STAMPIN' UP FLOWER SHOP!!

Sorry about taking so long to post something new, but the truth is, tonight was the first time I had a chance to play with some of my new stamps.  Actually, I didn't really have a "chance" -- I just said enough with washing windows and cleaning house, I'm going to do something I love.  Besides that I am way late getting this thank-you card in the mail.  It is almost to the point where I'm ashamed to even send it (don't think that has ever happened to me before).  I have tons of thank-you cards, but I wanted something "new" and "fresh" to send as it is going to a fellow stamper.  And I just wanted to "let loose with my design" as you can see by the picture. 

I have always been an admirer of Impressionist Art because to me it is like doing shabby chic and now grunge art -- all are expressions of how I feel.  Impressionism.org defines "Impressionism" as a depiction of an artist’s impression. "It does not aim to be accurate in detail, but the impression often elicits a stronger emotional appeal, which is variously triggered in the beholder. It is a spontaneous expression, often discarding the basic ability to draw correctly and becomes more an interplay of colors.  Because it is an impression, every impressionist painting becomes more an expression of the heart."  So here is my card, which is definitely a play on our new in-color inks and totally discards the ability to draw (LOL).  However, it is my impression and from my heart:



My background was created using the direct to paper technique, with a twist.  I used watercolor paper, applied the in-color inks with a plain rubber stamp (mounted on wood), and then misting with water.  Using the watercolor paper added the texture I wanted plus allowed me to mist the ink to set the colors.  Of course I added the petals from the new Flower Shop Stamp Set  (Strawberry Slush Card Stock and Ink) and the leaves cut from the Secret Garden Framelits using Old Olive Card Stock.



And yes, I did get another 12" x 12" double-page layout done for my grand-daughter.  I really thought I was done with her album, but I keep finding pictures I want to add.  Normally I never show non-Stampin' Up product because I don't buy anything but Stampin' Up, but the product on the left page was given to me and it matched the color I was looking for these pictures (I did add some new Washi Tape to it however).  The page on the right is retired Stampin' Up DSP, but current accessories.  I love how I was able to match up the colors on the 2 pages.



Close-up of left page.  This layout I intend to use again with all Stampin' Up product.



Close-up of left page -- notice the use of the new Chalk Talk Framelits.  (Right-click on the pictures and select "Open in new Window" and then click on the picture to enlarge for detail.)

Until next time,
Sandi

"Rejoice in the Lord always.  I shall say it again:  rejoice!" -- Philippians 4:4

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS!

Boy, this last week "LIFE" has really taken up a lot of my time!!  Why can't I just squeeze in a little more time to do what "I" want -- CREATING???  I even have a "to-do" list for every day (which I'm sure all women do).  However, it seems I'm never getting to this list until late afternoon because there are always these "can you do this" requests at the last minute.  So today's post is a little late and it will be short (mark that on your calendar).

This month my card class was all about birthdays.  So let me share with you what I came up with for my stamping friends:

Stampin' Up product used:  Secret Garden and Happiest Birthday Wishes Stamp Sets; Whisper White, Basic Black, and Daffodil Delight Card Stock; Basic Black, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive, and Cherry Cobbler Classic Ink; Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Daffodil Delight 1/4" Grosgrain Stitched Ribbon, White Baker's Twine; and Tag Punch.

 

Stampin' Up product used:  Summer Afternoon Hostess Stamp Set; Basic Black Classic Ink; Naturals Ivory, Basic Black, and Summer Starfruit Card Stock; Patio Party and First Edition Specialty Designer Papers; Summer Starfruit, Chocolate Chip, Gumball Green, and Basic Gray Markers; and Summer Starfruit Satin Stitched Ribbon.

Stampin' Up product used:  Feeling Sentimental and Oh, Hello Stamp Sets; Whisper White, Basic Gray, and Riding Hood Red Card Stock; and Fan Fair Designer Series Paper.

As a little gift for my friends I made these little charms, monogrammed with their initials, to tie on their craft bags, key chain, scissors, or whatever they wished.  They loved them.  I still haven't made one for myself, but here are a few of them (front and back pictures):

Stampin' Up product used:  Silver Soda Pop Tops (crushed in Stampin' Up's Big Shot); Lovely Letters Alphabet Stamp Set; Fan Fair Designer Series Paper; VersaMark Ink; Melon Mambo Embossing Powder; Early Espresso 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon; Rhinestone; and Crystal Effects.

On the back of the charms I used the same product as the front except I used the Collage Curios Stamp Set and the 3/4" Circle Punch with the 1" Circle Punch.

 

And finally, I have a winner to announce from my last blog post asking the name of the discontinued stamp set used for my birthday card.  And the winner drawn was (drum-roll please):

A Touch of Sol: Marisol Gutierrez

Marisol, please e-mail me with your address so I can get your card in the mail.  After posting my card, and based on the many comments I received, I think Stampin' Up should bring back this Hostess Set because everybody wants it (including my best friend who I have left it to in my will -- LOL).  I will be updating this post to include all the product used in the creation.

Until next time,

Sandi
"Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. "  -- Matthew 6:34