Inspiration Ink

Celebration Circles

Lots of guys in my family were born in February, so I make a lot of masculine cards this month.  Here's the card I made for my teenage nephew.  It fits the Mojo Monday 178 sketch.  Enjoy!

Uses Party Hearty Set plus Cajun Craze Card Stock, More Mustard Card Stock, Old Olive Card Stock, Very Vanilla Card Stock, Cajun Craze Classic Stampin' Pad, Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad, Old Olive 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Brights Brads, Pewter Build-A-Brad, Paper-Piercing Tool, Mat Pack, 2-1/2" Circle Extra-Large Punch, 1-3/4" Circle Extra-Large Punch, 1" Circle Medium Punch, 3/4" Circle Medium Punch, 1/2" Circle Small Punch, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine, Standard Cutting Pads, Circles #2 Originals Die, Stampin' Dimensionals, and Sticky Strip.

I also used the 1-3/4" Scallop Circle Extra-Large Punch and 2-3/8" Scallop Circle Extra-Large Punch to make this card.  I punched scraps of card stock with these two punches and then used the shapes as templates for piercing holes in the card stock.  I just laid the punched pieces onto my card stock and then poked a hole at the base of each set of scallops.  I then removed the punched piece and poked extra holes between the first holes.

Stampin' Up! On YouTube

Stampin' Up! is on YouTube!  There are tons of great videos on there with lots of wonderful project ideas.  Check them out by clicking here.  If you have any questions about how something was created, please just let me know!  I'm here to help you explore and develop your creativity!

Weekly Inspiration

My younger son celebrates his 19th birthday tomorrow.  This is the card I made for him.  Enjoy!

Supplies

- Bring On the Cake, pages 20-21 of Occasions Mini, Clear - $27.95, Wood - $38.95

- Pear Pizzazz 8-1/2" x 11" Card Stock, page 165, $6.95

- Bashful Blue 8-1/2" x 11" Card Stock, page 167, $6.95

- Brights Assortment 8-1/2" x 11" Card Stock, page 166, $6.95

- Whisper White 8-1/2" x 11" Card Stock, page 169, $8.50

- Celebrations Designer Series Paper, page 173, $9.95

- Bashful Blue Classic Stampin' Pad, page 167, $5.95

- Real Red Stampin' Write Marker, page 166, $3.50

- Pacific Point Stampin' Write Marker, page 166, $3.50

- In Color Stampin' Write Markers, page 165, $14.95

- Real Red 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, page 191, $4.95

- 1/2" Circle Small Punch, pages 202-203, $5.95

- 3/4" Circle Medium Punch, pages 202-203, $10.95

- 1" Circle Medium Punch, pages 202-203, $10.95

- 2-1/2" Circle Extra-Large Punch, page 11 of Occasions Mini, $16.95

- Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (includes Multipurpose Platform and Standard Cutting Pads), page 204, $99.95

- Top Note Bigz Die, page 207, $21.95

- 3" Circle Originals Die, page 39 of Occasions Mini, $17.95

- Stampin' Dimensionals, page 197, $3.95

- adhesive

- scissors

Directions

1)  Cut a piece of Pear Pizzazz Card Stock to 5 1/2 x 8 1/2".  Score and fold in half to make card.

2)  Cut a piece of Bashful Blue Card Stock and a piece of multi-colored circles paper from the Celebrations Designer Series Paper to 3 1/2 x 5".

3)  Build a sandwich of one Standard Cutting Pad, Top Note Bigz Die, piece of blue card stock, piece of Designer Series Paper, and remaining Standard Cutting Pad.  Run through the Big Shot.

4)  Use scissors to cut out the outer edge of the Designer Series Paper top note by following the perforated line.

5)  Adhere the cut out Designer Series Paper top note to the Bashful Blue top note so the edge of the Designer Series Paper follows the perforations on the blue top note.

6)  Adhere a piece of Real Red 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon to the left edge of the top notes.

7)  Adhere the top notes to the card front so the left edge goes over the folded edge of the card just a bit.  Use scissors to trim off excess.

8)  Tie a small piece of ribbon to the piece adhered to the top note and trim ends.

9)  Cut a square of Pacific Point Card Stock 3 1/2" on each side.

10)  Build a sandwich of one Standard Cutting Pad, 3" Circle Originals Die, piece of card stock, and remaining Standard Cutting Pad.  Run through the Big Shot.

11)  Ink up the block of numbers stamp with the Bashful Blue Ink Pad.  Without stamping, use the Real Red Marker to color directly onto the rubber coloring in the word "happy."  Still without stamping, use the Pacific Point Marker to outline directly onto the rubber of the "1" and "9".

12)  Hold the stamp near your mouth and blow air on it to remoisten the inks.

13)  Stamp onto a scrap of Whisper White Card Stock.

14)  Clean the stamp.

15)  Punch out the number block image using the 2-1/2" Circle Punch.

16)  Adhere the stamped white circle to the center of the Pacific Point circle and then to the card front so it overlaps the bottom right corner of the top note.

17)  Punch a scrap of Real Red Card Stock with the 1" Circle Punch.

18)  Punch a scrap of Bashful Blue Card Stock with the 3/4" Circle Punch.

19)  Use the Pacific Point Marker to ink up just the "th" on the numbers block image.

20)  Stamp onto a scrap of Pear Pizzazz Card Stock.

21)  Punch out the "th" with the 1/2" Circle Punch.

22)  Adhere the three circles together.

23)  Adhere the circles to the card front with Stampin' Dimensionals so they cover the "st nd rd th" portion of the big image.

Tips

Our Paper Snips (page 199, $9.95) are excellent for cutting card stock and Designer Series Paper.  The thin, sharp blades are perfect for getting into small spaces and around tight corners.

Use the sides of the brush tips of the Markers to color directly onto the rubber of a stamp.  If you use the side of the brush tip, then you won't smoosh your tip.

You can color directly over a lighter color of ink with a darker color Marker to change the color of a small portion of an image easily.

Heart Emergency

I haven't posted much for a couple of days because I've been gone on a family emergency.  My father went in for a very minor procedure on his eyes last Wednesday that turned anything but minor!  It appears that he had a heart attack while on the operating table.  When they tried to revive him after the surgery, he just wouldn't wake up. 

Needless to say, my mom called very upset.  I flew down on Thursday to be with her and help support her and my dad as much as I could.  My dad did not look good when I arrived and I really feared that we were going to lose him.  He was in a coma and hooked up to all kinds of machines including a ventilator.  He wasn't breathing well enough on his own so the ventilator was necessary.  He had to be sedated though or he'd thrash around and try to knock it out.

My boys and husband flew down on Friday fearing that it might be their last chance to see him and tell him they loved him.  We had a wonderful miracle though!  Right after they arrived, we heard that he was starting to breathe better and they were going to be able to remove the ventilator and lower the amounts of sedative.  Then, we'd just have to wait for him to wake up.

The ventilator was removed, the sedatives lowered, and he woke up almost immediately and began to talk.  My father loves to talk!  He's never met a stranger, just a friend he doesn't know yet.  So, we were all so happy to hear his voice and know that he was back.  My older son never got a better birthday present since Friday was his 22nd birthday!  Our tears had turned to ones of joy and relief.

He improved dramatically over the next couple of days, amazing even the doctors and nurses!  He was so much better by Sunday afternoon that we felt we could head home to Maryland.  So, I'm back home and trying to get caught back up.  I still pause every now and then to cry a little and send a prayer of thanks for having my dad back.

Our family had so much support and help over the last few days from friends, relatives, and strangers.  My mother's sisters are in Orlando with her now so she's still got someone to make sure she eats (she's diabetic), sleeps, and takes her medicine and to get her to the hospital and back.  My brother and his family live close by in Tampa and can be there again as quickly as needed.  Tons of my parents' friends were coming by to offer help and support including guys my father was in Boy Scouts with many years ago.  A wonderful waitress took good care of us one afternoon when we finally got my mom out of the hospital for a bit for some real food and told us she'd say prayers for us.  Everyone in the hospital was wonderful including two other ladies who were in the ICU waiting room the whole time dealing with their own family emergency.  Despite their own troubles, they were greeting everyone who came into the waiting room, telling everyone where to find pillows and blankets to help make their stay as comfortable as possible, chatting, giving hugs, and saying prayers.  They were truly angels of kindness.  I'm keeping them in my prayers too.

Last Minute Valentines

Here are some last minute Valentine ideas for you.  Enjoy!

Uses Valentine Defined Clear-Mount Set plus Clear-Mount Block C, Clear-Mount Block D, Melon Mambo Card Stock, Pretty in Pink Card Stock, Whisper White Card Stock, VersaMark Pad, Pink Pirouette Classic Stampin' Pad, Pretty in Pink Classic Stampin' Pad, Melon Mambo Classic Stampin' Pad, Sponge Daubers, Pinking Hearts Border Punch, 2" x 1-3/8" Oval Extra-Large Punch, Heart to Heart Extra-Large Punch, Pretty in Pink 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine, Multipurpose Platform, Standard Cutting Pads, Ovals Originals Die, Lots of Love Letterpress Plate, and Mini Glue Dots.

Uses Valentine Defined Clear-Mount Set, Be My Valentine a la carte stamp, and Punch Bunch Sale-A-Bration Set plus Crumb Cake Card Stock, Real Red Card Stock, Bashful Blue Card Stock, Red Glimmer Paper, Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad, Two-Step Owl Extra-Large Punch, Heart to Heart Extra-Large Punch, 2-Way Glue Pen, and Stampin' Dimensionals.

Uses Plane & Simple Clear-Mount Set and Be My Valentine a la carte stamp plus Real Red Card Stock, Bashful Blue Card Stock, Crumb Cake Card Stock, Brights Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack, Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad, Real Red Stampin' Write Marker, Pinking Hearts Border Punch, Crumb Cake 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon, 2-Way Glue Pen, and Sticky Strip.

More One Layout and Color Scheme Ideas

Here are some more cards that are samples in another of my "Class in the Mail Kits" for my downline who sold a set amount one month.  I have so many ladies in my group earning these now that I can't give them all exactly the same Kits anymore!  These samples all use the same layout and color scheme although the patterns on the Designer Paper pieces are a little different.

All of these cards use the following products - Old Olive Card Stock, Melon Mambo Card Stock, Daffodil Delight Card Stock, Whisper White Card Stock, Subtles Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack, Scallop Edge Border Punch, 1-3/4" Scallop Circle Extra-Large Punch, 1-3/8" Circle Large Punch, Ice Cream Parlor Ribbon & Button Pack Sale-A-Bration item, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine, Standard Cutting Pads, Two Tags Bigz Die, and Sticky Strip.  The products that are different for each card are listed beside that card.

Uses Birthday Bakery Hostess Level 1 Set plus Melon Mambo Stampin' Write Marker, Pretty in Pink Stampin' Write Marker, Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker, and 1-1/4" Circle Large Punch.

Uses Fox & Friends Set and Something to Celebrate Hostess Level 2 Set plus Melon Mambo Classic Stampin' Pad, Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad, Pretty in Pink Stampin' Write Marker, and 1-1/4" Circle Large Punch.

Uses Punch Bunch Sale-A-Bration Set and Occasional Quotes Hostess Level 3 Set plus Melon Mambo Classic Stampin' Pad, Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad, Pretty in Pink Stampin' Write Marker, and 1-1/4" Circle Large Punch.

Uses A Slice of Life Hostess Level 1 Set and A Word for You Set plus Melon Mambo Classic Stampin' Pad, Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad, Pretty in Pink Stampin' Write Marker, and 1-1/4" Circle Large Punch.

Uses Tiny Teacup a la carte stamp plus Melon Mambo Stampin' Write Marker, Pretty in Pink Stampin' Write Marker, Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker, and 1-1/4" Circle Large Punch.

Uses You're a Gem Set and Thank You Kindly Set plus Melon Mambo Classic Stampin' Pad, Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad, and 1-1/4" Circle Large Punch.

Uses Cheers to You Set plus Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad, Melon Mambo Classic Stampin' Pad, Melon Mambo Stampin' Write Marker, Pretty in Pink Stampin' Write Marker, and Old Olive Stampin' Write Marker.

Uses Clearly for You Set plus Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad, Melon Mambo Classic Stampin' Pad, Pretty in Pink Stampin' Write Marker, and 1-1/4" Circle Large Punch.

Uses FYI Set plus Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad, Melon Mambo Classic Stampin' Pad, and Pretty in Pink Stampin' Write Marker.

Uses Long Fellows Hostess Level 2 Set and A Word for You Set plus Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad, Melon Mambo Classic Stampin' Pad, Pretty in Pink Stampin' Write Marker, and 1-1/4" Circle Large Punch.

Uses On a Pedestal Set plus Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad, Melon Mambo Stampin' Write Marker, Pretty in Pink Stampin' Write Marker, and 1-1/4" Circle Large Punch.

Uses Sweet Summer Sale-A-Bration Set and Fabulous Phrases Set plus Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad, Melon Mambo Classic Stampin' Pad, Pretty in Pink Stampin' Write Marker, Daffodil Delight Stampin' Write Marker, and 1-1/4" Circle Large Punch.

Weekly Inspiration

I love it when an idea I have in my head actually translates well to paper!  That's how today's card actually worked!  I'd been toying with the idea of using the Blossom Petals Punch and the Red Glimmer Paper with the Ornate Blossom and then I saw a gorgeous card done by a Demonstrator named Irina.  She used the Heart to Heart Punch to add some layers to her Ornate Blossom.  I decided to try combining all these ideas and voila!  Enjoy!

Supplies

- Ornate Blossom, page 99, normally $9.95, but available FREE during Sale-A-Bration with qualifying order

- A Word for You, page 158, Clear - $16.95, Wood - $21.95

- Brights Assortment 8-1/2" x 11" Card Stock, page 166, $6.95

- Whisper White 8-1/2" x 11" Card Stock, page 169, $8.50

- Red Glimmer Paper, page 7 of Occasions Mini, $3.95

- Pumpkin Pie Classic Stampin' Pad, page 166, $5.95

- Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad, page 166, $5.95

- VersaMark Pad, page 195, $7.50

- Sponge Daubers, page 195, $10.95

- Brights Designer Buttons, page 186, $8.95

- Glimmer Brights Brads, page 31 of Occasions Mini, $4.95

- Heart to Heart Extra-Large Punch, pages 202-203, $16.95

- Blossom Petals Extra-Large Punch, page 12 of Occasions Mini, $16.95

- Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (includes Multipurpose Platform and Standard Cutting Pads), page 204, $99.95

- Framed Tulips Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, page 28 of Occasions Mini, $7.95

- Stampin' Dimensionals, page 197, $3.95

- Mini Glue Dots, page 197, $4.95

- adhesive

- scissors

Directions

1)  Cut a piece of Whisper White Card Stock to 2 5/8 x 3 1/4". 

2)  Ink up the Ornate Blossom stamp with the VersaMark Pad and then with the Pumpkin Pie Ink Pad.

3)  Set the rubber edge of the inked up stamp down on the open Real Red Ink Pad and roll the stamp around.  This is a technique called Rock & Roll and will add a little red ink to the edges of your image.

4)  Stamp the image in the center of the white rectangle.

5)  Clean the stamp.

6)  Ink up the Ornate Blossom stamp again with VersaMark Ink and then Pumpkin Pie Ink.

7)  Get some ink from the Real Red Ink Pad on a Sponge Dauber and then pounce the inked up dauber around on the center of the inked up stamp.

8)  Stamp the image on a scrap of Whisper White Card Stock.

9)  Insert the stamped card stock into the Blossom Petals Punch and punch out the center of the flower with the large petal. 

10)  Use scissors to trim the bottom of the image.

11)  Use the Heart to Heart Punch to punch 4 tall, skinny hearts from Red Glimmer Paper.

12)  Adhere the glimmer paper hearts behind the flower center punched out piece so the tops of the hearts overlap each other and just peek out the top.

13)  Use Stampin' Dimensionals to adhere the punched flower center to the center of the stamped flower image.

14)  Cut a piece of Real Red Card Stock to 2 3/4 x 3 3/8" and adhere it behind the stamped flower image as a mat.

15)  Cut a piece of Whisper White Card Stock to 4 x 5 1/4".

16)  Insert the white rectangle into the Framed Tulips Embossing Folder so that the edges line up with the outlined embossing image on the smaller back flap of the folder.

17)  Build a sandwich of Multipurpose Platform with Tab 2 open, one Standard Cutting Pad, Embossing Folder with card stock inside, and the other Standard Cutting Pad.  Run through the Big Shot.

18)  Remove the card stock from the folder and carefully trim the edges of the card stock right up to the bottom of the embossed scallops.

19)  Cut a piece of Real Red Card Stock to 4 x 5 1/4".  Use it to mat the embossed white rectangle.

20)  Cut a piece of Pumpkin Pie Card Stock to 5 1/2 x 8 1/2".  Score and fold in half to make card.

21)  Adhere the matted, embossed rectangle to the card front.

22)  Adhere the matted flower image to the center of the white rectangle.

23)  Cut a strip of Pumpkin Pie Card Stock to 1/2" wide and about 3" long.

24)  Ink up the sentiment from the A Word for You Set in Real Red Ink and stamp it near the center of the orange strip.

25)  Trim the right end of the stamped sentiment strip into banner points using scissors.  Trim the left end if necessary so it will be hidden under the button.

26)  Curl the sentiment strip slightly by pulling it through your fingers if desired.

27)  Adhere the left end of the sentiment strip to the bottom of the flower center.

28)  Pry open the prongs of a Pumpkin Pie Glimmer Brights Brad a bit and insert them into the holes in a large, marbled Real Red Designer Button.

29)  Bend the ends of the brad prongs back on the back side of the button.  If you have a small craft hammer, you might want to lightly tap the ends of the prongs flat.

30)  Use Mini Glue Dots to adhere the button to the bottom of the flower center so it hides the left end of the sentiment strip.

Tips

Inking up the stamp with VersaMark Ink before applying regular inks with the Rock & Roll technique or with Sponges or Sponge Daubers allows the inks to blend together more easily.

You need to use the Sponge Dauber to add some red ink to the center of the stamp because you can't reach the center using the Rock & Roll technique.

For a great tutorial complete with step-by-step directions and picutres on the Rock & Roll technique, click here.

Our Paper Snips (page 199, $9.95) are excellent for closely trimming images and creating banner points.

Our Glimmer Paper is an awesome way to add some shimmer and shine to your projects with glitter without the usual mess of glitter getting everywhere!

Purchase the supplies you need to make this card and earn FREE Sale-A-Bration items of your choice.  One of your choices could be the Ornate Blossom stamp itself!

If you'd like to get lots of ideas for using various items you can earn for FREE during Sale-A-Bration, including the beautiful card by Irina that gave me the idea to use the Heart to Heart Punch on this card, then visit the Sale-A-Bration Challenge being sponsored by Stampin' Up! co-founder Shelli Gardner.  Shelli's got her own blog called "So Shelli" and frequently runs contests called "So Shelli.com Creative Challenges."  You can find links to all the submissions for the Sale-A-Bration Challenge by clicking here.  Enjoy!

Birthday Spinner

My older son is turning 22 on Friday!  I can hardly believe it!  I made this card for him that also fits the Mojo Monday 177 Contest.  Enjoy!

Uses Take a Spin Clear-Mount Set and Something to Celebrate Hostess Level 2 Clear-Mount Set plus Clear-Mount Block D, Clear-Mount Block G, Pacific Point Card Stock, Real Red Card Stock, Bashful Blue Card Stock, Pear Pizzazz Card Stock, Whisper White Card Stock, Celebrations Designer Series Paper, Pacific Point Classic Stampin' Pad, 2-1/2" Circle Extra-Large Punch, 3/4" Circle Medium Punch, Game Spinner Hands, Glimmer Brights Brads, Glimmer In Color Brads, Brights Brads, Paper-Piercing Tool, Mat Pack, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine, Multipurpose Platform, Standard Texturz Impressions Pad, Standard Texturz Silicone Rubber, Backgrounds 1 Texturz Plates, and Stampin' Dimensionals.

One Layout and Color Scheme Ideas

Each month that members of my downline sell a set amount, they earn a "Class in the Mail Kit" from me.  They get all the consumable supplies they need to make 8 cards at an upcoming event of their own.  I also send them several samples so they can use the Sets they have available.

Here's a bunch of cards using the same layout and color scheme sent out as one of the "Class in the Mail Kit" incentives recently.  I copied the layout from a card Shelli Gardner posted on her blog (www.soshelli.com) recently that her daughter Sara had demonstrated at a Workshop.

All of these cards use the following products - Crumb Cake Card Stock, Always Artichoke Card Stock, Very Vanilla Card Stock, Springtime Vintage Designer Series Paper, Crumb Cake Classic Stampin' Pad, Scallop Trim Border Punch, 1-1/4" Square Large Punch, Scallop Oval Extra-Large Punch, Rose Red 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon, and Mini Glue Dots.  The products that are different for each card are listed beside that card.

Uses Afterthoughts Hostess Level 1 Set plus Always Artichoke Classic Stampin' Pad.  I had to move the position of the ribbon on this one slightly so you could read the sentiment.

Uses Apple Blossoms Hostess Level 2 Set plus Always Artichoke Stampin' Write Marker and Rose Red Stampin' Write Marker.

Uses Artistic Etchings Set and You're a Gem Set plus Rose Red Classic Stampin' Pad.

Uses Because I Care Hostess Level 1 Set plus Always Artichoke Classic Stampin' Pad.

Uses Bliss Sale-A-Bration Set plus Rose Red Classic Stampin' Pad.

Uses Elements of Style Set and Always Artichoke Classic Stampin' Pad.

Uses Fresh Cuts Set plus Always Artichoke Classic Stampin' Pad and Crumb Cake Stampin' Write Marker.

Uses Razzle Dazzle Set plus Always Artichoke Classic Stampin' Pad and Crumb Cake Stampin' Write Marker.

Uses Sweet Summer Sale-A-Bration Set and So Happy for You Sale-A-Bration Set plus Always Artichoke Classic Stampin' Pad.

Uses Three Little Words Set plus Always Artichoke Classic Stampin' Pad.

Uses Valentine Defined Set plus Rose Red Classic Stampin' Pad.

Uses You're a Gem Set and Tiny Tags Set plus Always Artichoke Classic Stampin' Pad.

 

Kisses Boxes

I like to give my Club Hostesses and the first couple of ladies to give me their complete orders for the Clubs each month a little extra goody in their bag with their order.  I learned how to make these fun boxes at an event at my upline's and decided to make them for my ladies this month.  Each box is filled with some homemade crinkle paper and a variety of Hershey's Kisses.  Enjoy!

Uses Basic Gray 12 x 12" Card Stock, Real Red Card Stock, Love Impressions Specialty Designer Series Paper, Crimper, Real Red 5/8" Satin Ribbon, Pretty in Pink 5/8" Satin Ribbon, Sticky Strip, and Hershey's Kisses.