SO NOT MY STYLE ....

When I saw today's Color Challenge #210 of Riding Hood Red, Summer Sun, Kraft, and Basic Black on SCS I immediately thought of this stamp set, Rustic Rooster (Level Two Hostess). I'm not quite sure why I even own this stamp set ... it is so not my style! I appreciate country style and decor ... I'm just not good at creating it. This is my lame attempt at country, combined with Karen Giron's Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge #09.
RECIPE
Stamps: Rustic Rooster
Paper: Washington Apple DP, Good Morning Sunshine DP, Kraft, Basic Black, Riding Hood Red, and Whisper White CS
Ink: Jet Black Staz-On
Embellishments: Black Buttons, Riding Hood Red Striped Grosgrain Ribbon
Tools: Circle Cutter, Paper Piercer & Mat Pack
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots

FESTIVE SNOWFLAKES

I love this week's SCS Color Challenge #196 of TAKEN WITH TEAL, RIDING HOOD RED, BAJA BREEZE, and WHISPER WHITE! What FUN colors for a Christmas card! I decided to combine these colors with today's SCS Sketch Challenge #206. As much as I loved both of these challenges, I was really hoping to create something spectacular ... BUT, after alot of fussing over this card, my end result looks much like many others that have been posted on SCS. Oh well! ... some days you got it, some days you don't!

I had some difficulty finding a sentiment for this card that was small enough to fit in the bottom right hand corner, and ended up with this "merry & bright" from the retired stamp set, All Year Cheer I. The Little Felt Flurries (LOVE THESE!) are mounted on White Circle Metal Edge Tags, and the Taken With Teal piece behind them was run through the Cuttlebug with the Snowflake Embossing Folder. RECIPE
Stamps: sentiment from All Year Cheer I (retired)
Paper: Ski Slope DP, Whisper White, Riding Hood Red, Taken With Teal, and Baja Breeze CS
Ink: Riding Hood Red
Embellishments: Circle White Metal Edge Tags, Little Felt Flurries, Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon
Tools: Snowflake Cuttlebug Embossing Folder & Cuttlebug Machine (non-SU)
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals

BASIC VANILLA SAND BIRTHDAY

Today's card uses Jen del Muro's Sketch For You To Try 11/29/08 and Color Challenge #195 of Basic Black, Very Vanilla, and Sahara Sand.

The main image from Upsy Daisy was stamped first with Jet Black Staz-On, the stamped again in Sahara Sand Classic Ink using my Stamp-a-ma-jig for a shadowed effect. The sentiment was stamped with Jet Black Staz-On onto Very Vanilla prior to dry embossing with the Swiss Dots Cuttlebug Embossing Folder. The large Sahara Sand background piece was stamped in Versamark with the Polka Dota background stamp. I'm not wild about my use of the Very Vanilla 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, but am out of Basic Black, and it does not come in Sahara Sand (but sure wish it did for this card!).RECIPE
Stamps: Upsy Daisy, Polka Dot Background
Paper: Basic Black, Very Vanilla, and Sahara Sand CS
Ink: Jet Black Staz-On, Sahara Sand Classic, and Versamark
Embellishments: Very Vanilla 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon
Tools: Stamp-a-ma-jig, CM Custom Cutting System for circle cutting (non-SU), Swiss Dots Cuttlebug Embossing Folder and Cuttlebug machine (non-SU)
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals

BASIC PIROUETTES + BEATE'S SKETCH

This card is sooo not my best work but thought I would share anyway. It just didn't turn out on paper like it appeared in my head. I used Beate's wonderful Weekend Sketch Challenge #62 and SCS Color Challenge #188 of Pink Pirouette, Basic Black, and Whisper White. The polka dot designer paper is from Sweet Always, and the stamp set is Enjoy Every Moment. It's difficult to see in the photo, but there are paper pierced holes in each scallop of the borders.
RECIPE
Stamps: Enjoy Every Moment
Paper: Sweet Always DP, Pink Pirouette, Basic Black, and Whisper White CS
Ink: Basic Black
Embellishments: Black Brad, Black Gingham Ribbon, Flower Fusion Too
Tools: Scallop Circle Punch, Paper Piercing Tool, 1 3/4" Circle Punch

BAROQUE MOTIFS GRID TECHNIQUE

This card uses this week's Color Challenge #177 on SCS of Groovy Guava, Whisper White, and Sahara Sand, along with the Grid Technique for a faux tile look. I have been wanting to try this technique for so long, and I think Baroque Motifs is the perfect stamp set for it. The results remind me of tiled kitchen backsplash. HERE is a wonderful Grid Technique Tutorial by Beate Johns.

Besides the obvious ...
* I scored the Whisper White CS every 1/2" before stamping the Baroque Motifs images so the faux grout lines stay white.
* The flower image on the Sahara Sand background piece was stamped in Versamark.
* There are two Groovy Guava small ovals staggered behind the Whisper White oval with the sentiment stamped in Groovy Guava.
* Overall card size is 5 1/4" x 5 1/4".RECIPE
Stamps: Baroque Motifs
Paper: Groovy Guava Prints DP, Groovy Guava, Whisper White, and Sahara Sand CS
Ink: Sahara Sand, Groovy Guava, and Versamark
Embellishments: Groovy Guava Double Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon, Self Adhesive Half Pearls (non-SU)
Tools: Small Oval Punch, Scor-Pal (non-SU)
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals

FUNKY RETRO UPTOWN

This card combines SCS Color Challenge 175 of Almost Amethyst, Wild Wasabi and So Saffron and Lynda Benden's Sketch Challenge Tuesday from 7/08/08.

I was thrilled with this week's color challenge ... I immediately thought of the retired Uptown designer papers. I have alot of it left and barely used any when it was in the last catalog. The dp panel with circles have other circles from another piece of the same dp that have been punched out with various sizes of circle punches and popped up on stampin' dimensionals.

Lynda's sketch really caught my eye, as I'm a sucker for a sketch with several interesting layers ... perfect with Stampin' Up Designer Papers!

RECIPE
Stamps: Think Happy Thoughts
Paper: Uptown DP (retired), Almost Amethyst, So Saffron, Wild Wasabi, and Whisper White CS
Ink: Wild Wasabi and Versamark
Embellishments: Wild Wasabi Double Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon, So Saffron Brad, Dew Drops (non-SU)
Tools: Various Circle Punches
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals, Tombow Adhesive

TWO CARDS FOR YOU

This first card combines SCS Sketch Challenge SC180 and SCS Color Challenge CC170. I really like this color combination of Real Red, Regal Rose, and So Saffron. For some reason, the combination reminds me of a candy store in downtown Disney! (don't ask me why!???)

I took these photos at night so it's hard to tell, but there is a Yellow Fire Circle Rhinestone Brad in the center of the flower and paper piercing on the corners of the diamond-shaped Real Red panel. The small flower image from Office Accoutrement is stamped off with So Saffron Classic Ink on the center Whisper White panel.

RECIPE
Stamps: Office Accoutrement, Hugs & Wishes
Paper: So Saffron Prints DP, Whisper White, Regal Rose, and Real Red CS
Ink: So Saffron, Real Red, and Regal Rose Classic Ink
Embellishments: Regal Rose 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Yellow Fire Circle Rhinestone Brad
Tools: Paper Piercing Tool & Mat Pack
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals, Pop-Up Glue Dot

This next card is a total case of THIS CARD by justcrazy on SCS. I thought justcrazy's use of this Fall Flowers DP with this stamp set, Spring Solitude was brilliant, and I was inspired to copy it! The only changes I made include adding a sentiment in the lower right hand corner, and adding paper piercing on the Old Olive diamond shaped panel.
RECIPE
Stamps: Spring Solitude
Paper: Fall Flowers DP, Whisper White, Old Olive, and Chocolate Chip CS
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Real Red, and Old Olive Markers
Embellishments: Real Red Brads, Real Red Striped Grosgrain Ribbon
Tools: Paper Piercing Tool & Mat Pack
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals

SCS COLOR CHALLENGE 169 REAL RED * SOFT SKY * BLUE BAYOU

This doesn't happen very often, but I really like this card! (I usually don't get too excited about my own work ... I think they call that lack of self confidence? LOL!) I showed it to DH this morning, and he crunched up his nose and said, "is the star supposed to be obscure like that?". He didn't like it! That's unusual too ... he usually likes my cards, although sometimes I think he says he does just to humor me! Leave me a comment and let me know what you think of it!

I used this week's SCS Color Challenge (CC169) of Real Red, Soft Sky and Blue Bayou ... perfect combo for 4th of July! My card was completely inspired by THIS CARD by elizard on SCS. The layout of elizard's card really caught my eye! The large star is a chipboard piece from On Board Accents, covered in Real Red Prints DP.

RECIPE
Stamps: Independence Day, Fundamental Phrases
Paper: Summer Picnic DP, Blue Bayou and Real Red PRINTS DP, Real Red, Soft Sky, and Whisper White CS
Ink: Blue Bayou Classic Ink Pad
Embellishments: On Board Accents, Styled Silver HPH Star Brads
Tools: Paper Piercing Tool & Mat Pack, 1/2", 3/4", 1 1/4", 1 3/8" Circle Punches
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals, 2-Way Glue Pen

Edited to Add: Marta asked where she can get the awesome star brads on this card .... they are from the Stampin' Up! Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware in the Occasions Mini Collection 2008 (pg. 7). Click HERE to view.

SO MUCH FOR MY MOJO

I've owned the stamp set, So Much for quite awhile and haven't been inspired to do much with it .... UNTIL I saw THIS CARD by SeattleStamper on SCS. I loved the idea of the crystals on each dot of the circle! I would have preferred small half back pearls for my card instead of the rhinestones, but this is what I had that fit, thus the card not turning out the way I wanted. Funny how the mojo disappears when you haven't stamped for a week!

I incorporated the Great Swaps Girls Sketch Challenge (GSGC07), changing the oval to a circle ... and the SCS Color Challenge (CC168) of Chocolate Chip, Sage Shadow, and Very Vanilla.
RECIPE
Stamps: So Much
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Sage Shadow, and Very Vanilla CS
Ink: Chocolate Chip Classic
Embellishments: Chocolate Chip Satin Ribbon, Rhinestones (non-SU), Love & Happiness Rub-Ons
Tools: Circle Cutter (Creative Memories), Cuttlebug and Swiss Dots Embossing Folder
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals, Tombow Multi Purpose Adhesive

NO DP CRUTCH!

I can't believe it ... two cards ... in two days ... created without my designer paper crutch! BUT ... I did use my other crutches ... challenges! This card is my second case of SCS Featured Stamper FS60, Laura Fredrickson's gallery (scrapnextras on SCS). THIS is Laura's card I chose to case, combined with today's SCS Color Challenge CC160 ... Cameo Coral, Apricot Appeal, Mellow Moss, and Creamy Caramel.

RECIPE
Stamps: Bud Basics, "Happy Mother's Day" sentiment from Great Greetings (retired)
Paper: Whisper White, Apricot Appeal, Cameo Coral, Mellow Moss, and Creamy Caramel CS
Ink: Apricot Appeal, Cameo Coral, Mellow Moss, and Creamy Caramel Classic Ink Pads
Embellishments: Apricot Appeal and Mellow Moss Grosgrain Ribbon, Green Ice Circle Rhinestone Brad
Tools: 5-Petal Flower Punch, Boho Blossoms Punch
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals

SCS COLOR CHALLENGE CC154 AND MOJO25 - FRIENDSHIP BLOOMS

Today, I combined the SCS Color Challenge #154 of Orchid Opulence, Certainly Celery, and Pumpkin Pie with this awesome sketch from Julee Tilman's Poetic Artistry Mojo #25 Sketch. This card uses the new Sale-A-Bration stamp set, Friendship Blooms. This is just one of the stamp sets you can receive FREE with any Stampin' Up! purchase of $50 or more, now through March 17. E-mail me for details! ... nrileycm@cox.net.

The flower is stamped in Pumpkin Pie on to Whisper White CS, then I used a sponge dauber with Orchid Opulence classic ink to color the flower in. The leaves were stamped in Versamark onto Certainly Celery, then cut out. The center of the flower was created by punching Certainly Celery with the Boho Blossoms Punch, adding a Pumpkin Pie Felt Flower Fusion, then a Lilac Ice Rhinestone Brad.
RECIPE
Stamps: Friendship Blooms (SAB)
Paper: Certainly Celery and Pumpkin Pie PRINTS DP, Certainly Celery, Orchid Opulence, Pumpkin Pie, and Whisper White CS
Ink: Orchid Opulence and Pumpkin Pie Classic Ink Pads, Versamark
Embellishments: Pumpkin Pie 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Certainly Celery Brads, Lilac Ice Rhinestone Brad, Felt Flower Fusion
Tools: Boho Blossoms Punch, Paper Snips
Supplies: Sponge Dauber

SCS COLOR CHALLENGE 137 and BEATE'S WEEKEND SKETCH CHALLENGE 24

I did the dumbest thing this morning! ... I sat down to do today's SCS Color Challenge (CC137) ... struggled and struggled ... about an hour later, I realized that one of the colors I was working with was wrong! I was trying to use Basic Black instead of Basic Gray! Since that first card wasn't workin' out for me anyway, it got scratched! Unfortunately, I needed a sympathy card so I used the CORRECT color challenge, along with Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenge (WSC24).

So, today's SCS Color Challenge uses the colors of Purely Pomegranate, Soft Sky, and Basic Gray (NOT Basic Black!)....and here is Beate's Sketch:

I tell ya' ... this card was impossible to photograph! Maybe it's the photographer?! Luckily, my DH came to the rescue and took this photograph for me. (It's still better IRL ... I don't know about your computer screen, but on mine it looks so GREEN!).RECIPE
Stamps: Baroque Motifs (pg. 126), Holidays & Wishes (pg. 143)
Paper: Basic Gray, Purely Pomegranate, Whisper White CS, and Soft Sky Prints DP
Ink: Basic Gray, Purely Pomegranate, Soft Sky
Embellishments: Purely Pomegranate Satin Ribbon, non-SU self-adhesive rhinestones
Tools: Tag Corner Punch
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals

SCS COLOR CHALLENGE CC134 and SKETCH CHALLENGE SC143

This card combines today's SCS Color Challenge (CC134) of Blue Bayou, Chocolate Chip and River Rock ... and last week's SCS Sketch Challenge (SC143). Have I ever mentioned how weird River Rock is to photograph???? Sometimes it looks so green! Just so ya' know ... the color in the photo that is not Chocolate Chip and not Blue Bayou IS River Rock!

I used my handy-dandy Crop-A-Dile to set the Antique Brass Jumbo Eyelet in the center of the flowers which are stamped in Chocolate Chip on Blue Bayou Prints DP, and adhered with a Pop-Up Glue Dot. Before adhering the flower, I curled the petals around a pen. The River Rock CS circles surrounding the Antique Brass Eyelets were punched with the 1/4" Circle Punch.


RECIPE
Stamps: Doodle This (pg. 99), "for you" from All Holidays (pg. 143)
Paper: Chocolate Chip and Blue Bayou CS, River Rock and Blue Bayou Prints DP
Ink: Chocolate Chip Classic
Embellishments: Antique Brass Jumbo Eyelet, Antique Brass Brads, Blue Bayou Double Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon
Tools: 1/4" Circle Punch, 1/16" Handheld Circle Punch, Crop-a-dile
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals, Pop-Up Glue Dot

SCS COLOR CHALLENGE CC132 and SKETCH CHALLENGE SC142

This week, I combined two SCS challenges, Color Challenge 132 and Sketch Challenge 142. The color challenge was to use the colors of CHOCOLATE CHIP, REALLY RUST, and RIVER ROCK. I used the Horizontal Slit Punch to punch a hole for the ribbon to thread through. My apologies for the distorted photo ... I just have a heck of a time getting good photos ... especially when River Rock is involved! Love the color, dislike photographing it!

To update you on my previous post regarding Dottie K .... I found her! She responded to the post quickly, and we've been conversing via e-mail. She has a great sense of humor, and is a scrapbooker and a card maker! I'm trying to talk her into sharing her work with us through SCS gallery or blog! Let's hope she starts soon!

Here is the sketch for SC142:

RECIPE

Stamps: Baroque Motifs

Paper: Apple Cider DP, Chocolate Chip, River Rock, and Very Vanilla CS

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Really Rust, and River Rock Classic Ink Pads

Embellishments: Chocolate Chip 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Pumpkin Circle Rhinestone Brad

Tools: Ticket Corner Punch, Horizontal Slot Punch, 1 3/8" Square Punch

Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals

SCS COLOR CHALLENGE CC130 ~ ALWAYS ARTICHOKE & GROOVY GUAVA

Today's SCS Color Challenge (CC130) uses Always Artichoke and Groovy Guava. To view all submissions for this challenge, click HERE.RECIPE
Stamps: Sassy Stems (pg. 97), sentiment from All Holidays (pg. 143)
Paper: Always Artichoke, Whisper White and Kraft CS, Groovy Guava Prints DP
Ink: Basic Black, Always Artichoke, Groovy Guava
Embellishments: Groovy Guava Double Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon, Always Artichoke Brads
Tools: Aqua Painter, Tag Corner Punch

SCS COLOR CHALLENGE CC124

This week's SCS Color Challenge uses the colors of Pretty In Pink, Regal Rose, and Old Olive.

Earlier in the day, I was inspired by scrapbookgirl44's Bud Basics card using the Reverse Masking Technique, and prepared a card for next week's stamp class based on it. I love the look of this technique, plus it's easy! ... so I decided to use it for this Color Challenge. On this card, I stamped three panels using the Reverse Masking Technique. HERE is a great tutorial for Reverse Masking on SCS. I chose the easy route using post-it notes.

This card uses my all-time favorite set, Bud Basics. Two flowers and leaves are cut out and popped up on dimensionals with Pink Rhinestone Brads in the center. I also used a sponge to add some Pretty In Pink shading within the three masked panels.

RECIPE

Stamps: Bud Basics, All Holidays
Paper: Whisper White, Old Olive, Pretty In Pink
Ink: Pretty In Pink, Regal Rose, Old Olive
Embellishments: Pink Gingham Ribbon, Pink Fire Rhinestone Circle Brads
Tools: Small & Large Oval Punches, Scissors
Other Supplies: Ruler and Post-It Notes, Stampin' Dimensionals or Foam Tape, Sponge
Technique: REVERSE MASKING

Warning: SUNGLASSES Needed to View this Card!

Today's SCS Color Challenge (CC122) was using the colors Tempting Turquoise, Real Red, and Green Galore. I don't even know why I'm posting this, as my judges (my family) all turned their nose up to it. It is so-o-o bright, and darn-right hard on the eyes!

Supplies

Stamps: Sweet Shapes, Happy Everything

Paper: Tempting Turquoise, Real Red, Green Galore, Whisper White

Ink: Tempting Turquoise, Real Red, Green Galore, White Craft

Embellishments: Red Gingham Ribbon, Turquoise Paper Clip (non-SU)

SCS COLOR CHALLENGE CC121

With a few SCS Challenges under my belt, I feel like my craft has gone to a whole new level! I have always been such a CASEr (Copy And Steal Everything), and have only designed when I had to. These challenges are just what I needed to motivate me to design my own work! Of course, there are so many FABULOUS designers on SCS that provide so much inspiration! Special thanks to Chat Wszelaki (nitestamper on SCS), friend and fellow SU Demonstrator, for encouraging me to try the SCS Challenges! Chat is an incredible designer! Her work is just amazing! (I stalk her gallery!) See her SCS Gallery HERE.

Today's Color Challenge (CC121) was to use the colors PRETTY IN PINK, CHOCOLATE CHIP, AND OLD OLIVE. Here's my design for the SCS Color Challenge CC121:

I was thrilled that BUD BASICS stamp set and BASICS OUTLINE JUMBO WHEEL made it to the new catalog! They were first introduced in the Summer '06 Mini Catalog. The Bud Basics stamp set has been such a versatile set! Unfortunately, the Chocolate Grosgrain Ribbon is no longer available in 1/4", and is now only available in 5/8". The Au Chocolate DP I used on this card didn't make into the new catalog either, but IS available in Red and Basic Grey.

SUPPLY LIST:

Stamps: Bud Basics, Basic Outline Jumbo Wheel, Hugs & Wishes

Paper: Pretty In Pink, Very Vanilla, Old Olive, Au Chocolate DP (retired 6/30/07)

Ink: Pretty In Pink, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive

Embellishments: Pink Circle Rhinestone Brads (Fire), Chocolate 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon

Tools: Horizontal Slot Punch, Scissors, 1/8" Circle Handheld Punch

Other Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals

Note: It's difficult to see in the photograph, but the small flower from the Bud Basics Stamp Set is stamped off in the background on the Very Vanilla CS. The Basic Outline Jumbo Wheel is stamped in Pretty In Pink on the right-hand side of the card, vertically, on Pretty In Pink CS.

SCS Featured Stamper Challenge FS21 & Color Challenge CC120

This is my attempt at this week's SCS Featured Stamper Challenge (FS21) AND Color Challenge (CC120) on SCS.

This week's Featured Stamper is markie's mom. OMG! ... she is so-o-o talented!

If you're not familiar with SCS Challenges, the idea of this challenge is to CASE (Copy And Steal Everything) a card from the gallery of the featured stamper, and change two or more things about the card.

The Color Challenge (CC120) was to use Pretty In Pink, Marigold Morning, and my all-time favorite color, Cool Caribbean. Cool Caribbean retired yesterday, and I will miss it terribly!

I can't believe I've waited so long to play along with these challenges!!! They are so fun, and really help me to think outside of the box! Anybody can do it .... I strongly recommend you to give it a try!

See markie's mom's original card HERE. I changed the obvious, the color scheme, added silver brads, embossed the Doodle This swirl, added paper piercing, and changed up the message a little.

This is my CASE: Supplies Used
Stamps: Doodle This, Small Script
Paper: Cool Caribbean, Marigold Morning, Pretty In Pink
Ink: Black Staz-On, White Craft
Embellishments: Silver Brads, Pink Gingham Ribbon, White Narrow Organdy Ribbon, Winter White Embossing Powder
Tools: Paper Piercer, Pad & Template, Small & Large Oval Punches, Ticket Corner Punch, 1/16" Handheld Punch, Scissors, Heat Tool, Embossing Buddy
Technique: Embossing, Paper Piercing
Note: The Doodle This Swirl is Heat Embossed.