OCC Challenge... Congratulations!

I'm obsessed with butterflies! Can you tell? :) When I made this card, over the weekend, I wanted to use this DP from Luxe Designs. Also this card is for OCC Color Challenge . We could pick our favorite color combo. I'm sure you can tell by now that bright colors... especially greens being a FAV of mine! Add black and shades of pink... you have it for me baby! (You can tell with my blog header HOT PINK is fun!)

The crisp black and white combo just POPS the colors! Using my Nesties to frame the butterflies!!

Hope your day is going well! Today Cooper had a vet appt and grooming after. He's a new MAN! Funny how dogs get so excited when they have a bath and cut... fluffy hair! He's my little cuttle bug... :)

Thanks for stopping by and I love it when you do! Smiles...

Michelle :)

Stamps: SU! Priceless, Congrats Paper: SU! Whisper White, Basic Black, Rose Red, DP (Luxe Design) Ink: SU! Kiwi Kiss, Rose Red, Positively Pink, Basic Black Other: Nesties dies, ribbon (American Crafts), silver pearls (Michael's), stamp positioner, dimensionals, etc.

CHASE... Inspired by Nature and Jodi!!

I'm totally Inspired by Nature as spring appears before us! Everyday there is something new to see that is poppin' out of the ground or turning green. (Another card made at my stamping retreat weekend!) Jodi at Stampin a Latte has "Inspired" me to CHASE a card she made this past Oct. Check her card out... She is so creative!

Here is what I came up with!! I changed the colors, used my Top Note, and added more butterflies! This card is pretty self explanatory. If you have any ??'s just e-mail me!

A quick post as we have Alex, our Kinship Partner, coming this afternoon. Such a nice day and I think I have a cold coming on... Yikes! So I better eat an orange for more vitamins... :)

Thanks for stopping by and visiting... SO SWEET! Enjoy the card and your day!

Smiles... Michelle :)

Stamps: SU! Inspired by Nature, Warm Words, Flight of the Butterfly Paper: SU! Apricot Appeal, Close to Cocoa, Very Vanilla, DP (Chatter Box) Ink: SU! Close to Cocoa, Apricot Appeal, Pumpkin Pie, So Saffron Other: SU! Large and Small oval punches, SU! Top Note Die, Stamp positioner, SU! mustard brads, rhinestones, dimensionals, etc.

Inspired by Nature... Great weekend!

Hello everyone!! I'm back from a weekend of stampin' fun and getting settled in at home. Such a nice time... great food, great conversations and a variety of weather! (rain, snow and sun!)

This is one of the cards I made over the weekend and I will be posting more this week. I love the look of black and white with a splash of COLOR! I stamped my flowers in Going Gray and cleaned off the centers with a wet napkin. Then taking my Green Galore and Gable Green markers to fill in. Next I took a sponge to blend, huff and stamp! I added Eucalyptus Stickles at the base for more contrast and sparkle... :)

Now a couple photo's of the Wild Rose Inn where our retreat was. Such a beautiful location as you can see horses grazing and deer coming in from the LARGE craft room which is located on the backside of the barn... yes, I said BARN! This is an old barn converted into a lovely fully equipped retreat center. It has a large kitchen table with benches and chairs to accommodate 12 people. 3 levels with a large loft. Very warm feel!! Each bed has it's own hand sew quilt. This center can be used for quilters also.

The craft room! Awesome lighting and large windows. :)

Thanks for poppin' in for a visit and have a super day! We'll chat more soon... ENJOY!

Stamp and SMILE! Michelle :)

Stamps: SU! Inspired by Nature, Best Yet Paper: SU! Going Grey, Whisper White, DP (Doodlebug) Ink: SU! Going Grey, SU! Markers (Green Galore & Gable Green), SU! Craft Basic Black Other: SU! Black EP, SU! Spiral and Slot punches, Stickles (Eucalyptus), ribbon (American Crafts), Epoxy dots (Office Max), foam tape, etc.

You ROCK!!

Morning! The weekend is here... :) As you read this post I'm at a weekend Stampin' retreat... FUN!

I needed a "TEEN" birthday card and found a rub-on saying "You ROCK!" Then searched for DP that would fit the sentiment. Pretty quick and easy card to make. Next I used MS starburst punch which has Stickles applied . I added 2 star brads for more JAZZ!

Also I want to give you heads-up as Debbie is giving away "BLOG CANDY" for her 15,555 hits! Pop into Debbie P's Place and check out the goodies! Plus check out her beautiful card creations... FANTASTIC!!

Enjoy your weekend stampin' friends!! I love your visits and enjoy some spring weather... SMILES!

Michelle :)

Stamps: NONE! Paper: SU! Pumpkin Pie, Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White, Gable Green, DP (?) Ink: NONE! Other: 1/16" hole punch, Martha Stewart Starburst Punch, Making Memories Star Brads, Stickles, Dimensionals, K&I Memories Rub-On, etc.

SC225... and Stampin' Retreat Weekend!

Hi Everyone! Today it hit 80 degrees... what a heat wave! :) Summer is coming! I'm excited to leave for my weekend of stampin' fun with 12 gals. I had my totes packed and by the door at 4pm this afternoon... my hubby came home from work asking if I was leaving tonight? I told him "if I could, I would leave NOW!" :)

Also I want to give you heads-up as Debbie is giving away "BLOG CANDY" for her 15,555 hits! Pop into Debbie P's Place and check out the goodies! Plus check out her beautiful card creations... FANTASTIC!!

My card tonight is inspired by SplitCoast SC225 (Sketch Challenge). I found some DP that worked well with Baja Breeze and River Rock. And I pulled out an old SU! set Happy Birthday Frame which was from 2001. It worked well with my Retro Flower punches. Then I used a Build-a-Brad for the center.

I will be pre-post another card for the weekend! So pop in if you get a chance... with the spring weather it's hard to be on the computer! Thanks for the visit and I hope you ENJOY!

Smiles... Michelle :)

Stamps: SU! Happy Birthday Frame, Small Sayings Paper: SU! River Rock, Real Red, Whisper White, Baja Breeze, Cool Caribbean, DP (Cosmo Cricket) Ink: SU! Real Red and VersaMark Other: SU! Build-a-Brad, SU! 1/2" circle, EK Large & Med. Retro Flower Punches, SU! red EP (Retired), glue dots, etc.

Earth Day.... Trendy Trees!!

Happy Earth Day!! I thought a card made with my Trendy Tree set with some warm colors would be a appropriate for today. I chased this card from Gretchen at Happiness Is as I fell in love with her lay-out. Check it out!

I even did some sewing! Added my sentiment using the Framed with a Flourish set. Then white embossed the image on Old Olive CS and did some fussy cutting. I based my colors around the ribbon, which I have a LARGE collection of... my weakness!

Today I'm getting ready for a weekend of Stampin' with 12 gals for 3 days starting Friday to Sunday!!! I can't wait... :) I do this twice a year and it's so much FUN!! I have baking and start packing my totes.

Enjoy your day and I hope you have "spring like" weather where you are at! Thanks for poppin' in and visiting... always appreciate it!!

Smiles... Michelle :)

Stamps: SU! Trendy Trees, Darling Dots, Frames with a Flourish, SU! Funky Forest Wheel Paper: SU! Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Very Vanilla, natural CS (?) Ink: SU! Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Craft Whisper White Other: CB embossing folder (Tiny Mosaic), ribbon (?), SU! Detail White EP, SU! bronze brads, decorative scissors (Target $1 spot), sewing machine, dimensionals, etc.

OCC Challenge... Going Green!

Today I'm going GREEN! Saturday I checked out the OCC Challenge and you were required to use "Recycled" items. I've been organizing my craft room and came across a few items that would work. (It's amazing what you find when you clean!!)

Two items are vintage "recycled" items... if you call my Webster dictionary which is 25(+) years old vintage! (I'm ageing myself!) And the second item is the lace flowers. These are from my younger years as my mom would give me pieces of lace, rick-rack, trim, fabric, etc. to play with which I used an OLD Singer Centennial Year sewing machine... I STILL HAVE IT! (Note: I do have a new age sewing machine now... LOL!) :)

Try using old dictionary pages to make cards!! (Click on photo to get a closer look!) I tried to distress the edges on the dictionary page, but the paper was brittle so I had to do it lightly. I CB Embossed my Cranberry Crisp and sponged the edges of my sentiment and flower image to give an aged effect. I wanted more POP on the sentiment so I didn't rough up the edges of the flowers. The bronze brads I like! Lastly I added a vanilla ribbon to contrast the shabby to give a twist of elegance!

Start Earth Day early and GO GREEN my friends!! Thanks for popping in and have some stampin' FUN!

Smiles... Michelle :)

Stamps: SU! Echoes of Kindness, Autumn Leaves, DMD Paper: SU! Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Cranberry Crisp (retired), ivory Naturals, Webster dictionary (recycled item!) Ink: SU! Close to Cocoa, Creamy Caramel, Markers (Chocolate Chip & Baroque Burgundy) Other: Ribbon (Target Club Wed), CuttleBug Folder (Distressed Stripes), Lace flowers (recycled item!), dimensionals, sponges, 1/16" hole punch, SU! Ticket Corner punch, SU! bronze brads, etc.

OCC and Color Inspiration #14 Challenges... :)

Morning! Don't fall off your computer chair... being I'm posting a card this quick. Even the AM hours... WOW'za! Lately it's been a couple days between posting.

Last night I went back into my craft room to try (last weeks) OCC Sketch and Kwerner Designs Color Inspiration #14 Challenges. Can you believe I tackled 2 challenges in one... I'm on a roll! :) When I seen the OCC sketch I though to using my SU! Echoes of Kindness set and my new "Lots of Labels" dies. (LOVE those!) The sentiment is white embossed and added silver pearls. The flower image is stamped on watercolor paper and black embossed. Then taking my Ruby Red marker and aqua painter to color in. And I had to add the butterflies with some Stickles! CUTE :)

I attached the color inspiration info. I found this color challenge on Shelley's Stampin' Garden blog... Shelley has such cute card ideas! Pop in for a visit!! This was a challenge from July, 2008! Click on the photo's for a closer look. I like the look of the colors as it has an Asian feel... very calm and relaxing to me! Perfect to start a Saturday.

I plan to stamp this afternoon again... Enjoy!! Chat more with you soon stampin' friends... Remember to STAMP AND SMILE!

Michelle :)

Stamps: SU! Echoes of Kindness, Sincere Salutations Paper: SU! Basic Black, Basic Grey, Watercolor paper, Ruby Red, River Rock Ink: SU! Craft Basic Black and Whisper White, Ruby Red (Marker) Other: SU! detail Black and White EP, Aqua Painter, SU! Lot of Tags die, 1 3/4" circle punch, MS Butterfly Punches, paper piercing, glue dots, dimensionals, Stickles, CuttleBub embossing folder Swiss Dots,etc.

CC214.... Happy Birthday!

Happy Friday everyone! The weather is gorgeous here in Minnesota... :) We may have rain tomorrow, so that means good stamping weather! :)

Today I had the chance to make a card using the SCS Color Challenge CC214. (Bordering Blue, So Saffron, Pink Pirouette (or Pretty in Pink which I used.) and optional Chocolate Chip.) I found this sketch on a post-it on my desk and immediately thought of my Martha Stewart Layering Daisy punch.

I added white buttons to the flower centers, and sponged the flower petals. CB embossed using my Swiss Dots folder on the 3 open squares. White embossed the sentiment and added the pink ribbon. Pretty easy, and very CUTE! I like how it turned out and I hope you do too... Have a super evening!

Thanks for poppin' in for a visit and the lovely comments mean lots to me! Great motivation!!

Smiles... Michelle :)

Stamps: SU! A Little Birthday Cheer and In the Spotlight Paper: SU! Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, So Saffron, Bordering Blue, Pretty in Pink Ink: SU! Ballet Blue, Marigold Morning, Positively Pink (sponged the edges of the daisy's) and Craft Whisper White Other: SU! Detail White EP, CB Swiss Dots Folder, buttons (?), Pink ribbons (Target Club Wed), Martha Stewart Layering Daisy Punch, glue dots, sponges, stamp positioner, etc.

Trendy Trees... and matching wheel!

Hi everyone!! How was your Wednesday? The weather is awesome in Minnesota... we may hit the high 70's tomorrow!! :)

This card I'm sharing is another one from Julie's Stamp Class this past Monday night. (The only time I use this CUTE Trendy Trees set is at class, even though I own it!) I'm sure you know what I'm talking about... LOL! I added to the card using my CuttleBug Swiss Dots embossing folder, used my Funky Forest wheel, and my first time also using Certainly Celery poly-twill ribbon!!

Thanks SO Much is clear embossed over Craft Chocolate Chip. I just LOVE the pink brad on the tree, looks like a cherry blossom!!

Hope you enjoy!! I plan to get back into challenges again. Sure miss them... thanks for the VISIT and kind comments ladies (gents too!)

SMILES... Michelle :)

Stamps: Trendy Trees, Funky Forest wheel Paper: SU! Whisper White, Certainly Celery, Pretty in Pink, Always Artichoke Ink: SU! Close to Cocoa, Certainly Celery, Pretty in Pink, craft Chocolate Chip Other: SU! 1 1/2" and 1 3/4" circle punches, SU! pink brad, 1/16 hole punch, paper piercing, SU! Clear EP, SU! Certainly Celery Poly-twill ribbon, CB Swiss Dots embossing folder, SU! decorative scissors (retired 10 years ago... glad I kept it!), dimensionals, etc.

Happiness... I'm back posting!

It's just about midnight and I haven't forgotten my bloggn' friends! Sorry I'm late posting... But tonight I had Julie's SU! card class and we made some awesome cards! Also it was very nice seeing everyone. :)

This card was started using SU! Riding Hood Red CS and stamping the large outer layer of the "Flower" using the Gallery stamp set. Next using the DP from SU! Walk in the Park with the label stamp from Great Friend. To create the flower center Julie had us use the Jumbo Grommets that are new in the Occasions Mini catty. Then taking a build-a-brad right over the grommet. I changed up the card a bit by adding the CB embossed vellum, a tag, and some paper piercing.
I like how it turned out with some SWEET elegance!! A person can make flowers from just about anything... Enjoy!

Now off to bed I go!! Smiles everyone.... Michelle :)

Stamps: SU! Warm Words, Gallery, Great Friend Paper: SU! Riding Hood Red, So Saffron, Whisper White, DP (SU! Walk in the Park), vellum Ink: SU! craft Basic Black, Riding Hood Red, Chocolate Chip Other: SU! Lots of Tags die, Build-a-brad, paper piercing, SU! Horizontal Slot and 1/2" cirlce punch, SU! Jumbo Grommets, dimensionals, SU! ribbon (Taffeta), CuttleBug embossing folder (Textile), SU! clear EP, etc.

Happy Easter... live with Passion!!

Happy Easter everyone!! Spring is in the air and the chocolate bunnies are in full force this weekend... :) Yum!! (I'll just look at them from a distance!)

First, I just want to let you know I did have some blogging troubles where my comments were not coming in so I missed out as they are popping up now. So don't think I forgot about you and will be stopping in to your blog for a nice visit soon!! :)

Last night I got into my craft room to stamp.. it felt so good! I wanted to make a card using my NEW set Inspired by Nature. I just {{LOVE}} the tall grass. So I though I'd try a calm earthy card with a simple sentiment that came with the set. Now, do you remember that dragon fly? It's from SU!... Bunch O' Bugs which is retired, but I enjoy dragonflies. Why give the butterflies all the fun lately... He!

The card is pretty basic! Not sure if this would qualify for a CAS card. (Clean and Simple) My dragonfly was stamped in Craft Chocolate Chip and then clear EB over Close to Cocoa CS. Then cut out!

Enjoy!! Have a super weekend my stampin' friends and thanks for poppin' in for a visit.

Happy Easter!! Smiles... Michelle

Stamps: SU! Inspired by Nature, Bunch O' Bugs Paper: SU! Kraft, Very Vanilla, Kiwi Kiss, Baja Breeze, Close to Cocoa Ink: SU! Certainly Celery, Chocolate chip classic and craft Other: SU! Jumbo Eyelet, twine, CB folder (Tiny Mosaic), paper piercing, SU! Clear EP, stamp positioner, Etc.

Easter Goodie Box.... Yummy!!

Morning! Today I would like to share a goodie box I put together with a clear box I found when cleaning my craft room! It's amazing what a person can fine... LOL!

I started with a layered paper band around the box. Next I found this CUTE bunny made with SU! punches on LeAnne's blog Wee Inklings. Pop into her blog for more details! Then I stamped, embossed and cut the "YUMMY" sentiment. I added a Happy Easter banner and finished it with a white pearl.
Lastly, fill with "YUMMY" Easter candies and you're ready to give to that special someone!! Click on the photos for a closer look. I have a close up photo of the bunny to see more details. Thanks for popping in and taking a look... Soon Easter will be here and I hope you are ready!! Enjoy...

Smiles... Michelle :)
Stamps: SU! Yummy, A Good Egg Paper: SU! Bashful Blue, Whisper White, Pretty n' Pink, So Saffron, Basic Black, DP's (Delicate Dots & Purple plaid (?) Ink: SU! Pretty n' Pink, Basic Black, Positively Pink, Ballet Blue, Bashful Blue Other: SU! 3 Trio Flower, Large & Small ovals, Scallop Circle, 1/4", 1/2" circles, 5 Petal Flower Punches, dimensionals, clear EP, Ribbon (SU! So Saffron Ribbon bundle), SU! White Gel Pen, Etc.

Flowers & Swirlys... O'My!

Hello stampin' friends! Hope you are having a super day and enjoying some spring time weather... :)

This is what has inspired me to show you these cards. The card on the left I made a while back, but this morning I made the 2nd one using another color twist, but using the same DP. I changed the direction of the DP as you can see the lines both horizontal and vertical. I'm on a "ROLL" using my SU! Jumbo "So Swirly" wheel. LOL!

Such a Clean & Simple card to make. (CAS) Plus I love using up scraps of DP's when I can. I added one rhinestone for a bit of bling on each card. Next I layered my sentiment "behind" the scallop circle for more of a layered look. (Kinda hard to see in the photo, click on the photo's to get a closer look if you like!!)

Now I'm off to give Cooper, our golden retriever, a walk. He's been itching for one all morning... LOL! It's warming up in central Minnesota. I hope my cards put a SMILE on your face and give you the feeling of what's to come... SPRING!

Thanks for the visit and lovely comments!! Smiles everyone...

Michelle :)

Stamps: SU! So Swirly (Jumbo Wheel), Best Yet, and Lots of Thoughts Paper: SU! Pink Passion, Marigold Morning (retired In-Color), Pumpkin Pie, Gable Green, Orchid Opulence, Whisper White, DP (Heidi Grace Designs) Ink: SU! Pumpkin Pie, Pink Passion, Craft Whisper White Other: SU! Scallop circle, 1 1/4" & 1 3/8" circle punches, 1/16" hole punch, ribbon (Target Club Wed), rhinestone, dimensionals, Etc.

SC220... Thoughts & Prayers

Happy Sunday everyone! Today's card is using the ever so popular Thoughts & Prayers set... I'm sure by now you know it's my FAVORITE!! This card was given to Lisa at The Crafts Meow as a RAK (Random Act of Kindness). I waited till she received the card to show you, so it would be a surprise for her! Lisa is such a super sweet blogging friend I've known since starting my blog last October!!

So I decide to use the Sketch Challenge SC220 over at SplitCoast. If you remember this card I posted 2 weeks ago both have the same DP and lay out! The card is pretty cut and dry. I want to mention I chalked the leaves to give more depth and I used my mini flower punch that was only a $1 at Michael's!! (great investment!) Then used my SU! white gel pen for the flower centers.

Thanks for poppin' in to visit and I hope you enjoy!! Think SPRING EVERYONE... ahhh!

Michelle :)

Stamps: Thoughts and Prayers, Best Yet Paper: SU! Close to Cocoa, So Saffron, Cool Caribbean, Certainly Celery, DP (retired SU! Friends & Flowers Simply Scrappin' Kit), Whisper White Ink: SU! Markers (Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Taken with Teal Other: SU! Stampin' Pastels, ribbon (Target Club Wed), dimensionals, paper piercing, SU! Scallop Circle punch, SU! White Gel Pun, mini flower punch (Michael's), etc.

Double Feature... at a great price!!

Hi everyone & Happy Friday!! The weekend is here.. Woo Hoo! :) The house is quiet and a good time to post... LOL! Now, I knew every paper crafter loves a good deal and a Double Feature!! I haven't done one of these in a long time. My "Great Deal" and card idea was purchased at Target a few weeks ago. I always graze the clearance section... :) So I found these cute invites for $1.48 (10 ct.) which included the DP and ribbon to put my cards together!!

My first card was mailed to Ann at Creative Antics who I won my blog candy from!! She has AWESOME Clean & Simple card designs. Pop into her blog and wish her "Happy Birthday!" She has BLOG CANDY to give away!

OK onto the cards! I used my SU! Jumbo "So Swirly" wheel for the background and embossed in black. Then cut the invite down to use my Top Note die. Added the red ribbon. Next I black embossed the border around my sentiment and then came back embossing the sentiment in Real Red. Double Embossing!! Added my gold pearls for a jazzy detail... :)

My second card, still using a lot of the same colors, ribbon, border, pearls, etc. Except I used my Large oval punch for my sentiment that was embossed in Real Red. The big difference is the card base... using Kraft CS which was embossed with my Swiss Dots folder for a softer look!

Click on the photo's for a closer look at the details and the last photo is the "GREAT DEAL" I got... SWEET! I hope you enjoy these two versions!!

Thanks for poppin' in and visiting! I love the chats and comments... have a super evening and I'll be back this weekend! Smiles...

Michelle :)

Stamps: SU! Yummy, Baroque Motifs, Sincere Salutations Paper: SU! Close to Cocoa, Kraft, Basic Black, Whisper White, DP ("Deal" Target invites) Ink: VersaMark Other: SU! So Swirly Jumbo wheel, gold pearls (Michael's), red ribbon (part of Target invites), dimensionals, CB folder (Swiss Dots), Detail Black EP, Real Red EP (retired), SU! Top Note, SU! Large Oval punch

CC212 & MoJo Monday... plus SPRING Storm!

Sorry I'm late posting! Since Tuesday night with the SPRING storm that came through, my stamping time has been limited!! I ended up in the ditch just before dark Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning I was stuck at the end of the driveway on my way in to work... LOL! But the good news is last night I stamped my "stress away" making these two cards using CC212 and MoJo Monday challenges. :)

The first card I used A Good Egg set with both challenges. The CC212 colors were Pink Pirouette, Chocolate Chip and Riding Hood Red. In honesty I don't have the Pink Pirouette and Riding Hood Red CS, so I used my SU! Candy Lane DP!!! (I cheated and use Ruby Red as my card base!) Next, using the large egg in that set to make the Chicky look like she's "popping out" of the egg!

My second card was inspired by "What will I every do with these cute birds printed on this SU! DP?" So this is what I came up with!! I chalked the birds to give more pop.

I have a couple photo's to share from the storm that went through. We had about 12" and VERY WET snow! Don't you just love the way the trees look? Well, off to see what the pooch is doing and he's itchin' for a walk. Thanks for stopping by for a visit... ENJOY!!

Smiles... Michelle :)

Card #1
Stamps: SU! A Good Egg Paper: SU! DP (Candy Lane), Chocolate Chip, Ruby Red, Very Vanilla Ink: SU! Craft Chocolate Chip, VersaMark, Classic Chocolate Chip, Markers Pretty in Pink and Summer Sun Other: Ribbon (Target Club Wed)
paper piercing, Brads (K&I Memories), SU! Crystal Clear and White EP, dimensionals, etc.

Card #2
Stamps: Warm Words Paper: SU! DP (Candy Lane), Pretty in Pink, Chocolate Chip, Ruby Red, Whisper White Ink: SU! Real Red Other: Stampin Pastels, Sticlkes (Ruby Slippers), CB die "Vintage", dimensionals, paper piercing, SU! Top Note, Brads (K&I Memories), SU! Large and Small oval punches, etc.