Serene Silhouettes with New Colors

Happy Saturday! 

My hubby is out now buying more Round Up for the weeds 

that are slowly taking over the yard. He put

some on a few days ago but the weeds are not

turning brown. He told me that his dad had told him

if the Round Up freezes during the winter months that it

wouldn't work anymore. Well needless to say with the 

brutal winter we had the Round Up isn't working, so he is 

buying a fresh bottle. 

The above card features new In Line Colors. 

Stamp sets Serene Silhouettes, and Something to Say. 

I'll be working on some things to post on the blog. One of which

is my Christmas in July week. This will be hard as StampinUp has no

current Christmas stamp sets to use. So I'm going to have to think out of the box. 

Speaking of boxes...Kat your birthday box was put in the mail today, so

keep an eye out for it. 

Stamping trails

Karen

Chevron Gift Bag

For today's project I took a flat chevron bag and 

and scored it 1 inch on each side and 1 1/2 inch across the

bottom of the bag. The sides were then pushed in to make a gusset. 

Bottom was folded like a box would be to make it flat. 

Stamp sets Itty Bitty Banners, Bloom with Hope, and Work of Art. 

Not much been going on here. The school will let out for the Summer at the end of the day. 

Seems like they are getting out early this year, but Skip said they would be going back in the middle

of August. 

I spent yesterday afternoon cleaning my kitchen. Since the kitten

moved in I have been neglecting my housework. Hmmm...I wonder

why? I think I'd rather be playing with the kitten! 

Stamping trails

Karen

Friendship Preserves Card

I used Moonlight designer paper layered on Hello

Honey cardstock. Stamp set Friendship Preserves. 

I carried the colors inside the card.

 

Been really warm here. Not complaining. I've

 

been enjoying spending more time in my stamping studio.

 

Its really hard to be down here in the Winter months, even though

 

I'm a die hart stamper. The cards must be made! 

 

Stamping trails

Karen 

Hexagon Hive Flower Card

Since I had the hexagon hive cut out from yesterdays post

I decided to put it to good use by making this card. 

Stamp sets Everything Eleanor, Something to Say, and Petite Petals. 

Designer paper is Fresh Prints. Base card Crumb Cake. 

I used Coastal Cabana Blendabilities to color in the large flower. 

The new catalog will be live on June 2nd and I'm looking forward to

placing an order to get the rest of the blendabilities colors. 

 

Stamping trails

Karen 

Take a Tip Tuesday #15

I discovered a great way to get the Hexagon Hive Thinlits die

release from the cardstock after it has been run through the Big Shot. 

Make the sandwich this way. Magnetic platform, cutting plate, 

cardstock, wax paper, thinlit die, then cutting plate. 

No more problem with the corners of the cardstock sticking in the die. 

Pops right out. I'm all about easy release!!!! Less work for me using a paper piercing 

tool to get the cardstock free from the die. 

 

Stamping trails

Karen 

Mailable Monday # 63

Playing with the new Work of Art stamp set that will be 

in the new Stampin'Up catalog that goes live on June 2.

All the cards feature new in line colors. They are very ric

colors and I look forward to using them in many cards and projects. 

Of course I had to convince Cherokee to get off the stamp set so I

could use it. She thought it was a great place to take a nap.

Stamping trails

Karen

VC Rocks Stamping Tools Blog Hop

Welcome to the first VC Rockers Blog Hop of the season. 

We are focusing on stamping tools. 

For my stamping tools I used Simply Scored, paper trimmer, 

and border, and decorative label punch.

I've been seeing these screen cards online so I wanted to make one too!

Start with a piece of cardstock cut 5 1/2 by 11

Score on the long side at 2 3/4, 5 1/2, and 8 1/4. 

Mountain and valley fold so you have a screen. 

I used the scallop border punch to punch across the top of the screen. 

To make the screen stand I used the decorative label punch. I centered

it on the bottom and only inserted the punch about 1/4 in. 

The black panels are cut 2 1/2 x 4 3/8

The white panels are cut 2 1/4 x 4 1/8

Color Palette: Strawberry Slush (this was used for the screen), Pistachio Pudding, Crisp Cantaloupe,  Baked Brown Sugar, and Coastal Cabana. 

Stamp sets Gorgeous Grunge and a new set Work of Art. 

I added some rhinestones, and pieces of paper doily. I also cut out some of the hearts and 

popped them on the panels. 

Hope you are enjoying the Hop!

Please visit the VC Rockers Blog at this link to see the rest of the hoppers!

  http://vcrocks.blogspot.com/2014/05/MayBlogHop.html

Stamping trails

Karen

Jack o Lantern using Hamburger Die

I know its early for Halloween, but I wanted to make a 

Jack-o-lantern using the hamburger die. 

I used a new in line color Tangelo Twist.

Eyes were made with Triangle punch. 

I used the same punch for the nose. I made it smaller by first punching it

out then attaching a post it note to it, and putting it back in the punch and

punched again. 

Mouth is made with label bracket punch. 

I coiled a strip of cardstock to make the stem. 

Here is a better view of the stem, and leaves. 

Stamping trails

Karen

Lazy Girl Watercolor

This is the lazy girls way to water coloring. 

All I did was stamp the flower from Blooming with Kindness stamp set

on to Watercolor Wonder designer paper. I fussy cut out the

flower and layered it onto a green panel. 

Couldn't be simpler! 

Stamping trails

Karen

Bloom with Hope Pumpkin Pie

Okay I'm a blendabilities junkie.....

and I need a 12 step program. 

Just been having fun using these great alcohol based ink markers

Stamp set Bloom with Hope. 

Blendabilities colors: Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, and Daffodil Delight. 

Background was stamped with Notable Notions.

Stamping trails 

Karen

Take a Tip # 14

I know I showed you how to color rhinestones and pearls using

Sharpie markers or Crystal Effects and re-inkers, but

now you can also color them using SU new Blendabilities. 

How cool! Color I used Pumpkin Pie. 

You can also use these great alcohol based ink markers to color

on window sheets. 

Can't wait till the new Catalog goes live on June 2 so I can order the rest of

the blendabilites! 

Stamping trails

Karen 

Mailable Monday # 62

Still using the new blendabilities. Stamp set is a new 

hostess set called Bloom with Hope. 

Embossing folder Designer Frames. 

I wanted to "ground" the flowers so I 

added a strip of Old Olive cardstock. 

Base card is Shimmery White. I like using 

the blendabilites ink on this cardstock. 

Stamping trails

Karen

Hello Kitty Hamburger Box

Seeing how my life is revolving around a kitty these days

I decided to make a kitty using the new Hamburger die box. 

Isn't this just too cute? 

 

The hamburger die requires the extended cutting pads but on the upside

 

it doesn't require a 12x12 sheet of cardstock. Which I'm happy about as

 

I normally don't purchase 12x12.

 

I used many different things to make the kitty. 

 

Triangle punch for the ears. Ovals Collection framelits for the face and tail. 

 

Owl Builder punch for the eyes and nose. 3/4 circle punch for the cheeks. 

 

The slanted eyes were made using Sizzlits Little Leaves. 

 

Designer paper is new called Moonlight. Hello Honey ribbon is one of the new in line colors. 

 

 

Side view of kitty box. 

And speaking of kitty....my little girl is 10 weeks old today. 

Stamping trails

Karen

No Artwork Today

So this is why I have no new artwork to post. 

Cherokee was my best friend yesterday. Stuck to me like glue.

She followed me all over the house and when she could catch me sitting

down she was in my lap sleeping. In this photo I'm in my

stamping studio. Do you know how hard it is to type on the

laptop or to stamp for that matter with a sleeping kitten in your lap? 

Tonight we are going to the drive in. First time of the year! Of course what

better flick to see at the drive in? Godzilla! 

Can't wait. I never miss a new Godzilla movie. 

Stamping trails

Karen

Bloom with Hope

This lovely flower is a new hostess set called Bloom with Hope. 

It will be in the new catalog. 

I used Rich Razzelberry blendabilities to add the color to the flower. 

Of course Cherokee thought it was her job to oversee the photo shoot. 

And after a hard morning stamping what better way to relax among

the ink pads and cardstock. What a good girl! 

Stamping trails

Karen

More Blendabilites

I knew that the skin tones blendabilites would be great for coloring things

that were not faces. 

On the Perfect Blend coffee cup I used Bronze and Nude blendabilites

to add color. 

I then used some new in line colors. Base card is Hello Honey that

was embossed with Decorative Dots folder. 

Moonlight designer pack used for the cup band and the bottom of the card.

Also added a strip of Blackberry Bliss cardstock, and Hello Honey ribbon.

Stamping trails

Karen

Cherokee Checks out the Catalog

And here we find Cherokee checking out the new Stampin'Up catalog. 

She has been a challenge around my work desk. Trying to keep her

out of the ink while I'm stamping. 

I have been enjoying my new box of goodies that hubby 

got me for our anniversary. Lots of great new toys

to play with! There are still lots

of things on my wish list, but can't place any more orders till the catalog goes live in June.

Stamping trails

Karen

Take a Tip Tuesday # 13

Hmmm....I wonder if this tip will be unlucky as its my 13th take a tip

Tuesday post, and I'm posting it on the 13th. Well we will just hope for the best.

Today's tip is making your own pick up tool. 

I took a craft stick and added a drop of Tombo Liquid glue to the tip, 

and let it dry. 

Since the liquid glue is repositional it can be used to pick up those little

tiny pieces. Think the Owl Builder punch. Those little tiny eyes! 

Here you can see I picked up the little eye piece. To

get it off the craft stick I use tweezers to transfer it to the project. 

I have a bracelet hanging off my desk lamp that

Cherokee found yesterday. Look at that under body. 

She has some very pretty markings. 

We had some pretty bad storms yesterday evening. 

Dime size hail, heavy rain, thunder and lightening, tornado, and flash flood warnings. 

Me and Cherokee high tailed it to the basement and hung out till it was over. 

Skip and John were away at work. Suppose to rain all week. 

I told Skip to be careful what he wished for...He tilled and planted the garden on Sunday,

and he says it can rain all it wants now because the tilling and planting are done. 

Hmmm.....there is a thing called too much rain!

Stamping trails

Karen

Mailable Monday # 61

Today's card uses Traveler stamp set, Something to Say, and World Map background stamp.

I inked the background stamp with Crumb Cake ink. Then used Hello Honey to randomly 

stamp images from Gorgeous Grunge. 

The globe was inked with Basic Gray and stamped on the lower corner. 

The same stamp was inked again and stamped on Lost Lagoon cardstock stock. 

The 1 1/4 circle punch was the perfect size to punch out just the globe. This was popped over the 

image on the base card. 

Well Cherokee was busted 

She was chewing on my cardstock. 

I suppose I shouldn't be upset with her. She was just trying

to be artistic! 

Stamping trails

Karen

Flower Shop Blendabilities Card

I am so thrilled that Stampin' Up! produced alcohol markers! 

I got to order some with my preorder and this is the first card I made. 

Stamp sets: Flower Shop, Summer Silhouettes, and Something to Say.

Base card Sahara Sand. Strip at the bottom is Old Olive. 

Flowers colored with Cherry Cobbler, Rich Razzleberry, and Pumpkin Pie 

blendabilities. 

If you look close at the flowers you will see that I did go outside the lines. 

I should have went over that with the alcohol marker color lifter, but forgot to. 

Yes I was the kid in art class that always colored outside the lines! 

These markers are so easy to use. They come in a three pack. There is one dark, one medium 

(the medium being the actual ink color), and a light. 

Having three in one pack makes it very easy to blend just the right shades together.

Happy Mother's Day to all you mothers out there.

I wish my mom was still here with me, but she is forever in my heart. 

Stamping trails

Karen

New Stamp Set Traveler

Another preview from the new SU catalog. 

This one features Traveler stamp set. Its a nice vintage looking set

that has an old fashioned camera, world globe, suitcase with lots of 

travel stickers on it, and really cool looking vintage train, and a travel log. 

The designer paper is from a pack called Moonlight. Very cool! It 

goes along with the new In Line Colors. 

Birthday greeting from a new set Something to Say. 

Stamping trails

Karen

New In Line Colors

I'm a lovin the new In Line Colors by SU!

I made 5 cards to showcase them.

Above on the left is Tangelo Twist. On the 

right Lost Lagoon.

On the left Blackberry Bliss. This is such a dark rich color. 

I had to stamp on the cardstock with VersaMark and emboss with

white embossing powder in order to show the detail on the flower. 

On the right Mossy Meadow. 

 

 

And one of my favorite colors from the group Hello Honey. 

All of the colors are just so rich. I'm going to enjoy using them. 

Stamp set used Flower Shop with matching punch. The leaf

is from Summer Silhouettes, and the greeting is from a new set 

Something to Say. This set is in the 2014-2015 catalog. 

Hope you enjoyed this preview. 

Stamping trails

Karen

Windows are Finished

Well the house looks like a torando whipped through it, but

the windows are all in and do they ever look nice. 

Makes the house look years younger. 

This is a photo of the living room mess, as we had to move things away from the windows

so the installers could work. 

Living room windows being taken out.

Inside view of the window frames. Along the bottom of the old 

windows we use to have window stills that had to be taken out. 

Happy about that! 

See the split down the center between the two windows. That was covered by trim. 

They also added trim all around the windows. Makes them looked finished. 

Completed window will all the trim. Sorry the entertainment center

is in the way. We are moving the entire living room around. Great time for Spring cleaning! 

So the house is still a wreak. Lots of things to put back into place, but it was so wroth the effort! 

Stamping trails

Karen

Welcome Cherokee

Welcome to our new family member Cherokee. 

She is 8 weeks old. We adopted her from a family

that had post on craigslist. 

Love the markings on her face, and she is just so darn friendly. 

Oh no! You blinked! We need to take another picture. 

Playing under the chair. 

So my life is going to be full keeping up with little Cherokee, but

it will be so much fun! 

 

The windows will be finished up today. So far so good. They look

 

great! 

Stamping trails

Karen

Take a Tip Tuesday # 12

Today's tip is using the Ticket punch to make a slot on the 

side of a card to run ribbon around. 

I used Tea Party stamp set, with Delicate Designs embossing folder, 

and Ovals Collection Framelits. 

Color Palette: Vanilla, Soft Suede, Pear Pizzazz, and Crushed Curry ribbon. 

Start by cutting 81/2 x 11 cardstock in half to create a A2 size card. 

Score the card as you normally would (at 4 1/4)

The slide the smaller ticket from the ticket punch into the score line

where you want the ribbon to be placed. Then punch. Remember you 

don't need to punch the entire small ticket just a little bit will create enough space 

for the ribbon to slide into. 

Here is a view of the slot that was created by using the smaller ticket

along the score line of the card. 

Now if you don't own the ticket punch you can use a craft knife to

make the slit for the ribbon. 

Busy day......Window installers are coming at 8. That will take most of the day

I'm sure. Along with that I'll have to keep a close watch on the new kitten to 

keep her out of trouble. Photos of the kitten will be posting on tomorrow's

blog post. 

Stamping trails

Karen

Mailable Monday #60

Base card vanilla. Layer also vanilla. 

Stamp set Tea Party. 

Color palette: Basic Gray, Rose Red, and Garden Green. 

I used Occasions Paper Piercing Pack, and Oval framelits.

Oh and lets not forget lots of stampin' dimensionals. 

I must use a ton of those things. I just like using them to 

make images pop. I'd buy stock in the company if I could. 

Stamping trails

Karen

You're Amazing

Later post today. I wasn't feeling good yesterday and didn't

make it down to the stamp room. Still not 100% but 

better than yesterday. 

This card uses You're Amazing stamp set. 

Color palette: Chocolate Chip, Marina Mist, and vanilla. 

This afternoon we are going to go pick up a kitten. 

I'll be posting pictures this week so you can see her. 

Also this week the new windows are being put in. 

And.....on Tuesday my SU order comes in! YAY I'm 

looking forward to playing with new stuff. Can't wait

to use the new Blendibilites. 

Stamping trails

Karen

Just the Scraps Mam

I made two cards yesterday using just scraps I had laying on my desk.

Base card vanilla. Island Indigo layer that was embossed with Decorative Dots 

folder. Stamp set By the Tide, and Gorgeous Grunge. 

Base card Sahara Sand, layer vanilla, and Island Indigo.

Stamp set By the Tide, and Hello Sailor. 

Both use the same color palette. 

Just clean and simple cards that used up some scraps and make some 

great guy cards. 

Stamping trails

Karen