Carte Postale Color Challenge

I've seen the K. Werner Color Challenge for quite a few months, but I finally decided to participate today. Here's her color combination for the week:

Here's the card I made:

I stamped the rose onto watercolor paper and then painted it with a blender pen, then I used the versamarker to add ink exactly where I wanted to apply embossing powder. I added a layer of clear embossing powder, and then highlighted some areas with glassy glaze embossing powder.
If you look closely, you'll see the edge of the whisper white card stock gently rolled around the old olive card stock, which has some faux-stitching running along its edge.

Here's a close-up of the embellishments:
Scroll down for links to the supplies I used.

All supplies Stampin' Up!:
Stamps: Carte Postale*, French Script**, Baroque Border
Card Stock & Paper: Old Olive, Rose Red, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White,
Parisian Summer DSP, Watercolor Paper
Classic Ink: Old Olive, Rose Red, Pink Pirouette
Craft Ink: Old Olive, Versamark
Accessories & Tools: Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon, Versamarker, Blender Pens,
Clear Embossing Powder, Glassy Glaze Heat Embossing Powder, Heat Tool,
Uni-Ball Signo Gel Pen, Small Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch, 1 1/4'' Circle Punch,
1 3/8 Circle Punch, Dimensionals, Sponges, SNAIL

*Retired Stamp Set
**Retired, but there's a current stamp set that is similar

Vintage Skaters

I wanted to make this card look as vintage as the stamp set, so I aged the card with a few techniques. I made the skating image look like it's under cracked glass. I distressed the card stock by crumpling it in my hands, by sponging ink on it, and by drawing the ink pad across it.

I used the glassy glaze enamel heat embossing powder and versamark ink to create several layers of "glass." Then I put it in the freezer until it cooled. Then I bent the image several times to create the fissures in the "glass." Then I sponged over it with ink to show the cracks.

You can see some hodgepodge hardware too that just adds the final vintage touch.

Click on underlined supplies to go to the online store. To purchase supplies, create a user name and password, log-in, then search for demonstrators (list my name to get a 10% discount) and then order the items you would like.
Contact me with your questions or concerns.

All Supplies SU!
Stamps: Winter Post
CS: Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip, Really Rust, Versamark
DSP: Hostess Pack
Ink: Really Rust, Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Chocolate Chip 5/8'' grosgrain ribbon, HodgePodge Hardware (this particular finish has retired, but there are two current finishes of HodgePodge that are beautiful), Glassy Glaze Emboss Enamel, Sponges, SNAIL, Pop-Up Glue Dots, Dimensionals
Tools: Heat Tool, Ticket Corner Punch, 1/8'' punch,

Ice Skaters

Here's another card made from the Winter Post stamp set.

You can see how it looks like an old-fashioned post card.
Scroll down to see the list of supplies.
Click on the supplies to get more information.

All supplies SU!
Stamps: Winter Post, Best Yet
CS: Red Riding Hood, Always Artichoke, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla
Classic Ink Pads: Chocolate Chip, Always Artichoke
Stampin' Write Markers: Apricot Appeal
Accessories: Large Oval Punch, Red Riding Hood Taffeta Ribbon, Linen Thread, SNAIL, Stampin' Dimensionals, Blender Pens

Snowflake Cards

Here are some simple snowflake cards.
Hopefully you've enjoyed the snow we've had so far this season.
This snowflake comes from the Winter Post stamp set on pp. 10-11 of the Holiday Mini Catalog.
Click here to see it. I like the classic, vintage look of this snowflake and played around with different color combinations. Actually, I only tried two, but the possibilities are endless.
Clicke here to try get your own snowflake set to try out your own ideas.

Stamps: Winter Post, Best Yet (Hostess Set)
CS: Naturals Ivory
Ink: Ruby Red Craft Ink, Always Artichoke Classic Ink
Accessories & Tools: Red Riding Hood Taffeta Ribbon, Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool

Stamps: Winter Post
CS: Brocade Blue
Ink: Whisper White Craft Ink
Accessories & Tools: Brocade Blue 5/8'' grosgrain ribbon, Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool

Bethlehem Card: Happy Christmas!

Merry Christmas to you and your family!

This card reminds us to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas when the best gift of all time was presented to each of us.

All supplies SU!:
Stamp: City of David (retired)
CS: Brocade Blue, So Saffron, Watercolor paper
Inks: Chocolate Chip Craft and Classic ink pads, Always Artichoke Classic ink pad
Accessories & Tools: Brocade Blue 5/8'' grosgrain ribbon, clear embossing powder, heat tool, Stampin' Write markers (Soft Subtles), Blender Pens, SNAIL, dimensionals

Snowman!

We've gotten a snow day, snowed in, and a delay. (Yeeeheeee!)
The snow conditions weren't right to build one outside, so here's a snowman card.
There's actually no stamping on this card. This reminds me of a snowman my mom has.
Enjoy, and try to stay warm and cozy!

All materials SU!
CS: Baja Breeze, Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie
Ink: Baja Breeze, Whisper White Craft, Basic Black
Accessories: Button Bouquet, Kiwi Kiss-Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon, Paper Snips (especially for the branches), Blender Pens, Sponges, Glue Dots, Crystal Effects (see eyes and nose).

Snowflake Ornament

Here's a Christmas Ornament made with a circle punch.

The snowflake is from Winter Post and the sweet little button is from the Button Bouquet.

Here's an aerial view.

SU! Materials:
Vellum, Winter Post, Ruby Red Craft Ink, Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Circle Punch, Sticky Strip/ Glue Dots, Red Button

Non SU! hemp (because I don't have any SU! Linen Thread).

French Scripted Pears

I made this set of cards with an elegantly rustic theme.

I made this box from card stock and sticky strip to hold the cards, and then even made a mini gift card/ tag.

Scroll down for supplies.

All supplies are Stampin' Up! except for the hemp twine.
Retired Stamp Sets: All Natural, French Script, Thanks, Simple Delights
CS: Chocolate Chip & Old Olive
Classic Ink: Chocolate Chip & Old Olive
Craft Ink: Old Olive
Embellishments: Clear Embossing Powder, Twill Tape, Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon,
Tools: Circle Punches, Hand Held Circle Punch, Heat Tool

Masculine Birthday Card

You all know how difficult it is to come up with masculine cards, so here's some simple inspiration for you.

I was playing around with the French Script background stamp and decided to make a card element using that stamp and the large star punch. I thought I'd use it on a scrapbook page, but then it turned into a masculine birthday card. I stamped the background, punched it out, and roughed up the edges. Some of you will definitely want to sponge some ink around the edges.

CS: Naturals Ivory, Brocade Blue, and Chocolate Chip Ink: Old Olive Accessories: 5/8'' Old Olive grosgrain ribbon, dimensionals

p.s. French Script is retired but En Francais is current. They are practically the same stamp, except the font is different. As far as styles are concerned, the retired one is more antique, and the current one is more wedding/ romantic.

Coneflower in December

It's December, but I still have autumn flowers in my head.

Here's another coneflower made using punches. To add a little more texture to the petals, I used the Designer Series Paper that is one of the level one hostess gifts. I stamped the French Script background with Old Olive ink onto Naturals Ivy cardstock. I cut a narrow strip of paper for the stem. For the leaf I punched an oval of Old Olive cardstock, scored it, crumpled it, and cut around the edges. The banner is made from a swath of Really Rust card stock. I inked up just part of the thank you stamp from Sincere Salutations for the short and sweet greeting.

All supplies Stampin' Up!:
Stamps: French Script, Sincere Salutations
CS: Naturals Ivory, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Really Rust,
More Mustard DSP from the hostess packet.
Ink: Old Olive, Really Rust
Accessories: 1''circle punch, oval punch, paper snips

Baby Cards

One of my friends recently made some baby cards, and she helped me to finally get around to make these cards for the new babies in my life.
I used my punches to dress up these cards.

For a girl:

A couple years ago I wouldn't have thought that pink and brown coordinated or were feminine. But, the combination has grown on me and these days they seem to be quite an elegant pair of colors. I stamped the teddy bear in Pink Pirouette in the background, and then punched out some stars, and applied them to the card. I even cut a couple, so that it looks like it was cut from a larger piece of card stock. I made a little medallion with the teddy bear and Crystal Effects. I finished it off with a length of chocolate chip ribbon.

Stamp sets: Family Accessories (109377) and Family Phrases (111016)
CS: Chocolate Chip, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Pink Pirouette
Accessories: Star Punch, 1-1/4" circle punch, 1" circle punch, oval punch, blender pen, crystal effects, chocolate chip 5/8 grosgrain ribbon

For a boy:
I like how this color combination worked out.
You'll see a starry background if you look closely. To make the circle-cut-out-stars, I first punched out the star, and then centered the star inside the circle punch. If you have some paper punches, see what else you can come up with. I'd like to see your results.

Stamp Sets: Family Phrases (111016), Starring You (111696)
CS: Bordering Blue, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie
Ink: Bashful Blue, Chocolate Chip
Accessories: 1'' circle punch, small star punch, large star punch, oval punch, twill tape, dimensionals, and glue dots

Card Class

Come make a set of beautiful hand-stamped cards to send this holiday season, or to give as a thoughtful gift.

You'll use a wide assortment of punches, taffeta ribbon, and learn how to heat emboss.
Please register and pre-pay by Friday, November 28th, date extended to Tuesday, December 2nd.

Cost: $20 for 8 cards, $30 for 14 cards, or $40 for 20 cards, includes envelopes and adhesive. Please give yourself 2 hours for every 10 cards.

Quick Projects: 20 tags for $5, or set of four 3x3 mini cards for $5.

Come to my place between 10:00 and 2:00 on Saturday, December 13th. Enjoy some festive refreshments. Bring a friend and stamp together!

If you want to pay by check, then give me a call, and I'll give you my address if you don't already have it.
When you register, just send me a note saying which options you would like for your class.

Contact me to register today: bassemjudith@gmail.com

If you want to pay online with PayPal, choose your class and click on the following links:

Number of Cards in Stack

8 cards $20.00 14 cards $30.00 20 cards $40.00

Quick Project

20 Tags $5.00 4 mini cards w/ envelopes $5.00 8 mini cards w/ envelopes $10.00

Elegant Brocade Border

Here's a card with an elegant brocade border;
think of the edging on a fancy fur blanket used on sleigh rides.

Stamps: Sincere Salutations, Baroque Border Wheel
CS: Old Olive
Ink: Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White Craft Ink
Accessories: Clear Embossing Powder, Kiwi Kiss/ Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon*, Large Oval Punch, and dimensionals.
*If you don't know by now, I really like satin ribbon, and the color green, in nearly any shade.

Simple Delights

I ordered a retired set that was quite elegant, Simple Delights,
and here's what I designed:

CS: Naturals Ivory
Ink: Kiwi Kiss, Basic Black
Accessories: Kiwi Kiss/ Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon

CS: Naturals Ivory
Ink: Really Rust Classic Ink, Chocolate Chip Craft Ink
Accessories: Clear Embossing Powder


CS: Really Rust
Ink: Really Rust Classic Ink, Chocolate Chip Craft Ink
Accessories: Clear Embossing Powder, Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon

CS: Chocolate Chip, Naturals Vanilla, Carte Postale DSP*
Ink: Chocolate Chip Craft Ink
Accessories: Chocolate Chip 5/8 inch grosgrain ribbon, 1'' and 1-1/4'' circle punches, dimensionals

*retired, sorry

Thanksgiving Card

It's nearly Thanksgiving, so around here, we're checking off the things on our annual to-do list.

I hope you and yours have a sweet and memorable holiday with the ones you love.

Here's a pumpkin card made from the oval punch.
I actually made this card way back in September, but I'm finally sharing it with you now.
I was playing with the punches to see what I could come up with: voila!

I've gotten a lot of mileage out of this stamp set: Baroque Motifs.
I inked up a section of the large swirl stamp with Chocolate Chip ink and stamped it where I wanted the stem of the pumpkin to be. Then I used the blender pens to paint in the rest of the pumpkin stem. The swirls in the background are like the tendrils of the pumpkin vine, coursing through the pumpkin patch.

CS: Old Olive, Naturals Ivory, Tangerine Tango, So Saffron
Stamps: Baroque Motifs (109403 $25.95)
Ink: Old Olive and Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Blender Pens, Corner Rounder Punch, Oval Punch, 5/8'' Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon, and Stampin' Dimensionals.

Haiku Card

Here's a simple, yet elegant card I whipped up using Haiku DSP and a retired stamp set.
Sorry, it's retired, but I really, really enjoy using it.
I like the autumnal undertones and eastern patterns of this designer paper.

CS: Kiwi Kiss (111353 $5.50)
DSP: Haiku (112470 $9.95)
Ink: Kiwi Kiss (111835 $5.25)and Basic Black (101179 $5.25)
Stamp Set: Simple Delights
Accessories: Kiwi Kiss/ Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon (111879 $7.95), and Designer Buttons (112092 $ 7.95)

Christmas Pear

My mother has always liked pears and even made a linoleum woodcut of "A Partridge in a Pear Tree" when she was in high school. I've gotten some of my artistic talent from my mom, as well as some of my preferences [like people NOT chewing gum]. So, needless to say, I like pears too. Her woodcut, has inspired me to use this pear stamp for a Christmas card, even though there's no partridge or pear tree.

Although I had Christmas in mind for this card, it could technically be for any time of year.
This pear is from my very first stamp set ever [it has retired] and the background is from my latest acquisition [also retired]. Enjoy this blend of old and new: in-color card stock and ribbon, and old stamp sets. It's also been a while since I've watercolored, and it was fun to get my brushes wet again.

Enjoy! Maybe I'll finally actually start selling cards at the local card shop; I think this one is marketable. Let me know what you think.

CS: Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip, Kiwi Kiss, and watercolor paper
Stamp sets: All Natural and Simple Delights
Classic Ink: Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip, Kiwi Kiss, and Really Rust
Craft Ink: Chocolate Chip
Accessories: clear heat emboss powder, Dimensionals, and Kiwi Kiss/ Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon (111879) $7.95

Designer Series Paper Cards

In the summer I did a DSP swap so that I would get a sample of all the Designer Series Paper available. Well, instead of letting the samples just sit in baggies forever, I opened them up and decided to see what I could do with them.
These pieces of DSP are from the Urban Garden collection and I paired them up with some In-Color card stock. I was inspired by my sister-in-law who was looking for some easy, but elegant birthday cards.

CS: Baja Breeze and Whisper White
DSP: Urban Garden (112042) $9.95
Stamp Set: Sincere Salutations (105156) $20.95
Ink: Baja Breeze (111833) $5.25
Accessories: Whisper White taffeta ribbon (109071) $6.95, Large Oval Punch (107305) $15.95, Circle Ice Rhinestone Brads (109111) $10.95, and dimensionals.

CS: Kiwi Kiss and Whisper White
DSP: Urban Garden (112042) $9.95
Stamp Set: Sincere Salutations (105156) $20.95
Ink: Kiwi Kiss (111835) $5.25
Accessories: Kiwi Kiss/Very Vanilla satin ribbon (111879) $7.95, Large Oval Punch (107305) $15.95, Circle Ice Rhinestone Brads (109111) $10.95, and dimensionals.

Organic Grace etc

Here are some cards I made with some friends (quite) a few weeks ago.

Our objective was to come up with a variety of cards using one color family of cards stock and stampin' spots (Rich Regals), one or two stamp sets, a small circle punch, assorted adhesives, two colors of ribbon, and glitter.

The set used for most of these cards is called Organic Grace.
It is a hostess set you can earn by having a stamping party.

Ribbon: Always Artichoke, narrow grosgrain.
CS: Whisper White
Ink: Always Artichoke and Bravo Burgundy

Ribbon: Elegant Eggplant, narrow grosgrain
CS: Always Artichoke, Bordering Blue, So Saffron, and Whisper White
Ink: Always Artichoke
Accessories: Dazzling Diamonds Glitter and Two-Way Glue pen

I like the simple, repeated design of these four ferns in a row.

Here's the whole smorgasbord:

If you enlarge the photo, you'll see some little note cards right in the center.
The bold flowers are from One of a Kind (113624; $19.95).

Boy's Birthday Card

Here's a boy's birthday card. Yah, I know it's sideways.
Usually I make cards that are for women/ girls, so here's a little breaking out of my mold.

If you like idea, and want to make something similar, but easier, check out the Rock Star Card Elements kit that matches this stamp set. It's on p. 176 of the current catalog, and contains card stock, designer paper, grosgrain ribbon, buttons, and die-cut adhesive (stars, stripes, and ovals). It costs $15.95 and you can make AT LEAST 9 cards from the kit.


Stamp sets: Starring You (p. 138 111696 $13.95) and Family Phrases (p. 79 111016 $17.95)
Card Stock: Brocade Blue, Old Olive, So Saffron
Ink: VersaMark, Basic Black
Accessories: Clear embossing powder, small and large Star Punches, and dimensionals.

Oval Punch Flowers

Inspired by Nature [see link on side-bar] is a new stamp set that I've seen people use well.
The elegance of the flowers and grass is lovely.
However, I don't have that stamp set, and was trying to make a coneflower similar to the one in that set.

I've recently gotten two oval punches and was playing around with them.
I have seen people create entire cards from punched shapes, without even stamping anything,
so that got the wheels in my head turning...
...and this is what I came up with:

Here's a "Just Thinking of You" card using Chocolate Chip, Kiwi Kiss, Really Rust, and So Saffron, card stock, Really Rust Classic Ink, Kiwi Kiss Satin Ribbon :), oval and circle punches, and Sincere Salutations. I repeated the same salutation over and over again a-la-French Script Background Stamp.

For this one, I changed up the color scheme by replacing Really Rust with Pacific Point card stock and ink. I also heat embossed the center of the flower with Chocolate Chip craft ink and clear embossing powder. I scored an oval of Kiwi Kiss card stock for the leaf (though it's hard to see from this photo).

Ribbon: (see p. 187)
The Kiwi Kiss satin ribbon is a high quality, very silky, double sided, 3/8'' wide ribbon. It is Very Vanilla on one side and the Kiwi Kiss on the other (111879 $7.95 for 10 yards).

Punches: (see page 188)
1" Circle punch 109046 $10.95
Large Oval punch 107305 $15.95

Stamp Set: (see p. 140)
Sincere Salutations 105156 $20.95

On a Sunflower Kick

Here's a card I made a little while ago, when I was on a sunflower kick. I made a whole batch for my sister who absolutely loves sunflowers. Her enthusiasm for them is contagious. I scored and cut the card in the other direction so I could tie the ribbon around it vertically. Most of the cards I make are scored and cut the other way, so it's nice just to change up the basic layout, and see how it opens up new ideas.


I made enough to give as gifts with a few extra for myself. Funny how a card-maker finds herself without cards so often. (Probably because she's trying to make the "perfect" card specifically to suit a certain person. Sometimes I just try to do a batch so I can have a few on hand for those note writing occasions that pop up all the time. But then I end up using all of them, and have to start over again. Sometimes each card is its own work of art, but it's nice when you come up with a design that is easily and quickly reproduced, yet still has enough wow!


Recipe: Very Vanilla cs, Chocolate Chip Craft Ink + Clear Embossing Powder.
Summer Sun Classic Ink, Old Olive Classic Ink, Chocolate Chip Classic Ink, and Chocolate Chip wide grosgrain ribbon. Stamp sets: sorry they're retired: Serene Sunflower and something-or-other-thanks

Embossed Baroque with In-Colors

I've been playing with my heat tool, so if you look carefully, you'll see how glossy the stamped images turned out. This card uses the new Kiwi Kiss and Red Riding Hood In-Colors for this season. These two paired together are a modern color combination for Christmas. I wanted this card to say "Merry Christmas" but I didn't have any current stamps with that greeting.
(So, just imagine it.)

I like using VersaMark + clear embossing powder for the versatility in producing an embossed image of any color on card stock of that same color (see the Kiwi Kiss and Red Riding Hood swirls). (Otherwise I use Craft Ink + clear embossing powder over it; e.g. Chocolate Chip Craft ink for the greeting.)

I wanted to use the flower from the Baroque Motifs set, and layer it with the other medallion flourish so that it looked like leaves. This card uses the In-Colors mentioned above, as well as Pacific Point, a brilliant new blue card stock and ink color. For embellishments I've used wide twill tape and a rhinestone brad from the ice collection. These brads come in fire and ice (warm and cool colors) as well as in round and square.

If you're interested in a personal demonstration of how to use the heat tool to emboss, please sign up for a workshop. I have several dates available in October, so contact me today to host your own party. Check my calendar in the side toolbar. Some Tuesdays and Saturdays in November are also available.

Pretty Birthday Card

Here's a birthday card I made for a sweet little someone in my life.

I rather enjoy the All in the Family stamp set because you can personalize it for the card recipient. I've also used the Family Accessories to doll up this birthday girl, and the Family Phrases for the Salutation.

I've used the Pretty in Pink card stock which is a delicate color that's only available for a limited time as part of the Fall 2008 In Color selection.

I stamped the image onto watercolor paper, so I could paint the background. For easy water-coloring, simply squeeze a stamp pad while closed, so that some ink stays in the lid. Use a blender pen or aqua-painter to pick up the color and apply it to the paper.

I used the following ink colors for this card: Bashful Blue, Basic Black, Old Olive, Pink Pirouette, Rose Red, and VersaMarkOther card stock: Old Olive and So Saffron.

Embellishments and tools: white taffeta ribbon, circle rhinestone brad, dimensionals, small oval punch, black and clear embossing powders, and heat tool.

Contact me if you are interested in making a similar card or ordering any of the materials I used.

World Card Making Day

Invitation to World Card Making Day Event!

When: Saturday, October 4th
Where: my place
Time: drop by between 10:00 and noon
RSVP: by Saturday, September 27th,

so that I may prepare the materials you need.

You may respond to this invitation via email or blog-post.

Additional Information:

Cost: free
Please bring: a friend
Card kits: 20% off

Back to School Scrapbook Layout

Here is a scrapbook layout inspired by autumn colors and going back to school.
It would look great with those "first-day-of-school" pictures.

It's a 6 x 6 layout, which means it's easier to make than a 12 x 12 page because it has fewer design elements, and takes less time. It's just like designing two matching cards.


I've used the lovely Chocolate Chip cs as a base, and then layered Old Olive cs over that. I stamped the letters from the Define Your Life Alphabet stamp set in Old Olive Classic Ink.
The red and orange come from this season's In-Colors: Red Riding Hood and Tangerine Tango.

They're bright and snappy! I stamped images of children and pets with the All in the Family stamp set using Red Riding Hood ink. I've layered Naturals Ivory cs over the Tangerine Tango.

Then I made a hidden compartment to write a secret message. It's the book. I used sticky strip and Very Vanilla grosgrain ribbon for the binding. Well, it's not so secret, but it's interactive anyway. The kindergarten lines come from the Define Your Life Alphabet set.

A Young Stamper's Creations!

My niece came over for the evening so her mommy could do some shopping. It was like having a mini-summer camp for a toddler for an evening. Bassem and I played soccer with her; she learned some new moves and giggled the whole entire time she was kicking the ball.

We traced her body onto a large sheet of brown paper and drew in her features.
(Yes, it was the extra packing paper from SU!)

And then we stamped!
Earlier in the summer her mommy had come over one time to stamp something, and so my niece naturally picked up the stamps and asked for them to be inked up so she could use them. So, she made her own page of stamping. That was a month ago.
So, I thought she'd like to do some big-girl stamping of her own, and here's what she did!

I gave her several options, and she chose to make some cards with stars. So, I inked up the stamp and gave it to her, and she pressed it where she wanted to on the paper. Then I helped her punch out some stars and put dimensionals on the back. She peeled them and put the stars on her cards. I asked if she wanted ribbon, and she said she did, so we tied a knot. Then I showed her a variation using the slot punch. On a piece of scrap paper, I demonstrated how we can feed the ribbon through the holes and then tie a bow. I asked her if she liked wanted to used that idea on her card and she said yes. I think she gave one of these cards to her daddy. ;)
This is the Starring You stamp set.

And then we still had time, and she was still quite interested in stamping, so I asked her if she wanted to stamp some little girls. And she did. This one is tricky for someone who is only 2 and 3/4 years old to line up, so I did that part, since I am older than her, by a bit. And then she colored them in with the Stampin' Write markers (gentle, gentle). She even lined up and stamped her own greeting. These are the All in the Family, Family Accessories and Family Phrases stamp sets.


She's quite a fun little girl. She loves helping her mom, gran, and auntie cook. She's eager to do her own little projects. So, for these cards, she did everything except ink up the stamps; her mom said she had to come home clean, so she wore an apron and went to town! No, I'm not recruiting from the cradle; I'm just having some quality time with my niece. Sorry the pictures came out sideways; the photo reader was having trouble saving any changes.

All in the Family Tags

These are some simple tags that I made with the All in the Family stamp set.

For this one I used Certainly Celery and Very Vanilla card stock. I used the 1 1/4'' punch to cut a hole in the top of the celery card stock, and then I used that circle as the background layer for the girl. I cut her circle with the 1'' punch. I used Basic Black and Certainly Celery ink. For the girl I used a blender pen and picked up some color from the lid of a several squeezed stamp pads (Celery again, Bashful Blue, Pink Pirouette, Close to Cocoa, and Apricot Appeal). I "SNAILED" the narrow Certainly Celery Grosgrain Ribbon to the wide Very Vanilla Grosgrain Ribbon.

Here you see it in action. I actually used this for a hostess gift.

Here's a variation on that theme. I stamped the boy and girl in only one color because it was a make and take, and I wanted it to be quick enough for 10 people to do while sharing materials.
The boy is Not Quite Navy and the girl is Ruby Red (card stock and classic ink).

I don't know if you think they are "lame" because they're not like a typical tag that you tie to the item itself or tape onto the wrapping paper. I took the idea from a water bottle "flavor-on-the-go" holder. It hangs on bottles with narrow necks (Bath & Body Works soap, wine?, and I'm not sure what else, but leave a comment if you have other suggestions.