Three Challenges Card

Today's card challenged me to incorporate three different aspects: color combination, sketch, and retiring products.  Actually the card was made for June's Stamp Club HW.  Our instructor challenged us to the color combination and I added the sketch and retiring products.

Card #1

Color combination

Retiring product

• Eastern Elegance DSP
• Express Yourself Stamp Set

My version

Description: I'm still on a mission to use my retired DSP in some great and creative ways.  When I started to make this card, I realized that I don't really have So Saffron, but my upline said we could use the closest.  So, I went with Crushed Curry as featured in the Eastern Elegance DSP.  The DSP also features Coastal Cabana instead of Pool Party, but in just the little bit that you see, it's not a big difference.  I kept the card base in Pool Party.  I then added some random stamping to the base to give some visual interest.  Simple card, but great use of color.

• Stamps: Mosaic Madness; Express Yourself (retired)
• Inks: Pool Party; Basic Gray
• Cardstock: Eastern Elegance DSP (retired); Pool Party; Smoky Slate
• Accessories:
• Tools: Hexagon Punch (banner ends)

Card #2

Color combination

Sketch

Retiring product

• Eastern Elegance DSP
• Express Yourself Stamp Set

My version

Description: My second card is again using the Pool Party, Smoky Slate, and Crushed Curry (instead of So Saffron) color combination.  I also aimed to again use my Eastern Elegance DSP.  But for this one, I added a Mojo Monday sketch.  I love how the circle patterns blended into each other.  However, I probably should have stuck to a Crushed Curry sentiment instead of adding the Pool Party.  Oh well...

• Stamps: Express Yourself (retired)
• Inks: Pool Party
• Cardstock: Eastern Elegance DSP (retired); Pool Party; Smoky Slate
• Accessories:
• Tools: 2" Circle Punch; Hexagon Punch (banner ends)

Card #3

Color combination

Sketch

Retiring product:

• Eastern Elegance DSP
• Banner Greetings Stamp Set

My version

Description: I think this is my favorite of the three cards  I love the combination of patterns and colors.  I think this design really does balance itself out.

• Stamps: Banner Greetings (retired)
• Inks: Pool Party
• Cardstock: Eastern Elegance DSP (retired); Smoky Slate; Pool Party
• Accessories:
• Tools: Hexagon Punch (banner ends); 2" Circle Punch; 1 3/8" Circle Punch; 1 1/4" Circle Punch

Eastern Elegance DSP Purge

I've been a whirlwind of crafting lately.  And I've been trying to use a ton of my retired SU DSP (so I can buy the new stuff of course!).  The other day, I pulled out what remained of the Eastern Elegance DSP pack and went to town.  In total, I made 20 cards out of the leftovers.  It was very pretty paper, but it's time to move on...

Card #1

Card Inspiration from Stamp and Stretch

My version -- I chose to recreate the sample card but using my own supplies.  I chose to do one card with the Crushed Curry, Smoky Slate, Basic Black, and Whisper White color scheme.  For the other I added in the Coastal Cabana color.  The cutting is a bit wonky on the right card (ugh!), but overall I like the look.

• Stamps: Express Yourself (retired)
• Inks: Coastal Cabana; Basic Gray
• Cardstock: Eastern Elegance DSP (retired); Coastal Cabana; Crushed Curry; Basic Black; Whisper White
• Accessories: Coastal Cabana Ruffled Stretch Trim (retired)
• Tools:

Card #2

Card Inspiration from Too Cool Stamping

My version -- I loved the idea of circles embossed with the DSP.  I decided to go with a different folder than the example but kept the rest of the design very similar.

• Stamps: A Round Array
• Inks: Coastal Cabana
• Cardstock: Crushed Curry; Smoky Slate; Whisper White; Eastern Elegance DSP (retired)
• Accessories: Coastal Cabana Ruffled Stretch Trim (retired)
• Tools: Lacy Brocade Embossing Folder (retired); 2" Circle Punch; 1 3/8" Circle Punch; 1 1/4" Circle Punch; 1" Circle Punch; 7/8" Scallop Circle Punch

Card #3

Card Inspiration from Northwest Stamper

My version -- I CASEd this card from upline' upline.  I loved the simple look of this card, but did not have the coordinating ribbon.  I instead went with a strip of DSP.

• Stamps: Perfect Pennants
• Inks: Basic Gray
• Cardstock: Eastern Elegance DSP (retired); Smoky Slate; Whisper White
• Accessories: Coastal Cabana Ruffled Stretch Trim (retired)
• Tools: Sponges

Card #4

Card Inspiration from Inkspired Treasures

My version -- This card is just gorgeous.  I had to copy it exactly.  I love the "frilly" design.

• Stamps: Express Yourself (retired)
• Inks: Coastal Cabana; Basic Gray
• Cardstock: Eastern Elegance DSP (retired); Coastal Cabana; Crushed Curry; Whisper White
• Accessories: Silver pearls; Coastal Cabana Ruffled Stretch Trim (retired)
• Tools: Lacy Brocade Embossing Folder (retired); Elegant Butterfly Punch

Card #5

Card Inspiration from Coffee and Cardstock on Etsy

My version -- Another very adorable fancy design.  While I think the Coastal Cabana card works better, I like the other card's proportions more.

• Stamps: Express Yourself (retired); Mixed Bunch
• Inks: Basic Gray; Summer Starfruit (retired); Coastal Cabana
• Cardstock: Eastern Elegance DSP (retired); Crushed Curry; Smoky Slate; Whisper White
• Accessories: Large Pearls
• Tools: Blossom Punch; Corner Rounder

Card #6

The last few cards are my attempt to use all my scraps of Eastern Elegance DSP.

• Stamps: Express Yourself (retired)
• Inks: Whisper White
• Cardstock: Basic Black; Crushed Curry; Eastern Elegance DSP (retired)
• Accessories:
• Tools: Hexagon Punch (banner ends)

Card #7

• Stamps: Express Yourself (retired)
• Inks: Whisper White; Basic Gray
• Cardstock: Eastern Elegance DSP; Crushed Curry; Basic Black; Whisper White
• Accessories:
• Tools: Hexagon Punch (banner ends)

Card #8

• Stamps: Express Yourself (retired)
• Inks: Basic Gray
• Cardstock: Eastern Elegance DSP (retired); Smoky Slate; Whisper White
• Accessories: Coastal Cabana Ruffled Stretch Trim (retired)
• Tools:

Card #9

• Stamps: Express Yourself (retired)
• Inks: Coastal Cabana
• Cardstock: Eastern Elegance DSP (retired); Smoky Slate; Whisper White
• Accessories:
• Tools: 1" Circle Punch; 1 1/4" Circle Punch; 1 3/8" Circle Punch; Hexagon Punch (banner ends)

Card #10

• Stamps: Express Yourself (retired)
• Inks: Coastal Cabana
• Cardstock: Eastern Elegance DSP (retired); Smoky Slate; Whisper White
• Accessories:
• Tools: Hexagon Punch (banner ends)

Archives: Cards #33

Originally published on March 16th, 2014Crafting: 

• PL Swaps (easter eggs, scraps, rainbow) -- I love the use of washi tape on the rainbow cards.  For the scraps swap, I decided to make pocket cards with washi tape.  And the easter egg cards made use of my SU Birds of Feather DSP.

• Book of lists notebook -- Tons are people are participating in the 30 Days of Lists this March, but I just don't have the time or energy to commit to that.  Instead, I thought I would create a notebook, decorate it, and then have various lists.  The idea is to do a list a week (or so).  I love putting my own spin on the project.  I ran across this perfect little binder on clearance at Target the other day.  I set about cutting cardstock and patterned paper down to the sizes I would need.  When it comes time to make a list, I'll select a topic, pick a stamp set to decorate (and any embellishments), and cut a piece of white cardstock for the actual list.  I love that it's ready to be used.  I don't have to start from scratch every time!

• PL W9-10 -- I finished these weeks yesterday.  Check out my blog post here.
• Punch Guide -- I also made a handy guide to all my punches using some random blank playing cards (from old teaching supplies).  I got the idea from Pinterest and immediately put it on my to make board.  This will definitely come in handy when I need to figure out the best punch to use or the relative sizes.  No more digging through the drawer!
• Stamp Guide -- Making my punch guide led me to want to create on for all my stamps.  I have so many now (both loose and SU boxes) that I often forget what I have.  I spend way too much time digging through all of them to get ideas.  So, I decided to stamp all my stamps onto white cardstock to act as a handy guide.  There are separate pages for Christmas, Holidays, Sentiments, Occasions, and Misc.  I'm only partially done, but this is going to be great when I'm finished.

Shopping Scores: 

• Steals.com box -- During steals.com's big archive sale, I ordered a mystery box. This is what came.  I'd say that 70% of the box will be used by me.  The paper stack is great.  I love the alphabet stickers and small tags.  The chipboards will get a lot of use.  The jewels will probably get use, but I need to find the best adhesive for them.  The ribbon isn't my style at all and I'm still trying to figure out the best way to use the watercolor products.  Overall, a really good buy.

• Target randomness -- I grabbed the 3x4 and 4x6 Dreamy sets by WRMK.  I also found two containers that are the perfect size for holding greeting cards.  The zebra print wasn't my first choice, but they work.  And I found some great little stickers and embellishment pieces in the One Stop bins.

• Peachy Cheap -- Another daily deal site I found a few weeks ago.  This time I grabbed an entire set of enamel dots from Basic Grey.  I couldn't wait to use them, hence the missing dots.

• Birthday gifts -- This week I received the last of my birthday gifts from J's parents.  I love the paper stacks and am super excited to use the PL theme packs.  The Americana pack is even cuter in person.

• PL Swap and Sale FB Group -- I've been a part this group for a few weeks now, but most of the items don't appeal to me.  I had been marginally searching for the PL Kiwi set.  Ever time it came up for sale, someone snatched it up right away.  I finally caught a listing at the right time.  I received my 1/3 of the kit yesterday.  Love love love the cards I received!  I also received my scrap swap back.  I'd say that over half of these cards will be used.  There's only a few that don't fit my style (looking at you cowboy card).

• Stampin' Up order -- I ordered my March order early as I will not be in town for the monthly stamp club.  We are doing a huge DSP share so I bought three packs to share.  Plus one other member and I are buying two of the larger color collection DSPs to share so I bought the Regals.  Lastly, I grabbed the 2012-2014 In color DSP as it was one sale.  For my Saleabration item I grabbed the Petal Parade stamp set.  I've seen some great examples to copy.

• Michaels -- Last week I grabbed the Baby Boy Mini Kit on clearance, some purple washi tape (how did I not have any purple?), and a cute little stamp set on sale.  Today they were starting a huge paper crafting sale and bonus extra sale this afternoon.  I had to take advantage of both sales.  I was also looking to pick up some items for the mom's group Easter party next month.  I managed to get most of the party items and some basics for me (white and black cardstock, trimmer blades).

Project: Somehow I agreed to help organize an Easter Party for our mom's group.  The group is starting a babysitting co-op and we plan on having a quarterly social.  The Easter Party will be our first big event.  The original idea was just to get together and have an egg hunt, but babies aren't so great at the hunting.  Instead, we are putting together baskets filled with baby-appropriate toys, shaker eggs to play with, and a few arts and crafts.  Parents pay us back a set amount.  We are also using the leftover money to make baskets for charity.I picked up a ton of the arts and crafts supplies today at Michaels.  We are waiting a week to gauge our RSVP amount before we commit to buying the toys (we have to buy in dozen units). I hope everyone decides to come as we have some great plans!  Overachiever that I am, I've already started on some of the items.