Bye-Bye Riding Hood Red

I hope you're enjoying the salute to the soon-to-be-retired (June 30th)! Here's another goody. It was a quick and simple card and used a few of my favorite tricks. (1) That large star in the corner? Not an expensive element bought from one of those stores, but a mere use of my star punch, a button, linen thread and chocolate chip sponge. After I punched the stars, I crinkled them a bit for a more-authentic vintage. (2) That banner at the bottom? Not an expensive element - but one that is guaranteed to match the colors on a card every time - with any stamp set. To get the curvy-ness; just roll it around a marvelous marker. The great notch was made using a square punch. (3) That very vanilla panel? Not designer paper. I used the negative piece from a small start punch and sponged randomly. All stars are made with chocolate chip, some stars just received more sponging for a varied color. After the stars were sponged, I cut the panel into 1/2" wide pieces. I originally planned to leave a gap inbetween the pieces, but grew out of room for the aforementioned banner. I didn't realize this until after I cut the panel (As Homer Simpson would say "DOH!"), so I decided to stagger the pieces instead of gapping them.

Here's how you can make your own designer elements. Let me know if you have any questions.

Happy Sunday!

Sweet Deets (all supplies Stampin' Up!):
Stamps: Hugs & Wishes
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Riding Hood Red
CS: Chocolate Chip, Riding Hood Red, Very Vanilla
Accessories: Button Latte, Linen Thread, Dimensionals, Square Punch

It's Saturday Sketch Time, SSC101

I stumbled upon a new site offering Saturday challenges!

To the left is the sketch. I knew my NEW 1" wide double stitch ribbon would be perfect - and from there I continued. I slightly altered the sketch a bit. Wonderful You is from the dormant list - you may notice it from the current Decor Elements III brochure - you can get these great flowers and stems in vinyl! On Monday when the LAST CHANCE list is announced, it will also contain retiring decor element items.

Sorry for the dark pics, it's late here, I'm watching SNL. Hope you're enjoying the weekend.

Sweet Deets (all supplies Stampin' Up!):
Stamps: Wonderful You (from the dormant list!)
Ink: Bashful Blue, Brocade Blue

DSP: Patterns Pack II (hostess option)
CS: Bashful Blue, Brocade Blue, Whisper White
Accessories: 1" Double Stitch Bashful Blue Ribbon

Hurry, Offers Ends May 31st!

Happy weekend! Did you remember Sunday, May 31st is your final chance to buy a sneak peek stamp set from the 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog (catalog to be issued July 1st) --Jumble Alphabet (set of 52; double-mounted)--at a 20 percent DISCOUNT.

Regular Price$43.95 Sale Price $35.16.

Separately, buy three get one free DSP and textured card stock promotion also ends tomorrow!

Click here for more details and shopping!

Bye-Bye Pink Pirouette

Here are a couple things I know to be certain. (1) The color pink pirouette will retire June 30th (2) Candy Lane DSP (remember thru May 31st you can buy three, get one DSP or textured 12"x12" paper free) will retire June 30th and (3) the Occassions Mini will also end June 30th.

I used some heavy chocolate chip sponging to dirty up the pink. Similar to this card I made. To be honest, I have a slight phobia of bright colors or even semi-bright colors. Sponging is also the technique (if you can call it a technique - it's probably just cheating! ) that I used on the flowers - see photo above. I used a blender pen to color in the centers of the flowers with Close to Cocoa for a softer look.

A blender pen also allows you to turn your In-Color ink pad into a marker. That's how I achieved the pink flowers in the oval. And the other pink flower - that was just stamped on pirouette paper in chocolate chip and sponged. Another cheat!

Thanks for visiting!

Sweet Deets (all supplies Stampin' Up!):
Stamps: Only Ovals, Doodle This
DSP: Candy Lane
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Pink Pirouette
CS: Chocolate Chip, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White
Accessories: Large Oval Punch, Oval Scallop Punch, Wide Oval Punch, Blender pen, Sponge, Dimensionals.

Bye-Bye Pacific Point & Baja Breeze

As we calmly anticipate the LAST CHANCE STAMP list (to be announced here on the 1st!), here's a quick card using soon-to-be-retired colors. Pacific Point and Baja Breeze, along with their In-Color Cousins (Kiwi Kiss, Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red, Tangerine Tango) will be no longer available (gasp!) after June 30th. Hurry and stock up - because once they're gone, they're GONE. Don't fret - a new set of trendy colors will take their place.

Sweet Deets (all supplies Stampin' Up!):
Stamps: Central Park
Ink: Baja Breeze, Pacific Point, Tempting Turquoise
CS: Chocolate Chip, Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White
Accessories: Top Note die, Beautiful Butterflies die, Eyelet Border Punch, Vintage Brads, Horizontal Slot Punch, 1/4" Grosgrain Chocolate Chip Ribbon

DSP: Hot Sweets

This adorable birthday card shows off the Hostess Patterns Pack II DSP. We recently made this card at a Stamp-A-Stack. Did you know by being a hostess you can earn free stamps and paper??

Sweet Deets (all supplies Stampin' Up!):
Stamps: Crazy for Cupcakes, Really Retro
Ink: StazOn, Regal Rose, Going Gray
DSP: Patterns Pack II
CS: Whisper White, Watercolor Paper, Real Red, Going Gray
Accessories: Markers, 1/8” Hole Punch, Red Hemp Twine, 3/8” Taffeta, Crystal Effects cherries), Word Window Punch

Sweet Sundae 101 – Ink Pads, Part IV

A quick post today friends! Versamark. Versamark is available in an ink pad and a marker. It creates a subtle tone-on-tone design. Use on colored card stock and achieve a color slightly darker giving depth. On light colored card stock the results are a watermark. This is a great technique for backgrounds. Versamark is also sticky. This becomes a great tool for embossing.


Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Join the SU! Family!

Did you know as a demonstrator I not only get a great discount but I get to preorder sneak-peek sets? Did you know that I'll get the new catty in my hands June 1st (you won't get yours until July 1st!) Are you jealous? Do you want to become a demonstrator? Thru May 31st, there's a limited time only scrapbooking starter kit for $75.

In addition to getting an alphabet stamp set*, white craft ink*, assorted textured 12"x12" cardstock* and a scrapbook kit* you also get all the business supplies contained in the in the standard Starter Kit: Getting Started DVD, Getting Started Guide, Guest Invitation Postcard (100), Idea Book & Catalog (8), Occasions Mini Catalog (8), To My Hostess Envelope (10), Recruit Folders (5), Recruit Brochures (20), Hostess Brochure (20), Hostess Benefits Form (10), Customer Order Form (50)Contact me for all the details. Offer ends May 31st!

*Please note: Each of the products listed above may be substituted for like items.

Click here for more details!

I'm heading off for a relaxing extended, work-free long weekend! Have a good Friday and enjoy the weekend!

Happy Birthday to my Mom

Here's to hoping my mom doesn't read this blog! We had this little present delivered to her desk today! And of course we didn't sign it. Brilliant?

I won't state how old she turns today because that would just be tacky, but I will tell you that we only needed one (big) bag of Dum-Dums. And there were a couple left over (minus the one I needed to get me through the project.) I got this great idea from my friend Alice. This project was a breeze with my Big Shot! (Basket from the Target Dollar Spot, but it was $2.50 - still completely worth it!). The suckers are stuck into a half floral-sponge-dome (sorry, I don't know the technical name).

I used the Embosslits Simple Flower and the Embosslits Cherry Blossom. These folders emboss and cut all in one slick motion. A scrap of 2"x2" is all you need. I finished the flowers before my dum dum was gone.

Here are the two folders open.












Place the paper inbetween the folder and close. The top photo is already closed. See that side says PLACE THIS SIDE DOWN. That's important.





Here are the two folders, with paper, closed, down side down.



This is what you get after you crank 'er thru the Big Shot!













Pop 'em out (and check back for great ideas using the negative image of Big Shot Dies!)











Here's a closeup of the two embossed and cut flowers. They're great for cards, scrapbook pages, tags, picture frames, and the occassional birthday bouquet.


Sweet Deets (all supplies Stampin' Up!):
Ink: Basic Black
CS: Lovely Lilac, Pixie Pink, Summer Sun, Riding Hood Red, Tangerine Tango
Accessories: Embosslits Simple Flower, Embosslits Cherry Blossom

DSP: Hot Sweets

Thanks for stopping by. Today’s card showcases the Raspberry Tart DSP and textured cardstock (both on sale, buy 3 get one FREE). The pink panel is the textured cardstock, made even more delicate with paper piercing. This paper coincides with the Sweet Stems stamp set. How sweet is that??


Sweet Deets:
Stamps: Sweet Stems
Ink: StazOn, Kiwi Kiss
DSP: Raspberry Tart
CS: Pink Pirouette textured, Whisper White, Kiwi Kiss,
Accessories: Markers, Dimensionals, Paper Piercer, 1 ⅜” Circle Punch, 1 ¼” Circle Punch, Blender Pens, Mat Pack

Sweet Sundae 101 – Ink Pads, Part III

StazOn. This is a permanent ink that can be applied to most nonporous surfaces. Need to stamp on a tile or a cellophane bag? Use StazOn. Because it is permanent and will not run, it is also great for watercoloring or coloring with markers. This ink dries very quickly. Always store upside down – and keep the little piece of plastic that comes with the pad. This is not packaging! Here's the plastic piece on the pad, look closely it says DO NOT DISCARD. My friend Jeannette, recommends applying a piece of adhesive to the plastic piece to keep it stuck to the lid – genius!
The permanent ink may stain the rubber – StazOn cleaner (if applied almost immediately) will keep your stamps looking clean and fresh. As with any of the pads, there are ink refills if your pads begin to dull.
Thanks for stopping by!

Raspberry Suite Color Challenge

It's been a productive Saturday and there's been another color challenge posted. This started as a difficult one for me. The easiest way for me to use baja and coral was to "dirty" them up a bit. It's difficult to see but I also crumpled up the coral card stock. I was inspired by that lucious ribbon in the photo and dug deep to find my satin baja ribbon. The picture is a bit dark but it's once again storming here.

Thanks for stopping by!

Sweet Deets (all supplies Stampin' Up!):

Stamps: Thoughts & Prayers

Ink: Baja Breeze, Cameo Coral, Chocolate Chip

CS: Baja Breeze, Cameo Coral, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White

Accessories: Top Note, Trio Flower Punch, Ribbon Originals, 1/8" Circle Punch

Jovial Flowers

Hi friends. I'm feeling particularly jovial this morning. I must admit, however, that last night I was not feeling jovial. It was one of *those* days where I truly wanted to go home, put on my sweats, throw the covers over my head and call it a day. And trust me, if I would live alone that's exactly what I would have done! But it was game 7 and finally the game wasn't on the west coast (I cannot stay up for a game that doesn't START until 10:30 - sorry). I started off tired and crabby but I had some Tangerine Tango and Summer Sun scraps still on my desk from two separate projects and decided (gasp!) to try to use them together. Folks, these are NOT my colors but my friend ALICE would love these bright colors! This is also why I LOVE MY BIG SHOT. Look, that’s all I used for the elements. These went together quickly. I think they're super cute to attach to a gift bag. Hmmm....maybe I'll have to make a matching gift bag. Or wouldn't these flowers look great on a scrapbook page? Sorry, that's for another day.

Thanks for stopping by and please use jovial once today in a sentence! It'll make you smile.

Sweet Deets (all supplies Stampin' Up!):
Ink: Chocolate Chip sponged for the inside of the tango flower

CS: Kiwi Kiss, Summer Sun, Tangerine Tango, Whisper White Accessories: Corduroy Summer Sun button, Linen Thread, Sizzlit SU! Little Leaves, Sizzlit SU! Billboard Alphabet, Sizzlit Naturally Serif Alphabet, Sizzlit Spring Flower Set

Hot Scrapbooking Sweets

At April’s class we made a progressive scrapbooking page. This page was inspired by the Manhattan line and the bag/tag and card posted last week. A progressive page has three distinct elements: a 6”x6” page, a 8 ½”x11” page, and a 12”x12” page. I enjoy teaching these classes because regardless the size of your scrapbook, we can make something for you. May 16th I’m teaching another progressive class, and we’ll be using butterflies. Butterflies are HOT HOT HOT right now! Have you RSVP'ed? I digress. Here’s the Manhattan page.Sweet Deets (all SU!):
Stamps: Defining Life, Central Park, Contempo Alphabet, Fifth Avenue Floral
Ink: Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip , Going Gray, Kiwi Kiss, StazOn
DSP: Urban Oasis, Taste of Textiles (bronze metallic)
CS: Baja Breeze, Basic Black, Going Gray, Kiwi Kiss, Kraft, Whisper White
Accessories: Baja Breeze Reinker, ⅜” Kiwi/Vanilla Satin Ribbon, 1” Baja Breeze Double Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon, Vintage Brads, Sponge Dauber, Big Shot, Stampin’ Up! Little Leaves Sizzlits, Manhattan Flower Textured Impressions Die, Stampin’ Up! Top Note Brayer Bigz Die, Blender Pen, Linen Thread, Button Latte.

Raspberry Suite Color Challenge

Another great color challenge, here's the inspiration:
I have been working on the cards for Saturday's class and decided to double up on the color challenge and the class. Saturday's techniques are all POST-IT-NOTE inspired. RSVP's are due by May 13th! Email me to reserve your spot TODAY!


Sweet Deets:
Stamps: En Francais, Embrace Life
Ink: Basic Gray, Rose Red
CS: Going Gray, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White
Accessories: Pretty in Pink marker, sponge, dimensionals

Sweet Sundae 101 – Ink Pads, Part II

Phew, I can't believe the weekend is almost over already. It's been a busy one.

In addition to remaining their vibrant color, pigment inks are wet and take longer to dry. You can speed the drying process by using a heat tool. The wetness allows pigment inks to be a great vehicle for embossing because the powder sticks well. SU!’s craft pads are pigment inks. Lighter pigment ink will show up on dark cardstock (another bonus!). Pigment inks are soft surfaces. If you tap a pigment ink with the same force of the dye pad, you’ll get ink in places you don’t want inked and make a mess. Instead, use “soft kisses” with a pigment ink pad. Regardless of your choice of ink pad, remember to store them inverted so the ink stays on the top of the pad. The folks at Stampin’ Up! use a unique design that inverts the pads when they’re in the closed position!

On this card, I used Craft White Ink for the leaves on the kiwi kiss for a sweet background. Speaking of backgrounds, do you like the flowers? I couldn't bear to crop them out!! Admist the rain last weekend we went to the nursery and purchased our flowers for the window boxes that overhang our balcony.

Sweet Deets:
Stamps: Great Friend
Ink: Craft Whisper White, Barely Banana, So Saffron, SUmmer Sun, More Mustard, yoYo Yellow, Summer Sun
Accessories: Eyelet Border Punch, SUmmer Sun Corduroy Buttons, Linen Thread. 5/8" Satin Ribbon, Heat & Stick Powder, Dazzling Diamonds, Beautiful Butterflies Bigz Die

Sweet Souvenirs

Here’s a great gift-giving bag and tag. Best of all, these white gift bags are inexpensive and great to stamp on! I used Fifth Avenue Floral set to mimic the paper found in the Urban Oasis DSP. Drop in some homemade cards or cookies for Teacher’s Appreciation Week (May 3rd – May 9th) or Mother's Day (May 10th!!) for a truly sweet treat. Inspiration here from my teammate Jill.Sweet Deets (all SU!):
Stamps: Fifth Avenue Floral, Park Avenue Patterns, Wonderful Words (retired)
Ink: Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip, Going Gray, Kiwi Kiss
DSP: Urban Oasis
CS: Baja Breeze, Kraft, Whisper White
Accessories: Blender Pens, Baja Breeze Reinker, Jumbo Eyelets (pewter), ¼” Grosgrain

DSP: Hot Sweets

Hope you're fully recovered from Cinco De Mayo. Today's card showcases Designer Series Paper (DSP). SU!’s DSP comes in twelve 12”x12” 100lb sheets. It is double sided and each pack contains 6 designs. All the colors correspond to SU’s! exclusive colors. You’ll notice several images on the paper match stamp sets. May is National Scrapbooking Month! To celebrate, buy three packs of Designer Series paper (including our Specialty Designer Series paper) or 12" x 12" textured card stock, and get one FREE! This is certainly HOT, HOT, HOT. I find cards go quickly when pairing a great stamp and a piece of DSP. Here’s a great card for any manly occasion, maybe even Father’s Day. Sweet Deets (all SU!):
Stamps: Cheers to You, Sanded
Ink: StazOn, Chocolate Chip
DSP: Manchester
CS: Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Baja Breeze
Accessories: Markers, Dimensionals, Spiral Punch, 1 3/8” Punch

Happy Cinco de Mayo

I think the margarita glass says it all. A similar simple design to yesterday's card. Although maybe the teachers would appreciate a margarita more than an apple...Sweet Deets (all SU!):
Stamps: Elegant Thank You, Tart n Tangy

Ink: Green Galore, Yoyo Yellow

CS:Green Galore, Whisper White

Accessories: Scallop Circle Punch, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, Markers

Thanks for stopping by & Happy Cinco de Mayo!

ETA: It's still dark and gloomy and rainy here - sorry for the dark photos. One day the sun will come back and I can take better photos!

To Celebrate Teachers Appreciation Week

Yes, did you know it's teachers appreciation week? Here's a quick and easy card to say THANKS to all the teachers. Crystal Effects gloss the apple on the right for a delicious touch.

Sweet Deets (all SU!):
Stamps: Elegant Thank You, Tart n Tangy
Ink: Green Galore, Real Red, StazOn
CS: Green Galore, Real Red, Whisper White
Accessories: Markers, Dimensionals, 1 3/8” Punch, 1 3/4" Punch, Sprial Circle Punch, Crystal Effect

Have you thanked a teacher today?

Sweet Sundae 101 – Ink Pads, Part I

I’m guessing my readers are at different levels of crafting. In the 101 series, the topics are more basic.

Today’s first 101 will be the difference among ink pads. When you look through the catalog or the aisles at the stores, you’ll notice a multitude of ink pad options. Upon completion of a project typically, you cannot determine what type of ink was used. The two main differences are dye inks versus pigment inks. SU!’s classic ink pads are water-based dye inks. A great feature of classic ink is that they dry quickly. However, over long periods of time, these inks will fade. If your project will be exposed to sunlight but you want to preserve the look, you will want to consider using pigment inks (next weeks topic!). The dye pads are durable and made of a hard surface that accepts pressure from the stamps. Regardless of your choice of ink pad, remember to store them inverted so the ink stays on the top of the pad. The folks at Stampin’ Up! use a unique design that inverts the pads when they’re in the closed position!

Have a great Sunday.

Raspberry Suite Color Challenge

Hey friends. It's a great dark and dreary Saturday here - so here's a little cheerful card. Great friends recently became engaged and I needed to send them a card (it's ok, they don't read this blog, so I can share it with you!!). Notice I didn't use an engagement or wedding stamp set!! Ueban Garden DSP is one of the packs on sale this month!!

I also decided to play along with the Raspberry Suite Color Challenge this week! Want to join? Hurry, there's still time!

Sweet Deets (all SU!):

Stamps: Fifth Avenue Floral, Cheers to You

Ink: Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip, Craft Whisper White

CS: Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White

DSP: Urban Garden

Accessories: 5/8" Satin Whisper White Ribbon, 3/8" Taffeta Chocolate Chip Ribbon, Button Latte, Curly Label Punch, Dimensionals

Welcome!!

Tap. Tap. Is this thing on?

Testing.

Hi. Welcome. Thanks for stopping by our little creative place. Sweetest Designs strives to discuss the different products, share tips and tricks and hopefully teach you something! Stamping and scrapbooking, maybe even some baking thrown in the mix! If there’s something you’ve always wanted to ask – now is the time. No questions will go unanswered.

I really don’t know if this will work or not – but if you’re interested, make sure to subscribe so I know if there’s anyone out there listening, err I mean reading! Send the link to your friends and family. I can’t promise I’ll post everyday or every other day, but I’ll promise at least two posts a week. Deal?

Ok, now let’s get to the good stuff. May is National Scrapbooking Month and to celebrate there are three HOT, HOT, HOT deals! All promotions end Sunday May 31st.

♥Buy three designer series paper or textured card stock and get the 4th FREE.
♥Join the SU! family with a $75 scrapbooking starter kit!
♥Purchase a sneak-peak set from the new catalog (to be released July 1, 2009).
Click here for all the sweet deets (details)!

Thanks for stopping by.