as inspired as I was by the new Stamp of Approval Naturally Inspired collection.  It sold out in less than 15 hours!!!  We didn't even make it to today when it would be live for the public to purchase.  StampNation members had first crack on Tuesday night and when the wait list got the link Wednesday morning they snatched it up quickly.

Catherine generously opened up ordering for the wait list to purchase a second run that will ship in about 4 weeks.  If I were you, I would get on the waitlist now for the new SOA release.  ;) 

I had the card above and a video for you today that went along with my card featured in the project guide.  Unfortunately, since the collection sold out so quickly, I've decided to postpone my video until the items go up for sale individually.  Subscribe to my youtube channel to see when that video goes live.

In the meantime, here are a few sneak peeks at more cards I've made using this collection.  I'll post them when Catherine says they are in stock in her store.  :)

Would you like to see a video for this one?

Check out the sparkle from the new embossing powder.

Another way to use some of the stamps in the medallion mix up.

This is a companion card for a future StampNation challenge.  I used the extra bits and pieces to make a new card for you.


Congratulations to all of you who have a box on the way.  I feel like I've barely scratched the surface with this one.  I truly do love it!

PJ Party Stamping for SOA

We had a PJ party over at StampNation where members were given the link to shop early for the new Naturally Inspired Stamp of Approval.  I pulled out my collection and stamped while members jumped on the link and started ordering like mad!  Here is the card I came up with.

I think it is my favorite one yet!  If you are on the waitlist, please check your emails.  The link goes out today.  If there are any left ordering should open for everyone tomorrow.

Stamps: Birds of A Feather, Wild Garden (Catherine Pooler Designs)
Ink: Fiesta Blue, Garden Party, It's A Boy, It's A Girl, Flirty Fuchsia, Party Dress Pixie Dust, Something Borrowed (CPD)
Paper: Bright White (CPD) Watercolor (Tim Holtz Distress) Winter in the Woods Stack (DCWV)
Accessories: Lattice Frame Die, Wild Garden Dies (CPD)

SOA Naturally Inspired Blog Hop

Today is blog hop day 3 for the soon-to-be-released Naturally Inspired Stamp of Approval by Catherine Pooler.  If you aren't on the waitlist, you will want to be. Go to www.cpstampofapproval.com

My first card is inspired by a summer sun splashed meadow.

Stamps: Simply the Best, Wild Garden

Ink: Melon Ice, *Mystery Ink*
Accessories: Best Die

Direct link to youtube video: https://youtu.be/zm63Aow_LEg

If you have never heard of Stamp of Approval, it is an exclusive quarterly collection curated by Catherine Pooler.  Each product in the collection is designed to work with the rest of the collection.  These boxes are limited edition and only available while supplies last.  Once they sell out you won't be able to order them for months, and never again bundled together at this price.  Get yourself on the waitlist at cpstampofapproval.com to be one of the first notified when this release goes for sale.

My second card was inspired by the picture above.  I saw it months ago on pinterest and I've been wanting to make a card inspired by it ever since.  I just needed some dandelion stamps.  :)  As you can see I used the same basic layout, but came out with 2 completely different cards.

Stamps: Birds of A Feather, Wild Garden
Ink: *mystery ink*, Aquatini, Midnight, Versamark
Accessories: Clear Embossing Powder (Stampin' Up) Wanderlust Embossing Powder (WOW)

This collection is called naturally inspired.   We were each asked how we are naturally inspired.  Honestly, I am inspired by almost everything in the world around me.  I'm very visual, so I see color, pattern and design everywhere I look.  I love being inspired by nature, though I'm not really an "outdoorsy" kind of girl.  So, what inspires you?  Answer in the comments below for your chance to win one of these boxes for free!  If you've already ordered yours, Catherine will refund the money.

Then hop along the rest of the hop and do the same.  Next up is: Cynde Whitlow  If you missed the first 2 days of the hop I will link you to the start of those days below.   Good luck!

Catherine Pooler

Taheerah Atchia

Laurel Beard

Lydia Evans

Ingrid Blackburn

Heather North -you are here

Cynde Whitlow -NEXT STOP- Day 1 Day 2

Naturally Inspired Stamp of Approval Coming Soon

Catherine Pooler is releasing a new stamp of approval this week and it is one of my favorites!  So easy to work with.  I was going to take a leave of absence for this collection because I was having trouble creating while grieving, but decided to sit down and see what these stamps could do.  2 days and 9 cards later I told Catherine I was in.  :) 

This card didn't exactly turn out the way I envisioned it, so it didn't make the cut into my blog hop day.  (which is tomorrow btw, so you'll want to come back for that)  Here is a close up for you.

Can you see the flicks of water I laid down and then pulled up with a paper towel?  Catherine Pooler inks react with water, so you can get cool effects like this.

Speaking of blog hops, there's one going on today and there was one yesterday too.  Comment along each of the stops, each day for your chance to win and come back here tomorrow for my blog hop day!  :)  Go HERE to catch the first 2 days of blog hops.

Stamps: Birds of A Feather, Simply the Best, Wild Garden (Catherine Pooler Designs)
Ink: Bellini, It's A Boy, It's A Girl, Melon Ice, Something Borrowed, Tiara (CPD)
Paper: Bright White (CPD)
Accessories: Spiro Doily Die (CPD)

Go to cpstampofapproval.com to sign up for the wait list and be among the first to hear when the box is released.  This is a limited edition collection and once it is sold out you won't be able to purchase these items for months, and never again in a complete collection at a bundled price.

In With The New...

...Stampin' UP! In Colors, that is.  With the new annual catalog comes a new set of 5 ink colors for the next 2 years.  I thought I would share the colors with you along with the cards I made for my loyal customers over the past 6 months.

First up, the colors.  We have Berry Burst, Fresh Fig, Lemon Lime Twist, Powder Pink and Tranquil Tide.

2017-2019 In Colors

Of course I had to use every color on this card.  ;)  Normally I wouldn't put these colors together, but somehow they work in this vintage collage.

Here is a video to see them in action, along with the notecard I sent to customers with their new catalogs.  :)

Direct link to youtube: https://youtu.be/CuKL3xCw_UA

Thank you to all my loyal customers for supporting me.  It's been a rough 6 months, and I appreciate you hanging in with me even though my family emergencies took me away often.

All supplies are from Stampin' UP!

Stamps: Butterfly Basics, Crafting Forever

Ink: Berry Burst, Fresh Fig, Lemon Lime Twist, Powder Pink, Tranquil Tide

Paper: Berry Burst, Fresh Fig, Lemon Lime Twist, Powder Pink, Tranquil Tide, Whisper White Notecards & Envelopes

2017-2019 In Colors

Butterfly Basics

Crafting Forever

Stampin' Up Retirement List Ends Today

There is a brand new catalog coming in June and that means Stampin' Up needs to make room.  Grab your favorite items from the retirement list because it ends TODAY!!!!  

Here are some of my favorites being retired.

This is one of my all time favorite stamp sets.  It's been under-used, but I love it.  The scrolling images are just my style, and I am sad to see this one go.

First Sight

Several of the washi tape are being retired.  I like to use these to seal my envelopes before mailing and to add color to my planner.

Pop of Pink Washi Tape

Kinda Eclectic was the stamp set used on one of my most popular cards.  It's such a fun set to work with.

Kinda Eclectic

Clicky to see original blog post.  P.S.  The butterfly punches are being retired too along with Papillon Potpourri

It's nice to add a little sparkle to our projects without having glitter fall off.  I'm sad to see the Dazzling Details being discontinued. psst... they are on sale for $1.50 so grab a few.  ;)

Silver Sparkle Dazzling Detail

Mint Macaron from the 201502017 In Colors.  It always makes me sad to say goodbye to my favorite In Colors.

2015-2017 In Colors

This set has retired before I've even had a chance to use it.  I'll likely being showing a couple of cards in the future using it, so if you like it, grab it TODAY.  If I see one of my customers get it, I'll even do a video for you.  ;) 

Picture Perfect

Lots of bundles will be retired with the current catalog.  This is your last chance to pick up these sets at a discount.

Banners for You Photopolymer Bundle

Last, but not least is Gorgeous Grunge.  I can't believe this one is being retired.  It is the perfect set to add those background details that turn a card into from handmade to a work of art.

Gorgeous Grunge

Clicky to original post

So, what is you favorite item being retired?  Go NOW, don't wait to place your order or your favorite just might be gone forever.

Clicky to see all retirement items.

StampNation Challenge: Anything Goes

It's been quiet here on the blog, but I've been a busy bee behind the scenes.  A new Stamp of Approval collection is coming out in less than 2 weeks, so I've been getting inky with some fabulous new goodies.  In case you were wondering, this is my favorite one yet!!!

Anywho, I do have a little sneaky peek to show you.  It's for the current challenge over at StampNation.  Can you guess which card is mine?  It isn't my normal card, yet it is still "me". 

StampNation members can find the challenge here.

Click here to learn more about becoming a member of StampNation.

CAS01 Full On Floral Encouragement

There is nothing like opening your mailbox on a difficult day and finding an encouraging card from a friend or loved one.  It makes the trying time just a little more bearable. When want to spread that encouragement, so Michele Gross of CAS-ual Fridays Stamps put together a new blog and challenge just to help us.  Each month, on the 18th of the month there will be a new challenge meant to inspire you to create a card of encouragement.

Stamps: Be, Full On Floral, Loving Thoughts (CAS-ual Fridays Stamps)

Ink: Aquatini, Pixie Dust, Something Borrowed (Catherine Pooler Designs) Versamark
Paper: Bristol (Essentials by Ellen Hutson)
Accessories: 8 Round Brush; Bubble Box Fri-Dies (CAS-ual Fridays Stamps) Sistahood Sparkle LE Sequin Mix (Pretty Pink Posh) White Embossing Powder (WOW)

Direct link to youtube video: https://youtu.be/ozClo875E-o

PRIZE!!!! Did I say prize?  Why, yes I did!  One entry will be chosen to receive $25 gift code to be spent in the CAS-ual Fridays store!  Can I get a woot?!!!  

If you've used CAS-ual Fridays stamps or Fri-dies on your card we'll double it!! Can I get a woot-woot?!!!  You have until the June 13th to enter, so get cracking.

photo credit: https://www.dreamstime.com/

CLICKY to check out what the new talented Encouragement Squad has come up with and to enter your own creation.

Quilled Creations Precision Tip Glue Applicator Bottle 0.5 oz.

Ranger Multi Medium, Matte Mini, 1/2 oz.

VersaMark Ink Pad

WOW Embossing Powder, Super Fine - Opaque Bright White

Powder Tool Adhesive Deactivator

Pretty Pink Posh Sequins, Limited Edition Friendship Mix

My Sweet Petunia MISTI Laser Etched Stamping Tool

Ranger Non-Stick Craft Sheet

Hero Arts Embossing Gun

Black Velvet Watercolor Brushes, Short Round 8

Essentials by Ellen, Julie's Smooth Bristol, 20pc-5.5" x 5.5"