Stampin! with Jaydee

PP82 - Thank you

Hi Everyone.  Happy Saturday.

It's the turn of the fabulous Nance to host the Paper Players challenge this week and she has a wonderful color challenge for us all.  If you weren't feeling summery before now, these colors will certainly take you there - mentally at least :-)

After all that has been going on the past two weeks, I really NEEDED a thank you card.  So, I decided to take these colors and create one!

I knew that I wanted to do a repetition of thank you, but decided to do it in multiple languages instead.  I used the colors in the challenge to highlight the different words to add interest.  As Poppy Parade was a little stronger than I wanted, I decided to use it sparingly and use the Soft Suede as my base color.

Here's what I came up with

I knew that the best way to create the text was to bring out My Digital Studio.  I could have done it in Mac's iPages, but it was so easy to get the text in the colors of the challenge with My Digital Studio and the multiple fonts provided in the package.

Once I had finished the card, I realized I should have said MANY THANKS.... which was the whole reason for doing the reptition of thank you!  Oh well.... It was too late by then!

Recipe - all ingredients Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted:

• Card stock:  Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, Pool Party
• Text:  My Digital Studio
• Ribbon:  Pool Party
• Accessories:  Basic Pearls
• Inks:  Pool Party, Soft Suede, Poppy Parade

We hope you will pop along to the Paper Players and play along with the challenge this week.  We'd love to see what YOU do with this color combo.

On a personal note:

Today was the first time in 2 weeks that I even felt like going into my stamping space.......

Merlin seems to be over the hump - thank heavens.  It has been a long two weeks and a very long road for the old man.  His cold certainly has not made things any easier for him.  Every two-three hours I have been giving a little "snot-spa treatment" and after a couple of days of trying to hold him over a sink running with hot water and a towel over his head, I decided to go buy a vaporizer machine!  That made a huge difference. I could put him in his carrier, put him next to the vaporizer, put a towel of the front of the carrier and the vaporizer and leave him there for 5 minutes.  This helped him soak up the steam and really helped to clear his little nose.  Once he felt a little better, he would smell his food and eat.

He's still not eating a lot, and is still a little unsteady on his little arthritic legs, but he is now urinating on his own and his kidney's seem to be functioning with the approximately 30% that they still seem to have available.  What a nightmare this past two weeks has been.  He's a fighter, the old man.  He's also been incredibly loving and, even though he hates the daily sub-q treatment, his 2 hourly "spa" treatment and his multiple pills daily, he has taken it in his stride.  Hopefully, we can continue to get him eating more now that his cold is getting better.  Oh, and yeah, maybe I can sleep for a little longer than 2 hours at a time, too.  But... I don't begrudge him the time and effort it has taken over the past two weeks.  It was worth every minute.  THANK YOU to all of you who sent me emails and left messages wishing him well.  We hope that he continues to gain strength and that his tests on Wednesday prove that he is, in fact, really on the mend.

Warm hugs and prayers to those of you who need a little lift tonight.

Pammie... especially big hugs for you my friend.

Jaydee

First Edition for Casestudy

Hi Everyone.  Happy Tuesday.

I hope you all had a truly wonderful Christmas.

I did actually manage to make three cards yesterday and today.  I cannot tell you how difficult it was to actually make them.  I generally don't suffer from a total lack of mojo, but it does seem to have gone south for winter.  I looked at challenge sites, tried CASeing a few cards and tried creating cards.  Nothing.  So, the fact that I actually managed to get three started - and finished - well, I am hoping that the drought might soon be over.

I saw a great challenge across at casestudy.  What a gorgeous inspiration card in white, blue and black.  With such strong colors and a very graphic design it was hard not to get inspired by it! Amy sure is talented!

I really needed a thank you note for my ex-colleague who has sent me some gorgeous, yummy things through the post.  She sent me fabulous chocolate brownies and a mug that says "good morning, let the stress begin!" that has two birds beak-fighting!  It's hysterical and, considering that we have often been on calls together at 5.30 a.m. and 7.30 p.m., we have gone through some stressful times this year, that's for sure.  She's a fabulous lady and I so miss working with her.  Consequently, I wanted to create a thank you card and this color scheme really inspired me.

I chose to print the butterfly from the MDS "First Editions" stamp brush set.  I sized it larger than normal.  This gave me lots of place to color.  After I had colored it, I attached some silver cord underneath the head of the butterfly for the antenae.  I did initially "fussy cut" around the printed antenae, but decided that it really needed something else and the silver cord really helped lift it.

I really wish the photograph had picked up the shading and colors on the butterfly!  I really need to get a better set up for photographing my cards in our new house!

Anyway, here's what I came up with.

Card supplies - all Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted:

• Card stock:  Basic Black, Baja Breeze, Whisper White.  X-press it for the butterfly
• Stamps:  My Digital Studio "First Editions".  Sentiment: Papertrey
• DSP:  Patterns Pack
• Accessories:  Polka Dot embossing folder.  Scallop Trim Border Punch, silver cord
• Inks:  Sentiment - Basic Gray.  Butterfly colored with Copic markers

I know the design team across at Casestudy would love it if you popped along and checked out the inspiration and design team cards. 

On a personal note:

Lou and I had a really relaxing Christmas Day.  We elected to cook an early dinner and then choose a movie to watch on TV.  I can never resist Bridget Jones and we noticed that Bridget Jones: Edge of Reason was available on demand, so we paid our 2.99 and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.  Mind you, who could resist 90 minutes of the gorgeous Colin Firth!  It was a great end to a day that had been relaxing and enjoyable.

So far we have seen several movies since we stopped work on Thursday last week.  We have seen :

• Young Adult (I'd give it a miss!) 
• Hugo (definitely a great movie and a wonderful reflection on how far we have come with cinematography). 
• The Descendants.  (Good movie, but I wouldn't put it on the best movies of 2011 list as so many critics have done.) 
• Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.  (If you have read the book, then the movie is a must see.)  (However, it certainly is not appropriate for 9 year old children and I was stunned when a family arrived with their daughter - around 9 - and stayed all the way through the movie.  This is a murder thriller with some very graphic scenes, including graphic sex scenes!  It really left Lou and I shaking our heads considering the great choice of kid-friendly movies available at the moment.)
• Tomorrow... well, we are off to see The Adventures of Tin Tin.  I grew up with Tin Tin and cannot wait to see it in 3D.  Well.... I didn't "grow up" with Tin Tin in the physical sense... but I think you know what I mean :-)

Many thanks to those of you who left Christmas wishes for Lou and I - or sent us cards.  They were really much appreciated.  So, a shout out to Adele, Beverly, Brenda, Cam, Doris, Germaine, Rach for your fabulous cards.  (I will be sharing photos of them with you all.)  Thanks also to Kelly, Cherie, Rach, Adele, Beverly and Ann for leaving wishes for us on my last blog post.  It was wonderful to hear from you all.

As always, thank you for spending a little time in my area of the stamping blogosphere.  Your visits and your comments are always greatly appreciated.  Have a wonderful Tuesday

Warm hugs and prayers for those of you who need a little lift tonight.  Beth, my thoughts and prayers are still with you and your family.

Hugs

Jaydee

Sunflower Butterflies

Hi Everyone.  Happy Wednesday.

I have a quick card to share with you tonight.  Continuing the theme of the layout that I have used over the last two days, I decided to mix things up just a little.  Still the same layout, except this time it's vertical and I used a background stamp instead of DSP.

My new Sunflower stamp arrived at the end of last week.  It took me a long time to order this stamp, but I do love it.  I also ordered the Kindness Matters set.  I love the butterflies in this set, but had always been worried about them being too small.  For my layout, I decided to use my markers and color each of the butterflies individually and then "fussy" cut around them and arrange them in place of the circular element from the cards I showed you the past two nights.

For some reason, don't ask me why... I decided to go with a purple theme.  Now, those of you who visit my blog regularly will know that purple is just not a color I use often.  However, I DO love Elegant Eggplant.  In fact, I hadn't realized how much I loved EE until the new Wisteria color came out this year in the In Colors.

Here's what I came up with

Cutting out the butterflies sure was relaxing :-)

I have one more card for you using this same layout and will share it with you tomorrow.  Hopefully, I have shown you that there are ways to take your fall to layout and change it up to create different cards and yet keep the same layout.  This layout is really quick and easy.

Card recipe - all ingredients Stampin' Up!

• Card stock:  Elegant Eggplant, Wisteria Wonder, Very Vanilla
• Stamps:  Sunflower Background Stamp; Kindness Matters
• Inks:  More Mustard, Elegant Eggplant, Pale Plum
• Tools:  Stamp-a-ma-jig

On a personal note:

Those of you who visit regularly will know that animals are something near and dear to my heart. I have always had a very soft spot for animals, the aged, children, the disabled - any sentinent being unable to fight for themselves.  I don't know whether it is nature or nurture.  I think probably a bit of both.  My mother was the same. 

I abide and abhor keeping wild animals.  Keeping wild animals of any shape or size should NOT BE ALLOWED.  I cannot tell you how the debacle that unfolded in Ohio upset me.  Caged animals upset me.  Caged wild animals - beautiful beasts of the wild - upset me even more.  That someone was allowed to keep over 50 beautiful animals caged up and then to have many of them shot outside their own cages... well.... that whole situation just drives me absolutely demented.  I don't blame the police for doing what they did.  Do I like it?  NO!  Do I wish something else could have been done instead.  ABSOLUTELY!  In the end... no-one should be allowed to keep wild animals like that.  I hope that this situation now brings to the fore the need to set down laws - and enforce them.  Maybe then over 50 animals would have not died in vain.

Talking about fauna.... Our little avifauna are having a ball :-)  Kelly, we had talked about leaving our fountain in the hope that the new owners (hopefully we can sell the house!!!!!!) will get enjoyment out of the fountain and the creatures that visit it.  It's amazing that we have managed to create a little area of respite for the animals in our quarter acre.  It's taken time to create that environment.  Providing food, lodging, water, trees, shrubs and hiding spaces took some time, money and patience... but we have been rewarded over and over again.  Our backyard is chemical free and a safe space.  It is also a healthy space in terms of the fact that nature controls that space as it was meant to.  Many people are horrified when raptors visit their garden.  Us.... we are thrilled.  That is the way of nature and when raptors visit, the balance is restored.

Linda... I promise I will take some pictures of our fountain and its visitors when we are on vacation over the next couple of weeks.  It's going to be interesting in our new house, because we think we will discover some new birds as the terrain is so very different.  We did see our first wildlife whilst walking the plot a couple of weeks ago.  Well, Lou did.  A two and a half foot garter snake, just wending his way along to the woods.  I love it and was sorry that I had not seen him.

Warm hugs and prayers to those of you who need a little lift tonight.  Rach, I hope that you are feeling better today :-)

Hugs

Jaydee

Button Buddies Thanks

Hi Everyone.  Happy Tuesday.  Hope you are all having a great week so far.

Tonight's card is the other version of the layout that I used in last night's card.  This one, though, is very different in color, DSP and elements.  However, the layout is exactly the same.  I needed a couple of thank you cards, and this Spice Cake Pool Party DSP makes me happy just looking at it :-)  I decided to use Button Buddies as my circular element.  I played around with the sentiment choice for quite a while.  It really needed something happy and cheerful.  Looking through my stamps I discovered the retired Curls and Swirls Verses and decided that would be ideal.

Here's what I came up with

Don't you think that font seems to fit with this paper?  I love the Very Vanilla with the Pool Party.  I think this is my favorite of the 2011/2012 In Colors.  I stamped the flower from Button Buddies using Craft Whisper White ink onto Pool Party card stock.  I then covered it with embossing powder (an off-white) and heat set it.  A little fussy cutting was required around the flower. 

To secure the button onto the flower, I used a needle and Baker's Twine.  I pushed the needle through the first button hole and sewed it to the flower and then back again, tying it off underneath.  I then popped the button up on the sentiment using Stampin' Dimensionals.  My Pool Party marker colored in the flower in the sentiment, and all that was required was a single little pearl in the middle of the flower.

So, what do you think?

Here's what I used:

• Stamps:  Button Buddies, Curls & Swirls Verses
• DSP:  Spice Cake
• Card stock:  Pool Party, Very Vanilla
• Accessories:  Brights Buttons, Basic Pearls
• Inks:  Indigo Island, Pool Party, Versamark
• Tools:  Embossing Powder, Heat Gun, Stamp-a-ma-jig

On a personal note:

It was wonderful watching the juncos at the fountain today.  There were several of them along the button, amongst the rocks, drinking.  We then saw the hairy woodpecker fly in, land on the side of the fountain and take a drink.  Really... this fountain is one of the best things we have done for the wildlife.  They just love it.  One of the young deer was caught licking the side of it last night!  An indication of how little rain we have had, and how little standing water there is around.  We have decided that in the new house, we need to incorporate a fountain at the back and one out the front - right outside my office window!

This week we were choosing colors for the exterior and we even found a chandelier for the dining room.  Oh boy... this is so exciting.  It's going to be a long wait over winter whilst they finalize the plans, we choose all our fittings and finishes and then they start digging and building.  Neither Lou nor I have ever built a house before, we have always bought existing houses, that this is a whole new ball game for us.  Lots of work on our old one to get ready to sell it.  Not least of which is doing a spring clean and sorting through 13 years of living in this house! :-) 

As always, thank you for visiting my blog... I really do appreciate it.  Warm hugs and prayers for those who need a little lift tonight.

Have a wonderful Wednesday.

Hugs

Jaydee

Butterfly Thank You

Hi Everyone.  Happy Tuesday night.

I had to make a thank you card on Sunday and it needed to be a little bit formal.  Of course, that ensured that I pulled out the Mocha Morning DSP.  I just LOVE this DSP.  I think it is one of the most gorgeous DSP combos I have seen from any manufacturer.  It appeals to my design sensibility and I love the rich color scheme.  It makes the Early Espresso look so warm and inviting and rich and smooth and glorious.  OK.  I think you get the message... I love this DSP.

It was one of the rare occasions that I didn't use an SU stamp set, too.  I bought this stamp set for some of the sentiments - just perfect for my OWH cards. 

The butterflies seemed the perfect contrast to the formality of the color scheme, and added just a little whimsy.  Of course, I couldn't resist a little bling in the form of pearls either.

This layout is a variation on one I have used before.  It certainly seems to be a fall to layout for me.  To soften the darkness of the Early Espresso, I made the focal layer a little wider than normal.  It also allowed me to capture a little more of the trails of the butterfly.

Well, I don't know about you... but I think it's awfully pretty.  Not adjectives I generally use when describing something containing such a strong, masculine, color scheme.  The gold, the butterflies, the pearls and the "trails", all work to soften the overal masculine feel and make it more feminine.

Here's the inside:

Card supplies - all Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted:

• Card stock:  Very Vanilla, Early Espresso
• DSP:  Mocha Morning
• Inks:  Gold Encore, Early Espresso.
• Accessories:  Pearls (non SU)
• Stamp:  Happy Trails (non SU)

Before getting on to the personal note for tonight......

Cindy and Marcia, just wanted to let you both know that your OWH winning orders are in the system.  :-)

Beth... I saw your post on Rach's blog and wanted to let you know that I was thinking about your daughter. 

On a personal note:

Gorgeous fall days here right now.  The colors are about 50%.  It never ceases to amaze me the wondrous color scheme that Mother Nature bestows upon us at this time of year.  The skies have been clear and blue, perfect backdrop to the greens, golds, yellows, reds, rusts of the falling leaves.  It makes me happy just thinking about it.

It seems our little hummingbirds took advantage of the incredibly strong winds a couple of days ago and began their journey south.  Soon it will be time for the Juncos to return to our garden.  The Oriole's came a couple of times and left us with a parting gift.... the sight of their beautiful orange plumage flashing through the trees.  I love the fact that we have 4 full seasons here.  It creates a wonderful rhythm to the year. 

One of the things that struck me when we first moved to the US, was the fact that people decorated to support the changing of the seasons.  Other than Christmas decorations, not something that we had ever done before.  I love it.  I love to see how different houses favor different times of the year and tend to do more around one or two seasons than others.  Other neighbors take advantage of any occasions to hoist a different flag; a new wreath on the door; new annuals on the front porch..... I think it's really incredible that so many of you get into the spirit of the season.  It inspires me to do the same.

I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday.  Filled with joy, laughter and love and time spent doing the things that you enjoy.

Warm hugs and prayers for those who need a little lift tonight, including you, Beth.

Hugs

Jaydee

French Foliage - My first publication

Hi Everyone.  Happy Monday.

Before I get to my post tonight.  I hope that all of my East Coast blog readers are safe and dry.  So many people I spoke to on the East Coast today had been affected in one way or another.  Upstate New York seemed to have been hit pretty bad along the Hudson Valley.  One just doesn't think of Hurricane's that far north.  So, I hope you are all well and safe.  You were all in my thoughts and prayers this weekend.

Well, I finally did it.  I entered a card into Papercrafts for possible submission at the end of last year and was so pleased when I was advised that the card would be published!  I was so excited, but it has been a long time since I made the card and I haven't been able to show it to you.  Yep, I made this card sometime back in October last year!!! 

The card was created for the brand new Papercrafts special edition

This edition is chocablock full of ideas on how to use different layouts.  Of all the submissions, only 4 of each layout were chosen.  I loved this particular layout and had an idea on what to use immediately that I saw it.

It was so long ago, that I had only just gotten my French Foliage set and thought that the leaves from the set would work beautifully with the layout.  I also decided that I wanted to create a light and airy feel to the leaves, so stamped them onto vellum.  Once the ink was dry, I cut around the leaves with my paper snips and attached them to the square bases using plenty of mini glue dots.

I have to say, that the card doesn't look as vibrant on the page in the mag.  You really night the brighter lights that come with close-up photography to see that the leaves are stamped onto vellum.  You will notice that yes, I did... I did cut out the stems of the flowers, too!!!  The only thing that is not Stampin' Up! on the card is the sentiment.  The reason for that?  We didn't have a "thank you" sentiment that was just the right scale and my printer at the time wouldn't print on card stock.  So, I had no alternative but to use a different make of sentiment.

So... I loved this card.... what do you think?

You really should pop along to your local newsagent or bookstore and get your own copy of this special edition.  It really is so inspiring to see the various ways that the layouts were used.  So, for those of us (like me), who are often layout challenged - 288 cards based on the layouts, is a great way to find some inspiration.

Card ingredients - all Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted:

• Card stock:  Cajun Craze, More Mustard, Very Vanilla.  Vellum
• Inks:  More Mustard, Bravo Burgundy (center of the leaves).  Both are Stampin' Write markers.  Cajun Craze was used for the sentiment.  Versamark was used for the background stamping
• Stamps:  French Foliage.  Sentiment: Papertrey Ink.  Background: Confetti
• Tools:  Stamp-a-ma-jig.  Paper Snips.  Mini glue dots.  Snail.

As always, thanks for visiting my blog.  You know it means a great deal to me.

Hugs

Jaydee

Fancy Swap Hop - Faith in Nature and Vintage Vogue

Hi Everyone.  Happy Friday.

I am so glad you popped in to check out the Fancy Card Swap Blog Hop. 

A group of us did an organized swap at the Stampin' Up! 2011 convention and there are some amazing projects to share with you.  I know you will enjoy visiting the 9 hops on this swap tour. 

If you are on the blog hop, you may have reached me from the very talented Julie Beltramo.  The next stop on the tour is across to fabulous Nancy Ferb.

For my Fancy Swap card, I absolutely had to use the new Stampin' Up! hostess set - Faith in Nature.  I am in love this set.  It lends itself to very clean and simple cards, or.... well, more fancy cards :-)  You can see more of the cards that I made using this set by clicking here.

Here's my card all wrapped up in it's clear envelope for safe keeping.

Here's a close up of the pear.  I colored this with Stampin' Up! Classic waterbased inks and a Blender Pen.

I used two greens for the pear - Lucky Limeade and Pear Pizzazz.  They were layered on with my blender pen.  The middle piece was colored using So Saffron.  The background to the pear was colored using Soft Suede, the same color as the base of the card.

I didn't do much to the inside.  I just made use of the same newsprint and some Very Vanilla card stock to carry some of the components from outside in.

I layered the tag and then layered the pear on top of it.  I stamped the focal image onto the tag, then again onto spare card stock.  I colored both images and then "fussy cut" around the pear and the leaf and mounted it to the tag using Stampin' Dimensionals.  The tag was adhered to the base using Stampin' Dimensionals, too.

As the base First Edition newsprint was a little bright, I used the Stampin' Up! distressing ink "tea stain" to make it look a little older.

Tip: If you want to know how I color using my Classic inks and a blender pen, you can check my video on this technique by clicking on this link.

Here's the recipe for my card - all ingredients Stampin' Up!

• Card stock:  Very Vanilla, Soft Suede
• Stamps:  Faith in Nature (focal image).  This stamp comes in English, French and Spanish.  You can see full details on this stamp at this link.  Sentiment is from the Vintage Vogue set - full details at this link.
• Inks:  Black StazOn.  Soft Suede, So Saffron, Pear Pizzazz and Lucky Limeade Classic Inks
• Accessories:  Antique Brads (details here).  Ribbon is Pear Pizzazz Seam Binding ribbon (details here).  Mini library clip (details here)
• Tools:  Big Shot and the Two Tags Die (details here).  Scallop border punch, Snail, Stampin' Dimensionals.  Blender Pens
• Designer Series Paper: First Edition.  This comes as a digital download, or in normal DSP.  (details here)

Thanks for visiting with me and don't forget to pop along to  Nancy or back to Julie for your next stop on the tour.  I hope you all have a fabulous Friday and a wonderful weeked.

To Elizabeth and Julie - thanks for allowing me to be a part of this great swap!

Hugs

Jaydee

Sneak Peek - Precious Butterflies meets Flirtatious Speciality DSP

Hi Everyone.  Happy Friday night.

I hope you have all had a great day.  Me....?  Well, I had to play with some of my new goodies, now didn't I?  Did I get any housework done?  Can I take the 5th on that!

There is a new hostess set in the 2011/2012 catalog called Precious Butterflies.  I loved it when I saw it on the pre-order preview and decided it was one that I really had to have. 

In fact, I used it twice today.  Once turned out a little better than the other.  I will show you them both, although one of them really got messed up.  I hate it when I spend ages putzing on something and then right at the very end stick it down and it isn't straight.  I then tried to straighten it and made it even worse.  Did I say that this happened RIGHT AT THE VERY END!  Grrr :-)

Anyway, Let's get to the card that turned out a little better.

The new Flirtatious DSP has a lot of fabulous doily shapes on it.  I decided to use the Daffodil Delight sheet and pair it with some of my favorite retiring Daffodil Delight satin ribbon.  At the top of the page, I used versamark and the larger  and medium sized butterflies from the Precious Butterfly set.

What do you think?  I think it's quite pretty.  I've seen several of these bows made with the brads and decided this was the perfect time to use it as I really wanted a flatter bow.

Card recipe - all ingredients Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted:

• Card stock:  Whisper White, Basic Black
• Stamps:  Precious Butterflies (available on July 1).  Sentiment is from the new Faith in Nature set (also available July 1)
• Inks:  Daffodil Delight, Basic Black, Versamark
• DSP:  Flirtatious Speciality DSP
• Accessories:  Daffodil Delight Satin Ribbon.  Rhinestone

I also decorated the inside, but only remembered as I was typing up this post - so the pic isn't so great!  But, at least you get the idea

So..... last night Rach asked me to create a card using the new Pool Party In Color.  I decided I wanted to do something a little unexpected, so pulled out the Precious Butterfly set again.  I decided to use it with hints from the new Calypso Coral and Island Indigo.  Everything was going ok.... not brilliant... but OK... until I decided to stick the top layers to the base card!  Oh, well.  Rach, I tried!

Card recipe - all ingredients Stampin' Up!

• Card stock:  Pool Party, Whisper White
• Stamps:  Precious Butterfly
• Inks:  Island Indigo, Calypso Coral, Pool Party
• Accessories: Basic Pearls
• Tools:  Polka Dot Embossing folder, Stampin' Dimensionals

On the positive side, the colors are really pretty together.  The Calypso Coral is such a soft shade of coral and works well against the Pool Party.  The little pop of Island Indigo works well.  Now... if only I could find Stampin' Dimensionals that were repositionable - oh... and if only I could put things on straight the first - or even - second time! :-)

On a personal note:

I am off to go and play in the kitchen with my new non-stick induction cookware.  We are loving our new range.  Oh... I love the fact that it is so responsive.  In fact, it's like the perfect man.  Good looking.  Sensitive.  Responsive.  There when you need him :-)

I hope you all have a wonderful Saturday.  One filled with love, laughter and time spent doing the things you love.

Prayers tonight for those who need a lift or a warm hug.

As always, thank you for spending a little time in my area of the stamping blogosphere.  Your visits and your comments are greatly appreciated.

Hugs

Jaydee

 

Fabulous Florets and Four Frames - Paper Players # 45

Hi Everyone.  Happy Saturday night.

I hope you are all having a great weekend so far.

Well, it's Saturday night - and you know that means it's the night for my Paper Players card.  This week LeAnne has a challenge for us that is perfect for this time of the year.  It's a theme challenge.

 

I decided to try a new technique that I first saw on the demo only side of Stampin' Up!    

It's called the faux mother of pearl technique.  It's really cool as the colors change in the light - just as mother of pearl does.  It's really hard to capture in photograph though.  I took a picture under my Ottlite for you to try to give you an idea.  

Hopefully you can see from the thumbnail that it has that luminosity in the light.  It really is very pretty.  It's created using Frost White Shimmer Paint, sponge daubers and a little ink.

So, going along with LeAnne's theme - I chose to focus on flowers.  Of course, that meant that I had to use the Fabulous Florets set.  I combined it with the Four Frames set and my Decorative Label Punch.

 

Hopefully between the two pics, you can get the idea of how pretty this looks in real life.  I sponged the card stock, over the shimmer paint, using Bashful Blue, to make it look as though the Poppies were photographed against a sky background.

Card recipe - all ingredients Stampin' Up!

• Card stock:  Whisper White, Poppy Parade
• Stamps:  Fabulous Florets (flowers), Four Frames (sentiment frame), Afterthoughts (sentiment)
• Accessories:  Poppy Parade ribbon, basic pearls (colored), Shimmer Paint
• Tools:  Sponge daubers, Paper snips, Decorative Label Punch

Now - it's over to you.  We would love you to join our challenge this week.  Pop along from Sunday 1 May to the PaperPlayers website, check out the fabulous design team inspiration cards.  The team really has outdone themselves again this week.

You can also check out the submission cards - and add your own.

Prayers tonight for those who have been affected by the storms in the south of the country.  My heart goes out to them all.  Prayers also for those of you who need a little lift or a warm hug today.

Have a fabulous Sunday everyone

hugs

Jaydee

The Open Sea- thank you

Hi Everyone.

Happy Tuesday night.  Very quick post for you tonight.

If you haven't gotten the idea that I love the new "The Open Sea" set yet, you might do after you see yet another card made with it! :-)

I really do love this set and couldn't wait to try this card that was shown in the Stampin' Up! demo only magazine.  I saw it, fell in love with it, and couldn't wait to recreate it.  So, I cannot take any credit for the design!  CASE from start to finish!

Well... I did change one thing....the color of the baker's twine.  On the original, they used the crumby cake colored baker's twine - I chose the red.  I love the fact that it uses so many elements from the set and that there is a little bit of distressing. 

Card recipe - all ingredients Stampin' Up!

• Card stock:  Not Quite Navy, Baja Breeze, Very Vanilla
• Stamps:  The Open Sea.  Sentiment is from the Thank you Kindly set
• Inks:  Crumb Cake, Night of Navy, Early Espresso, More Mustard, Basic Gray
• Accessories:  Baker's Twine, Vintage Brad

On a personal note:

Long, long, long week this week.  It's only the end of Tuesday and I have already done nearly 30 hours work in the last two days.  I just wish that at the end of it I felt as though I had accomplished anything!  I really need a bumper sticker that says... I'd rather be stamping! :-)

Yesterday was the MOST glorious day.  The temps were around 60 degrees.  I got to spend 10 minutes at lunch time and then another 10 minutes in the afternoon, sitting on the deck, soaking up the sun, the warmth, the breezes, the sounds of the garden.  Perfection.  Today... rain.  So, the only soaking that went on today, was the grass soaking up the rain!

Talking about rain..... my prayers for those affected by the flooding, the tornadoes and the terrible storms that continue to ravage parts of the US.  My heart goes out to all those people who have been affected.  Prayers, too, for those of you who need a warm hug or a quick lift tonight.

I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday.  Filled with peace, love and laughter.

Hugs

Jaydee

Thank you - Friends 24x7

Hi Everyone.  Happy Monday.

Hope you all had a great weekend.  Mine?  Too short :-)

This card is one of only 3 I have managed to make in two weeks.  Yep.. three cards in two weeks!

I was inspired by the casestudychallenge this week to create this two layer card.  I decided it was about time I brought out a piece of DSP from a stack that I haven't even opened.  Yep... never been opened!  How sad is that.  It shows you that either a) I have too much stuff.... or b) I don't have enough time to use it.  I'm going with the latter :-)  Don't forget to pop along to the casestudy site to check out the inspiration card, as well as the design team and submission cards.

I am still pushing myself to use color combos that I don't generally use.  In this case... Concord Crush, Rich Razzleberry, Perfect Plum and Whisper White.  Guess what?  I actually loved it!!!

So, here's the card that I was inspired to create.

         

Card recipe - all ingredients Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted:

• card stock:  Concord Crush, Whisper White
• Stamps:  Friends 24 x7.  Sentiment: Papertrey Ink
• Accessories:  Rich Razzleberry Satin Ribbon.  Rich Regals button.  Silver elastic cord
• DSP:  Presto Patterns.  This paper is white and is fabulous for the emboss resist technique as it is already embossed.  I took one of my sponge daubers and colored it using Concord Crush.  A small basic pearl was colored and used for the eye of the bird
• Dies:  Nestabilities
• Inks:  Soft Suede, Perfect Plum, Always Artichoke Markers for the bird.  Concord Crush for the sentiment.

What do you think of the color combo?  I must admit, I will be using the Presto Patterns paper more now, too.  I don't know why it took me so long to use it.

This card will be going to one of my fabulous blog readers - not telling you who!  It will be posted this weekend, with a little token of my appreciation.

On a personal note:  This week is going to be another long week.  It's already 7pm and I need to go do some exercise.  Yes.  I NEED to go do some exercise.  My trips backwards and forwards to the doctors these last two weeks have shown that stress is starting to manifest itself in all sorts of places on my body.  The remedy, exercise and other forms of stress relief.  So... I have taken the doctor's orders to heart and will be starting to exercise at least once a day.  I have also taken to grooving on phone calls when I can.  Mind you, sometimes I think hitting a boxing bag might be the best way to handle some of these stressful calls :-)    Once I have exercised, I need to go feed the cats before they call the SPCA and then look at feeding myself!

I am still so thrilled that so many of you left comments, sent emails or posted cards for my birthday!  They were all much appreciated.

Prayers tonight for those of you who need a warm hug or a little lift.

Have a fabulous Tuesday everyone.  I hope you all get to spend some time enjoying this spring weather.  Yes... spring is definitely on her way.  I saw a herd of 25 white tails and a rafter of 8 turkeys in the garden on Friday.  It was wonderful.  Especially as we haven't seen the turkey's for a while!

Hugs

Jaydee

Clean and Simple - Artistic Etchings, Define your Life, Countryside

Hi Everyone.  Happy Thursday night.

Tonight I have two more swaps from the regional for you.  These cards are so fabulous and I hope that you will appreciate them, too. 

It's 9.30 here and I have just finished work, so this will be a very quick post.  However, I did want to give you an opportunity to appreciate the wonderful creativity of your fellow crafters.

This card by MaryLou Kleveland, really showcases the simple things in life.  I loved it.  The twine added just the right touch.  The sepia colors worked so amazingly well together.

Card recipe:

• Card stock:  Naturals Ivory, Early Espresso
• DSP:  Newsprint DSP
• Stamps:  Countryside, Define Your Life
• Acceessories:  Blender Pen, Stampin' Dimensionals, Hemp Twine, Sponges

I loved this card from Nikki Rueth.  The black, vanilla and crumb cake really worked so well, together.  As did the bird punch.  It was just the accessory to make this card pop.

• Card stock:  Basic Black, Very Vanilla
• Stamps: Artistic Etchings
• Accessories:  Grosgrain ribbon, bird punch

So thanks to Niki and Mary Lou for swapping with me.  These cards are fabulous!

On a personal note:  It was another long day, but I did get one of my projects - due for completion on Monday - completed today.  That gives me time to try to get the two projects I needed to complete, completed by Monday - oh yeah... I forgot... and then the two projects my manager added to my list today:-)  Some of you may be asking and wondering why on earth I work the hours that I do.  It's simple.  I have worked for the same company since 1982.  I work for a Fortune 30 company.  I have had 5 different roles in my company in 4 years.  The company I work for has had multiple layoffs since 1992.  In fact, thousands upon thousands of people have been laid off.  Sadly, many of those jobs have gone overseas.  As my tenure was broken, I don't have the pension cushion that many have.  I also live in a very small town, with a small number of employers.  Consequently, like so many of us, I work the hours that I need to work to keep my job, knowing that the company I work for is looking to cut more people and move more jobs overseas.  I don't tell  you this because I want to get into a discussion about politics, or the economy - or anything serious like that.  Just to let you know why I work the hours that I do.  The job that I do is seriously in jeopardy of being moved off-shore.  I know that.  All the people doing what I do know that.  Every day we are asked to train off-shore employees to do what we do.  So... I do the work to the very best of my ability!

This means it totally disrupts my compulsion to get into my stamping space and create.  Creating is one of those things that keeps me somewhat sane!!!!  It really is very cathartic, and a change from my everyday job.  Like so many of us who are juggling jobs, life, children, parents, friends - life in general, I wish I had more time to spend doing the things I love.  Crafting is one of those things.

Prayers tonight for those who need a lift or a warm hug.  My thoughts and prayers, too, are with those in New Zealand.  The decision the rescue workers had to make to decide to move into recovery instead of rescue reminded me of 9/11.  The saddest thing for me yesterday..... looking at a picture of a little white coffin carrying the remains of a 9 month old child.  A victim of the earthquake.  My heart broke for the parents.

You know... when I sit down to write my blog... I have no agenda.  I do not know what I am going to say.  The words come from somewhere inside of me.... unplanned.. unedited... unscripted.  Tonight, was obviously one of those few nights where the happy side of life obviously wasn't coming through!

To quote to words of the immortal Scarlet O'Hara - tomorrow IS another day!

Have a wonderful Friday everyone

Hugs

Jaydee

Nature Walk - Three x Three

Hi Everyone.

Happy Monday night.  I hope you all had a great weekend.  Before we get on to tonight's cards, I'd like to do a quick shout out to SAM.  It's SAM's birthday tonight... so Happy Birthday Sam.  I know your Mom (Beverly) will have taken great care of you - but I wanted you to know that we were thinking of you today.

I also wanted to thank you all for your wonderful comments on my Mother's Day card.  You really have no idea how much your comments do mean to me.  Also, what you comment - and what you comment on, have a direct bearing on what you see on my blog.  So, if you want to influence what you see here, don't forget - your comments do matter. 

Alicia - on your request as to where I would share the secret of the rose.  Absolutely.  I will try and put together a quick tip video this weekend and post it on my blog for you.

Some of you may remember me telling you that the recent Stampin' Up! regionals featured the Nature Walk stamp set.  We got to use the stamp set in ways that I wouldn't normally use it... and that's another great reason to go to regionals.

Also, I never make little 3 x 3 gift cards.  Well, we had a make and take project.  4 3 x 3 cards and a little holder for them.  I loved this project.  The little holder is so darn cute!

Here's the 4 cards.  All made with the Botanical Gazette DSP, the Decorative Label Punch and the Nature Walk stamp set.

Aren't they cute!

Now, here's the inside of the holder

Decorated with a little of the Botanical Gazette paper on the inside and made out of Marina Mist card stock.

Here's the decorated outside:

 

All round, a really cute set of cards.  I really enjoyed making them.  Another thing I am enjoying - and never thought I would..... textured card stock!  Yep... Love it!!!

On a personal note:  Lou is traveling again - this time he's in the UK.  Also, I have three project deadlines for tasks at work.  The deadlines all come up next Monday.  Guess what I will be doing this week... yep, working long hours and over the weekend, too!  Grrrrrr.... I really need someone to provide me with the winning lottery numbers! :-)

Have a wonderful Tuesday everyone.  I hope it is a day filled with love and laughter.  I hope you all get to do something that you enjoy doing at least once during the day.

Prayers tonight for those of you who need a lift or a warm hug.  Continued prayers for those affected by the earthquake in New Zealand.

Hugs

Jaydee

Take a Sip, Tiny Teacup, Punch Bunch, For Everything

Hi Everyone.  Happy Wednesday night.

You know that I like to showcase other cards that I receive.  Well, over the next couple of weeks I will intersperse posts of my own cards, with those that I received as swaps at the Minnesota Regionals.

Before I show you the cards tonight, I wanted to let you know that I am busy converting more of my older videos.... and recorded some more this past weekend!  I have set up an individual post for the videos and will update this post everytime I release a new video.  You can easily get to the videos by clicking on this link.   I will be posting another video for you tomorrow night.  Adelle, it is one that you asked me for!  In the meantime, clicking on the link will take you to the home page where all my videos will be linked.

Now on to the cards for tonight. I want to showcase three cards that I got from fellow Mn stamper and SU demo and all round great lady - Laurie Zoellmer.  I loved all three of these cards.  I know you will, too.  Why not pop along to Laurie's blog and check out her other cards and projects! 

Laurie showcased a wonderful assortment of SU goodies.  I've listed the recipe under the card photos for you.

Card recipe  all ingredients Stampin' Up!

• Card stock:  Riding Hood Red, Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Early Espresso
• Stamps:  Punch Bunch (121487 wood, 123211 clear), Sentiment is from So Happy For You (121853 wood, 123220 clear).  Both of these sets are the free sets with Sale A Bration
• Tools:  Owl Punch 118074, Branch is from the Extra Large Bird Punch 117191, Chocolate Chip grosgrain ribbon, Modern Label Punch used for the sentiment 119849.  Heart is from the Heart to Heart XL punch 119881, Scallop Square Bigz Die 115950

Now, I have to tell you, I had to look up this stamp set!  I knew that I didn't have it..... :-)  It's a pretty cool set, I am not sure how I missed it!

Card recipe - all ingredients Stampin' Up!

• Card stock:  Tempting Turquoise, Daffodil Delight, Melon Mambo, Whisper White
• Stamps:  For Everything (116954 wood, 120459 clear)
• Inks:  Old Olive, Tempting Turquoise
• Tools:  1" Circle Punch 119868, Scallop Trim Border (118402)

Card recipe - all ingredients Stampin' Up!

• Card stock:  So Saffron, Real Red
• Inks:  Early Espresso, Real Red
• Wheel:  Take a Sip 120323 
• Stamp:  Tiny Teacup 118086 
• Tools:  Scallop Circle Punch 118874,  1 3/4" circle punch 119850, Square Lattice embossing folder 119976

Well, I hope you enjoyed three of the cards from the Mn swaps!  I love them!

Prayers tonight for those affected by the earthquake in Christchurch.  The death toll numbers are sure to increase in the next few days.  The scenes of devastation are heartbreaking, especially when you know that there are still people trapped in some of those buildings.

Prayers also for those of you who need a little lift, or a warm hug.

Have a fabulous Thursday everyone.

Hugs

Jaydee

Nature Walk - thanks so much

Hi Everyone.  Hope you are all having a great week so far!

Tomorrow is Wednesday... you know what that means?  Yep, just two days away from Friday:-)

I went to regionals a week or so ago.  The great thing about going to the Stampin' Up! regionals is that you get to do fabulous makes and takes, share stamping time with others, get to see some wonderful Workshop Wow presentations and swap with other demos.... the bad thing about regionals... aaargggh... I have to stamp in a rush!  So, the sentiment on my card tonight - is definitely not straight!  You aren't imagining it... it really isn't straight.

The stamp set used at Regionals was Nature Walk.  I love this set and have not used it anywhere near enough.  it was great to see some different uses of the set, especially as many of them were on the shabby chic, vintagey side.... and you all know that I don't go to "that" side very often! 

Tonight's card is a slight adaptation of the one from the regional.  The layout is the same, the stamp set is the same, the sentiment and the DSP are different.  For the regional one, instead of the striped DSP they had a crimped and distressed element.  I decided I wanted to change it up a little and make it a little less distressed.  The striped DSP allowed me to do that, without losing the overall elements of the card.

I loved the treatment of the eggs.  They were colored using Marina Mist, Early Espresso and Old Olive makers.  For the envelope, I used Early Espresso.

Card recipe - all ingredients Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted:

• Card stock:  Naturals Ivory, Old Olive, Early Espresso
• Stamps:  Nature Walk (121925 wood, 121997 clear), Three Little Words (sentiment) (113254)
• Accessories:  Old Olive Tafetta ribbon (119767)
• Inks:  Early Espresso Classic ink and Marker.  Marina Mist and Old Olive markers
• Tools:  Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch (119275), Stampin Dimensionals
• Card cut to 3 x 6.  the Dotted Scallop Border punch was used for the Early Espresso border element.  I punched it out and then cut down the middle of the scallop and adhered it to the base of the focal point.

On a personal note:  Been a long day today.  Lou is traveling and will be doing that a fair bit over the next few weeks, which always makes the days a little more difficult!   I am desperate for spring.  Really, really looking forward to sitting out on the deck and getting that area finished.  We didn't quite finish it at the end of the year and I am really looking forward to getting it finished.

This week, we did hear the Chickadee's singing their mating call, though.  You always know spring is somewhere near when you hear that.   Ohhh... talking about birds.  I wanted to share a pic with you of our visitor this week.  The sparrows have taken to nesting in the new spruce trees we put in during summer.  They are loving them as they are away from the strong winter winds and are very dense.  So, they provide really good cover for them.  The Sharp Shinned/Coopers - whichever one he is - has noticed that they have moved. He swooped in the other day and I managed to snap a couple of pictures of him

Isn't he amazing?

I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday.

Prayers tonight for those affected by the earthquake in Christchurch.  For those of you who need a little lift or a warm hug

Hugs

Jaydee

Showcasing Botanical Gazette

Hi Everyone

very quick post tonight. 

I saw the card across at casestudy this week and decided I wanted to create a card for this challenge. It really is very far outside of my comfort zone - hence the reason I chose to do it :-)

I saw a piece of the Botanical Gazette and decided it would be a wonderful image to color.  The image itself is just Old Olive and I looked at it and thought.... mmmm... I think it needs some Peach Parfait!

Here's a little thumbnail of part of the image - you can see that it only has color on the outline.   Very pretty, but didn't quite fit the bill.  So, with a little bit of patience and a little bit of color... here's what it became

     

I used the bee stamp from the Nature Walk stamp set on the DSP and also along the left hand side on the card base. 

Prayers for Rose, Adelle, Germaine and those affected by the floods and fires in Oz.  Warm thoughts and prayers for those of you who need a lift tonight.

Hugs

Jaydee

 

 

 

Paper Players Challenge # 34 - Color Challenge

Hi Everyone.  Happy Sunday night.

I finally got to make my challenge card this morning.  I was very late!  We have a great color challenge for you across at the Paper Players this week.  It was my turn to host and it was a color challenge.  I chose the following colors:

It's such a wonderful rich color combination and I can't wait for you to see the amazing work of our design team members.  More importantly, we can't wait to see the amazing creations YOU make using this combo.

Take a look at the wonderful cards from our design team by visiting our challenge blog thepaperplayers. 

You can also visit each of the design team cards on their blogs:

• LeAnne - Weeinklings
• Stephanie - Stampin with Suzee
• Kerin - Stamps, Paper, Glitter
• Nance - Canopy Crafts
• Ann - The Stampin Shach

The hardest challenges for me are color challenges.  However, they are often the ones that I enjoy the most - once I get over the initial shock.  Color challenges really force you out of your comfort zone.  The key to doing color challenges is to let the colors choose a stamp set for you.  I find that if I decide on a stamp set and then try to work with the colors, often, it just doesn't work. 

For me, I look at the colors and think...mmm.. are these nature colors?  Are the rich, regal colors?  Are the bold and bright?  Are the boy colors?  Girl colors?  etc.  I then choose a theme.  Once I have chosen a theme, I then go look for the right stamps.

In today's card.  I loved the Cherry and Cajun together.  They are both very rich colors and actually play off of each other.  The pop of Whisper White crispens up the entire color scheme, but allows you to tone it down with the Crumb Cake. 

I know that this week's challenge scared a couple of our design team, but... you have to check out what they made.  They took the challenge in hand, beat it - and really rocked it!

Here's what I came up with.

      
 

I decided bold colors needed a bold background.  I also decided that I wanted to play with my Elegant Trio Stencil set again.  I LOVE this stencil set.  It's also a great way to get two colors to blend for you.  I used Cajun Craze in the center of the flower, blended the Cajun and Cobbler in the middle ring, and then went all Cherry Cobbler on the outside.

I stamped the Thanks, I love being spoiled sentiment onto Vellum and then put that over the background.  I decided it was also time to pull out the two ribbon technique that I stole... err I mean borrowed... from the wonderful Rach.  The two ribbons, allow me to bring out two of the colors from the color scheme.  I also took the Cajun and Cobbler and carried them both into the sentiment.

I was really happy with the card.  I think the only thing that it is missing is a pearl at the end of the second line of the sentiment.  However, I couldn't push myself to put a button and a pearl on the same card!  Isn't it odd how we all have different things we can and can't do on cards?

I think the Cajun and Cobbler look great together.  What do you think?

Card recipe - all ingredients Stampin' Up!

• Card Stock:  Cajun Craze, Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White, Crumb Cake
• Inks:  Cajun Craze, Cherry Cobbler
• Stamps:  Afterthoughts - Hostess Level 1
• Stencils:  Elegant Trio Stencil Set
• Accessories:  Cherry Cobbler and Crumb Cake Seam Binding Ribbon, Rich Regals buttons, linen thread, vellum

Tips:

• If you want to see how I use my stencils on cards - click the pic below to visit my technique video

• If your background image feels brighter than you want, soften it by adding vellum over the top.  One or two layers of vellum can be added to soften the background
• When stamping onto Vellum, don't try using it for about 10 minutes after you have stamped if you are using inks that are not fast drying like StazOn.  If you use them before they are dry, you run the risk of smudging them.
• Cover up the glue you use to adhere your vellum with a layer of ribbon

On a personal note:

I was at regionals and it was a great day.  Filled with lots of stamping, oohing and aahing at some fabulous demonstrations and a chance to meet and swap with fellow demos.  Over the next couple of weeks I will be showcasing some of the swaps that I received as well as some of the demonstration projects that we got to see.  It was a fun day.  Lou took the opportunity to go do some shopping and other errands that he needed to do.  We met up for lunch and then I went back to the seminar and Lou sat at a cafe, had a couple of cupcakes and some tea and caught up on some work.  It was a great day.  Lou also bought me a couple of other things for my stamping space.  In fact, some of them tie into the PIMP MY PLACE competition I will be unveiling later this week.

Now, I am off to make a Valentine's card for Lou.  I seem to be way behind on all my crafting this weekend.  I also need to make some cards for this coming week.

Prayers tonight for Rose, Adelle, Jan A, Germaine.  For those still being affected by the floods and fires in Australia.  The fires came within a couple of miles of Lou's parents house.  A very close call for them.

Have a fabulous Sunday everyone and I hope you have a great start to the week

Hugs

Jaydee

Thank you - Friends 24 7

Hi Everyone.  Happy Tuesday night.

For tonight's card I was inspired by three challenges!  That has to be a record for me.  The inspiraton challenge across at casestudy,  the color challenge from an old challenge at cr84fn - a new challenge site for me - and then the challenge across at the mashup - to use birds.  A combination I couldn't resist!

When I create cards, I really like to see if I can combine stamp sets where components match.  In this case, it was my favorite bird image from the Friends 24 7 set and the eggs (stamped in the background) from the Nature Walk set.  The egg stamp is actually all the eggs on one stamp.  I decided that really didn't work for me, so I cut up the eggs and mounted them separately on a block and stamped them onto the background card stock,

Normally I would have stamped the focal image onto Whisper White or Very Vanilla.  As the color challenge called for Crumb Cake, I decided to try a more muted approach.  As the casestudy challenge had a ribbon as a major element of the card I could not, of course, resist using the fabulous grosgrain ribbon.  Even though this ribbon is Riding Hood Red, it works really well with the Cherry Cobbler, and is available on the clearance rack!

After that whole intro - here is my card.

   


On a personal note.... another very long day today.  I started work at 7am and had lunch at 830pm... yep...lunch at 8.30pm!   

Prayers tonight for Rose, Adelle, Vickie, Maria, Germaine.   Those affected by the floods in Australia and Brazil. 

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone.

Hugs

Jaydee

 

Because I Care - Paper Players # 31 - Ann's Sketch Challenge

Hi Everyone.

Happy Saturday night.

For tonight's card I used the fabulous sketch provided by Ann and the fresh and pretty color scheme from the design team across at colorthrowdown.

I am so sorry I didn't get to blog last night.  It was another long day at work yesterday.  Started at 6am and finished at 5.30.  Then... and this is the exciting part!  Lou and I had to set up my new crafting desk!  Oh! Yeah!  It took forever to get it down stairs - its pretty heavy.  Mind you, I think it took longer to unpack the thing!  The legs of the table arrived yesterday afternoon, so it was all systems go for setting up.  Then, we had to go buy a stool.  Consequently, we finished setting up, doing everything we needed to do, etc. at around 9pm.  Then we had to have dinner!  Lou really wanted to get everything ready for me before he left this morning.  It's going to take me a little while to get it all re-arranged and get used to everything in its new place.  Once everything is sorted, I'll take some before and after pics for you.

For the Paper Players challenge this week, Ann created a sketch for us.  It's a very versatile sketch.  Each of the Players did something entirely different with it.  I veered ever so slightly from the sketch, so I hope Ann will forgive me.  I took the element that was on the left of the sketch and actually placed it on the focal point.  I couldn't get the element on the right to work with this stamp set, so I decided to leave it off.  I decided I'm going to do another card with the sketch this week, too.

The color scheme of Pear Pizzazz, Blushing Bride and Crumb Cake is a combination made in heaven!  It really is gorgeous!

Here's the sketch:

Here's my card:

Now, it's over to you.  All you need to do is create a new project using this sketch, load it to your blog or social media page and provide a link back to the players challenge site.

Card recipe - all ingredients Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted:

• Card stock:  Pear Pizzazz, Blushing Bride, Crumb Cake
• Inks: Blushing Bride, Pear Pizzazz markers, Early Espresso classic ink for the sentiment
• Stamp set:  Because I Care (level 1 hostess set - 120118 clear, 118384 (wood)
• Accessories:  Pear Pizzazz seam binding robbon, (122330) Basic Pearls, In Colors DSP (level 1 hostess set 121028), Framed Tulips Embossing Folder (121809)

So, what do you think?  I think the color combo is great.  I love the sketch.  I am loving the new tulip embossing folder and, I am really pleased I got the Because I Care hostess set.  I was really unsure about it when I first saw it, but I really enjoy using it.

On a personal note: 

It's back to work for me now.  I need to get a report done by tomorrow.  I had to give up on a girls night with the fabulous Brenda and Cherie tonight.  It has been a whirlwind of a week, but I guess that is always the case when you are the new girl on the block! 

Prayers tonight for Rose, Adelle, Vickie, Maria and Germaine.

I hope you all have a wonderful, fun-filled Sunday, with time spent doing the things you love - with those you love the most.

Hugs

Jaydee

 

Thank you for being you meets Peace Within and coloring video

Hi Everyone.  Happy Tuesday night.

I hope you are all having a great day.  I must admit, I am having a better day than yesterday.  Thank you to those of you who sent me emails and left comments!  They are much appreciated.

Two projects for you tonight - my card for the CASESTUDY inspiration challenge and a technique video.

I managed to convert another video for you.  Some of you have seen this video - at least those of you who use Safari or a Mac system.  However, those of you with Mozilla or IE browsers were having some problems.  I have converted the video.  Click on the pic below and it will take you across to Vimeo where you can see my video on how to color using classic inks and blender pens.

Now.... those of you who read my blog post on Saturday may remember that I said I had difficulty putting pink and blue together on a card and that Nance's color challenge had forced me out of my comfort zone!  Mmmm... I enjoyed getting out of my comfort zone so much that I used this color scheme again for my card for the casestudy inspiration challenge. 

The casestudy challenges are always interesting as they tend to have many more layers on than the cards I create.  However, as you can see from the design team and submission cards, inspiration takes many forms.  For me, I was really inspired by the square card (another shape I don't use often enough).  I was also inspired by the blue and putty colors on the card.  That's why I thought it was a great card to re-use Nance's colors!  Don't forget to pop along to the casestudy challenge site and take a look at the great cards from the design team and the submissions.

Here's what I came up with

  

Card recipe - all ingredients Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted.

• card stock:  Very Vanilla, Baja Breeze
• inks:  rose red, crumb cake, baja breeze, so saffron
• stamps:  Peace Within (114312), sentiment is from Bold Blossom (123232 wood, 122232 clear)
• accessories:  Vintage Flower Adornments (121879)
• tools:  mini glue dots to adhere the flower, stampin' dimensionals to adhere the two layers

I was really pleased with the clean lines and the color scheme.  Thanks, Nance!

On a personal note:

Lou was kind enough to take pity on me and decide it was time I got serious and invested in a true crafting desk.  So, goodbye to my l-shaped desk.  My new crafting table arrives on Friday.  It has much more space for me and is also much higher, which means I can stand to stamp or sit on a drafting stool.  I am so excited!  Once it arrives and it is set up, then I will get some pics for you.

I started a new job when I got back from vacation and this week is really my first two days on the job.  A new job is always stressful and there is lot to do.  Consequently, not much crafting will occur this week!  Luckily I did manage to get some time in my stampin space this weekend.  At least enough time to put together some projects.

A few more shout outs tonight.  Some more of the amazing ladies I have met through my blog.  I am grateful for their support.  Janna.  Sue B.  Lynn.  Linda R.  Marjorie.  More shout outs tomorrow!

Prayers tonight for Rose.  Mary Jo.  Adelle, Vickie, Maria, Germaine, Pri.  For those of you who need a little lift today.

Have a wonderful hump day everyone.  Cherie... I look for your comment every Tuesday or Wednesday!

As always... thank you for spending time in my little area of the stamping blogosphere!

Hugs

Jaydee

Build A Blossom Stamp and Punch

Hi Everyone.  Happy Tuesday night.  I hope you are all having a great week.

I made tonight's card using the fabulous color challenge across at Stacey'sstampinspace for last week.  I knew that I had missed the deadline for submission, but decided I reallly want to try the color scheme.  The colors?  Chocolate Chip, Bashful Blue, Cajun Craze, Always Artichoke and a neutral.  mmmm... the Cajun Craze completely threw me.  Now, y'all know why I do these challenges?  To challenge myself, right! :-)  If you haven't tried Stacey's color challenges, you really should

I hadn't had the opportunity to use the new Build a Blossom stamp set with matching punch.  So, decided this was the ideal opportunity.  Here's what I came up with

You see how I incorporated the Cajun Craze?  In the middle of the flower.  I colored some pearls with Chocolate Chip and some with Cajun craze and placed them in the middle.  I also created the center of the flower using Cajun Craze. 

Card recipe - all ingredients Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted:

• Card stock:  Basjhful Blue, Cajun Craze, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Always Artichoke
• Stamps:  Build a Blossom (121994 (c), 121923 (w).  Sentiment:  Nature's Postage (Mark's Finest Papers)
• Accessories:  Damask Texturz Plate (Backgrounds 1 114512). n (It's hard to see, but I actually put the plate under the top 2/3rds of the Whisper White layer.  Basic Pearls
• Inks:  Bashful Blue, Always Artichoke, Chocolate Chip
• Tools:  Big Shot, Stampin' Dimensionals, Scoring Board

I really love the fact that there is a matching punch for this set.  It made creating this flower a breeze.  I also love the tone on tone of the Always Artichoke on Always Artichoke card stock and the same with the Bashful Blue. 

On a personal note.  I promised you a couple more photographs from our recent trip.  tonight's shot is from the Peak District National Park.  As I said in my post last night, it is one of my favorite places on earth.  It's incredibly dramatic yet serene.  It is home to a roman road, neolithic finds, amazing caving (great for you troglodytes or spelunkers.  It's the source of a famous semi precious mineral called Blue John.  It is also Britain's rarest mineral.  Many of you will not have heard of it, but it really is gorgeous.  It is an ornamental variety of Clacium Fluoride.  It was first mined by the Roman's 2000 years ago.  It's primary color is purple with white and sometimes copper colored veins.  It really is gorgeous.  Anyway, I digress.   the Peak District National Park is really pretty amazing.  It is exceptionally hard to get good shots that show you the sheer size and majesty of it.  So, I settled on this pic instead.  It shows you the tundra type flora in the foreground, with the green quilted fields separated by ancient stone walls.  Paragliders were flying overhead when I took this picture.

Tomorrow night, I will have a couple of pictures of the Yorkshire Dales for you.

Prayers tonight for Rose, Adelle, Brien, Vickie, Maria, Germaine, Pri.  For those of you who need a little lift.

Have a fabulous Wednesday everyone, and, as always, thank you for your visits and your comments.  They mean a great deal to me.

Hugs

Jaydee

Nature Walk - Thank you - sneak peek - and Button, Button winner

Hi Everyone.  Happy Boxing Day!

I hope you all had a truly fabulous, happy, blessed, Christmas.

A quick post for you tonight.  Using stamps from the new Nature Walk set, I made a card to thank you all.  The flower and the bee are both from the Nature Walk set.  The DSP is from the Botanical Gazette DSP.  I stamped the bee on the DSP and also on the background.  Isn't this Cherry Cobbler just the greatest color, ever?!!!

 

I wanted to thank you all for visiting my blog.  I wanted to especially thank those of you who stop by and comment and/or send me emails.  So, in no particular order, I'd like to shout out tonight to:

Adelle, Beth, Missy, Rach, Beverly, Robin, Terri,  Ann, Germaine, Brenda, Cherie, Lynn, Sue, Soozie, Joyce, Cam, Jan, Cindy, Doris, Lesley, Patty, Nance, Nancy, Linda, Janna, Marge, Michele, Sally, Jeanne, Anne Marie, Vicki, Jen.  To Pammie and not least to my darling hubby, who visits at least once a day! 

I know that there are others of you who don't comment, but visit regularly - I appreciate your support, too!

Now.... several of you were kind enough to CASE a card of mine to help out Robin (aka the sky angel).  I really appreciate you all doing that.  Adelle, I got to tell you, I think your Night of Navy take on my silver card was much nicer than the original!  (I'll have a few pics of the CASED cards and some Christmas cards I received for you later this week).

So.... who got chosen by Bilbo Baggins, my very willing 4 legged feline helper?  Well, the name he pulled out of the hat was CAM.  Cam, I will be posting off your very own Button, Button set from the brand new occasions mini.  In fact, you should have it in hand before the ordering period begins for the new occasions mini.  I hope you enjoy playing with it and will post the links to some of the cards you make with it.

I don't know abou the rest of you, but I have some goodies to go and play with:-)

Thanks to Rach, I also have a funny to share with you - the reason why we don't have a Christmas tree in the house!  Rach, this had me rolling on the floor.  I swear, Simon's cat is based on Charlie! 

Just click on the photo below and it will take you to the video!

  

Rach, I am so pleased you and the kiddies had a white Christmas.  What a wonderful thing for a wonderful family.  I know how happy it made you!  You can see some wonderful pics of the snow on Rach's blog here

Have a wonderful Monday everyone. 

Hugs

Jaydee

French Foliage - Thank you

Hi Everyone.

I saw the color challenge across at Embellish magazine.  Three colors that I generally do not combine.  Well, you all know..... that's the reason I do challenges!  The additional challenge - something vintage... well, I really wanted to use the French Foliage set for this color combination and decided to keep the layout clean and simple but add a couple of more vintage touches. 

I was a little concerned about how I would incorporate the green, especially as Garden Green is a color I so rarely use... however, when I started working with it - I realized what a great vibrant color scheme that it is.  For the yellow, I decided to go with a mustard yellow - as it helped to keep with the other colors.

Here's what I created

My vintage elements...the twine - I thought it worked really well with the leaves.  The button with the string and the old fashioned mini library clip.  I love the textured paper, too.

I inked up the images using classic inks - except for the one leaf.  That one I hand colored the stamp using my stampn' write markers.   I used the masking technique to make sure that the stamps didn't all jumble over themselves.

One of the things I love about the French Foliage stamp set, is that the leaves have a transparency about them when they are stamped.  I really think it is a cool sketch.

Additionally, I pulled out my petal card punch, my inchies and created a little tag and pocket for the thank you.

Card recipe:

• Card stock:  Garden Green, More Mustard, Cajun Craze
• Stamps:  Cute by the Inch, French Foliage
• Accessories:  Hemp twine, button, string, mini library clip
• Tools:  Petal card punch, stampin' dimensionals

On a personal note... Lou and I have two weeks together and have promised each other that we will spend as much of our time TOGETHER, as opposed to together but doing lots of other things.  We have been apart so much the last two years, that spending two weeks is going to be great.  Consequently, my posts will be a little shorter than normal.  I will continue to post, new projects though.

As always, prayers to those in need and those that just need a little lift.

Your visits, your support and your comments are very important to me.  So thank you.

Don't forget - smile... it could change someone's life.

Hugs

Jaydee

Let's be grateful......

Hi Everyone.

Happy Sunday night.  I hope you are all enjoying your long weekend.

Tonight's card highlights the fabulous Love Letter DSP and my second most favorite red.... Riding Hood Red.  I was thrilled when SU brought this color back.  Mind you.... my favorite color scheme for Christmas is Cherry Cobbler and Gold Metallic.... Ohhhhh... I had such fun playing with my goodies whilst waiting for Lou to get back from South America.

Ah.... talking about Lou...... anyone watch Project Runway?  For those of you that do.... you will remember Tim Gunn's famous line after the contestants have gone shopping for fabric..... "Say thank you, Mood!"  Well... for those of you who have been waiting for me to get a video camera to do some videos - you can all say..... "thank you, Lou!"  Lou went and found me a great video camera at Best Buy today at a phenomenally good price - and a great tripod.  In fact, I made.... well, we made.... our first video tonight!  Heavens, I'm not sure about this.  I actually HATE the sound of my own voice - and, listening to myself on the video makes me realize how much living with an Australian has polluted my English accent!

Tomorrow, I am going to try to make a video of the bow in this post.   Attempt to make a video that is!  I might even put my first video out for you... it's a real scream... what a mess..... mind you, I have NEVER, EVER, EVER shot a video before.... mmmmm... might be my last!  Janna, your comment today was very timely!

On to tonight's card.   I love this sentiment.  It's another one from the Wordsworth sets of sentiments.  It's a perfect sentiment to say thank you to all of you - I am grateful for all your support - and I know that you are all thankful for each others support, too!

Isn't that a great sentiment?   Isn't this DSP fabulous?  I love it mixed with the Very Vanilla satin ribbon and a button from the Regals collection.   I know I have said this before, but I will say it again, if you will indulge me..... I was really not impressed when Stampin' Up! announced the color renovation....... but, boy!  am I glad they did.  I really enjoy working with these new colors.  I'm also crazy about the new DSPs.

I have a couple new cards to show you featuring Angelic Joy and Peaceful Season.  Both are from the new Holiday Mini catalog.  I wasn't going to buy the Angelic Joy one, but I am so pleased that I did.

Prayers tonight for Trish...... Trish, it was wonderful to hear from you.  I think about you and pray for you every day.  Prayers also for Germaine, Pri, T, Arthur, John and Sue - and Lesley.

Have a wonderful Labor Day everyone.

Hugs

Jaydee

French Foliage - So Thankful

Hi Everyone.  Happy Thursday night.  It is... I am pleased to tell you... almost the weekend!  Also, you only have a couple more days to play along with the Paper Players and our inspiration challenge.  It's really simple....  pop along to ThePaperPlayers challenge blog and join us - we would love to see what you have created.

Before I get started tonight - shout out to Beth!  I got a parcel from Beth today with her cards for the Operation Write Home Holiday card drive.  Woooo hooooo.... WTG Beth.  She created  Chanukah (Hanukkah) cards, Spanish Christmas cards as well as her regular Christmas cards.  They are all fabulous and very creative cards.  In fact her Chanukah cards are some of the best I have seen!  Beth, I know there are going to be some very happy service men/women!  So, thank you VERY MUCH!

Tonight's card features the fabulous French Foliage set from the new holiday mini!  I love this set and feel that is very appropriate as I know the leaves are going to start turning soon.  I don't know about you...but I love the fall.  Here in Minnesota where we live, there are many trees around us and on some years, Mother Nature's fall show is a masterpiece.  One of the things I really appreciate about living in Minnesota is the very definite 4 seasons.  I look forward to the cycles of the year and the transition from one season to the next.  In fact, the last couple of days have been so cool weather-wise, that I have even been thinking about winter!

I used the clean and simple fall to layout again for this card.  You have seen me use a similar layout many times before, but it really is a fabulous layout.  You can see my other card made using this same layout at this post.

Card recipe:

• Card stock: Early Espresso, More Mustard, Riding Hood Red, Very Vanilla
• Inks: Crumb Cake, More Mustard, Riding Hood Red
• Accessories:  Early Espresso satin ribbon, retired rub on (sentiment), Neutrals buttons, twine
• Tools:  Scallop Border Punch

Card instructions:

• Cut card base to 11 x 4 1/4 - score and fold at 5 1/2.  Fold on the top
• Cut Very Vanilla to 4 x 4 1/4 - stamp leaves randomly using More Mustard, Crumb Cake and Riding Hood Red.  (I used only one Riding Hood Red as the color is much stronger than the others... plus I tend to see less of the very red leaves in our garden than the others! :-)..)
• Adhere to card base
• Cut Riding Hood Red Piece to 4 1/4 x 1/2
• Cut More Mustard to 2 1/8" x 4 1/4" and scallop the bottom border.  Adhere to Riding Hood Red piece
• Adhere over the card base.
• Wrap ribbon and tie a knot
• Take a piece of twine, thread it through one button hole - thread it underneath the knot and then thread the end through the other hole - tie.   Jaydee tip:  doing this, really helps to keep the button in place and just looks neater!
• Oh yeah.... adhere the sentiment :-)

I love the simplicity of the layout and the colors.   The crumb cake adds an interesting element even though it is not a traditional fall color.  It reminds me of leaves as they start to decompose.

On a personal note:

I thought some of you might like to know that Prince Pipsqueak (or PP as Rach would call him) thinks he really has hit the jackpot.... and Rach.... we are keeping him only to socialize him!  He is slowly learning to play with the others without taking over the entire game.  He now waits his turn at the "da bird" toy and only occasionally jumps out of line!  He is also starting to understand the difference between a loving stroke and someone wanting to rough-house with him.  It's going to take a little while, but he seems to be a fast learner.   However, one thing he hasn't learned.... mmmmm...... when NOT to roll over.   I was on a conference call this afternoon and suddenly heard this THUMP!   Yep!  He had been lying on the edge of the couch, rolled over in his sleep and hit the floor before he woke up!  no.... nooo...... I really didn't laugh (.....errrr little white lie, my nose is growing longer!)  Actually it was very funny! 

Oh.. yeah!  whilst you are at it..... visit this post on Rach's site..... if anyone of you have ever seen a cat and a cardboard box... this post is for you

Trish, I can only imagine how difficult it is for you to write a comment.  Please dont feel that you have to.... we love it when you do.... but we are thinking about you and praying for you every day.

Thank you to all of you for your visit.  Your support and your comments mean a great deal to me.

I hope you all have a fabulous Friday

Hugs

Jaydee

Watercolor bluebird

Hi Everyone.  Happy Saturday night.

I hope you all had a fabulous Saturday.  Tonight's card features one of my favorite sets - Every Moment... there is something about this set that really makes me smile.  Brenda can attest to the fact that when I saw it I grumbled and mumbled about the fact that it was obviously a Goldfinch and that I had never seen a Goldfinch on a bulrush.  However, once I got it and started playing around it with - I got over the "correctness" and just fell in love with the image.  This time, I decided to make the bird into a blue and yellow bird - straight out of my own imagination... but hey, that's what imagi nation is all about, right?

I saw this fabulous sketch on icsketches.  It's an incredibly versatile sketch and I realized  that it was an ideal sketch to use some of the new DSP, too.  I really loved the sketch and I am in love with this Elegant Soiree DSP.

So, here's my imaginary blue/yellow/black bird amongst the bulrushes

Card recipe:

• Card stock:  Soft Suede, Baja Breeze, Very Vanilla
• Stamps:  Every Moment, Matchbox Messages (sentiment)
• Inks:  Soft Suede, Baja Breeze, Daffodil Delight, Basic Black, Sahara Sand
• DSP:  Elegant Soiree
• Tools:  Scallop border punch, circle punches, Stampin' Dimensionals

Card instructions:

• Cut Soft Suede to A2 (score and fold at 5 1/2" with the fold on the left hand side)
• Cut a piece of Baja Breeze to 5 3/8 x 4 1/8 and adhere to card base
• Cut Elegant Soiree strips to 3 1/2" x 4 and adhere to Baja Breeze
• Cut strip of Soft Suede and punch using scallop border punch.  Adhere this strip over the Elegant Soiree. 
• Cut complementary Elegant Soiree piece 2" x 4" and adhere over the Baja Breeze and Soft Suede scallop strip
• Cut 3 squares - Soft Suede 2 7/8" x 3 1/8".   Baja Breeze 2 3/4 x 2 15/16.  Very Vanilla 2 5/8 x 2 3/4
• Stamp focal image using Stazon and color with your favorite markers. 
• Adhere Soft Suede layer to card base using snail.  Adhere Baja Breeze layer using dimensionals.  Adhere very Vanilla layer using Dimensionals
• Ink "just a little thanks" stamp using markers - I used Soft Suede, Baja Breeze and Always Artichoke and stamp onto Very Vanilla.  Punch out using 1 1/4" circular punch.  Punch out Baja Breeze layer using 1 3/8" punch.  Adhere to card.

Tips:

• Some of you have seen this tip before - but when coloring the eyes of anything - leave a little white spot - this gives life to the eye (thank  you Big Brother - I miss you :)...)
• When adding a sentiment layer to a focal point that has dimensionals underneath, ensure that you build up the layer that is against the card base.  In this case, I adhered the left side of the sentiment with Snail - but built up the right side of the sentiment with two layers of dimensionals.  Why two layers?  Because the Baja Breeze and the Very Vanilla layers were both built up using dimensionals.  Doing this, ensures that your sentiment is at the same level as the image
• When coloring something - like the bulrushes.  Look for a photograph that you can use for inspiration.  In this case, I used this photograph.  It's not a perfect match for what I did, but it did show me a couple of extra pieces to add to the coloring for interest.  The darker shadow on the left hand side of the bulrush heads.  The whiter/lighter part at the top and the brown stems.  I added the green to the leaves for additional interest.  So, you don't have to color it exactly, but it helps when you can see something and use it for inspiration

On a personal note.  The rain hasn't stopped.  This morning though was very cool - it felt almost fall like.  What a pleasant change from the heat and humidity.  Trish, I hope some of this is coming your way.

Our trip to the Farmer's Market was great this morning.  Lots of yummy stuff... mind you, not wonderful juicy, chin dripping peaches that Rach said she got from her Farmer's Market.  I cannot remember the last time I ate a peach that juicy.  I was jealous!

Shout out to Bethany tonight..... she is the most amazing young lady.  Brenda - you did good :-)

Adelle, I saw your question about making the flowers.  I'll do a photo tutorial next week for you to show you how I did them.  They really are easy - the key is breaking down the fibers to make the paper more pliable.

As always, prayers for Trish, Germaine (back on the list for her pain), T, Pri, Arthur. 

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend - filled with love, laughter and joy.  Thank you for visiting my little area of the stamping blogosphere.  Your visits, your comments and your support are greatly appreciated.

Hugs

Jaydee

Paper Players Challenge # 7 - Growing Green

Hi Everyone.  Happy Saturday night.

If it's Saturday, then it must be the Paper Players challenge reveal:-)  Tonight's card features several new goodies.  Two new stamp sets, new brads and an encore of DSP.

The challenge this week is a sketch challenge.  Lesley created a great sketch for us.  It's very versatile and I know that you will have fun using it. 

You can pop along to the design team blogs to see their fabulous creations:

Corie - shows you a little monochromatic "style"

LeAnne - take a little trip out west with LeAnne

Lesley - watercolor wonder

Marlene - beautiful bird and butterfly

Don't forget to join us and play along.

I got to this card after 4 different attempts at creating a card.  What I realized was that I was trying to force-fit a stamp set that I wanted to use into the sketch.  The thing I learned?  Let the sketch guide you - don't go in with a preconceived idea because sometimes the shape of the stamp and the sketch ..... well, they just don't gel!

It might have taken me a while to get to where I did, but I was so pleased with the final result.  I ended up looking at the shape of the sketch and then determining what stamp set I had that would allow me to fill the space.  I know I have said this already, but I am going to say it again... I LOVE WILD WASABI!  

I absolutely loved coloring this sketch.  I also loved the monochromatic feel of the final result.  Many of my regular readers have asked me what I use for inspiration.... in this case, I googled "maidenhern fern pics" and came up with this botanical print.  That's what drove the coloring for the focal image.  I loved this botanical print, as it used more colors than a normal photograph does.  So, I kept this image on my screen whilst I painted the fern frond.  Now, I am VERY partial to Maidenhair ferns.  My old house had a lot of these gorgeous ferns.  I love the soft, almost delicate leaves.  Leaves that reflect many shades of green when seen in daylight.

Card recipe:

• Card stock:  Wild Wasabi, Garden Green, Very Vanilla
• Stamps:  Growing Green, Perfect Punches (sentiment)
• Accessories:  Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon, Antique Brads (love these Antique Brads!), Woodland Walk (DSP)
• Tools:  Scallop Oval punch, dimensionals, snail, cutting tool (I generally use the SU table top cutter)

Card instructions:

• Cut Garden Green card stock to 10 1/2 x 5 1/4.  This gives a finished card of 5 1/4" square.  I scored and folded this card with the fold at the top of the card.
• Cut the Woodland Walk DSP to 5" square and cut a piece of Very Vanilla satin ribbon to fit around the front of the DSP and just under the sides.  Adhere ribbon to the underside of the DSP.  Then adhere this layer to Garden Green card base using snail
• Cut two layers of Garden Green.  one at 3 1/4" x 4 1/4" and another at 2 7/8 x 3 7/8
• Cut Wild Wasabi layer at 4 1/8 x 3 1/8.
• Adhere Wild Wasabi layer in between the two Garden Green layers using Snail
• Ink the Maidenhair Fern stamp and stamp onto a layer of Very Vanilla.  I cut my layer to 2 3/4 x 3 3/4.  (I purposefully made the Wild Wasabi layer a little wider than the Garden Green layers.)
• I colored the fern frond image using three different green inks to bring in both the Garden Green, the Wild Wasabi and also a third green to try to help blend the two greens.
• I stamped the "thanks" sentiment from the Perfect Punches set onto Very Vanilla and punched out using the Oval punch.
• The Very Vanilla frond layer is adhered to the green layers using dimensionals
• I then added three of the new Antique Brads to match Lesley's sketch

Tips:

• I HATE and I mean REALLY hate sticking brads through paper.  So, I always cut off the legs of the brads.  I do that with my craft scissors.  But.. if you are going to do that, remember to separate the legs and cut them off at the base, one at a time.  Hold on to the leg that you are cutting to stop if flying off where you don't want it to go.  If you cut off the legs, you can adhere the brads exactly where you want them and not have to worry about the brad legs being central.
• When adhering a sentiment to a raised panel that also happens to rest against the card base, use snail on the side attached to the raised panel, and dimensionals on the side that attaches to the card base.  In this case, I used to dimensionals on top of each other on the right hand side of the punched sentiment.  This ensures that it lays flat.
• The great thing about this card is that from a distance (where you would normally see it) there is great depth because of the different color greens.  It's much harder to see close up.
• Which leads me to my final tip... when creating cards.  Put them on a flat horizontal surface at eye level and walk away from them.  That's how they are normally seen.  Yep, we look at them close up when we open the envelope, but after that, they are normally seen at a distance.  So, creating a card that holds up to both is what you are aiming for.

On a personal note:  Lou is home and his trip was very uneventful.  YAY!!! Amazing.  However, if was WAAAAAYY too hot to sit outside for dinner.  In fact, I went to the Farmer's Market this morning and it was over 80 degrees and it wasn't even 8 am.  It's now throwing it down with rain, is still very warm and incredible humid.

I did get some time in my stamping space today and made two cute cards.  I cant wait to share them with you.  One of them uses a color scheme I know I have not used before...... Pumpkin Pie, Night of Navy, Pear Pizzazz and Very Vanilla.  Both the layout, and the color scheme were for challenges.  I can't wait to show you what I did with it.  I also got to use my markers for coloring - a great form of meditation for me!

I hope to get a little more time in my space tomorrow.

Before I go, I really wanted to share a picture with you.  I was sorting out the cards for the charity card drive.  However, Mr Bilbo decided he needed to vet them.... luckily I had emptied the boxes.  (It was also the day that some of my new goodies arrived... as you can see from the new large scallop circle punch!)

 

Isn't he just gorgeous though?.... He is my constant companion.  He has grown so much since we saw him as a tiny little kitten. Bilbo Baggins is a Norwegian Forest Cat.  The wegies don't mature until they reach 5 years old.  Bilbo is only just 3 years old.  So, he and his brother (Sam, who is very camera shy), still have two years before they become adults.  Bilbo has the BIGGEST paws - especially considering he's a skinny little cat under all that fur.  Bilbo is also the insect hunter.  Every night he does the rounds of the basement looking for unwary spiders.  he HATES and I mean HATES spiders.  (Garfield anyone?)

Prayers as usual for Trish, Germaine, T, Pri and Rach.  Looks like Arthur and Jim are on the mend, which is great news!

As always, thank you so much for spending time in my little are of the stamping blogosphere.  Your visits and your support are greatly appreciated.

Have a fabulous Sunday everyone.  Remember to smile at a stranger - it may change their live.

Hugs

Jaydee

Can vintage be clean and simple?

Hi Everyone.  Happy Monday night. 

Tonight's card is for the playdatecafe challenge.  The challenge?  To create a black and white card with a touch of blue.  The blue choice is up to you - but it has to be a touch of blue.  Well, I don't often do black and white cards - in fact very rarely, but I was intrigued by this color combination.  Especially after I saw some of the amazing cards created by the design team.

My initial thought was.... oh! dear where is my brilliant blue when I want it.... I don't know, but the idea of brilliant blue with black and white just seemed right.  However, when I re-thought it.... mmmmm... I realized that I wanted to go a different direction altogether.  Black, white and Night of Navy.

Now, I love the look of some of the vintage papers and embellishments, but my mind just doesn't go there when I create cards.  I always remember the great Coco Chanel's advice.  Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.  I tend to take two things off :-)  I do tend to accessorize with control.  However, I have a few vintage items on my list from the new catty for my July 1st order.  For me, the challenge is to take something that is labeled "vintage" and see if I can make it clean and simple.  Tonight's card is an example of that.

I really do think that the Because I Care set has a vintage feel, as does one or two of the sheets of the retired Day and Night DSP.  So, I decided to put them together for this black, white and blue card.  Yet another example of what to do with this set!  Did I tell you I was loving this set?

There are vintage feel elements on this card.... the not quite perfect ribbon, the distressed backdrop, the flower itself, the typeface of the sentiment, and yet, the lines are clean, modern and uncluttered.  To me, it is a perfect combination of vintage feel in a modern setting:-)

I really enjoyed playing with this challenge.  I mean, it's pretty difficult to take am image as strong as this and do something different with it - but each of the cards I have created with this set is very different.  To me, that's what makes a great set.  If I can use it multiple times, in multiple different ways - then I call the stamp set a success.

Card recipe:

• card stock:  Basic Black, Night of Navy and Whisper White.  (LOVE this combination!)
• stamp set:  Because I Care (level 1 hostess set from the new IB&C 2010/2011)
• accessories:  half pearls - non SU; Whisper White satin ribbon;
• DSP:  Night & Day - doesn't this piece of N&D DSP look like a school book page from a much earlier time?  faint lines, marked with ink from a nib and ink.... yep... has a vintage feel for me :-)
• inks:  Night of Navy - classic ink for sentiment, marker for ribbon
• tools:  stamp-a-ma-jig, t-square, dimensionals

Card instructions:

• Card base A2 - vertical cut
• Layer 1 - whisper white 3 1/2"w x 4 1/4" h
• Layer 2 - basic black - 3 3/8"w x 4 1/8" h
• Layer 3 - N&D DSP - 3 1/8"w x 3 7/8"W
• Ink up the stamp with Night of Navy marker, stap onto Whisper White card stock.
• Snip around flower and cut off the leaves.
• Mount Whisper White layer to card base with snail
• Mount DSP layer to basic black layer with snail
• Stamp sentiment with Night of Navy ink and place using stamp-a-ma-jig
• Color whisper white ribbon with night of navy marker and wrap around black/dsp layer
• Mount black/dsp layer to whisper white layer with dimensionals - tuck stem underneath ribbon
• Mount flower with dimensionals.  place at an angle
• Use dimensionals to mount the flower to the DSP base.
• OK.... I can hear you... where on earth did this silly woman use the t-square?  I know I can hear you asking that :-)...... well, on a card that has CAS lines, I need to make sure that they are straight.  So I use a t-square and my SU black mat and make sure that I line up the layers straight as I lay them down.  I know... I know.... we all know what Brenda thinks about my behavior and the fact that everything is in alphabetical order and placed in containers and filed away.  I can't help it... it's a disease amongst IT people.   The truth is... I am straight line challenged.  I can't write in a straight line, place anything in a straight line or walk in a straight line!  But... a t-square really does help! 

Many of you have asked me what cutting die I used on a couple of the recent cards chalkboard still life and the Paper Players Challenge 3 card.  I used a nesties deckled rectangle.  I love it - and it's another example of something with a vintage feel that works so well on a clean and simple card.

On a personal note:  it was another hot and humid day here ... oh... and for something completely different - it rained.  Yes, my friends, that would mean that it has rained every day except 2 for the last 16 or so days.  Brenda... you promised you were taking this with you!

Actually, I think Adelle sent it... you may remember that Adelle told us she was trying to clean out her garage and couldn't because it wouldn't stop raining!  We have, however, managed to sit on the deck, under the awning and let the rain fall around us whilst we ate dinner.  There's something really fabulous about that.

I am off to try to make a few more cards for the card drive before dinner tonight.....As always, your visits, your support and your comments are very much appreciated. 

Prayers for Trish, Germaine, Beth, Lynn and "T".

Have a fabulous Tuesday everyone.  I hope it is a day filled with laughter, love and sunshine.  Don't forget - smile at a stranger - it may very well change their life.

Hugs to you all

Jaydee

Neopolitan Ice Cream

Hi Everyone.  Happy Friday Night.

Oh yeah...it's officially the weekend, which means that I get time in my stamping space - and deck!  In fact, I am writing this post from my deck watching the moon rise above the trees.

Last night was a weird night weather wise.  Tornado touch downs in Rochester and many other places in the state.  It was exceptionally unexpected here.  We heard the sirens going off, but even our local television station was unaware of why.  Well, the rest of Rochester discovered why, but a little area where the tornado touched down knew last night.  Her's the link to the news tornado in Rochester.

It was far worse north and south of us, where 3 people lost their lives.  The one thing you become accustomed to having in areas like this - a basement.  You realize how vulnerable those without basements are.  My thoughts and prayers go out to those affected by the tornadoes last night.

Tonight's card is for a the justusgirlschallenge as well as a brand new challenge site - well brand new to me that is :-)The site is called Papertake Weekly challenge site.  Both sites have all sorts of different styles, guaranteed to inspired you.  So, mosey on over to both of these great sites and check them out.  The challenge at papertake - make a card based on your favorite ice cream flavors.  The challenge at justusgirls.... use these three colors: chocolate, light pink and vanilla!!!! So, great pairing for the challenges.  Also, I got to use three great ice cream flavors contained in Neopolitan ice cream.... Chocolate, strawberry and vanilla!

Before we get to that... I wanted to show you a picture of Bailey.  I set up the photo tent this evening to take pictures for tonight and tomorrow.  I turned around to take the cards out of the drawer and what do I find.....

errr... mother... you need to get a bigger photo tent because I can't see out of it..... TWIT.... he's way too big for this little photo tent... but Bailey has never been afraid to try to get into small spaces.  Yes, he has been known to get his head stuck in a little square tissue box.  Didn't his brain function enough to tell him that because he could get his snout in there - he couldn't necessarily get the rest of his body in.. NO!!! seems, Bailey's little synapses don't connect!

I thought you would enjoy this pic.

Now, back to our regular programming.  Here's my card based on my favorite ice cream flavors.  Once again I decided to feature the Bella Toile background stamp.  I've seen a lot of cards lately that follow this format and I really like it.  It also gave me a chance to use some of the new colors.  I mixed Chocolate Chip with Early Espresso -hello, coffee ice cream anyone?  - Blushing Bride (didn't think I would like this color, but it works really well with this combination)... and, of course, very vanilla.

 

Card recipe:

• Card stock:  Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, Blushing Bride
• Stamps:  Bella Toile, Because I Care (sentiment)
• Inks:  Chocolate Chip
• Accessories:  Very Vanilla satin ribbon, chocolate chip corduroy button, twine
• Tools:  Stamp-a-majig, needle, corner rounder

This is a card that you can easily adapt to any color combination and I love the clean lines. Instead of the background stamp, you could always highlight DSP instead... and, with the fabulous new DSPs in the catalog, you may very well feel the need to find a card layout that allows you to highlight them!

I have another couple of things to share with you tonight.  I saw a fabulous card that I think many of you will like. Tara created this gorgeous card for the palspaperarts challenge this week.  I saw it in the PPA gallery and it immediately caught my eye.  Here is Tara's card

Many of you may have seen the video of Susan Boyle from the British talent show last year.  Well, I found a video for a program that I don't watch.  America's Got Talent.  I was really astonished... no, in awe, of Alice Tan Ridley's rendition of "At Last" by the late, great, Etta James.  It's an incredibly difficult song to sing ....  Many karaoke versions... but true renditions are rare.  If you haven't seen the video of a woman who has spent 20 years singing in the NY underground, check this out.  Here's the link to Alice performing on America's Got Talent. 

It brings tears to my eyes and joy to my heart... then... to bring it home...  here's the a home video (presumably taken on a cellphone) of Alice performing, "What's Love Got to do With it" in the NY subway.  Man... what an unbelievable talent.  I swear, I would love to have 1/100th of this talent!  I mean..I have an OK voice... I've been in choirs and can keep a tune.... but seriously.. this is TALENT.  How did ANYONE miss this woman and not make her famous.  We watch these wannabe's with mediocre talent on American Idol... and here is unbelievable, heartfelt, gut-wrenching talent.

Well, that's all for tonight.  A new challenge card for you tomorrow.  It's the Paper Players 3rd challenge.  Oh yeah... and its a sketch challenge.  So remember to check back tomorrow.

As always, hugs and prayers to all of you, Trish, Germaine, Beth and Lynn included.

Thank you so much to all of you for spending time in my little area of the stamping blogosphere.  Your visits, your support - and your comments, are much appreciated.

Hugs

Jaydee

Crazy for Cajun Craze

Hi Everyone.  Happy Thursday night.  I am happy to report that tomorrow is Friday... oh yeah!!!  You know I love the weekend, cos I generally get some stamping time.  Oh... and my DH gets home tonight, too!

Tonight's card highlights one of my favorite new sets - Studio Sketches.  I really wasn't sure when I saw this set, but knowing how much I love coloring... it has to be the inner child in me... I decided to give it a try.  I really love it. 

The layout was for a challenge card a couple of weeks ago.  I thought it was a really cool layout, so decided to use it for this card.  A couple of my fabulous blog readers actually received this card in the last week.  It was a very relaxing card to make and allowed me to use Cajun Craze - which I really am crazy about! and Old Olive.  I must admit, since the color renovation, I have enjoyed Old Olive far more than I ever did before.

I really did have a tremendous amount of fun coloring this with my classic inks and blender pen.  There was something about the image that screamed Tuscany - so I decided to use traditional Tuscan colors and the Cajun Craze is perfect for that.

You can see in the corner, one of the other stamps from the set - the fruit bowl.  It was the perfect thing to stamp on the envelope.  All it needed was a quick wash of color.

Here's a close up of the colored image.

I want to show you one more close up before I give you a couple of tips.

This one is of the Greenhouse Gala DSP and the background Old Olive mat.

Tip: You can tell that the background Old Olive mat has a pattern.  I ran it through my the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder - the pattern works so well with this particular pattern from the Greenhouse Gala DSP.  I tried it with just the Old Olive plain - not embossed and something just didn't seem quite right.  A quick run through the Big Shot fixed the problem.  There's something that just works when the paper and the mat run together.  It helped to frame the paper, without distracting from it. 

Tip 2:  Here's two water coloring tips for you.  I discovered one on the water coloring technique CD that I bought and the other one by trial and error.

I found that layering the colors by using my classic inks and blending pen provided me with a great base.  However, if I layer too much, then the paper gets really wet and it doesn't work so well.  So... what I did with the apples was this;  I laid down the first couple of layers of green with my inks and blending pen.  Then, when the color was dry, I went back over with my marker.  The same color marker - in this case Pear Pizzazz.  This allowed me to get the shading that I wanted and yet the colors still remained bright and vibrant.

Want to get your image to pop a little from the white background?  The trick my CD taught me... well, technically not my CD.... the person on the CD :-)... take a light blue ink and go all the way around the image.  Not too heavily, just lightly all the way around the image.  This causes a slight shadow effect and allows the image to pop a little.

• Tip 3:  Remember to leave a couple of "lighter" areas on each of the items - that helps to make it look as though it is catching the light.  Use these detailed stamps as a guide - they generally show you where the shadows and the light would be.

Color inks I used:

• Pitcher:  Cajun Craze
• Pears:  well... Pear Pizzazz :-)
• Shadow areas:  Sahara Sand
• Blue shadow - Baja Breeze

On a personal note.  Today was a long day.  I was up at 4 for a 6am start with colleagues in Europe.  To begin my morning, Bailey left me a present.  No... not some poor dead mouse.  He knocked something off the table that I had left there last night.  I came wondering down stairs this morning, still pretty much asleep, didn't realize that the item was there, walked into it.... and now have two very swollen toes and they resemble to color of Concord Crush.  Yes, nice and purple.  Thank you, Bailey.  I think you can imagine the words that I used!  None of them complimentary :-)

I managed to have a quick visit with Cherie, Brenda and Bethany tonight.  This is becoming a habit.  I think this is our 5th get together in a couple of weeks.  We celebrated Cherie's Flag Day and the fact that Brenda and Bethany are leaving town.  Well, we weren't celebrating them leaving town :-) but celebrating the fact that they were going on vacation to England for 3 weeks.  It was a quick visit, but a delightful end to my long day.

Well, actually the delightful end to my day will be picking up my hubby when he gets home from Austin :-)

Continued prayers to Trish, Germaine, Lynn and Beth and including "T" on my list tonight.

As always... thank you so much for visiting my blog.  Your visits and your support are always appreciated.

Have a wonderful Friday, and remember... smile- it may change someone's life.

Hugs to you all

Jaydee

Inspired by Monmartre and Card Drive Blog Candy reminder

Hi Everyone.  Happy Sunday night.  I hope you all had a fabulous weekend.

Susan's Simplicity site one layer Wednesday challenge was to use masking.  Now, making one layer cards is pretty tough I find, so I am trying to do these challenges when I have the time.  I thought a lot about this challenge and really wanted to use the Eiffel tower stamp from the new Artistic Etchings set.  This set was part of the pre-order preview.  You all know that I love my Chic Boutique set, which features an Eiffel Tower stamp, but the Artistic Etchings stamp has a very realistic looking Eiffel Tower.  Great, I thought, I can use the new stamp - the one that is due to arrive in my box... this was last Friday.

Errr.... mmmmm.... I opened the box this morning and guess what..... yep... I FORGOT to order the stamp set!!!! How can I be that asleep!  So, as I was all set to do the card, I decided I would just have to make do with the Eiffel Tower from Chic Boutique.

Why this card?  Well, many years ago on a trip to Paris, I was wondering around Monmartre.  There were artists everywhere with their easels and their art set up under trees.  It was a glorious afternoon and little brightly colored umbrellas were above each easel.

I came across one artist whose work was so simple.  Water color images of pastoral scenes.  Unfortunately his signature is indecipherable, otherwise I would love to give him credit.  Anyway, I was torn between two pictures - one he had just finished of a daytime farmyard scene and one featuring the same farmyard, but at night.  I really couldn't make up my mind.  The artist decided it would be a good idea to take the pictures into the light and out from the shade of his umbrella so that I could see the paintings better.

Great idea.  EXCEPT... well, I did say that the artists were set up under the trees, right?  Well, I think you can imagine what happened next.  Yes, Mr or Mrs Pigeon decided it was time to fertilize the ground.  Except, on this occasion, the night scene was right under Mr/s Pigeon.  Ooooooppppsss.  Considering the paintings have LOTS of white space and the scenes are just in the middle of the canvas, a large globule of bird poop was more than noticeable!    In fact, it was just about bigger than the painted scene! The artist didn't miss a beat.  He said "merde".  Then looked at me and said in fragmented English, "I guess the bird made up your mind for you!"

I tried to take a good picture of the painting for you - but couldn't as it is in an inside room and the lights reflect off it terribly.  So, I could only capture the scene in the middle - there is a lot of white space around this image.  The canvas looks yellow, but it really is white - I just couldn't get a good pic.  If you run your cursor over the little pic, you can blow it up.  You can see the sky and the grass in the foreground and the bright yellow sun.  That's what I tried to capture in my homage to the Monmartre for Susan's One Layer Wednesday challenge.

I will remake this card when my new - and more realistic Tour Eiffel arrives after July 1.  However, the more cartoon-ish tower probably fits quite well with the inspiration images.

I masked the area with one of my nestability rectangles and sponged the sky, the sun and the grasses/trees and then stamped the tower in StazOn black.  The merci, from the Chic Boutique set was also stamped in StazOn. 

I had thought about placing the sentiment in the lower left corner, but it really unbalanced the card, so I decided to put it in the center of the image instead.  I had a lot of fun creating the card, and reliving my early trip to Paris and my time spent at Monmartre.

On a personal note - for something completely different, it was raining again today.  Yep.... no sitting on the deck AGAIN.  However, the garden needs the rain, so I will not complain - and it keeps the temperatures low, which is always a good thing as far as I'm concerned. 

Lynn created a fabulous Lollipop card that I wanted to share with you tonight.  Pop along to Lynn's site and check out this fabulously yummy card .  I loved the bright colors and the way she created the Lollipop.  Oh... and Lynn let me know that she has packaged up 50 cards for our card drive.  YAY, Lynn.  That's terrific.  50 servicemen/women who will be able to make 50 of their loved ones happy when the receive a fabulous hand-crafted card. 

Don't forget, that there are still 17 days till the end of this card drive.  For every 10 cards you send, you will get one entry into the draw for $100 stamping dollars.  That's $100 dollars to spend out of the new Stampin Up catty.  You can donate cards for either Operation Write Home, or HugsandHope. 

Rules for the card drive

• there are no rules.  Just one reminder - please do not use glitter for either of the charities we are supporting
• No rules means you can make any type of card you like, use any brand of stamp, embellishment, paper, etc.  It does not have to be SU - it can be anything you have on hand
• You can CASE cards.  You can design your own.  You can make them all the same.  Whatever is easiest for you.
• All you have to do is let me have them by end of day on June 30.
• If for any reason you are running late, just send me an email and let me know.
• Bilbo Baggins will be doing the Independence Day draw on July 4th and I will announce the lucky winner on July 5th.

As always, your support, your visit and your comments are much appreciated by me - and by the rest of the blog readers!

I hope you have a fabulous week filled with laughter, love, time spent with family and friends and remember to say prayers for Trish, Germaine, Beth and Lynn and all those affected by the oil spill and those trying to help the animals caught up in it.

Hugs

Jaydee

Blooper Night

Hi Everyone.  Happy Wednesday.  It's almost Friday!!! oh yeah!

So... what happens when a good card goes wrong?  Especially when you are using your absolutely, positively your most favorite paper.  of all time.  full stop.  period!  you get really grumpy!  That's exactly what happened with this card.  Trish - this was my original card to say thank you for my flowers.  Two of my favorite colors - Razzleberry and Mambo and my all time favorite paper - have I told you I love this paper:-)  I wanted to send a posy of flowers to Trish.

Love those flowers from the Lovely Flowers Bundle!

so... what went wrong... let's look at it bit by bit.

OK... so where did that orange ink come from... especially when this card has absolutely NO orange whatsoever.... well.. it was left over from the card I made before this one - last night's card in fact!  Well, unfortunately, I haven't found an eraser for permanent ink yet!

then.....  i noticed this!

oh yeah!  so a really bad smudge.. once again...nothing i can do about that!

i hate it when I smudge.  what's the lesson learned here... don't rock your stamp - no matter how much you really, really, really feel the need!!!!

Unless you like the smudge effect - then, hey!  go for it!

and... if that wasn't enough.....

what's wrong with this picture... considering the top of the pic is the top of the card

 errr..... mmmm... so... Tarzan, anyone?  Yeah... the flowers are upside down!!!!  You have to be kidding me - flowers growing out of the top of the card!!!!

Was there anything good with this card.. well... yeah... in concept... oh.. .and.. yeah...

the bow...... it's great!!!!  and  

the sentiment.... Trish.. you really did make my day.

So.. when you put it all together... what do you get?

Trish.... I sent you a different card...but I did want to let you see what I had on my mind.  I love the card... I love the paper.. I love the idea... I love the sentiment... and you really did make my day!

So there you are.... a perfect storm of what happens when when several things go wrong!

I hope you enjoyed this blooper :-)

Have a fabulous Thursday everyone.  Your visit to my blog is very much appreciated.

Hugs

Jaydee

Abundant Hope - Thanks!

Hi Everyone.  Happy Friday Night and welcome to Jaydee's SU stampin' space.  Tonight's card shows you yet another way to use Abundant Hope.  And tonight's card is dedicated to Sally.  You can see my other Abundant Hope cards here

Before we get started on tonight's cards... I'd like to give a shout out to Lynn.  Her cards arrived for Hugs and Hope today and they are gorgeous.  Look out for some of Lynn's fabulous creations on my blog tomorrow.  I promise you will be inspired.  A shout out to Cam, too... who let me know her cards on the way.  Thank you ladies!

And whilst we are on the topic of doing something for others... here's more detail on the drive that Stampin' Up! is having to help those in Haiti.  So... think about buying a heart (stamp set) - to help others!

My new goodies arrived for my stampfest tomorrow.  A couple of friends are coming around to add to our card drive, so I'm looking forward to having some girl time and some play time - all together.... now that's a good Saturday.  Which is a good thing, because I didn't have a particularly good Friday and can honestly say that I am, uncharacteristically VERY GRUMPY!  So, I think I am several of the Seven Dwarfs all in one tonight!  :-)  However, spending time with a little bit of rubber and ink should cure me of my grumpiness.  If that fails... then a glass of wine... if that fails... I'll watch a George Clooney movie! :-)  Actually....mmmm... maybe a George Clooney movie and a glass of wine - now that should definitely do the trick! :-)

So, back to the card for tonight....I really love this Daffodil image and I wanted to see how I could use it in a way that visually changed the proportion of the stamp - and I found that using it on a square base, with a square matt, did that for me.  Of course, I had to use my scallop border and corner punch.  Don't forget.. talk to your friendly SU demonstrator to see how you can earn your own free scallop trim border punch... and I also used my Tiny Tags sentiments!  You know I wasn't crazy about getting the Tiny Tags...until I got them!

Card recipe:

• Always Artichoke and Crushed Curry Card stock.  The central image is stamped on Whisper White.
• I stamped the sentiments "4 you" and "thanks so much" in Always Artichoke and punched them out with the jewelry punch.
• I inked the stamp with Always Artichoke and Crushed Curry markers and stamped the image onto the Whisper White
• I used my scallop border and corner punches on a piece of Crushed Curry card stock.  Jaydee tip: I used the 3 13/16" size as per LyndaLee28's great post on splitcoast.  You can check the link and LyndaLee has put the sizes that she worked out to get the best use of the corner punch with scallop.  The key is to start in one corner (with the right size paper) and then work down one side, do the next corner, etc.  until you have worked all the way around the square.  The key is.... you have to have the right size square in order to get the corners and sides to match.  It takes a little effort - but I think the results are really worth it.
• I matted the Whisper White onto a piece of Always Artichoke and then put that onto the Crushed Curry.  I stuck the Always Artichoke matt onto the crushed curry with snail and attached the Whisper White focal image using dimensionals.
• I wrapped a piece of crushed curry around the card and stuck the two ends in the middle of the front of the card. 
• I put the image and the matts onto the card base, over the ribbon, using dimensionals.
• I made a bow with a piece of crushed curry ribbon and stuck 4 mini glue dots behind the knot ... yeah.. I know...4 is more than you need... but I wanted to make sure it was REALLY stuck!  before I adhered the bow to the image, I stuck the sentiment labels underneath the bow and secured them to the mini glue dots.  I then pressed the bow onto the image.

I hope you like it. I think I'm done with Abundant Hope for a couple of nights :-)  I have some new goodies to go play with:-)

I hope you have a fabulous Saturday and that you get to spend time doing the things you love with those you love the most.  For my readers in California, I hope you are all safe and dry.

Hugs

Jaydee

Fifth Avenue Floral - thank you

HI Everyone.  Happy Tuesday night.  

I'm sorry I didn't do an update yesterday, but my visit to the Maxillofacial surgeon (doesn't that sound like someone that Alfred Hitchock, Wes Craven and Stephen King would just love!!!) and I had a meeting yesterday and I think I came off the worse.  Let's just say I was still having a side order of blood with everything I ate, drank or swallowed until lunchtime today!  "nuf said on that one!  My thanks to all of you for sending me your kind wishes - they meant a lot to me :-)  And my two female cats are at the vet having dental work done today, too! Poor things, we get to pick them up later today!   So, all the girls - human and feline - in the family are feeling sorry for ourselves. 

Before I get started on tonight's card I'd like to do a BIG SHOUT OUT to some amazing ladies Lynn H, Terri U, Beth R, Cam, Yvonne and Kelli.  You guys rock!  thank you!

Don't forget blog candy... 

• Blog Candy draw #1 leave a comment and I'll put you in the draw for free paper and free stamps!  
• Blog Candy draw #2 Send me 10 or more cards to support HugsandHope.org - cards for critically ill children, or fromourhearts.info - cards for the troops to send home ---- and I will enter you into the draw for a Brand New BIG SHOT... or product to the same value if you already have a Big Shot... courtesy of me
• You have until end of day February 14 to enter into both

Today's card continues my new year's resolution to use what I have and don't give enough love to!  I bought Fifth Avenue Floral when it was all the rage... and I think I have inked it up once!  But, I wanted to do a crisp, clean thank you card to send to a couple of friends, and I went through my stamps and thought... ahh.... about time I tried to do something with this.  I mixed it with Bordering Blue - a color I don't use very often!   The splitcoaststampers clean and simple challenge this week was to "cut it out" - so it was a perfect fit for the challenge... and you know I can't resist a CAS challenge!

 

I don't know what's going on these days, but my screen is really showing this overexposed.  I'm going to need to open up my PC instead of my Apple to have a look there once this post is done.  I hope you can see it.... I actually water colored the image and then covered it in Iridescent Ice embossing powder to give it sparkle, so it really does look pretty in real life.

Card recipe

• Bordering Blue and Whisper White card stock.  I used the Water Color paper for the flower.
• I used Basic Grey ink for the sentiment and the background flowers
• Basic Grey satin ribbon
• Fifth Avenue Floral stamp set
• Heard from the Heart (111644)
• Stampin Dimensionals, Bordering Blue classic ink, blending pen and Iridescent Ice embossing powder
• I stamped the image twice on my Bordering Blue matt in Basic Grey.  I then used StazOn for the flower and stamped again onto water color paper.  I used my blending pen and the Bordering Blue classic ink to give a soft subtle blue to the flower.  I colored the middle of the flower darker, as the middle always seems to look richer!  I didn't want to go too dark, as I wanted the flower to stand apart from the background matt of the same color.
• Once the water color flower was dry, I stamped over it with my Versamark and then added Iridescent Ice embossing powder (101930)
• It was very quick and easy to assemble.  I wrapped the piece of Satin ribbon around the card and then secured it under the flower.  I then mounted the flower using Dimensionals to give it, well... you know... dimension :-)

I love the fact that you can change out the color combination to anything you like - and the sentiment - so it's a card that can be made over and over and still look fresh!

So, if you liked my Abundant Hope card from Sunday - you HAVE to check out Gretchen Barron's Abundant Hope card.  It's stunning.  So, pop on over to Gretchen's blog, have a look at the card - and show her you like it too, by leaving a comment :-)  It's a stunning card using this same set.  Gretchen told me she made this card for a swap in December and it's simply beautiful.... a gorgeous swap card!

I was reading Kelli's blog a few days ago and part of her topic was having chosen a word for the year.... and it got me thinking about my word for 2010 - Go check out Kelli's blog to see what her word is! 

It took a lot of thinking, I might tell you!  Lots of words made it to my mental list and were discarded. In the end I came up with my own word........

GIVE

Why Give?  Well, there are so many things that I can give every day - here's a list of some of the things I committed to doing in 2010 using GIVE as my theme:

• a helping hand; a smile; some love on their blog or gallery cards; more of myself to those who need/want it; more tolerance to those that I'm not normally tolerant towards! :-); love; donate more to the charities that I support and find a couple of new ones that I don't generally support; random acts of kindness to those I know - and those I don't; myself a break... I'm so hard on myself and I need to give myself a break occasionally; more love to my DH; more attention to my health and wellbeing; more attention to my spiritual side; more time to enjoy the things I used to enjoy so much

So, my challenge to you today.... what would your word for 2010 be?

As always, your visit and your support of my blog is greatly appreciated!  I hope you have a fabulous Wednesday and get to spend some time doing the things you love, with those you love the most - four legged or two legged!

Hugs

Jaydee

Asian Artistry meets Whimsical Words

Hi Everyone.

Happy New Year.  I hope you all had a fabulous evening.  Lou and I went to movies (we saw It's Complicated with the ever amazing Meryl Streep) and then went for a late dinner at our favorite restaurant, Sontes.  We got home at about 12.45 and could feel my age:-)  We have had many late nights this last week... 2.30 a.m. in some circumstances.... playing on our Wii, I might add!  So, last night was one of many late nights...  my vacation is quickly coming to an end, so I will be back to more normal hours for getting to bed. :-)

YAY!!!! The new Mini Catalog and the Sale-A-Bration brochure are available on line!  Unfortunately, Typepad is having issues tonight, so I can't sort out the buttons on my sidebar - so here are the links to the actual catalogs on-line at SU.  Here's the link to the Occasions Mini for 2010  and here's the link to the pdf for the Sale-A-Bration brochure.  I am really excited about some of the products in the new Occasions Mini - and the SAB.  I love the fact that you can choose certain items out of the 2009/2010 catalog for SAB this year.  I'll be adding more detail to my blog tomorrow, but you can check out the offerings in the pdf in the meantime.

Tonight's card uses a stamp I have never used before, as well as colors that I don't normally use.  This year I am determined to use all of my SU colors, and not just some of them!

I wanted to make a thank you card using soft, feminine colors.

 
 

Card recipe:

• I used Very Vanilla and Rose Red card stock.  I used Watercolor paper for the central image
• I stamped the central image from the Asian Artistry set on Black StazOn onto my watercolor paper.  I then took my Rose Red, Pretty in Pink and Mellow Moss inks and applied them to the Peonie flower and leaves with my blender pens
• To add extra dimension, I stamped the fowers and petals again and repeated the coloring.
• I then cut each of the pieces out and furled the edges of the flower (as Peonies have such a beautiful soft edge :-)) and then applied them to the original image using dimensionals.
• I took my very vanilla card stock and ran it through my Big Shot and used my polka dot texturz plate to add texture.  The reason I did this is because there is a little texture to the watercolor paper and I wanted to carry that through.  Unfortunately, you can't see the texturizing on the background paper in my photograph!
• I then stamped the sentiment from Whimsical Words onto Very Vanilla paper and punched out a circle with my circle punch.  I punched out another circle in the Rose Red to back the sentiment.
• Two pieces of grosgrain ribbon and a matting layer of PiP and RR finished off the card

Today was a really cold start to 2010.  A high of 4 and we are down to -15 tonight and -30 with windchills.  We went to the movies again tonight - 3 nights in a row I might add.. (oh, the joys of being on vacation!) and it was really, really blowing a freezing cold wind.  I still don't know how the animals survive in this weather.  We filled up all the food and water bowls for the animals and the birds today and the sparrows were even bathing!  I'm not sure about you, but I don't want to bath in -1 degree temperatures :-)

Tomorrow I will be announcing the winner of the December blog candy - as well as details on the January blog candy - something very different for January - and in the spirit of giving :-)

In the meantime, if you have any questions on the new catalog, or the Sale-A-Bration, just send me an email.  Remember, orders cannot be placed until January 5th - and I have a huge order planned for myself.... Like everyone else, I like free goodies :-)

As always, thank you to all of you for visiting my blog - your visits, and your support, are always greatly appreciated.

Cyber hugs

Jaydee

Chic Boutique - Pink Bird in a Chalk Cage

Hi Everyone.  Happy Tuesday night and welcome to Jaydee's SU stampin space!  Tonight's card features my favorite..... Chic Boutique.  This has certainly turned into one of my "go to" sets.  (You can see my other Chic Boutique cards here.)

I saw the Stamping411 sketch challenge this week and was inspired to make 2 entirely different cards, tonight's uses one of my embossing folders and chalking.  The stamping411 team always manage to post some fabulous inspiration cards. I really encourage you to visit the site and see the inspiration and cards that have been posted.  I promise you that you will find something to inspire you.

I posted last night about my mojo having gone on vacation and several of you sent me emails or left a comment talking about similar problems.  Getting out of it can be tough and I find that the more cards that I make that don't work, the less inspired I get.  Doing sketch challenges is one of the ways that helps me get back into the swing of things.  Another thing for me.... I have to have a clean workspace...I have to put everything away, clean my stampin scrubs, etc. etc. after every single card and start with an entirely clean slate.  The more "stuff" I have on my table, the more distracted I am.  It's one of the reasons why I elected to stamp on a small table... that way I don't have much space and have to clean up.

Another thing for me, I regularly go through my stamps and do a clean out.  Sometimes I buy a stamp set and think... "oh yeah!  this is going to be my favorite stamp" and, guess what?.... I use it once and find that I really don't get that inspired by it.  However, if it hangs around in my stamping drawer, then I feel that I HAVE to use it because I paid for it..... and, because I don't get inspired by it, I get more despondent.  Consequently, I've learned to say.. enough and pass it along.  It's not that there is anything wrong with the set, I've seen fabulous cards made with that set... it just doesn't work for me. 

I'd be really interested to hear what the rest of you do to get out of the funk so that I can pass that recommendation along to my readers. 

So, back to tonight's card - one of the sketch challenges that got me back into things!  I used my Elegant Bouquet embossing folder as the base for my card and also stamped with two colors that I don't normally use.... pale pink (in this case Pretty in Pink) and pale green (Sage Shadow).  It felt very strange stamping with spring colors when it was -15 outside! :-)  I really tried to get a good picture of this card, but nothing I did shows how soft and pretty and vibrant it is in real life.  The pics look flat.  I played around with exposure, contrast and brightness and just couldn't get it to pop!

 

It turned out to be a color combination I actually rather liked - out of my comfort zone completely, but that's the thing about challenges and pushing yourself out of your box:-)

One of the key things about the card was that I wanted to add some color to the texture on the background, without using DSP.  To do this, I used my sponge daubers, and my chalks.  I also used the little applicators that come with the chalks as well as the eraser.  Before I go into details on how to do this, and the recipe for the card.  Let me show you a close up:

You can see the soft Pretty in Pink on the flowers and the Sage Shadow on the "leaf" details.  The colors are looking very washed out on my screen, I hope they are OK on yours. 

To create this effect,

1. I used two sponge daubers and chalked them up with the two colors I was using.
2. I gently went over the embossed areas with the sponge dauber.
3. I used the little applicators for the smaller areas, like the ends of the "leaves"
4. I then went over the areas I had chalked and erased between the flower petals and other areas that the chalk had accumulated.  I didn't get rid of all of the excess, just areas where I thought there was a little too much.

Next I stamped the image and colored in the details with my PiP and SS markers.  I then took the pink chalked dauber and went over the card stock all around the bird, both inside and outside the cage.  I also ran the edge of the card stock in my PiP classic ink pad.

Last thing, was to stamp a flower and use crystal effects on it, add crystal effects to the bird, and, when it was dry, I mounted the flower above the sentiment.  I also took a pale green circle rhinestone and "freed" it from its legs and adhered it with two mini glue dots.  I popped up the bottom matt layer using Stampin' Dimensionals and did the same with the central focal point and raised it above the pink layer.

I hope you like it and are inspired to use this technique if you haven't already done so.  I'm looking forward to trying it again.  It works fantastically well with the embossing folders and would work with some of the texturz plates.

Last night my friends Brenda and Cherie and I decided it was a girl's night.  However, we decided not to do the usual adult girl things.... instead we spent time playing with the Wii.  What a hoot.  It was fabulous to laugh until tears were streaming and share good times with good friends.  I didn't know either Brenda or Cherie before I looked up an SU demonstrator late last year.  How lucky I was to pick Brenda!  and how lucky that Brenda had such a great friend in Cherie!  So thank you guys... you rock my world.

I hope you all have a fabulous Wednesday and that you get to spend time doing the things you love with those that mean the most to you.  I really thank you so much for spending time in my area of the stamping blogosphere today.  Your visits and your support are very much appreciated.

Cyber hugs

Jaydee

Simple Friendship - true friend

Hi Everyone.  Welcome to Jaydee's SU stampin space - where you are always welcome :-)  Back to my normal blog banner tonight.  Bilbo has decided that two days in the spotlight was quite enough... well, what he doesn't know is that he will be making an appearance again for Christmas :-)

Today's card, using the Simple Friendship set, was designed for my best friend in South Africa, to say thank you for spending time with me during my last visit.  I do miss her a great deal and really enjoyed our time together.  It's a fabulous thing when you can see someone so rarely, and yet fall back into a comfortable discussion and it is though you were never apart.  I do miss you Suzie and am blessed to call you friend.

I decided to use two challenges for this card - one was a layout challenge from the talented Gretch Barron - this was the Weekend sketch challenge - Inspiration in Action 108.  (Gretchen is also a member of the Stamping411 design team.)  I actually created two cards using this layout, but this one I turned portrait instead of Gretchen's original landscape. 

You all know by now that I love doing the challenges.  They really force me to do something different... and I've just started to incorporate color challenges.  Some of them really push me out of my comfort zone - and the color throwndown challenge # 66 certainly did.  The challenge colors were Rich Razzleberry, Elegant Eggplant and Bordering Blue.  Oh boy... did I have to think about that one for a while! :-)  So, thank you LeAnne for forcing me to think outside of the box.  I was really pleased with the final card and glad that I incorporated both challenges.  Although... I noticed that the colors are showing much cooler when I import them than the actual card itself.... mmmm...

 

• I stamped the image in Bordering Blue  on Whisper White card stock
• I then "rolled" the stamp in my Elegant Eggplant
• I stamped the en Francais stamp (my favorite background stamp!) on Elegant Eggplant
• I then cut a piece of Rich Razzleberry DSP and used my eyelet border punch on both edges
• I then put a piece of Rich Razzleberry ribbon around the DSP - polka dot side down :-)
• I matted the image on both Elegant Eggplant and Bordering Blue card stock
• I stamped the sentiment from the stamp set in Rich Razzleberry and used my modern label punch
• For the final touch, I stamped the butterfly again using the same colors - except this time I did one extra step.  I inked up my stamp again with White Shimmer Paint and stamped over the second dried butterfly image.  I let it dry and then cut it out using my paper snips.
• This last step gives a phenomenal sheen and sense of luxe to the image.  I attached the cut out butterfly over my stamped image with some snail and lifted the wings.  The double wings give a natural shadow and make it look like a double winged butterfly.
• A couple of pearls from the pretties kit... and voila... all done.
• I attached the matted image to the cardstock with some stampin dimensionals

Here's a closeup of the details for you... I love the fact that the script of the sentiment echoes the script on the background stamp. 

For my newsletter subscribers... I just wanted to let you know that I am updating the format of my newsletter and will be including some tips and techniques.  The tip and technique for this month will be using my shimmer paint to create this card.  To sign up for my newsletter - just click HERE

I hope you have a fabulous Monday and that those of you who celebrated Halloween had a fabulous night with the little ones.  A shout out to Kelli - who was my blog candy winner.  Kelli's children love Halloween and I love the pictures that Kelli has shared on her blog. :-)

As always, thank you for spending time in my little area of the stamping blogosphere - your visit is always much appreciated - as are your comments.  If you have any questions on today's project, or any other project you find on my site, just send me an email, I am always happy to provide further information.

Peace and blessings

Jaydee

Very Thankful Peacock - En Francais

Hi Everyone.  Happy Friday night and welcome to Jaydee's SU stampin' spot.  I've been busy using My Digital Studio to create a customized banner for Halloween featuring Bilbo Baggins.  Unfortunately, I'm having some issues with my photoediting software - Apple's Aperture and the fact that it insists on retaining proportions and haven't quite got it right yet.  I knew I should have bought Photoshop instead!!!  I love My Digital Studio... but Aperture... mmmm... not so sure!

I'd also like to say a massive thank you to the stamping411 team for choosing my Dasher shaker card this week.  I am floored - and so honored.  There are some absolutely amazing submissions this week and I strongly recommend you mosey on over for some incredible inspiration.  And if you thought you couldn't do something with punches.... check out Carrie's Bah Humbug card - it's an absolute masterpiece - it makes me smile every time I view it!  The team at stamping411 give us such great inspiration cards and sketches each week, and the submissions are amazing.  So, a huge thank you to the team, if you aren't following them and even submitting cards - you should be :-)

Tonight's card was made for the MojoMonday 110 challenge.  I know... I know... it's Friday and I'm only just getting the card out there!!!! :-)  It was another square card - and you all know, I just don't do square :-)  so this week has been forcing me to get out of my comfort zone - and I've loved it!  I ordered the Very Thankful set and... err... wasn't reading too well the night I put in the order!  When my UPS man brought me my goodies and I opened my box... well, I realized I'd ordered the Reconnaissance set instead.  It's the same set - just in French!  You know what... I'm so pleased I did, because I've really enjoyed using the set.  Now, I have to order the English version - and I'm absolutely OK with that, as a portion of the sale goes to support the Ronald McDonald charity.  So... I couldn't get the pic in large format for you... I hate computers :-) please zoom on the pic!

I used Taken with Teal card stock and the Flock Together designer series paper.  I love this paper as it has mixes of Tempting Turquoise (used here), So Saffron, Certainly Celery and Garden Green.  I thought that the chevron pattern on the background paper and the birds on the side panel - were just perfect for the Peacock.  Talking about Peacocks... I was very lucky about 10 years ago to be in a game reserve in India.  We went boating very, very early in the morning and the mist was rising from the dam - it was exceptionally eerie as the sun was trying to break through the early morning dawn.  It was incredibly quiet - a true moment of reflection - when the dawn was broken by the haunting call of the peacock - no doubt looking for a hen.  It was amazing.  I'd never heard one in the wild before - and it's a moment I will never forget!  So, of course, I thought about that morning when I made this card :-)

I wanted to break up the blues a little and decided to use Crushed Curry.  I often use this color as an accent and I think that it really helps to make the blues pop here - as well as the pattern on either side of the peacock.  It's such a rich and luscious yellow. 

Of course, I had to use my trusty Circle Scissor Plus..... Now... I have to admit that I hated my CSP when I first started using it... I just thought it was too much hassle to get out the cutting matt, the cutter, put in the blade, etc. just to cut a circle.  HOWEVER..... after many weeks of trying to make circles from other templates and punches and getting exceptionally frustrated... I realized that I had the perfect tool in my drawer and have grown to love my CSP.  I have nothing else that could have allowed me to create perfectly sized circle matts for the peacock.  Which goes to show that you have to persist.

Here's a close-up of the layers.  I used my Scallop Circle Bigz Die and my Big shot for the outer circle.

I stamped the image on Whisper White

My first circle matt was in Tempting Turquoise

Second matt is in Crushed Curry

Third matt is in Taken with Teal

Scallop is cut in Tempting Turquoise

I inked the peacock using my trusty markers.

The sentiment My Dear Friend sentiment rub on is from a retired rub ons set. 

 

 For the square matt behind the circles, I ran a piece of Taken with Teal through my Big Shot and, using the Texturz background plate #1, created a subtle swirl pattern.  I then took my sanding block and gently rubbed over the image to make it lighter.  Here's a close up for you.  I takes a little of the color off the paper and roughs up the image a little.  I really love the subtle effect it gives. 

I then took my paper piercer and template and went around the square.

Overall, I was really pleased with the way it turned out - and the memories it evoked for me!

I'm sorry about my technical difficulties tonight... Not just with my blog header... .which I love btw :-)  I'm not sure how Bilbo Baggins would feel about it..... especially as he despises spiders... he does the rounds of the basement every night to ensure that nothing on more than 4 legs is bothering us... and he is especially diligent about spiders.... so having a spider hanging from his hat... well.... mmmm... :-)  Sorry, Bilbo - but you do look so cute!

Typepad wouldn't upload large pictures tonight, so I made sure that they were all zoomable for you. Grrrrr!

Have a fabulous Saturday and thank you for stopping by and visiting my little area of the stamping blogosphere.  Your visits - and your support are always much appreciated... I'm hoping that tonight Feedburner should be fixed, too.  Mind you... with the technical difficulties tonight, I guess I shouldn't be hoping for too much.  The Halloween gremlins must be out!

Watch out tomorrow for a Halloween card made with My Digital Studio.

Blessings

Jaydee

Very Thankful - en Francais

Bonsoir, mon ami!

This is the second card that I have made with my accidental purchase.  Mind you, as this is the Stampin Up Ronald McDonald stamp set for this year, I'm not upset about having to buy the English version as well!  All in a very good cause.  I was in such a rush to get my order in on September 1, that I took down the incorrect number from the catalog for the Very Thankful set.  Imagine my surprise when I opened my box and found the French version - Reconnaissance!  However, I'm really pleased I made this mistake.

Tonight's card is my second for the MojoMonday 103 challenge and the palspaperarts challenge 10 - thankful.  It was a challenging layout for me - but once I got working with it, I really enjoyed it.  You can see the Christmas card I made using this layout with the Holiday Lineup set here.  A quick reminder what the sketch challenge looks like.  And here's what I was inspired to create.  I really wanted to use the new Night and Day Specialty paper and made use of my En Francais background stamp. I bought this background to go with my Chic Boutique stamp - and found that it was fantastic with the Reconnaissance, too.  

OK... many of my French speaking readers will know that this is a part of a famous poem by Rimbaud.  I had cut it and intended that the three panels actually read correctly from left to right (with a couple of gaps...).... however.... when I glued it to the card stock.... I got the right and left pieces back to front.    AAAARRRGGGGHH!  It's times like this that you need removable glue!   Anyway, there you go!

I love the tuxedo feel about the card.  The pearl.... I really wanted to place pearls and pfaffed around with where I was going to put them... and then decided that all this tuxedo card needed, was a cufflink :-)  So I placed the pearl in the middle of the bow.  Then I was happy.  Why is it that we can play around and then suddenly..... it just feels right?  I added two layers of ribbon - both the grosgrain black - against the white polka dot paper and then the grosgrain white, to lie against the black background.  

I was pleased it with.  It's a strong card - a statement card, but one that is good for both male and female recipients.  I made it because I wanted to send a thank you card to the owner and chef of our favorite restaurant - Sontes... no they aren't paying me for this ad... in fact they will never know I even mentioned them :-)  But they are fantastic.  DH and I are both vegetarian (anyone who reads my blog regularly surprised by that fact?:-)) well.... most restaurants think its a pain to deal with us... But Tessa and Chef Justin always make us feel welcomed, special and just plain spoiled.  Tessa loves France - hence this card :-)

On the personal front:  We are having a dry spell here and I think I'm going to have to go out and water the grass tomorrow.  I hate doing that, but being so late in the season... and the fact that I think we are in for a long winter - I think leaving the lawn a little stressed, might not give it a good start in spring.  

My DH comes home on Saturday - and I am really looking forward to that.  He's been gone for almost three weeks and even though I am used to his absences, they never seem to get any easier!

Tomorrow..... I'm hoping to show you a couple of pages I made with the new My Digital Studio.  I'm loving this product.  (It was the reason I was in such a rush to get my order in on September 1.)

As always, thank you for spending time in my little stamping space... your visit is always much appreciated.  If you have any questions on the card - or anything else on my blog - just send me an email - or leave a comment

Have a fabulous Thursday

Peace and hugs

Jaydee