Pinched Nerve :(

Unfortunately, I don't have a post for today. I have a pinched nerve near my left shoulder blade that is acting up. It feels like I hit my funny bone, when you have that sharp pain down your arm and into your palm. Just typing on the computer is painful, so stamping is out of the question this week.

Please check Deb Currier's blog, www.artfeltimpressions.blogspot.com to see this week's Sketch Frenzy Friday card. Then make your own and show us at www.sketchfrenzyfriday.blogspot.com.

Happy Stamping!

(soon for me I hope!)

SU Stars Flower Fest

Welcome to the SU Stars May Blog Hop. You may have arrived from Jane Hignite's amazing blog, www.stampwithjane.com. If you'd like to start at the beginning and follow the whole hop, you can begin at www.su-stars.blogspot.com. Our them is "Fabulous Florals," so be prepared to see some beautiful flowers on your trip around the internet.

I wanted to feature the new SU set, "Flower Fest" for my post. I also knew I wanted to make bright happy cards with it. (Although the card on the right doesn't use that stamp set, I made all three at the same time and they became a set so I've placed it's picture here, anyways.)

Because I love sketch challenges, my first card is based on the Pals Paper Arts sketch for this week.

This card can actually be used vertically or horizontally. Either way, I love how happy it looks!

Now, you know my blog is called "Life with a Wiener Dog." Just for proof, here is the wiener dog, Frank, offering his support by laying on the chair where I take the pictures of my cards.

For my second card, I used a sketch from Create with Connie and Mary. I didn't add the white punched piece because I'll put that piece in when I decide what occasion I will use the card for- "thank you," thinking of you," or "happy birthday."

In case you've never tried before, it's difficult to take still pictures of cards while your wiener dog walks around on your "blank canvas." I almost had the perfect shot when Frank was on the move. I told him, "Frank, stay." without really looking at where he was. Being the good dog that he is, Frank stayed. Just like this- the position he was in when I told him to stop moving. One half up and one half down.

I love that wiener dog!

Visit the next blog stop on our tour by going to Courtney Johnson's blog, www.courtscreativecorner.blogspot.com.

Then, grab your friend- human or furry- and flower stamps and start creating.

Happy Stamping!

I used the following Stampin' Up products to make the two new featured cards:

Flower Fest Stamp Set

Poppy Parade, So Saffron, Tempting Turquoise and Pear Pizzazz Classic Inks

Whisper White, Poppy Parade, So Saffron, Tempting Turquoise and Pear Pizzazz Card Stock

Build-a-Bear Workshop Pawsitively Prints 2 Designer Series Paper

Basic Pearls

2 3/8" Scallop Circle, Fancy Flower, 5-Petal Flower, and Circle Punches

Paper Snips

Tasteful Trim Bigz Extra Large Die

Big Shot



SFF Perfect Punches

Happy Friday, Everyone! It's time for another Sketch Frenzy Friday card. I thought this was a fun sketch that made a fun birthday card. I've made a few other cards coming up with these same colors and papers. Be sure to check back to see them!

Happy Stamping!

I used the following Stampin' Up products to make this card:

Perfect Punches Stamp Set

Poppy Parade and Tempting Turquoise Stampin' Write Marker

Whisper White, Poppy Parade, So Saffron, and Tempting Turquoise Card Stock

Build-A-Bear Workshop Pawsitively Prints 2 Designer Series Paper

1/2" Poppy Parade Stitched-Poly Ribbon

3/16" Corner and 2" x 1 3/8" Oval Punches

Stampin' Dimensionals
Tasteful Trim Bigz Extra Large Die

Big Shot

Now go to Jennifer Weide's blog www.sunflowerstamper.com to see the card she created with this sketch. Then make your own and show us at www.sketchfrenzyfriday.blogspot.com.

LNS Challenge Redo

Finally, I like this card! This is my third try at it and there's finally one I can tolerate- even like!

I didn't like the first one at all. The balance just wasn't right. I don't know what else is wrong with it, but I know I didn't like it.

So, I moved the flowers over and over and came up with a little bit of a better version, but I still wasn't overly happy with it.

But now, the yellow card finally makes me happy. It's simple but happy. Just the way I like 'em.
If there's a card driving you nuts, don't give up. Try again. In my case, the third time was a charm!

Happy Stamping!

I used the following Stampin' Up products to make this card:

Flower Fest and A Word for You Stamp Sets

Poppy Parade, Peach Parfait, and Daffodil Delight Classic Inks

Poppy Parade, Peach Parfait, and Daffodil Delight Stampin' Write Markers

Poppy Parade, Peach Parfait, Daffodil Delight and Pear Pizzazz Card Stock

Sunny Garden Designer Series Paper

Fancy Flower, 5-Petal Flower, and Eyelet Border Punches

TSSC174 Word Play Challenge

Hello, Stampers! I hope you had a great weekend and are well-rested and ready for another week! I combined two challenges to make this card. First, Mary Jo's Monday Lunchtime Sketch Challenge provided the sketch for this card. I can imagine doing so many different cards with this sketch. It's a great one!

The color challenge came from my misunderstanding! The challenge was to use 2 colors from Stampin Up's Subtle Collection along with Early Espresso. You could also use Whisper White or Very Vanilla, but that's all. Well, I was thinking the Neutral collection instead of the Subtles one! So, I decided to use Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, and Early Espresso. Even my embellishments came from those colors. It wasn't from the actual challenge, but it ended up being a nice Monochromatic card! I hope you like it!

Happy Stamping!

I used the following Stampin' Up products on this card:

Word Play and Tiny Tags Stamp Sets

Crumb Cake and Soft Suede Classic Inks

Early Espresso Stampin Write Marker

Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede and Early Espresso Card Stock

Elegant Soiree Designer Series Buttons

5/8" Early Espresso Satin Ribbon

Subtles Buttons

Jewelry Tag Punch

Tasteful Trim Bigz XL Die

Big Shot

VC Rocks Color My World "Sunny Fun"

Welcome to the first VC Rocks Blog Hop of 2011! VC Rocks is comprised of a group of wonderful, fun, and talented ladies who celebrate Stampin' Up's yearly convention from their homes. We do swaps, have roommates we send stamped items to, have classes, and tons of fun.

This Blog Hop is centered around the theme "Color My World." You can see the beginning of the hop at www.vcrocks.blogspot.com. If you've been following the hop, you probably arrived from Kim Schwinkendorf's blog "Artful Imagination" at www.artfulimagination.blogspot.com. These days, I've been doing most of my coloring with Stampin' Up's Classic Inks and Blender Pens. I've been practicing all week for this hop!

I chose to make two new cards from the "Sunny Days" stamp set. I used the same sketch that I created for both cards. (I also made one on Tuesday for my Dad's birthday with the popscicles stamp from the same set at the end of this post.)

My first card features the Flip Flop stamp. I love Flip Flops! I wear them as often as possible and don't own any sandles that buckle around the heel!

I used the following Stampin' Up supplies for this card:

Sunny Days Stamp Set

Very Vanilla, Regal Rose, Rose Red, Pumpkin Pie, and Sahara Sand Card Stock

Sweet and Sour Specialty Designer Series Paper

Brights Buttons

1 1/4" Pumpkin Pie Grosgrain Ribbon

Word Window Punch

Blender Pens

My second card features the cute kids in the pool. Can't you just hear them splashing and giggling?!

I used the following Stampin' Up supplies for this card:

Sunny Days Stamp Set

Blushing Bride, Real Red, Pear Pizzazz, Daffodil Delight, Garden Green, Bashful Blue, Pacific Point, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, and Early Espresso Classic Inks

Whisper White, Real Red, Bashful Blue, and Pacific Point Card Stock

Celebrations Designer Series Paper

Brights Buttons

5/8" Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon

Word Window Punch
Blender Pens

Now, to continue on with the VC Rocks blog hop, visit Laurie Gibson's blog, "Laurie's Rubber Room." You can find it at www.lauriesrubberroom.blogspot.com.

P.S.

This is another card I made earlier this week using the Sunny Days stamp set and coloring with Classic Inks and Blender Pens. It was for my Dad's birthday. He loves popsicles.

SFF Recess

Blogger was a bit ornery today, so I'm just now getting to share my card. It features Patrice Herrera's Sketch Frenzy Friday creation. It's a simple card but it's cute and I like the bright colors for summer.

 

Happy Stamping!

 

I used the following Stampin' Up products to make this card:

Recess Stamp Set

Blushing Bride, Real Red, Pacific Point, Soft Suede, and Basic Grey Classic Inks

Black Stazon InkVery Vanilla, Real Red, and Pacific Point Card Stock

1 1/4" Real Red Striped Grosgrain Ribbon

Circle, 1 3/4" Scallop Circle, 2 3/8" Scallop Circle, and 1 3/8" x 5/8" Oval Punches

Now be sure to check out Deb Currier's card she made with this sketch on her blog at www.artfeltimpressions.blogspot.com. Then make your own card and share it on our blog. www.sketchfrenzyfriday.blogspot.com.

MOJO 190, PP46, and LNS Fathers Day Card

Hello! This card represents three different challenges. I used the Mojo Monday Sketch for this week to give me the basic design for this card. Since it was a masculine card, I didn't want to add all of the extras too it. Plus, I like a simple card as you all know by now! I used the Sanded background stamp to add some texture to the Early Espresso background card stock, but it didn't show up on the camera. So, it looks a little fancier in person.

The Paper Players Challenge gave me the colors. I knew they would work well for this card. I really like the Not Quite Navy sentiment which almost looks like denim. I was also pleased with the touch of Cherry Cobbler to brighten up the card.

Finally, what may be on your mind the most- is she really so far ahead she's making Father's Day cards in the middle of May? Well, no. That's actually the third challenge- Late Night Stampers Design Team challenge for this week is to make Father's Day cards. My Dad reads my blog and never misses a post. I'm hoping he'll forget about this by then! :)

Happy Stamping! 

I used the following Stampin' Up products to make this card:

All Holidays Stamp Set and Sanded Background Stamp

Not Quite Navy Classic Ink

Early Espresso Stampin' Write Marker

Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler, Not Quite Navy, and Early Espresso Card Stock

Elegant Soiree Designer Series Paper

5/8" Early Espresso Satin Ribbon

Neutrals Designer Buttons

 

SSSC116 Sunny Fun Birthday Share

My Dad's birthday is this Saturday. Unfortunately, we won't be together for his actual birthday. So, we celebrated early while we were still together. He had mini cupcakes which he liked, but this card shows one of his true loves. My dad loves a good popsicle or snowcone. When I first saw this stamp set, I knew I would buy it just for his birthday card. I like the other stamps in the set, too, and I will use them. But this is the stamp I had to have for my Dad.

 

The card is based on the Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge for this week.

 

Happy Stamping!

I used the following Stampin' Up products to make this card:

Sunny Fun and Short and Sweet Stamp Sets

Black Stazon Ink

Regal Rose, Melon Mambo, Real Red, Tangerine Tango, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive, Tempting Turquoise, Pacific Point, and Rich Razzleberry Classic Inks

Whisper White, Real Red, Tangerine Tango, Tempting Turquoise, and Pacific Point Card Stock

Brights Designer Series Paper Pad

Build-a-Bear Workshop Pawsitively Prints 2 Designer Series Paper

Word Window and Modern Label Punch

SFF All in the Family Teacher Card Share

Today is a special day!
My friend from college, Tammy, has completed her elementary education degree and is here in Phoenix for her graduation. Not only did she complete her degree, but she managed to do it with a husband and 4 (yes 4!) boys at home- the oldest is just now in 6th grade.

She is and always has been an inspiration to me!

Congratulations, Tammy!

You've have earned it and deserve it!

Happy Stamping!

I used the following Stampin' Up products to make Tammy's card:

All in the Family, Family Business, and Family Phrases Stamp Sets and Sanded Background Stamp

Blushing Bride, Real Red, Daffodil Delight, Bashful Blue, Night of Navy, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, and Chocolate Chip

Black Stazon Ink

Whisper White, Real Red, Bashful Blue, and Real Red Card Stock

Regals Brads

Circles, Word Window Large, and Modern Label Extra Large Punches

1/8" Real Red Taffeta Ribbon

Now check out Deb Currier's blog to see the card she made based on today's Sketch Frenzy Friday sketch at www.artfeltimpressions.blogspot.com

Then, make your own and show us at www.sketchfrenzyfriday.blogspot.com

Thoughts and Prayers Share

I needed a few sympathy cards this week, so I wanted to design something that would be clean and easy to reproduce. This is the card I created. It's very simple and elegant. It could be used for other occasions as well as for a sympathy card and still work. It also doesn't require a lot of different materials, so it might appeal to new stampers.

I hope these cards bring some comfort to those who have lost their loved ones.

 

Happy Stamping

I used the following Stampin' Up products to make this card:

Thoughts and Prayers Stamp Set

Always Artichoke Classic Ink

Old Olive Card Stock

Play Date Designer Series Paper

1 1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon

5/8" Victoria Crochet Trim

Basic Pearls

Stylish Blogger Award

I was very fortunate to receive the "Stylish Blogger Award" from Patrice Herrera. Her blog, "My Little Patch of Dirt" is amazing and I encourage you to check it out. Besides being an amazing stamper, Patrice is a sweet, wonderful, encouraging friend! I was very touched to receive this honor from Patrice.

Another great thing about this award is that you get to pass it on. I have found six ladies who are also amazing stampers and crafters who deserve this award. Please be sure to check out their blogs so you can see their amazing artwork.

Ros Davidson "Ros Davidson"

www.rosdavidson.typepad.com

Shari Dudek "Shari's Stamp Pad"

www.sharisstamppad.blogspot.com

Kim Innis "Kim's Kreative Inkings"

www.kimskreativeinkings.blogspot.com

Kelly Mayou "The Weekend Stamper"
www.weekendstamper.blogspot.com

Jackie Watson "Creative Designs by Jackie"

www.jackielwatson.blogspot.com

Jennifer Weide "Sunflower Stamper"

www.sunflowerstamper.com

TSSC172 & LNS Embellishment Challenge Long Fellows Share

This week's Late Night Stamper's Design Team Challenge was hard for me. The challenge was to use 3 different embellishments. Now, I'm a 1 or 2 embellishment girl at the most. Some of my cards don't have any. So, 3 was quite a stretch. Saying I have 3 embellishments on this card is also kind of a stretch. The brads are obvious. The little flower buttons are noticeable. It's the ribbon in the buttons that is a little questionable. However, it's on there so I'm counting it!

Thanks to another one of Mary Jo's Monday Lunchtime Sketch Challenges for the design of this card!

Now go stretch yourself today and force yourself out of your comfort zone- even if it's only a little bit. :)

Happy Stamping!

I used the following Stampin' Up products to make this card:

Long Fellows Stamp Set

Certainly Celery and Old Olive Classic Inks

Basic Black Stazon Ink
Daffodil Delight and Old Olive Stampin' Write Markers

Whisper White, Daffodil Delight, Certainly Celery, and Old Olive Card Stock

Brights Designer Series Paper Pack

Brights Brads

Brights Buttons

1/8" Certainly Celery Taffeta Ribbon

Blender Pen