Mailable Monday # 55

How about some vintage note cards for Mailable Monday?

I used Timeless Talk for all the cards. 

Kept them pretty clean and simple by

using Crumb Cake base card, Vanilla layer

that were embossed with folders, and

all the images being stamped with black ink. 

The embossing folder used on this one is from the SAB catalog called 

Decorative Dots. I just placed a small portion of the folder on the 

cardstock instead of placing the entire folder on the layer. 

Stamping trails

Karen

Timeless Talk Card

For today's card I used Timeless Talk stamp set.

Color Palette: Vanilla, Baked Brown Sugar, and Crushed 

Curry ribbon.

So I wen to the post office yesterday around noon as I had

a few packages to mail. 

On the way home it started to rain. By the time I pulled in the 

driveway it was snowing full force, and continued to snow

most of the day. 

At this point it would give me great satisfaction to have that groundhog

roasting in my crockpot right now instead of the pot roast I have cooking. 

Winter.....sick of it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stamping trails

Karen

Hello Egg Card

I used the Hexagon Hive thinlit with Crumb Cake as

the top layer. This was layered again on a slightly larger

 

piece of Crumb Cake that was stamped with Gorgeous Grunge stamp set

 

Then layered on a vanilla base card. 

 

Eggs made with vanilla using 3/4 x 3/16 oval punch and stamped again

 

with Gorgeous Grunge. I think it makes them look like farm fresh eggs. 

 

Next was made using 1 3/4 circle, and 2 3/8 scallop punches. 

 

I torn some thin strips of Chocolate Chip cardstock them wadded them up in my

 

hand and glued to the nest. 

 

Perfect Pennants and Banner framelits also used. 

 

Stamping trails

Karen 

Mocha Morning Basket

I made another basket.

They are so cute and just down right fun to make!

This one uses 12x12 white cardstock for the base of the basket.

 

I also used Mocha Morning designer paper on this one just

 

like the Crumb Cake one I made earlier. 

 

In case you missed the link for a tutorial for the basket you 

 

can see it here

Stamping trails

Karen

 

 

Serene Silhouettes Sympathy Card

I was in a black and white mood yesterday, so 

I designed this card. 

Designer paper Mocha Morning. Love this paper

I wish it had not been retired. 

Stamp set Serene Silhouettes, and Simply Sketched. 

The 2 1/2 circle layer of black fit perfectly into the 4" doily space. 

Suppose to be warmer today, and in the 40's. Hoping it will

melt the snow and hoping more that we have seen the last of the snow

till next Winter. Wishful thinking I know as its been know to snow here

in April. 

Stamping trails

Karen

Hexagon Thinlit and From My Heart Card

Okay I didn't want to talk about the weather in this post......

However.....it snowed last night and the high temp today will be 25.

Come on!!!!!!

Back to the card.

Base is white. Layer Island Indigo.

Watercolor Wonder designer paper used with Hexagon thinlit.

Stamp set From my Heart. This was inked with Gumball Green and stamped

on white. Punched with 1 3/4 circle punch, and layered on Island Indigo punched with 2 3/8 

scallop punch 

I also used a paper doily, and 1 1/4 inch burlap ribbon. 

The Friendship banner across the top was inked on Tangerine Tango and fuzzy cut

then popped over the teapot image. 

Well I plan to stamp more today. I have a nice pot of salsa chicken

in the crockpot. I love one pot dinners that I can just put together then forget about it!

Stamping trails
Karen

Take a Tip Tuesday # 6

Today's tip is using washi tape and oval collection framelits 

to make Easter eggs. 

The tape I used is gingham garden. 

Even though this tape has a white background I was able to use

it on vanilla cardstock as the tape takes on the color of the cardstock used. 

 

You can cover the entire oval cardstock piece or choose to cover only only a section as 

 

I did on the egg laying on its side. 

Another tip is to use the fringe scissors to make grass to so the eggs will 

have a place to nestle in.

Banner punch from SAB was used to make the banner along the top. 

Greeting from Hello Spring.

Stamping trails

Karen

Mailable Monday # 54

Stamp sets By the Tide, and Itty Bitty Banners

Base card Vanilla, Layer Sahara Sand.

Ink colors: Calypso Coral, Soft Suede, and Basic Black.

Arrows embossing folder. 

I was in a mood yesterday and made spaghetti and meatballs for dinner. 

Skip went over and brought his mom over to have dinner with us. 

She is doing good and was happy to come over and visit with us. 

Of course my spaghetti and meatballs are not as good as when she use to

make the dish. I wish she could have wrote the recipe down, but she made

her meatballs different every time using different types of meat she had. 

I'm going to go over later in the week and visit with her, and hoping to get

her to remember enough of the recipe to write it down.

I think Mother Nature does not know how to read a calendar. Its Spring and

here we are going down into the teens at night and only getting to the low 30's during the day. 

It is getting old!!!!!!! I think I need to move to a warmer climate.

 

Stamping trails

Karen 

Snow Melted

Well maybe Spring will get here after all. 

It was warmer on Saturday and all the snow we had the other day melted. 

Still suppose to be colder for the next few days. 

I keep telling my crocus plants not to show there heads yet or

they will get frozen. 

Stamp set Happy Watercolor. Other things used: 

scallop tag punch, modern label punch, hexagon folder. Color Palette:

Tangerine Tango, Early Espresso, Pool Party, Crumb Cake and white.

We went to Applebee's yesterday for dinner. I also had to stop by

JoAnn's to get buttons of all things! You would think that with all the 

buttons I have that I would never have need or desire for another one, but

that was not the case! 

I needed black shank buttons for an sewing Easter project I'm making. 

 

I'll share that later when its finished. 

 

Stamping trails

Karen 

Spring?

So yesterday morning the snow was gently falling, and I have

to say was quite pretty to watch. 

Skip went out and wrote Spring? in the snow on the deck. 

I got a good laugh out of that. It did melt off pretty quick,

but I'm wishing for no more snow and warmer temps! 

 

Stamping trails

Karen 

Oh Hello Bunny

How cute is this little bunny? 

I used the Ovals Collection Framelits to make

the head, outer, and inner ears. 

The nose was made with the 3/4 x 15/16" oval punch. 

Designer paper Sweet Sorbet.

Base card white, layer Pool Party. 

Eyes and whiskers were added with black marker. 

Cheeks were colored in with sponge dauber, and Crisp Cantaloupe ink.

Greeting from Oh, Hello stamp set. 

So the first day of Spring was yesterday....wouldn't know that if you were at my house. 

We had cold temps, and a bit of snow in the morning. Last night it went down into the 20's.

Its got to get warmer soon......At least I keep telling myself that! 

Stamping trails

Karen

Reading

Hi to all!

No card share today. I didn't even make it to my stamping studio yesterday. It was a rainy yucky day

and I decided to spend it curled up on the recliner reading a book.

I was very absorbed in the book, but I did remember to make dinner, and eat! I also made

a very quick batch of oatmeal cookies.

To those who asked for info on where I found the pattern for yesterday's basket post, I'll be happy to share

I found it on Betty's blog. You can find her great instructions for it here

Hopefully I'll be back tomorrow with more crafty ideas.

Stamping trails
Karen

Basket

Just in time for Easter! I found the directions to 

make this cute little basket on the web. It takes

one piece of 12x12 cardstock, and some designer paper strips. 

For the flower I used the spiral flower die with Calypso Coral cardstock and

a paper doily. The white doily was sponged before rolling up into a flower, and pearls

added to the flower center.

 

Close up view of basket sides. Crumb Cake for the base of the basket, 

and Mocha Morning designer paper used for the strips.

Stamping trails

Karen

Take a Tip Tuesday # 5

I have been saving scrap rubber from Stampin'Up! sets for a long while now. 

I have used bits and pieces adding adhesive to the front and back and 

turning them into pop dots. 

Another great way to use these scraps is for background stamps. 

Just cut the rubber pieces with straight edges and arrange them on a 

clear block, ink and then stamp. 

 

 

 

Here is a card I made using this scrap background. I also used Just Sayin' 

stamp set with matching framelit Word Bubbles. 

Designer paper Sweet Sorbet.

Stamping trails

Karen

Mailable Monday # 53

Happy Saint Paddy's Day!

I had to go green for today's card.

Base is white. I inked up a small clear block with Pear Pizzazz ink

and stamped randomly over the cardstock. 

I then inked up a clover from Got Treats stamp set with Wild Wasabi 

and stamped into the blocks. 

One block was cut with Pear Pizzazz cardstock with the clover stamped

inside. This was popped up on the card. 

I made corn beef yesterday. So today we will be making Reuben sandwiches. Not

drinking any green beer though! Not that I ever drink beer...yuck! 

Hmmm....maybe I should have made green eggs for breakfast! 

Stamping trails

Karen

New Kitchen Tool

I have been meaning to post info on my cool new kitchen tool, 

but just haven't got around to it till now. 

My friend Kat bought me a Gefu Spiral Slicer as a 

Christmas gift. 

It is the coolest thing! You can turn zucchini, and carrots into spiral

pieces and use them in place of pasta noodles. They also work

wonderful for stir fry.

My favorite way to make them is to just saute the pieces

in olive oil, and garlic. YUM!!!!!

 

 

Great way to get some extra veggies, and to cut the calories from not using

 

pasta. 

 

It wasn't as warm yesterday in the 40's, but I went out and did the grocery store

 

shopping. Food prices just keep going up and up. I'll

 

be happy when the garden goes in so we can save some of the cost with fresh veggies! 

 

 

Stamping trails

Karen 

Flower Punch Scallop Tag Card

I've been seeing these cards floating around the web and had

to make one for myself.

The closure is done with the new Scallop Tag punch. 

Such a fun card. 

I used Sweet Sorbet designer paper along with Flower Shop stamp set, matching

flower punch, and Bird Builder punch.

matching flower punch. The twine is from SAB Sorbet accessories.

Inside layer is Pool Party. I left off the greeting as I want to put

this in my "blank" card box. 

It was so much warmer yesterday. Got up to 55. I was

hoping today would be as warm as I have to do the grocery shopping. But 

alas its only going up to 42 today. 

Stamping trails

Karen

Banner Framelit Washi Tape Card

It is still pretty cold here. At least the snow has stopped, and it was 

really bright and sunny.

Just a very simple card today. 

Base is white cardstock. 

Washi tape, Perfect Pennants stamp set, and Banner Framelits.

I was so excited yesterday that I found a free download pattern for a sewing Easter project. 

So I think I'll be working on that for awhile. I haven't did any sewing in a long time except

for the occasional mending or hemming. It will be nice to work on a project. 

And I might I also add it will be warmer as the sewing machine is upstairs! 

Stamping trails

Karen

Snow and Cardinal, Bird Builder Punch

I woke up to snow yesterday morning. We knew it was coming

so it didn't come as a surprise. We got about 3 inches. 

And was it ever windy!!!!!

You can see the pine tree in the backyard is covered in snow.

Skip has been biting at the bit to top this year and use it as

our Christmas tree, but I won't let him cut it down. 

Its planted outside of our bedroom window and I like looking at it.

Plus is provides a block to the neighbors deck.

This isn't a good picture, but you can see a little spot of red on the tree.

Its a cardinal on a branch riding out the swirling snow. 

So here is my tribute to the snow and the cardinal. 

I used bird builder punch with Real Red, So Saffron, Basic Black.

Banner Framelits with Old Olive

Trees from Lovely as a Tree stamped with Chocolate Chip.

Large pine tree inked with Old Olive. Branches trimmed with Dazzling Details

Greeting from Perfectly Penned. 

 

Stamping trails

Karen 

Sprial Flower with Dum Dum in the Center

I'm laughing as I'm typing this post up. As yesterday (when I started this post) it was 52 

outside, and I know when this does post on Wednesday morning at 6 am that it 

will be once again cold and snow will be falling. We are suppose to get 3 inches. 

Oh well it may almost be the middle of March, but old man Winter doesn't want to

leave just yet. 

The flower was made with the flower spiral die using Strawberry Slush cardstock. 

Leaves are two large ovals that I used the fringe scissors to make them fluffy. 

Greeting from Springtime Hello. 

Before gluing the flower in place I punched a hole in the end scallop that is meant to

be used for the base of the flower. This allowed the sucker stick to slide through.

I also punched a hole in the leaves and modern label cardstock piece so they

would slide up the stick. 

Stamping trails

Karen

Take a Tip Tuesday #4

So is anyone else out there having trouble with SU Clear stamps not sticking

to the clear blocks? I hope I'm not the only one! 

I was almost to the point of going back to wood mount, except that they

cost more and take up more room in storing them. 

I complied a few solutions to this problem. Each one does work

so I guess it will be a matter of what works for you. 

The step for all the solutions is to start with clean dry clear blocks. 

I use baby wipes to clean mine then dry them on my jeans (LOL), 

or just let them air dry. You can also use alcohol with cotton balls to clean them. 

Instead of putting the entire sticker onto the stamp trim it close all the way 

around to the image. This will leave a small part of the foam back stamp

that will be clear of the sticker and will enable the stamp to grip the block better. 

Here is what the stamp looks like on the block. You will still have the image so you 

can better place the image on the cardstock. You may not be able to see this very well on

this photo. Click on any of the photos to enlarge. 

The next one you can try is the one I've been using. 

Pick up some #4 vinyl at JoAnn's. Doesn't take much to cover the blocks. 

I got 1/2 a yard but that was more than I needed. I think the vinyl only cost 2.29 a yard so

it is very inexpensive. 

Cut the vinyl to fit the block. You can go a little under the block size

but don't over extend it. The vinyl is clear so you will still be able to see

the image through the opposite side of the clear block. 

See how I'm holding the stamp well above the cardstock and it is

clinging for dear life onto the block. I tried shaking it and it still didn't fall off.

Yup even after stamping the stamp is still sticking to the block. 

And the last one works too...just dare to go "bare" and 

leave the sticker off altogether. 

Only bad part about this one....its harder to see how to line up the image on the cardstock.

Okay well there are the three options I know about. 

Hope that these have been helpful to you. 

Stamping trails

Karen

Mailable Monday #52

Welcome back to Mailable Monday.

While typing the title of this post I just realized that this is # 52 of Mailable Monday.

Hard to believe I've been posting these for one year now! 

Where does the time go? 

A no layer card with a pop of color. What could be easier or more mailable than that?

Base card Vanilla. Stamp sets, Blooming with Kindness, and Gorgeous Grunge.

Flower was inked with Melon Mambo. Grunge images were inked with Crumb Cake,

and Old Olive.

Greeting inked with Early Espresso.

Hope everyone remembered to set their clocks ahead over the weekend. Of

course I forgot but since I didn't have to go out at any certain time it didn't much matter.

Was a bit warmer yesterday. Got to 41 degrees, and we all know living in the Northwest that

41 is the new 80. LOL

Stamping trails

Karen

Box of Treasures and Scabble Tiles

I was rummaging through some boxes where I keep my 

treasure trove of misc stamping odds and ends. 

These have been collected over the years when they were

being closed out and I got them for very good prices. 

I got a bag of scrabble tiles and made today's project.

I really needed this to keep on the dishwasher. 

Hubby is always asking if they are clean or dirty. 

Well now he will know. 

 

I was woke up yesterday morning to the sounds of mourning doves. 

 

It was so good to hear them. Spring is on the way! 

Stamping trails

Karen

Hexagon Hive Thinlits Card

Well I broke down and bought the Hexagon Hive thinlits die. 

I wasn't going to but after seeing some cool cards being made....

well you know the rest of the story. 

Base card is Marina Mist. 

Layer vanilla, hive was cut with So Saffron. 

Bee is from Postage Collection. 

I also used Banners Framelits die, with greeting from the matching 

stamp set Perfect Pennants. 

Designer paper is called Watercolor Wonder. 

I like my first use of the hive thinlit. I'll have to make some more

cards with it. 

Me and hubby are going to Outback for dinner today. I'm going to also

stop at JoAnn's as I have to pick up something to be used with this coming

Take a Tip Tuesday. 

It was warmer yesterday. I took off my coat and sat on the back step just

to get some sun. It was so nice!!!!! 

Stamping trails

Karen

Chevron Punch Lattice

Well it was just a wee bit warmer yesterday. So I went out and made a run to my

favorite paper store Hollo's. 

I'm working on a birthday project for a friend and needed to get some 12x12 

cardstock. 

Today's card was made using the chevron punch. I cut two strips of 

white cardstock 1/4 x 7.

Both were punched with the chevron punch then clicked together at the "V's"

to make the lattice. 

Stamp set Petite Petals, and matching punch.

Greeting from Perfect Pennants. 

Colors: White, Crumb Cake, Pear Pizzazz, and Tangerine Tango. 

Here is a closeup of the lattice

My son John is trying to get over a cold. He was so sick yesterday he actually called off

work on Wednesday....which is something he never does. He was feeling better yesterday and 

was able to go to class. He is happy that next week is Spring Break for the college so he will 

have a few days off. 

Stamping trails

Karen

Scallop Circle Bunny

Back with another Easter project.

This little bunny holds one (or two if you glue them together) York peppermint eggs. 

Punches needed:

head, 1 3/4 scallop circle

cheeks, 1/2 circle 

eyes, owl builder punch

ears, small and large oval

body, 2 3/8 scallop circle

tail, 7/8 scallop circle

I used two head, body and tail pieces

 

Body, and inner ears embossed with Decorative Dots folder 

Nose is a pearl that I colored pink

Teeth were cut into a rectangle. 

Details hand drawn with black marker. 

Here is a picture of the bunny standing up. I cut off two

of the scallops on the body so it would stand. I also used Smokey Slate and sponged around

all the edges. 

Stamping trails

Karen

Sour Cream Container Carrots

I wanted to make some Easter/Spring crafts so over the weekend I

went through some of the designer paper I had on hand looking for orange. 

I found that I had purchased Polka Dot Parade which had Pumpkin Pie paper in it. 

Perfect! I made the carrots using the ever versatile sour cream container. 

I wanted them to look long for the carrots so the measurements I used was

5 1/2 x 6 1/4 

I also knew I wanted to use the fringe scissors to make the carrot tops. 

The fist carrot I made I ran the Old Olive cardstock fringe across the entire top. 

But then after looking at it I thought it was too much. 

So for the second one I made the fringe just for the center. I think it looks 

so much better! 

Stamp set if from the Occasions mini Springtime Hello. 

Colors Wisteria Wonder, Old Olive, and Soft Suede. 

Punches 1 3/4 circle, and 2 3/8 scallop circle.

You can find a tutorial on Splitcoast to make the sour cream container.

Stamping trails

Karen 

Take a Tip Tuesday #3

Today's tip is coloring pearls...cause lets face it sometimes

a girl gets bored with only one color.

Start off with a color palette, Crystal Effects, and a re-inker 

Place 2 drops of crystal effect in the paint well. 

Add one drop of re-inker, and mix together with the blunt end of a paint brush. 

Pick up some of the color from the well and paint the pearls. 

Make sure you let them dry for at least 30 minutes before using them on a project. 

On the card above I used a Rich Razzleberry colored pearl in the center of the flower (flower is 

from the Sweet Sorbet accessory pack SAB)

Another way to color pearls is with Sharpie Markers. 

These will dry instantly. 

Hope you liked today's tip!

Stamping trails

Karen

Mailable Monday # 51

Ahoy all you Mailable Monday readers!

Very simple card today. Base is vanilla, stamped with World Map and Crumb Cake ink.

I used a 2 1/2 circle punch and stamped the ship from the Open Sea on the 

inside. Also used a sponge around the edges and punch opening with Marina Mist ink.

I used thin crochet thread to tie a knot just around the outside circle and edge of the card. 

Didn't stamp a greeting on the inside because I'm putting this in with my 

blank cards. I can add a greeting later.

 

Stamping trails

Karen 

Got Green?

Well seeing how March is here what a great time 

to get out the green ink!

Base card Gumball Green

On white layer I stamped Off the Grid with Gumball Green.

Clover stamp is from retired Got Treats set. 

Added some gold washi tape.

Also used That's the Ticket stamp set and punch.

Little heart from Owl Builder punch.

Brushed gold cardstock used with Artisan Label punch. 

It was in the low 40's yesterday. I went out with hubby to eat an early diner. 

Then off to Hobby Lobby, and the grocery store. 

Started to get colder later in the day so I'm glad we went out early. 

Got some more snow overnight and its still coming down. 

Anyone else sick of Winter? 

At least we get to set the clocks ahead next weekend. Looking forward to 

more daylight! 

Stamping trails
Karen