Ho Ho Ho Hippo! PP #173

November 25, 2013
                                                           


The Paper Players Challenge this week is for any shaped card.  This is so far out of my comfort zone, but the First Grade Teacher came out in me and I couldn't resist.  I realize this card is probably not challenge worthy, but I had a blast creating it.  Anyone that knows me, knows I LOVE hippos!  Big, happy, chubby hippos.  They make me smile.  I used to have them all over my classroom.  My students always gave me hippos for gifts.  Well, now my GRAND daughter, Addison has caught on to my love for hippos.  My  best friend, Pam, gave me a hippo for Christmas as few years ago that sings, "I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas!"  This is a MUST SEE Video featuring Addison Lee!

Stampin' Up Products:

Paper:  Garden Green, Real Red, Slate Grey, Whisper White

Cricut Birthday Bash Cartridge

Ink:  Real Red

Stamp Set:  Oh Goodie

Tools:  Stampin' Trimmer, Snail Adhesive, Cricut Machine

Embellishments:  Baker's Twine, Bell, Wiggle Eyes

The Perfect Bow FMS 113

November 25, 2013

I am scurrying around like a deer in the head lights this morning.  I am so excited.  My Mommy is coming this afternoon for a week.  It will be so wonderful to be with her!  We will cook, eat, laugh and make wonderful memories.  We lost My Daddy two years ago, so holidays are still hard for all of us.  Being together helps ease the pain.  We miss him so much!  He loved Thanksgiving!  It was his favorite holiday.  I carry on the tradition.  To me it is all about family, food and fun!  No hassles of gift giving or worrying about the wrong issues.  By the way, my Mom is the BEST pie maker in the Mid-West.  I have tried and tried to make that crust just like hers, but it is never the same!  Pumpkin, pecan, apple, cherry, sugar cream--- you name it, she can make it!  It is always the highlight of Thanksgiving for all of us!

The Freshly Made Sketches Challenge this week was awesome.  I just had to create a card before the deadline.  I have a few hours to spare.  I love the simplicity of the sketch and my card is clean a simple, except for the bow.  My family knows, I LOVE BIG BOWS!!!!!!!!!!!  It doesn't matter the size of the gift, it always gets a BIG BOW!
                                                    
 I really struggled getting good pictures this morning.  I could not find a spot without shadows!  :(  This time of year is difficult for picture taking.  I could use some photography lessons!  I am not sure the pictures do the fun gift wrapping paper justice.  It has a raised texture and I just loved the look, colors and feel of the paper. 

Stampin' Up Products:

Paper:  Soft Sky, Very Vanilla    (The gift paper and stripes is a Bo Bunny Paper that I found in my paper stash)

Ink:  Red Riding Hood, Soft Sky

Stamp Set: Christmas Messages  (Merry Christmas--in my stash)

Tools:  Stampin' Trimmer, Snail Adhesive, Big Bows Die Cut, Glue Dots

Wishing you a fabulous day and wonderful holiday week!
Happy Stampin!
Claire

Santa-Merry DD #80

November 24, 2013

I went to the grocery store this morning to shop for Thanksgiving!  I couldn't believe how many people were already there.  It was crazy!  I am keeping my fingers crossed that I got everything I need and don't have to go back.

I am really excited about the Dynamic Duo "Trio"  colors!  Raspberry Ripple is one of my favorite colors.  But then, mix it with Pear Pizzazz and Blushing Bride and I am pretty happy stamper!  I love those colors together.  It gives me a preppy/retro feeling, so I pulled out my Retro Santa stamp to create this card.  I smile every time I look at his face!  It is so realistic.  It really does look like he is talking!  I hope he makes you smile, too!  He also reminds me of the Coke Santa! 
                                 
                                                               

                                                         

 

Stampin' Up! Products:

Paper:  Raspberry Ripple, Pear Pizzazz, Whisper White, Blushing Bride

Ink:  Raspberry Ripple

Stamp Set:  (Tim Holtz) Santa, Polka Dot Background Stamp, Snow Day (snowflake)

Tools:  Stampin' Trimmer, Snail Adhesive, Big Shot Cutting Machine,  Circle Collection Framelits, Merry Framelit, Stampin' Dimensionals

Embellishments:  Raspberry Ripple Ribbon, Pearl

Wishing you a "MERRY" Day!

Happy Stampin!

Claire

Thank You! NAC # 64

November 23, 2013

Today I helped a dear friend make Thanksgiving place setting cards and a wine tag.  It is always so much fun to teach someone about stamping.  I love to teach and it is such a great outlet for me.  If you have a question or need supplies, visit my online site to purchase Stampin' Up! Products. 
                                                 
The Nacho Average Challenge called for Basic Black, Crumb Cake and Soft Suede.  I have never used Soft Suede with Crumb Cake before, so this was a challenge for me.  I really don't think I have ever used Soft Suede but, I really like it now.  I am going to start incorporating it into my cards more often. 

Stampin' Up! Products:

Paper:  Basic Black, Whisper White, Witches Brew Designer Series Paper, Soft Suede

Ink:  Crumb Cake

Stamp Sets:  Summer Silhouettes, Gifts of Kindness

Tools:  Stampin' Trimmer, Snail Adhesive, Big Shot Cutting Machine, Polka Dot Embossing Folder, Apothecary Framelits, Paper Piercing Tool and Mat,  Paper Piercing Essentials Pack, Window Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Enjoy the rest of the evening!
Happy Stampin!
Claire

Swallowtail/ Post Card CCMC 278

November 23, 2013

I didn't get to a make any cards yesterday, so I am back in the craft room this morning.  I had a great day yesterday.  I went to Atlanta to visit my GRANDdaughters school.  I read to Miss Addison's Pre-K class.  It was great to share this special time with them.  It sure brought back all the years of teaching!  I do miss that aspect of teaching!

Now, on to the Create with Connie and Mary challenge.  The colors definitely have a Fall feeling, but I decided to try something different with the color combo.  I have the Tangerine Tango embossing powder and I love the Swallowtail stamp, so here is what I created for the challenge.  ENJOY!

                                           

 

Stampin' Up! Products:

Paper:  Sahara Sand, Always Artichoke, Very Vanilla

Ink:  Early Expresso, Sahara Sand, Always Artichoke, Versa Mark

Stamp Sets:  Post Card, Swallowtail, Elementary Elegance, Postage Collection

Tools:  Stampin' Trimmer, Snail Adhesive, Big Shot Cutting Machine, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Distressing Tool, Stampin' Sponges, Heat Tool, Heat Buddy, Tangerine Tango Embossing Powder, Postage Punch

Embellishments:  Crochet Trim, Antique Brad

Wishing your a fabulous weekend!  Thanks for stopping by my blog.  Please leave a comment and let me know your thoughts!  

Happy Stampin!

Claire

Bah Hum Bug! PPA# 180

November 21, 2013

One week from today it will be Thanksgiving!  WOW!  How did that happen?  I haven't even started to think about cooking and preparing for the holidays!  I have been to busy organizing my craft room  closet and the room, too.  My oh my, I must confess, I have TOO much stuff!!!!!!!!!!!

I took a break from that task and made a card for Pals Paper Arts.  The sketch is so fun and I loved all the sample cards by the  Resident Artists.  It is very difficult for me not to emboss on a card, but I thought this card needed to be clean and simple.  ENJOY!

 Stampin' Up! Products:

Paper:  Basic Black, Seasons of Style Designer Series Paper, Whisper White

Ink:  Staz On Black

Stamp Sets:  Very Merry Tags, Wacky Wishes

Tools:  Stampin' Trimmer, Snail Adhesive, Artisan Label Punch, Glue Dots

Embellishments:  Black and White Chevron Ribbon, Black Candy Dots

Happy Stampin'!
Claire

Holiday "Perfect" Blend SFF111513

November 20, 2013

I am so excited.  Today my craft room closet cabinets arrive!!!!!!!!!!  I have been living and working in a total mess for three weeks!  It is a wonder I get anything accomplished in that disastrous room!  (Pictures soon)

So, I am trying to keep busy while I wait for them to arrive, I decided to create a card for Sketch Frenzy Friday.  I live about an hour from the nearest Starbucks, so dreaming about a pumpkin spice latte or peppermint mocha doesn't do me a lot of good.  But, dreaming can lead to creations----


                                                                   

 Pam, Donna and Roxanne----this one is for you today!  Thinking of you!!!  XOXO

Stampin' Up! Products:

Paper:  Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler, Seasons of Style Designer Series Paper

Stamp Sets:  Perfect Blend, Gorgeous Grunge, Word Play

Ink:  Old Olive, Early Expresso

Tools:  Stampin' Trimmer, Snail Adhesive, Big Shot Cutting Machine, Envelope Die Cut, Apothecary Accents Framelits, Modern Label Punch, Decorative Label Punch, Paper Snips, Stampin' Dimensionals, Owl Punch (for hearts)

Embellishments:  Old Olive Candy Dots

If anyone from Atlanta is headed to Greensboro today, please bring me a cup of holiday cheer!  :)))

Happy Stampin!
Claire

Create! SFF 110813

November 18, 2013

The Sketch Frenzy Friday is such a fun sketch.  I used Bermuda Bay, Basic Black and Smokey Slate to create a card that has a masculine feel.  I really love the Off The Grid Stamp!  It is such a different card for me.  Hope you enjoy it!

                                                               

Stampin' Up Products:

Paper:  Basic Black, Bermuda Bay, Smokey Slate, Whisper White

Ink:  Staz On Black, Versa Mark

Stamp Set:  Off the Grid, Loving Thoughts

Tools:  Stampin' Trimmer, Snail Adhesive, Glue Dots, Paper Snips, Heat Tool, Heat Buddy, Black Embossing Powder

Embellishments:  Black Chevron Ribbon, Black Candy Dots, Silver Button, Baker's Twine

Wishing you a day to be creative!

Happy Stampin!
Claire

Pursuit of Happiness PP 172 (CAS)

November 19, 2013

It is such a beautiful Fall day!  I am so thankful for the weather in Georgia.  The Paper Players Challenge was perfect for a day like today.  It called for a Clean and Simple (CAS) card with leaves.  I know we all think of the traditional Fall colors for leaves, but I decided to step out of the box and do a card with a twist on Fall.  I chose Chocolate Chip, Pool Party and Lucky Limeade for my card.


                                                           

Stampin' Up! Products:

Paper:  Chocolate Chip, Pool Party

Ink:  Lucky Limeade, Early Expresso

Stamp Sets:  Magnificent Maple, Gorgeous Grunge, Hello Lovely

Tools:  Stampin' Trimmer, Snail Adhesive, Paper Snips

Embellishment:  Linen Thread

Clean and Simple cards are difficult for me because I LOVE embossing and embellishments.
The great part is they are quicker to make and the tool list is short.  :)

Happy Stampin!
Claire

Snow Globe DD #79

November 18, 2013
                                                               
I was so exited when I found out that I was the winner last week at the Dynamic Duos Challenge!  WOW!!!!!!  Did that ever make my day!!!!  Thank you, Thank you!!!!

                                                    
 

So on to this week's challenge.  It is difficult for me to not add any red or something bright to the challenge.  I loved this old Stampin' Up! Stamp Set, "Snow Globe."  It has special meaning to me for several reasons.  When I was a child, I loved snow globes.  I could sit and shake one for hours and watch the snowflakes land.  I would let my imagination take me away to the enchanted land inside the globe.  I didn't own this stamp set and my dear, dear friend, Pam knew I loved it and wanted it.  She searched and found it at a consignment sale and gave it to me for a gift.  It has special meaning for that reason, too!  ENJOY!!!!

Stampin' Up! Products:

Paper:  Basic Black, Whisper White, Silver Glimmer, Vellum

Stamp Sets:  Snow Globe, Fabulous Phrases

Ink:  Versa Mark

Tools:  Stampin' Trimmer, Snail Adhesive, Heat Tool, Heat Buddy, Black Embossing Powder, Window Punch, Vellum Adhesive, Heat and Stick Powder, Glitter, Paper Snips

Embellishments:  Silver Ribbon, Rhinestone, Candy Dots

Hope you are having a fabulous day!

Happy Stampin!
Claire

Got Mistletoe? CCMC 277

November 18, 2013

Back to reality today.  We had such a fabulous weekend!  Yesterday, we took our GRANDdaughter and BONUS daughter to see The Rockettes Christmas Show!!!!!  Watching the wonder in Miss Addison's eyes was amazing.  The show is spectacular and if you have never seen it, I highly recommend you put it on your bucket list.  The dancing, the costumes, the scenery and the nativity will definitely get you in the holiday spirit. 

Create with Connie and Mary had a very fun sketch this week.  I love the simplicity and clean lines of this sketch.  Not much need for bling today.

                                                     

 Stampin' Up! Products:

Paper:  Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White, Seasons of Style Designer Series Paper

Stamp Sets:  Very Merry Tags, Christmas Messages

Tools:  Stampin' Trimmer, 1 " Square Punch, Stampin Dimensionals, Extra Large Oval Punch, Decorative Label Punch,  Cherry Cobbler and Old Olive Markers

Embellishment:  Old Olive Candy Dots

 

This says it all---" HAPPY GRAMMY"!!!

Happy Stampin!
Claire