Thursday, July 30, 2009

A WHOLE LOT GOIN' ON

Today's card uses Makeesha's Inkspiration Sketch Challenge #11. I have had the honor of being Makeesha's July Guest Designer, and it has been so much fun! She always has the best challenges ... sometimes a sketch, sometimes an inspiration piece, and other times a color challenge. Check out what Makeesha's design team has created ... Cindy, Karen, Kirsty, Amy, and Renee.

Another talented team of designers recently made their collective debut in blogland, Pals Paper Arts. Their very first challenge is a color challenge of Melon Mambo, Bermuda Bay, and Chocolate Chip.

As for my card, I think there's alot going on and much too busy for my liking (some days you got it, some days you don't!). What do YOU think?

Just want to point out a couple of things that didn't show up real well in the photo: 1) there are two rows of paper piercing on the horizontal Chocolate Chip CS strip, and 2) I used Aqua and Pink Stickles (non-SU) for the flower centers.


RECIPE
Stamps: Simple Friendship
Paper: Bermuda Bay Patterns DP, Melon Mambo, Chocolate Chip, and Whisper White CS
Ink: Melon Mambo and Chocolate Chip
Embellishments: 5/16" Chocolate Chip Jumbo Brads
Tools: Paper Piercer & Mat Pack, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, Circle Cutter, 1/2" Circle Punch
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals, Aqua and Pink Stickles (non-SU)

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

DESIGNER PAPER & RIBBON SHARE UPDATE

I am in the midst of cutting, spooling, and packaging ribbon and designer paper for Round #2 of Designer Paper & Ribbon Shares. If you've paid me for a share(s) and haven't received it, you are in this Round #2. All shares will be in the mail by the weekend. Thank you for participating!

Monday, July 27, 2009

DEAL OF THE WEEK #5

Each week of July, Stampin' Up! has offered a Deal of the Week. This last Deal of the Week offers the Heart to Heart Punch at the discounted price of $10.99 (reg. $15.99). Special pricing expires Friday, July 31. To order, contact me! ... nrileycm@cox.net

Sunday, July 26, 2009

iPICKS, Week 37

Welcome to iPICKS where I post a selection of my favorite cards and projects found during my week of blurfing and SCS stalking. There's no formal rules or guidelines ... just inspiring projects that catch my eye, clever ideas, and exceptional designs. These are projects that inspire me and I hope they inspire you too! Here's my iPICKS for Week 37 ...

Sarah's Under The Stars Card (Sarah's Ink Spot Blog).

Bethany Paull's Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Card (It's Not All Black and White).

's Things I Love ... Card (Dreaming About Rubber Stamps).

Silke Ledlow's Strawberries Card (My Life).

Laurie Schmidlin's Tie One On! Card (Just Give Me Stamps).

Tessa's Button Tree Card (Crafty Girl Designs).

Jackie Pedro's True Friend Card (The Scalloped Edge).

Ann Schach's Snowmen Trio Card (The Stampin' Schach).

Mary Fish's Peacock Card and Nouveau Chic Boutique Card (Stampin' Pretty).

Beedubya's Wedding Card (The Squareheaded Stamper).

Pam Spiedel's Pick A Petal Card (Stamping with Serendipity).

Heather P.'s Delight Yourself Card ({Witty Title Here}).

Amy Sheffer's Butterfly Card (Pickled Paper Designs).

Connie Collins' Wings of Friendship Lattice Die Card (Constantly Stamping).

Wendy Janson's Happy Harmony Card and Cupcake Card (It's All About Stamping).

Kirsty's Carousel Notes Album (Kirsty's Cards 'n Scrapping).

Denise's Take Flight Card and Trick or Treat Card (The Paper Landscaper).

Friday, July 24, 2009

CATTY CRUISE BLOG TOUR

Ahoy, me Hearties! WELCOME to our maiden voyage on the Catty Cruise! You may have sailed here from the previous stop on the treasure map at the amazing Lynn Weiss' LW Designs (her Peace Within projects are AMAZING, aren't they?!), ... or you may begin your tour here! There's no beginning or end to the twelve blog stops.

Grab a deck chair! Our crew of twelve talented crafters are featuring cards, 3D items, scrapbook pages, etc., using products unveiled in the newest '09-'10 Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog, aka Catty.

You'll get to the next port by clicking on the port hole at the end of this post. But, if we somehow lose you along the way, you can always rejoin us by visiting our home port, Catty Cruise Line.

The products I chose to feature from the new Catty include the Level 3 Hostess Stamp Set, The More The Merrier and Sunny Day Simply Scrappin' Kit. I used a few other new items from the new Catty too! ... Autumn Traditions Designer Paper and Holiday Lounge Designer Paper.
RECIPE
Stamps: The More The Merrier (Level 3 Hostess)
Paper: Autumn Traditions DP, Soft Suede, Ruby Red, Elegant Eggplant, More Mustard, and Very Vanilla CS
Ink: Soft Suede
Tools: Paper Piercer & Mat Pack, Scallop Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals

RECIPE
Stamps: The More The Merrier (Level 3 Hostess)
Paper: Holiday Lounge DP, Taken With Teal, Ruby Red, Sahara Sand, and Whisper White CS
Ink: Jet Black Staz-On, Ruby Red Ink Pad, Ruby Red and Taken With Teal Stampin' Write Markers
Embellishments: Clear Rhinestone Brad, Little Felt Flurry (retired)
Tools: Word Window Punch
Supplies: Two-Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds, Stampin' Dimensionals

This Milk Carton Container was made using the new Sunny Day Simply Scrappin' Kit. The tutorial is from Becky Roberts at Inking Idaho. You'll be visiting her site on this Catty Cruise.RECIPE
Paper: Sunny Day Simply Scrappin' Kit (Designer Paper, Cardstock, and Self-Adhesive Die Cut)
Embellishments: Pumpkin Pie 1/2" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Tempting Turquoise and Old Olive 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon
Tools: Corner Rounder, Wide Oval Punch
Supplies: Sentiment from Chit Chat Rub-Ons, Sticky Strip, Stampin' Dimensionals

As much as I'd love to keep you at iSTAMP, it's time to weigh anchor again and embark on to the next port, the fabulously talented Tracy Harp at Inky Doodles. She's going to show you projects with the super cute stamp set, Build-a-Roo.

Photobucket

FALLING LEAVES, an AUTUMN TRADITION

Just a real quick post before the Catty Cruise begins ... so much excitement and anticipation! You're going to love it!

I created this card using Taylored Expressions Cupcake Challenge #75, the new Falling Leaves stamp set, and the new Autumn Traditions Designer Paper.

RECIPE
Stamps: Falling Leaves
Paper: Autumn Traditions DP
Ink: Elegant Eggplant, Soft Suede, Ruby Red, and More Mustard
Embellishments: 1/2" Soft Suede Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon
Tools: 1 1/4" and 1 3/8" Circle Punches, Scallop Border Punch
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals

EXTREME GUITAR/ELEMENTS

This week, Makeesha's offering this contemporary bedding for Inspiration Challenge #10. The clean lines and fun colors were just the inspiration I needed to ink up my new Extreme Guitar and Extreme Elements! Until now, I had found these images to be quite intimidating but am happy with my end result! Even my 14-year old rock star approved!

Be sure to see what the other Inkspiration Design Team members have created ... Cindy, Karen, Kirsty, Amy, and Renee.

RECIPE
Stamps: Extreme Guitar, Extreme Elements
Paper: Good Morning Sunshine DP (retired), Urban Garden DP (retired), Basic Black, Bermuda Bay, Going Gray, and Whisper White CS

Ink: Jet Black Staz-On, Bermuda Bay and Kiwi Kiss
Embellishments: Black Brads, Chit Chat Rub-Ons
Tools: 1/4" Circle Punch

Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals, Post-It Note for masking

Thursday, July 23, 2009

CATTY CRUISE REMINDER, SHARES UPDATE, AND SOME RAKS

I'm so excited for the CATTY CRUISE Blog Tour! Twelve blog stops featuring product from the new '09-'10 Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog from twelve extremely talented stampers ... Saturday, July 25 ... don't miss it!

You'll be able to begin the tour at any of these blogs ... there's no beginning or end. Each blog will provide you with a link to the next stop.

Angie Tieman, Schwooo
Becky Roberts, Inking Idaho
Brooke Stockman, Designs by Brooke
Connie Collins, Constantly Stamping
Vicki Burdick, It's a Stamp Thing
LeAnne Pugliese, Wee Inklings
LeeAnn Greff, Flowerbug's Inkspot
Linda Heller, Where the Rubber Hits the Road
Linda McClain, LMac's Catered Crop
Lynn Weiss, LW Design
Nancy Riley, iSTAMP
Tracy Harp, Inky Doodles

Designer Paper Shares & Ribbon Shares Update: All spots for Round #2 have been filled, and the Stampin' Up! product order has been placed.

I had a wonderful birthday and wanted to show you the gorgeous handmade cards I received from good friends ...

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

MORE CUPCAKE GIFT SETS

Yesterday, I showed you the Cupcake Gift Set that Lorri Heiling made for me. I found it to be the cutest gift EVER, and was inspired to sit down and try my hand at a couple of them! Mine are very, very similar to THIS ONE of Lorri's. Again, these were created using Nichole Heady's Tutorial.

RECIPE
Stamps: Party Hearty, Crazy for Cupcakes
Paper: Sweet Always DP, Regal Rose, Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie, Pink Pirouette, and Whisper White CS
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Regal Rose, Pumpkin Pie, Real Red
Embellishments: Chocolate Chip 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Chocolate Chip 1/2" Library Clip, Chocolate Chip 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Chocolate Chip Corduroy Brad
Tools: Scallop Border Punch, Scallop Punch, 1" and 3/4" Circle Punches, Tag Corner Punch, Paper Crimper, Regal Rose 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon
Supplies: Sticky Strip, Stampin' Dimensionals, Test Tubes (non-SU)

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

DESIGNER PAPER & RIBBON SHARE UPDATE

All of the Designer Paper Share spaces for Round #2 are filled and paid for.

I started a 4th Ribbon Share group in this Round #2, and have 3 spaces still available. These spaces will go to the first three people to e-mail me and pay the Paypal invoice that follows ...
nrileycm@cox.net

Product for Round #2 has been ordered from Stampin' Up!.

Click HERE for Designer Paper and Ribbon Share details.

BIRTHDAY CUPCAKES from LORRI

I am so excited to share with you what my BFF, Lorri Heiling gave me for my birthday (today, 7/21)! She gave this awesome cupcake gift set (and lunch) to me on Friday ... it is so adorable in real life that I was inspired to sit down and try my hand at two of them on Saturday! Come back tomorrow for photos of the cupcake gift sets I made for some special friends!

Lorri has more details about this gift set on her blog, Confessions of a Stamping Addict. She made another one in May as the door prize for our weSTAMP meeting .... details HERE. Another adorable cupcake gift set by Becky Roberts can be found HERE. All cupcake gift sets use Nichole Heady's tutorial found HERE.

Lorri even included a cupcake stand, an apron card, and recipe cards for a variety of cupcakes ...

Monday, July 20, 2009

DEAL OF THE WEEK #4

This week's Deal of the Week ...

Styled Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware!

SALE PRICE: $18.99

(until Monday, July 27, 9:50 a.m. MT).
Regular Price: $29.95.

Contact me to order! nrileycm@cox.net

COTTAGE WALL THOUGHTS & PRAYERS

I think it's fair to say that Cottage Wall Designer Paper is one of my favorites designer paper packs in the new Stampin' Up! catalog! It's color combination of Rich Razzleberry (new In Color), Orchid Opulence, and Old Olive is fantastic!

I sat down to play along with Karen Giron's Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge #27 last night. I didn't stay within the exact guidelines of the sketch but was definitely inspired by it!

The tree was stamped by inking it with Rich Razzleberry and Old Olive Stampin' Write Markers. Isn't it so cool that Stampin' Up! offers Markers in all the new In Colors this year?!

I also wanted to point out that the ribbon I used is the 1/2" Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon. The polka dot ribbon next to polka dot and striped designer paper was too much pattern for me, so I used the reverse solid side of the ribbon .... so versatile!
RECIPE
Stamps: Thoughts & Prayers
Paper: Cottage Wall DP, Orchid Opulence and Whisper White CS
Ink: Jet Black Staz-On, Old Olive and Rich Razzleberry Stampin' Write Markers
Embellishments: 1/2" Rich Razzleberry Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, Lilac Circle Ice Rhinestones Brads
Tools: Stamp-a-ma-jig, Circle Cutter
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals

Sunday, July 19, 2009

iPICKS, Week 36

Welcome to iPICKS where I post a selection of my favorite cards and projects found during my week of blurfing and SCS stalking. There's no formal rules or guidelines ... just inspiring projects that catch my eye, clever ideas, and exceptional designs. These are projects that inspire me and I hope they inspire you too! Here's my iPICKS for Week 36 ...

MacKenzie's Pattern of Friendship Card (Midnight Scramper).

Lynn's Suede Medallion Card (LW Designs).

Darlene's Lots of Bots Shaker Card (Dreaming About Rubber Stamps).

Michelle's Chipboard Bird Card (Stop and Stamp the Roses).

Caroline Colgan's Owl Together Now Card (Caroline's Stamp Pad).

Dawn Easton's For All You Do Card (Treasure Oiler Designz).

Melissa Sauls' Orchid Opulance Wings of Friendship Card (Stamping Mode).

Lynn Put's Christmas in July Card & Matchbox Die Drawers (The Queen's Scene).

Cannie Hunter's Love Beyond Measure Card and Giftwrap (Live. Love. Stamp.).

Tessa's Cupcake Card (Crafty Girl Designs).

Jen Sannes' Razzleberry Purse Photo Album (Simple & Sincere).

Crystal's Polka Dotted Mojo Card (Crystal's Crafty Creations).

Kerin Sylvester's Sympathy Card (Stamps, Paper, Glitter!).

Connie Collins' Funky Felt Card (Constantly Stamping).


Don't miss Catty Cruise next Saturday, July 25!

DESIGNER PAPER & RIBBON SHARES UPDATE

I don't mean to beg or sound desperate, but I have Designer Paper Share spots that I've GOT to fill!! I'd like to place a Stampin' Up! order for the designer paper & ribbon shares that have been paid for as soon as possible (ideally tonight!). I don't want to make the share participants who have paid wait any longer. I have several spots open in Designer Paper Share #1, and a couple of spots in Designer Paper Share #2 that need filled. The ribbon share groups are good, and more can easily be added.

See all the share details HERE. Just send me an e-mail (nrileycm@cox.net) telling me what shares you want to participate in, along with your e-mail address, shipping address, telephone, etc. ... then I'll send you a Paypal invoice, you pay right away, and you're IN! EASY! This is the last round of shares I'll be able to offer before going back to work so don't miss out!

Saturday, July 18, 2009

SUNNY DAY

To say that today is a sunny day here in Phoenix, Arizona is an understatement! It is supposed to be 114 degrees again today ... downright GROSS!

What isn't gross is the new SUNNY DAY SIMPLY SCRAPPIN' KIT! I love digging in to a new Simply Scrappin' Kit! ... the self-adhesive die cuts and coordinating designer paper and textured cardstock make cardmaking extra easy!

This little card is my first attempt at playing around with the SUNNY DAY SIMPLY SCRAPPIN' KIT, and I've used this week's SCS Sketch Challenge #237 as a guide. The "just for you" sentiment is from the new stamp set, Teeny Tiny Wishes.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

INKSPIRATION COLOR CHALLENGE #10

This week, Makeesha Byl is hosting Color Challenge #10 of Rose Red, Mellow Moss, Always Artichoke, and Very Vanilla for her weekly Inkspiration Challenge. Be sure to see what the other design team members have created ... Cindy, Karen, Kirsty, Amy, and Renee.

My card combines Makeesha's Color Challenge with Karen Giron's Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge #26. I used the new Level 3 Hostess stamp set, Kind and Caring Thoughts. What a beautiful stamp set! WOW! The designer paper is from the new designer paper pack called Thoroughly Modern.


* Don't miss out on my Designer Paper and Ribbon Shares! I'm ordering round #2 this weekend. Hurry! ... only a few spots available!

RECIPE
Stamps: Kind & Caring Thoughts (Level 3 Hostess)
Paper: Thoroughly Modern DP, Always Artichoke, Mellow Moss, and Very Vanilla CS
Ink: Jet Black Staz-On, Rose Red, Always Artichoke
Embellishments: Always Artichoke Buttons, Mellow Moss Gingham Ribbon (retired)
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

LAST CALL FOR DESIGNER PAPER AND RIBBON SHARES

There are only a few spots left in round #2 of '09-'10 Designer Paper and Ribbon Shares. I'd like to order the supplies for these shares by the end of the week, so don't wait! This is the last and final round of shares I'll be offering. CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

DEAL OF THE WEEK #3


This week's Stampin' Up! Deal of the Week is Square Fire Rhinestone Brads in the colors of Pink, Red, Pumpkin, and Yellow. Sale price: $6.99 (regularly $10.95). This offer ends Monday, July 20 and 9:50 a.m. (MT). Contact me to order .... nrileycm@cox.net.

RAKS from LORRI and KAREN

Sharing some beautiful hand stamped sympathy cards we received from good friends, Lorri Heiling and Karen Laub.

Monday, July 13, 2009

CATTY CRUISE - JULY 25

So, Landlubbers, what is a Catty Cruise you ask? Well, Catty is our affectionate name for the Stampin’ Up! Idea Book and Catalog. And our Cruise is a blast of creativity by some of the brightest stars of the Stampin’ Up! blogsphere.

Our crew of 12 crafters (Stewards) will give you a treasure map of the great bounty to be found in the new catalog. Our blogs (or ports of call) will feature cards, 3D items, scrapbook pages, etc., using products unveiled in the newest catalog. After you disembark onto one port of call, that blog will help you navigate to the next port of call where you can rejoin the cruise.

We’re anchored ashore for now, but bookmark or subscribe to this site to make sure you don’t miss the boat. You can also visit our home port, Catty Cruise Line to stay in touch with the latest cruise information and visit all of our Cruise Stewards and Boatswain (on-deck backup crew). Our ship will leave her port on July 25, 2009. Don’t be stuck in steerage – embark with us on July 25.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

iPICKS, Week 35

Welcome to iPICKS where I post a selection of my favorite cards and projects found during my week of blurfing and SCS stalking. There's no formal rules or guidelines ... just inspiring projects that catch my eye, clever ideas, and exceptional designs. These are projects that inspire me and I hope they inspire you too! Here's my iPICKS for Week 35 ...

Cindy's For The Newlyweds Card (Stamps, Paper, and Ink).

Amy Ward's Circle Circus Card (Amy's Addiction).

Vicki's Mojo Best Wishes (It's a Stamp Thing).

Stacey Schafer's Very Thankful Peacock Card (Stacey's Stamping Stage).

Jen Tapler's Color Challenge Card (JenTapler Designs).

Karen Graff-Povis' Circle Circus Card ( Live, Laugh, and Stamp with Karen)

Kirsten's Punch Art Blushing Bride (Kirsten's Stampin' Korner).

Deb's Medallion Card and Star Birthday Card (ARTfelt Impressions).

Andrea's Sweet Sunday Sketch Card (Andrea's Scrap-and-Stempel Blog).

Kathie Bailey's Oh My, Cherry Pie! Card and Happy 4th Card (Just an Inkling).

Julie Davison's Circle Circus Card (Julie's Stamping Spot).

Amy Sheffer's A Very, Very, Very Fine House Card (Pickled Paper Designs).

Julie Lacey's Life Is Good Card and Wish Big Card (Stamps and Taxes!).

Julee Tilman's Viva La Creme Card (Poetic Artistry).

Amy Rohl's Happy Wedding Day Card and a message for you Card (Ink About Me).

Kirsty Brown's Winter Post and Flight of the Butterfly Cards (Kirsty's Cards 'n Scrapping)

Saturday, July 11, 2009

VIEWING PROBLEMS ???

Several weeks ago, I downloaded a new 3-column template for my blog and did some "spring cleaning". Since then, I've had many readers e-mail me saying they can't view the center column text of my blog. I've made many attempts to solve this problem with no success. It was mentioned to me that it could be a problem with Internet Explorer 8. If you are one of those people who are unable to view that center column, please let me know if you are using Internet Explorer 8, and are you able to view other blogs or is it just mine that you're having trouble viewing? Also, if any computer geniuses out there know why this is happening, and how I can fix it, I would very much appreciate being enlightened! Thank you for your patience!

Edited to Add: Thanks for all your input regarding this issue. I am more and more convinced that this is an Internet Explorer 8 issue, and not an iSTAMP blog issue.

THEY'RE IN THE MAIL !!!!

Look what left my house this morning! Yep! ... the first round of '09-'10 Designer Paper and Ribbon Shares!

The second round of share groups has started! DON'T MISS OUT on this fantastic opportunity to get a sampling of the new designer papers and In Colors Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbons that appear in the NEW '09-'10 Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog! For participation details, click here.

Friday, July 10, 2009

RIBBON SHARE PACKAGING HOW-TO

My e-mail inbox has been filling up with the same question - "how did you wrap your ribbon shares?" ... as seen in this post from yesterday.

It's so simple ... cut cardboard from the Stampin' Up! designer paper packs 3" x 6", then use a 3/4" Circle Punch to create "notches" to secure the ribbon in place.

As you can see, the punching isn't perfectly measured out ... just eyeballed. No time! ... off to cut more designer paper and ribbon!