Friday, September 30, 2016

Down, down: yellow and brown ...

I think I really do love everything about autumn ~ wait, now that I say that, I do not love hurricanes and this is when we usually get hit. I will never forget Isabel!

But enough of that. Let's think pumpkin and spice and pecans and sweaters and football and boots and scarves and apple cider and leaves!!!


I am a real sucker for anything that has leaves on it, or is in the shape of a leaf: china, cookies, jewelry, linens, decor ... and when you add pumpkins to that, and birds, well ....

But back to leaves. Stampin' Up! has gorgeous fall stamps, including Vintage Leaves (with framelits) which is what I used on this card. I have used lots of technique with this set - heat embossing, paper embossing, die cutting, sponging - and they are all fun and produce lovely effects.

I designed this particular card today for a challenge. Instructions were to use at least two of the colors allowed ( Tangerine Tango, Real Red, Pear Pizazz, Watermelon Wonder, Early Espresso and a  neutral), two layers, something from the new holiday catalog and a design that was easy to duplicate. Can you distinguish the colors and materials used?

The interesting element in working with this design was the use of ink and paper. I stamped the leaves in Real Red on Real Red cardstock, and liked it. Then I stamped the sentiment in Real Red on the Tangerine Tango, and liked it. Of course by the time I felt finished, I had leaves stamped and cut in every combo I could imagine. I liked that, too.

I used Very Vanilla for the neutral - card base and mat for leaves. For the smaller mat, I roughed up the edges with a plastic knife. So, if you think that piece is crooked or sloppy, it is intentional. On my next card I am going to tear the bottom of that vanilla mat. 

To make it easy to duplicate, I left it fairly simple in design and execution. And it will be in my upcoming classes line-up.

So, what's your favorite - or least favorite - thing about the fall?

One thing I did forget about the fall, all of my criminal shows are back on TV!

Let's stamp!


Saturday, September 10, 2016

I Spy

Although summer is not quite over,  September is here and already soooo busy. We are already talking and stampin' fall and Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Have you seen the new holiday catalog?
I have been busy preparing for classes and workshops and my holiday open house on September 25 (2 PM my house ~ pick up catalogs,  see new products, make & takes, sweets and BINGO!)!
So, check out this picture from my work today:
Do you know which stamp set I was using - actually I was using more than one set. But if you can name at least one set, I  will have something extra for you at the open house! Comment here! First correct answer wins an extra card for the jackpot Bingo!
Go!

Friday, September 2, 2016

Hello September

OK, I  know I'm not the only one excited for September and the fall, right?

Who else wants to go buy new pencils and a planner? Have you been down the school supply aisle yet ~ composition books in something other than the uniform black and white marble design,  no more blue cloth covered binders, and oh, index cards on a ring. Crayons and markers, pens of every color, Sharpies, glue ...

See, it's not just Designer Series Paper that I love and hoard. Paper, stationery, office supplies... and I  am probably the least organized person in the world. Not only do I not organize and put things away, I  need to be able to see my things - to know what I have and to remember to use them.

But I am looking forward to sweater weather,  pumpkin scones - anything pumpkin, really - fires, new TV shows, chili, even football. Oh, and apple cider: walking down the streets of Colonial Williamsburg sipping hot apple cider, apple cider. And while in Williamsburg, gingerbread from the Raleigh Tavern and onto Seasons for their fall displays ...

And of course the threat of fall ~ late hurricanes. Today is gray and drizzly and weather is imminent.
Something's in the air, and I'm not sure that it is Mary Poppins.

Stay in and stay dry ~ stamp!