Inspired By Stamping August Release - Guitars & Background Basics Lines

Howdy and welcome to Day Two of our August Release Sneak Peeks at Inspired By Stamping!  This month, IBS is paying homage to the men in our life:  husbands, fathers, sons, grandpas, uncles, cousins...they've covered 'em all!

The sets we're featuring today are Guitars and Background Basics Lines.  These two are super flexible, and I will be reaching for these sets to make cards both masculine AND feminine.  (pardon the lighting on some of these pics.  I had to photograph the card on my bed one day :( and rely upon daylight)

Isn't this guitar FUN?  There are two guitars in the set, along with some picks and these FABULOUS splatters.  I added some glossy glue to parts of the guitar, as seen best below.  The splashes are a new 'Colleen Favorite' for grunging and distressing a card.  ;-)

The skinny stripes from BBL looked just like guitar frets to me, so I embossed them in gold.  The sentiment is from Masculine Tags, a set that's being released this week, too.

Stuff to Know Before You Go:

Free Shipping will be available on all orders over $25. This is good for 48 hours ONLY:  August 10th at 7pm to August 12th at 7pm (Brisbane time). Coupon Code: AUGFREE  Buy all 6 sets for a bundled 10% discount.  Blog Candy!  Head over to Joanna's blog and leave one comment per day during the release for multiple chances to win.

Inspiration From Our Design Team:

Joanna ~ Leah ~ Deb ~ Kendra ~ Irit ~ Shea ~ Colleen-you are here! ~ Grace ~ Rose ~ Vicki ~ Shani 

So glad you stopped by today!

Inspired By Stamping August Release - Background Basics IV & Guy Sentiments

Hello, everyone!  Welcome to Day One of the August Release Sneak Peeks from Inspired By Stamping! This month, 6 new sets are being unveiled and they are ooooooh-so-helpful when you're making "Guy" cards.  The sets aren't just for the men in your life, but they do have a masculine edge to them.  Don't know about you, but manly cards are my biggest challenge.  I pleasantly surprised myself by making several dude cards that I really like!

Today we're showcasing Background Basics IV and Guy Sentiments.  (links will work on 8/10/13 when all sets are in the store)  This is one of the first cards I created post-surgery.  :-)  I crawled up to the attic on two different days to put this baby together.

Card elements on the diagonal slant seem to be a hot trend right now.  When I saw this sentiment from Guy Sentiments - which already has a tilt to it - that did it for me!  I decided to do a strip of cardstock, stamped with a pattern from Background Basics IV, on the diagonal, too.  A big swath of striped ribbon and a few vintage buttons...and this card was done!

Stuff to Know Before You Go:

Free Shipping will be available on all orders over $25. This is good for 48 hours ONLY:  August 10th at 7pm to August 12th at 7pm (Brisbane time). Coupon Code: AUGFREE  Buy all 6 sets for a bundled 10% discount.  Blog Candy!  Head over to Joanna's blog and leave one comment per day during the release for multiple chances to win.

Inspiration From Our Design Team:

Joanna ~ Tina  ~ Calypso  ~ Pam ~ Shani ~ Deb  ~ Colleen-you are here! ~ Kendra ~ Irit ~ Shea ~ Leah   

Thank you SO much for your visit today!  See you tomorrow with another guy creation.  :-)

Color Me Happy, Happy Birthday

We interrupt this long string of pre-planned posts to bring you something just made yesterday!!

Yes, it's true:  made it yesterday, photographed it THE SAME DAY, and am posting a day later.  Whoopee!  This is a milestone for me, post-surgery.  It's been six weeks since I had my foot reconstructed, and it's been challenging trying to get my craft on.  Looking back, it's quite amazing how many cards I've made in those weeks, considering all I need to do to accomplish that.  Now, I'm not totally happy with the creations coming out of Studio Dietrich, but hey, I've got to start somewhere.  The mojo got lost along the way, but it's slowly returning.  :)

The papers are Prima, and gosh, I cannot remember the name of the collection.  Now that I've made it down to the first floor to get on the computer, I forget it!  The black and white damask is an 'unknown' scrap I received from my cousin.  The stamps are all from Inspired By Stamping:  the pretty frame and decorative flourish (stamped in hot pink) are from Fancy Labels 2, and the sentiment is from Vintage Frames.  The ribbon is from my beloved grandmother's stash.

I'm joining up with the linky party at Seize The Birthday.  There are prizes involved...that's always a nice bonus!

I will be back tomorrow, 'cause our August Release Sneak Peeks begin for Inspired By Stamping.  It's ALL about the guys for this release, so be prepared to see some masculine creations (which are my most challenging category of all, so go easy on me).

Stamps: Fancy Labels 2, Vintage Frames - Inspired By Stamping Paper: Vintage Cream - PTI; b/w pattern; all other patterns - Prima; Crumb Cake - SU Ink: Pixie Pink - SU; Memento Tuxedo Black - Tsukineko Fibers: vintage pink satin ribbon Accessories & Tools:  pearls; Crumb Cake marker - SU; Double Embossed Dotted Lace scalloped border punch - EK Success; Fancy Tags Two die - Spellbinders; White Opal Liquid Pearls - Ranger

Wedding Season

Here is another preplanned post to share.  Enjoy!

Yep, it's wedding season.  The Wedding category of my card boxes at the shop is usually almost empty at this time of year.  To help replenish it, I made these cards recently:

The vintage ribbon with picot edging is from my grandmother, while the taupe braided trim is new from Waverly.

Stamps: Happily Ever After - Verve Paper: Sahara Sand, Very Vanilla - SU; damask patterns - Best of Damask - My Mind's Eye Ink: Frayed Burlap - Ranger; Versafine Onyx Black - Tsukineko Fibers: vintage picot edge ribbon; taupe braid - Waverly Accessories: pearls - Recollections; pearl stick pin - Mark's Finest Papers; taupe pearl stick pin - Jenni Bowlin Studios; Arches punch - EK Success; Grommet Tags die - Spellbinders

The next two cards can be used for either a wedding or an anniversary.  Love the flexibility of those Verve sentiments!

If you recognized this Grace (Market Street Stamps) background from another post, you're right.  I used its twin on the fifth card in THIS post.  On this card, there were some 'bald' areas where the ink didn't show up on my paper, so I covered them with a die cut and flower sticker.

Stamps: Grace background - Market Street Stamps; Fairy Tales - Verve Paper: Sage Shadow - SU; white - PTI Ink: Sage Shadow, Baja Breeze - SU; Versafine Onyx Black - Tsukineko Fibers: white cotton twine - SU Accessories & Tools: buttons; pearls - Queen & Co.; Classic Tags die - Memory Box; doily die cut - Martha Stewart; flower sticker - K & Co.

Similar to the first card, with a few changes:

Stamps: Happily Ever After - Verve Paper: Very Vanilla - SU; damask patterns - Best of Damask - My Mind's Eye Ink: Frayed Burlap - Ranger; Baja Breeze - SU Fibers: white seam binding - Hug Snug Accessories: pearls - Recollections; pearl stick pin - Mark's Finest Papers; taupe pearl stick pin - Jenni Bowlin Studios; Arches punch - EK Success; Grommet Tags die - Spellbinders

Thanks so much for your visit today, everyone!

Navy Wedding Wishes

Hi!  Well, here I am with another pre-planned post to share.  :-)  I have been crawling up to the attic to craft, but mostly it's been for my August release projects for IBS.  Glad I made enough stuff before surgery to keep the ol' blog busy until I can get back into the swing of things!  

A friend recently requested that I make a wedding card for someone special.  I begin my design process by asking questions about the bride, to find out what her general style is.  Sometimes I may take a cue from the color of the bridesmaids' dresses, too.

When I learned that the bride likes things that are not too over-the-top, glitzy and busy, but rather prefers simple, sweet styles, I thought of my go-to Grace background stamp from Market Street Stamps.  The bridal party will be wearing navy blue, so here is the result:

Grace was stamped in navy, and each little medallion was topped with a pearl.  Just had to go shopping since I didn't have the right kind of navy ribbon.  I found this satin ribbon from Offray and was smitten.

Sure hope the bride loves the card as much as I enjoyed making it for her!

I believe I can fit this card into these challenges:  City Crafter - "Summertime" (weddings definitely remind me of summer) and Word Art Wednesday - "Anything Goes" (sure do appreciate their easy peasy challenges week after week). ETA:  Moxie Fab World's Tuesday Trigger - I'm Craving Navy

Thanks for dropping by today.  :-)

Stamps: Grace background - Market Street Stamps; Love Story - Verve Paper: Night of Navy - SU; white - PTI Ink: Night of Navy - SU; Versafine Onyx Black - Tsukineko Fibers: navy satin ribbon - Offray Accessories & Tools: pearls; Scallop Diamond border punch - EK Success

All Things Grow With Love

Hello!  Here's another preplanned post to share. Today, I've got some yellow tulips for you....no water or vase needed!  This pretty die cut from K & Co. was beautiful on its own, but I matted it with kraft cardstock, added a punched border, some twine and a little sentiment tag.  It elevated that die cut to something with a bit more 'oomph'.

Love the glitter on these blossoms.  They came that way!  The sentiment is from Fiskars' All Year Greetings.

Hope this bouquet brought some joy to your day!

Thanks for the encouraging well-wishes. :)  I am on crutches for the foreseeable future, and won't take my first step (albeit in this boot) until around August 9th. Crawling up and down stairs is getting old and i look forward to walking again.

Stamps: All Year Greetings - Fiskars Paper: Crumb Cake, Barely Banana, Whisper White - SU; pattern - Colorbok Ink: Versafine Onyx Black - Tsukineko Fibers: twine - Creative Impressions Accessories and Tools: tulip die cut - K & Co.; Deco Fan border, tag punch - Martha Stewart; pearls

Butterfly Birthday

Hi there!  Just popping in to share a birthday card I made a few months ago in preparation for my surgery/recuperation, so my blog could look busy.  ;-D

The frame, stamped in Pear Pizzazz, and sentiment, stamped in London Fog gray, are from Inspired By Stamping's Vintage Frames set.  The ticking stripe stamp is by Hero Arts, making its debut here on my blog.

I'm glad I could fit this card into the following challenges:  Seize The Birthday - "Anything Goes" and Simon Says Stamp Birthday challenge.

Thanks for taking a peek today!

Stamps: Vintage Frames - Inspired By Stamping; Large Canvas Stripes - Hero Arts Paper: Sahara Sand - SU; white, Vintage Cream - PTI; floral pattern - Webster's Pages Ink: Pear Pizzazz - SU; London Fog - Tsukineko; Frayed Burlap - Ranger Fibers: white seam binding - Hug Snug Accessories & Tools: scalloped border punch - SU; Rectangle, Fleur de Lis Rectangle dies - Spellbinders; die cut stickers - K & Co.; White Opal Liquid Pearls - Ranger

Baby, Baby, Baby!

Before school ended last month, I made a baby boy card for the custodian at our elementary school.  He became a first-time grandpa, and I just had to get the baby a little somethin'.  While I was making his card, I created several more for Arts Plus, the shop where I sell my cards.

All stamps are from Inspired By Stamping.  The sweet onesies and tiny dresses are from Oh, Baby! and Fancy Alphabet made easy work of the "baby blocks." All the little garments were paper-pieced using scraps.....never-ending scraps.  ;-)

This baby boy card is entering at Lawnscaping - "Paper Piecing", and Addicted To Stamps - "CAS" and 4 Crafty Chicks - "Let's Hear It For The Boys."

And the little princess card is entering here:  In The Pink - "Pink and Pearlie"; Charisma Cardz - "Girly".

It was almost like playing paper dolls!  Used to love that when I was little, and my girls did, too.  How about you?

P.S. There is a new post up at my photo blog, bleu hydrangea.  All the photos were taken by my 11 year old, but you'd never know.  She's got a great eye.  Here is a little sample to entice you to visit:

Stamps: Oh, Baby!; Fancy Alphabet - Inspired By Stamping Paper: white - PTI; Pretty In Pink, Bashful Blue, patterns - SU Ink: Pretty In Pink, Bashful Blue - SU; Versafine Onyx Black - Tsukineko Fibers: honest-to-goodness bakery twine, pink satin ribbon; twine - Creative Impressions Accessories & Tools:  square, scalloped square dies - Spellbinders; pearls 

Soft Hydrangea Beauty

Hello my friends!  How are you doing?  This is a weird summer for me, because I'm spending a lot of time cooped up in my bedroom, instead of getting outdoors to enjoy the weather.  I had reconstructive foot surgery on June 25th, and will remain non-weight bearing on it for another four weeks (groan).  Doing stairs is my greatest challenge.  My upper body is getting a good workout, since I use my bottom to go from step-to-step!  Thankfully, I set up some posts ahead of time, and I'm sharing one here today.  Enjoy!

You know how sometimes creativity just won't flow, and other times, it pours out of you as if by some magical force?  I was sitting at my desk, thinking how my mojo seemed to have disappeared, when suddenly this idea popped into my head:

When it was finished, I felt so pleased!  It reminds me of old lace my friend showed me a long time ago.  She inherited the most glorious, handmade, lace-adorned hand towels and bedding from her Italian grandmother's trousseau.  Her Nonna had a sense of elegance and grace that she brought with her to this country.  Her handiwork is truly special, and my friend is very lucky, indeed!

This embossing folder is Frame, Heart & Vines by Sizzix.  Isn't it pretty? I bought it at Hobby Lobby on clearance a few months ago.  The hydrangea is from Inspired By Stamping, and the sentiment is from their Creative Tags set.

This fits into the following challenges (if you S-T-R-E-T-C-H the imagination a little):

• Simon Says Stamp & Show - "Good to be Green" - use green, or BE green by recycling.  I used vintage twine.  Hope that counts!
• Addicted To CAS - "Water" - hey, flowers need water! 
• One Stop Craft - "Summer Colors" - well, if you have dry conditions, your grass might be the color of my card.  ;)

My family's been taking good care of me.  See what my girls plucked from the garden to adorn my bedroom?

Here's hoping your day is full of creativity and beauty!

Stamps: Graceful Hydrangea, Creative Tags - Inspired By Stamping Paper: Naturals White, Very Vanilla - SU Ink: Crumb Cake, Basic Gray - SU; Antique Linen - Ranger  Fibers: vintage thread Accessories & Tools: White Opal Liquid Pearls - Ranger; Classic Tags die - Memory Box

Inspired By Stamping July Releases - Hexagons

It's the last Inspired By Stamping sneak peek before all the sets are available in the store tomorrow!  Today we're showcasing Hexagons. I went with a modern, gender-neutral baby card:
 

The sentiment is from a previously-released set, Big Notes III.  I stamped the hexagon border first across the patterned paper. On scraps of white cardstock, I stamped the different patterns of individual hexies with many shades of brown ink.  A few were propped up with foam stickers, as you can see in the photo below.  My kids wrinkled their noses at this card, but I like it for something different!

Be sure to see what the rest of our design team has cooked up for you:

Joanna - http://wp.me/p2QJN7-3eS

Colleen - you are here!

Deb - http://aworldofimagination-deb.blogspot.com/2013/06/inspired-by-stamping-july.html

Kendra - http://luv2scrapnmakecards.blogspot.com/2013/07/ibs-july-release-hexagons.html

Irit -http://iritshalom.blogspot.com/2013/07/ibs-july-release-day-4-hexagons.html

Leah - http://paperblossoms.blogspot.com/2013/07/hexagon-love.html

Shea - http://glitterandbonbons.blogspot.com/2013/07/ibs-new-release-hexagons.html

Pam - http://www.pammejo-scrapbookflair.com/2013/07/inspired-by-releasehappy-birthday.html

Tina -- http://woodedviews.blogspot.com/2013/07/sweet-hexagon.html

Vicki - http://allidoisstamp.blogspot.com/2013/07/inspired-by-stamping-sneak-peeks-day-4.html

 Shani http://paperesse.blogspot.com/2013/07/ibs-july-release-hexagon-sneak-peek-and.html

Stuff to know before you go:

• FREE shipping on orders over $25 for limited time only (July 10th 7 p.m. Brisbane time to July 12th 7 p.m. -- if you live in the Eastern Standard Time zone as I do, it's 5 a.m) Code: IBSJULY
• SAVE 10% when you buy the bundle of new releases
• BLOG CANDY - chances to win every day from July 6th - 10th.  Leave a comment each day at Joanna's blog for your chance!
• Check out our July Online Catalog - it's FREE!
• IBS has a Color Challenge Hop every month -- next one begins July 11th
• IBS also has a Challenge Blog Hop every month -- next one begins July 20th.
• There are FREE cut files to go with every stamp.  You can find them in the shop with each stamp set.

Tomorrow all the sets will be in the store; can't wait to show them to you!

Inspired By Stamping July Releases - Vintage Banners & Everyday Tabs

Hello there!  We're in the middle of our July release party at Inspired By Stamping, and today's sneak peeks are Everyday Tabs and Vintage Banners.  I'm showcasing Everyday Tabs, which can help you create an awesome filing system for just about anything, but it can also be used for sentiments, like this:

I filled it with a sentiment from another new release set, Happy Occasions Sentiments.

I stamped the Tab two more times, trimmed, and added to a corner as a little adornment.  The focal point, though subtle, was created with two doily stamps from the previously-released Delicate Doilies.

More inspiration for you to see here:

Vintage Banners:

Joanna - http://wp.me/p2QJN7-3eQ 

• Leah -  http://paperblossoms.blogspot.com/2013/07/vintage-banners.html

• Shea http://glitterandbonbons.blogspot.com/2013/07/ibs-new-release-everyday-tabs-and.html

• Grace http://tolmanchronicles.blogspot.com/2013/07/inspired-by-stamping-july-release.html

• Vicki - http://allidoisstamp.blogspot.com/2013/07/inspired-by-stamping-july-sneak-peeks_8.html

• Rose - http://roseshappyplace.blogspot.com/2013/07/inspired-by-stamping-july-release-day-3.html

• Shani http://paperesse.blogspot.com/2013/07/ibs-july-release-vintage-banners-and.html

Everyday Tabs: 

• Deb - http://aworldofimagination-deb.blogspot.com/2013/06/inspired-by-stamping-july.html

• Irit -http://iritshalom.blogspot.com/2013/07/ibs-july-release-day-3-tabs-and-banners.html

• Colleen - you are here!

• Calypso- http://calypsocandycraft.blogspot.com/2013/07/ibs-july-release-you.html

• Tina -- http://woodedviews.blogspot.com/2013/07/faith.html

Stuff to know before you go:

• FREE shipping on orders over $25 for limited time only (July 10th 7 p.m. Brisbane time to July 12th 7 p.m. -- if you live in the Eastern Standard Time zone as I do, it's 5 a.m) Code:  IBSJULY
• SAVE 10% when you buy the bundle of new releases
• BLOG CANDY - chances to win every day from July 6th - 10th.  Leave a comment each day at Joanna's blog for your chance!
• You can check out our July Online Catalog for FREE!
• IBS has a Color Challenge Hop every month -- next one begins July 11th
• IBS has a Technique Challenge Blog Hop every month -- next one begins July 20th
• Joanna makes FREE cut files to go with every stamp.  You can find them in the shop with each stamp set.

I'm so glad for your visit today!

Inspired By Stamping July Release - Arrows & Octagons

Welcome to our sneak peek party at Inspired By Stamping!  Today's peeks are all about Arrows and Octagons, two new July sets.  (links will begin working on July 10th, when the sets are in the store) I'm sharing a little gift I made with Arrows:

This little metal canister begged to be dressed up with pretty stamps and flowers.  The sentiment and the arrows all come from this new IBS set.  The pink paper flowers remind me of frosting roses on cakes.  So sweet!

Have a peek at our design team's creations, too:

Octagons

Joanna - http://wp.me/p2QJN7-3eO

Leah - http://paperblossoms.blogspot.com/2013/07/faithand-octagons.html

Deb - http://aworldofimagination-deb.blogspot.com/2013/07/inspired-by-stamping-july.html

Kendra - http://luv2scrapnmakecards.blogspot.com/2013/07/ibs-july-release-octagons.html

Grace - http://tolmanchronicles.blogspot.com/2013/07/inspired-by-stamping-july-stamp-release.html

Vicki - http://allidoisstamp.blogspot.com/2013/07/inspired-by-stamping-july-sneak-peeks_7.html

Arrows  

Irit- http://iritshalom.blogspot.com/2013/07/ibs-july-release-day-2-arrows-and.html

Shea - http://glitterandbonbons.blogspot.com/2013/07/ibs-new-release-octagons-and-arrows.html

Colleen - you are here!

Calypso - http://calypsocandycraft.blogspot.com/2013/07/ibs-july-release-you.html

Rose - http://roseshappyplace.blogspot.com/2013/07/inspired-by-stamping-july-release-day-2.html

Stuff to know before you go:

• FREE shipping on orders over $25 for limited time only (July 10th 7 p.m. Brisbane time to July 12th 7 p.m. -- if you live in the Eastern Standard Time zone as I do, it's 5 a.m) Coupon Code: IBSJULY
• SAVE 10% when you buy the bundle of new releases
• BLOG CANDY - chances to win every day from July 6th - 10th.  Leave a comment each day at Joanna's blog for your chance!
• You can check out our July Online Catalog for FREE!
• IBS has a Color Challenge Hop every month -- next one begins July 11th
• IBS has a Technique Challenge Blog Hop every month -- next one begins July 20th
• Joanna makes FREE cut files to go with every stamp?  You can find them in the shop with each stamp set.

So glad you dropped by today!

Inspired By Stamping July Release - Happy, Happy Occasions

Welcome to Day One of our July Release party at Inspired By Stamping!  Today we are showcasing Happy Occasions and Happy Occasions Sentiments.  "Happy" is a separate stamp that can be paired with many different stamps, such as the one I chose:  "Birthday."  It's got great mix-and-matchability.  (links will work starting on July 10th when the sets are in the store)

The smaller set, Happy Occasions Sentiments, includes many sayings to enhance your main sentiment.

Inspiration to share:

Joanna - http://wp.me/p2QJN7-3eM

Irit -http://iritshalom.blogspot.com/2013/07/ibs-july-release-day-1-happy-occasions.html

Leah -  http://paperblossoms.blogspot.com/2013/07/happy-occasions.html

Shea - http://glitterandbonbons.blogspot.com/2013/07/ibs-new-release-happy-occasions.html

Colleen - you are here!

Deb http://aworldofimagination-deb.blogspot.com/2013/07/inspired-by-stamping-july-releaseshappy.html

Kendra - http://luv2scrapnmakecards.blogspot.com/2013/07/ibs-july-release-happy-occasions.html

Pam  - http://www.pammejo-scrapbookflair.com/2013/07/inspired-by-stamping-release-make.html

Tina -- http://woodedviews.blogspot.com/2013/07/a-happy-occasion.html

Rose -http://roseshappyplace.blogspot.com/2013/07/inspired-by-stamping-july-release-day-1.html

Vicki - http://allidoisstamp.blogspot.com/2013/07/inspired-by-stamping-july-sneak-peeks.html

Stuff to know before you go:

• FREE shipping on orders over $25 for limited time only (July 10th 7 p.m. Brisbane time to July 12th 7 p.m. -- if you live in the Eastern Standard Time zone as I do, it's 5 a.m) Coupon Code: IBSJULY
• SAVE 10% when you buy the bundle of new releases
• BLOG CANDY - chances to win every day from July 6th - 10th.  Leave a comment each day at Joanna's blog for your chance!
• You can check out our July Online Catalog for FREE!
• IBS has a Color Challenge Hop every month -- next one begins July 11th
• IBS has a Technique Challenge Blog Hop every month -- next one begins July 20th
• Joanna makes FREE cut files to go with every stamp?  You can find them in the shop with each stamp set.

Thanks for coming by today!

Hello, Honeyblossom!

For my birthday this year, my friend Marie sent me this lovely die by Memory Box called Honeyblossom Sprig.  I love the impact it gives a card!  Not long after, I spent some birthday money on some more dies by Memory Box, including this sweet "hello".

A simple black and cream palette, some embossed texture, and accents like pearls and ribbon, and this card is good to go!

Tip:  Adhering slender pieces of cardstock like these die cuts can be tricky.  I used Elmer's Spray Adhesive to help them stick to the card.

Paper: Vintage Cream - PTI; Basic Black - SU Fibers: black ribbon Accessories & Tools: Honeyblossom Sprig, Hello dies - Memory Box; pearls - Queen & Co.; Kassie's Brocade embossing folder - Cuttlebug; corner rounder punch - EK Success