Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Happy Hippo FM157

April 29, 2014

We were supposed to have bad weather all day, but it only rained a little bit.  My heart aches for all the victims of the tornadoes in Mississippi and Alabama.  I am very thankful that we didn't have the weather that was predicted.  

When I saw The Friday Mashup Challenge this week, I knew I had to play along!  Polka Dots are one of my favorites and a fun fold card made it even more exciting!  I have mentioned this so many times, but if you know me well, you know I LOVE hippos, too!  Hope you enjoy my card!










                                                  Each Hippo has a different look!  


Stampin' Up! Products:

Paper:  Tempting Turquoise, Real Red, Whisper White, Polka Dot Parade Designer Series Paper

Ink:  Real Red, Tempting Turquoise, Staz On Black

Stamp:  Avery Elle -Hipster Potamus

Tools:  Stampin' Trimmer, Snail Adhesive, Sticky Strip, Big Shot Cutting Machine, Envelope Liner Framelit, 1/2" Circle Punch, Paper Snips, Hole Punch, Stapler

Embellishments:  Brads and Rick Rack (from my stash)

I hope my Hippos made you smile!!!  

Please leave a comment and let me know what you think.  I love to hear from you!

Happy Stampin!
Claire

Monday, April 28, 2014

Celebrate! DD#100 and PP193

April 28, 2014

We had a fabulous weekend with Miss Addison and Miss Victoria!  They are so much fun, but oh, I am one tired Grammy when they go home.  I must admit though, this house is way to quiet without their laughter to fill it!!!!  I am so thankful for the time we share with them.   

It is with a sad heart that I make my last card for The Dynamic Duos Challenge!  This is their 100th Challenge and they are closing the blog.  I have enjoyed their weekly challenges SOOOO much!!!!  I have grown and learned so much from all of their examples and stepped out of the box so many weeks with colors that I would have never used.  A huge THANK you to Lesley and Anne Marie and ALL the past and present Design Team Members!  



I will be using the sketch challenge from The Paper Players for my card.  Their Design Team amazes me every week with their inspiration and ideas.  THANK YOU for all your hard work and dedication to offer the challenges!!!


The Subtle colors this week are so beautiful together.  I hope you will enjoy my card!  

A little bee landed on my card when I took the picture.  He is in the upper left corner.  I thought he liked my card, so I left him in the photo.  LOL!  






Stampin' Up! Products:

Paper:  Pool Party, So Saffron, Smokey Slate, Whisper White, So Saffron Designer Series Paper,Creped Filter Paper (for Flower), Vellum Cardstock

Ink:  Smokey Slate

Stamp:  (I found this in my stash)  

Tools:  Stampin' Trimmer, Snail Adhesive, Big Shot Cutting Machine, Envelope Liner Framelit Paper Pierce Tool, Paper Piercing Mat, Brad, Bird Punch (leaves), Glue Dots

Embellishment:  Pearls

Please leave a comment and let me know your thoughts.  I love to hear from you!

A few pictures from our weekend!




Happy Stampin!
Claire

Friday, April 25, 2014

Thank You! --PPA201

April 25, 2014

I am so excited!  My GRANDS, Addison and Victoria are here for two nights!  I LOVE having them.  They are so much fun!  I am looking forward to making lots of fun memories with them.  

The Pals Paper Arts Sketch Challenge is fabulous!  It is perfect for so many occasions.  It is definitely one I will use again!  I pulled out the Gingham Garden Designer Series Paper for my card.  It will be retired in June, so I wanted to use it in case you want to order it before June 4th. It makes a beautiful Spring time card!  ENJOY!  








Stampin' Up! Products:

Paper:  Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White, Island Indigo, Gingham Garden Designer Series Paper

Ink:  Melon Mambo

Stamp Set:  Photopolymer Thank You 

Tools:  Stampin' Trimmer, Snail Adhesive, Big Shot Cutting Machine, Envelope Liner Framelit, Stampin' Dimensionals

Embellishments:  Doily, Daffodil Delight Candy Dots

This is a very simple card to make.  It is so bright and cheery and it will be perfect to write a quick note to someone special.

Please leave a comment and let me know your thoughts.  I love to hear from you!

Have a fantastic weekend!

XXX,
Happy Stampin!
Claire  

With Sympathy CCMC300

April 25, 2014

I can not believe it is Friday already!  Where did the week go?  

The colors in the Create With Connie and Mary Challenge were a little out of my comfort zone, but I love the way my card turned out.  Calypso Coral is such a beautiful color and I really like Crumb Cake, but wasn't sure how to incorporate the Basic Grey.  Then I remembered the Epic Day Designer Series Paper had all the colors required.  Unfortunately, a sympathy card is always needed, so I went that direction.  Hope you enjoy my card!


Also, wishing Connie and Mary and the Design Team CONGRATULATIONS on Challenge 300!!!!  WOW!  Thank you for all you do to offer these challenges!!!!








Stampin' Up! Products:

Paper:  Calypso Coral, Whisper White, Crumb Cake, Basic Grey, Calypso Coral Designer Series Paper

Ink:  Crumb Cake

Stamp Set:  Teeny Tiny Wishes, 

Tools:  Stampin' Trimmer, Snail Adhesive, Big Shot Cutting Machine, Butterfly Die, Envelope Liner Framelit, Distressing Tool, Sponge Dauber, Paper Snips, Stampin Dimensionals

Embellishments:  Pearls, Linen Thread

Please leave a comment and let me know your thoughts.  I love to hear from you!

SHOP online 24/7 for all your Stampin' Up! Supplies.  Don't forget to check out the retired list.  Those items will not be available after June 4th!

Wishing you a FANTASTIC FRIDAY!

Happy Stampin!
Claire

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Dreams--CMCC No17

April 24, 2014

Today I want to wish my beautiful, niece, Sara Katherine a Very Happy 21st Birthday!  I love her so much and she has brought great joy to our family!  It is almost impossible to believe she is 21!  She followed in my footsteps and is studying at Indiana University.  We are kindred spirits and in the "Middle Child" club!  

I made my card for the Colour Me Color Challenge yesterday, and ran out of time to get it posted.  I LOVE the colors!  SO soothing and beautiful!  Bermuda Bay, Coastal Cabana, Pacific Point and Tempting Turquoise!  LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these colors!  I made this card for a very special young lady that is graduating from college.  She was in my first grade class and we have remained close.  I am so proud of her, and I know she will appreciate my card made with lots of love!  She will always be "MY", Sam I Am!!!!  XX









Stampin' Up! Products:

Paper:  Bermuda Bay, Coastal Cabana, Tempting Turquoise, Pacific Point, Whisper White

Ink:  Pacific Point, Bermuda Bay

Stamp Set:  Word Play

Tools:  Stampin' Trimmer, Snail Adhesive, Big Shot Cutting Machine, Hexagon Framelit, Envelope Liner Framelit, Deco Label Framelit, Paper Snips, Stampin Dimensionals, Glue Dots

Embellishment:  Pacific Point Ribbon

Please leave a comment if you have a minute.  I do love to hear from you!

Wishing you a Terrific Thursday!

Happy Stampin!
Claire

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Just My Type FMS133 and NAC #86

April 23, 2014

It is so beautiful today!  What a difference a weekend of rain makes.  The trees are filled with green leaves and every thing looks so lush!  I love Springtime!  No humidity is fantastic!!!!!

The sketch by Cindy L. for Freshly Made Sketches was perfect to go along with the Nacho Average Color Challenge!  Crushed Curry, Bermuda Bay and Strawberry Slush make such a bright, cheery card.  I needed to make a card to send our dear friends that invited us to Easter dinner and these challenges made it easy.  










Stampin' Up! Products:

Paper:  Whisper White, Kaleidoscope Designer Series Paper, Crushed Curry, Bermuda Bay

Ink:  Strawberry Slush

Stamp Set:  Just My Type (My Creative Time)

Tools:  Stampin' Trimmer, Snail Adhesive, Big Shot Cutting Machine, Starburst Framelits, Envelope Liner Framelit, Square Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, Owl Punch (heart) 

Please leave a comment and let me know your thoughts!  I love to hear from you!

Shop the retired products on Stampin' Up! before they are gone!

Hope you are having a great "HUMP" Day!

Happy Stampin!
Claire

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Laughter--DD #99

April 22, 2014

It ended up raining, so I had more time in my craft room.  The Dynamic Duos Challenge used one of my favorite colors, Rich Razzleberry.  I had to make a card.  I wanted to make something different, so I made a step card.  I hope you enjoy my card!










Stampin' Up! Products:

Paper:  Basic Black, Whisper White, Rich Razzleberry Designer Series Paper, Gold Foil

Ink:  Staz On Black, Rich Razzleberry

Stamp Set:  Feels Good

Tools:  Stampin' Trimmer, Snail Adhesive, Big Shot Cutting Machine, Secret Garden Framelit, Envelope Liner Framelit, Paper Snips, Boho Blossoms Punch, Stampin Dimensionals

Embellishments: Black Baker's Twine, Pearls

Don't forget to shop online to get all the retired items while they last!

Leave a comment and let me know your thoughts!

Happy Stampin!
Claire

Hey There PP192

April 22, 2014

We had a fabulous Easter weekend in Chicago and the wedding was fantastic!  The weather was so amazing!  We couldn't have asked for more!

Now, it is back to reality.  I love to go away, but I am always glad to come home!  I missed my craft room.  I love spending time there and it gives me great pleasure to play with all my toys.  

I wanted to enter The Paper Players Challenge this week.  I have collected a lot of Washi Tape and never pull it out.  It was the perfect opportunity to use some of my stash.  I also re-inked an old favorite--Feeling Sentimental.  I just love that stamp set!  ENJOY!
  







Stampin' Up! Products:

Paper:  Basic Black, Real Red, Whisper White

Ink:  Staz On Black, White

Stamp Set:  Feeling Sentimental, Just Sayin'

Tools:  Stampin' Trimmer, Snail Adhesive, Big Shot Cutting Machine, Word Bubble Framelits, Washi Tape (from stash), Sponge, Stampin' Dimensionals

Embellishments:  Black Baker' Twine, Black Button

Stampin' Up! will be retiring a lot of their stamps and embellishments on June 4th.  Please shop online before the products are sold out.  There is FREE shipping this week, too!  Visit my website 24/7!  Thank you for all your support!

I love to hear from you, so please leave a comment!  

A picture to share of our weekend!  This is my bonus daughter, Christy and her husband, Duncan.  It was great to spend time with them, too!


Happy Stampin!
Claire

Friday, April 18, 2014

Congratulations--CMCC No16 & CCMC299

April 19, 2014

I am in a big hurry to post this card.  We are off to Chicago for a wedding this weekend.  It is difficult for me to be away on Easter weekend and miss out on the egg hunt with my Grands, but sometimes other things come up that we need to do.

I wanted to enter the Colour Me Color Challenge and the sketch from Create With Connie and Mary was perfect for my card!  The colors are so light and springy.  I still need baby cards for friends having Grandbabies, so I decided to go with the little elephant from The Zoo Babies stamp set.  I love this little creature!  I hope you enjoy my card!  













Stampin' Up! Products:

Paper:  Pistachio Pudding, Blushing Bride, Calypso Coral, Whisper White, Calypso Coral Designer Series Paper

Ink:  Calypso Coral

Stamp Sets:  Zoo Babies, Express Yourself

Tools:  Stampin' Trimmer, Snail Adhesive, Big Shot Cutting Machine, Circle Framelits, Square Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, Corner Rounder, Paper Snips

Embellishments:  Pearl, White Baker's Twine

Wishing you a fabulous weekend!
Happy Easter to you!

Happy Stampin' 
Claire

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Make A Wish--PPA200!!

April 17, 2014

WOW!!!!  It is the 200th Challenge for Pals Paper Arts and I couldn't be more excited!  I was blown away this morning by all the samples The Design Team created!!!!!  If you are browsing the web, please take a minute and go to their site and see ALL the fantastic cards!  This wonderful group inspires me EVERY week!  Congratulations to all of them and THANK YOU for the opportunity to participate in this wonderful challenge!!!!!

I LOVE Pacific Point and it is a color that is rarely used in the Stampin' World.  I thought this was the perfect card for a guy, but I think it would work for anyone!  ENJOY my take on the sketch!






Stampin' Up! Products:

Paper:  Pacific Point, Basic Black, Whisper White, Pacific Point Designer Series Paper, Pacific Point Core'dinations Paper


Ink:  Pacific Point, Versa Mark

Stamp Set:  Perfect Pennants

Tools:  Stampin' Trimmer, Snail Adhesive, Big Shot Cutting Machine, Argyle Embossing Folder, Envelope Liner Framelit, On Film Framelit, Stampin Dimensionals, Heat Tool, Heat Buddy, Black Embossing Powder, Sander,
Owl Punch for little circle (a) 


If you have a second, please leave a comment on my blog.  I love to hear from you!  Thanks!



Wishing you a FABULOUS weekend and a VERY SPECIAL Easter!

Happy Stampin!
Claire

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Cheer Up Buttercup FMS132

April 16, 2014

Another cold and windy day.  I was so hoping it would be warmer today.
I did find time to sneak in my craft room to make a card for The Freshly Made Sketches Challenge.  The simplicity of the sketch was awesome and I had so many different ideas of what I wanted to make.  The Design Team always amazes me with their examples.  










Stampin' Up! Products:

Paper:  Melon Mambo, Tangerine Tango, Whisper White, Melon Mambo Designer Series Paper

Ink:  Melon Mambo, Versa Mark

Stamp Sets:  Daydream Medallions, Geometrical

Tools:  Stampin' Trimmer, Snail Adhesive, Big Shot Cutting Machine, Floral Framelits, Envelope Liner Framelit, Heat Tool, Heat Buddy, Clear Embossing Powder, Corner Rounder, Stampin' Dimensionals, Glue Dots

Embellishments:  Tangerine Tango Button, White Bakers Twine

I know several people going through a rough time right now.  I thought this card would certainly brighten their day.  I love this color combination!

Please leave a message!  I love to hear from you!

Happy Stampin!
Claire