10 Minutes or Less Challenge #120

Here is my card for this week's 10 Minutes or Less Challenge!  I had dreamed of making a 3D project for this week but work and life got in the way, so I opted for a CAS (Clean and Simple) Card.  I was stumped by these colours at first and I don't know why, because they are so pretty together!  I inked up my new Watercolour Trio Set with my Stampin' Write Markers.  I actually do not own any Cameo Coral,. Barely Banana or Creamy Caramel Cardstock or Ink Pads! So I went with my favourite colour, Sage Shadow and used my markers to ink up the stamps.

I am proud to say that this week, I started at 5:46pm and finished the card at 5:53pm!!  Woo-hoo!  I must tell you some of my secrets!  The white paper was scraps I had on my desk and then I cut some Sage to mat the white pieces.  Then I used my punch to add some interest to the piece I cut too big! LOL!  It was a quick card!  The white card front was an embossed piece I had not used for another card, it worked perfectly with my vision.  I added some Sage Shadow grosgrain and used my punches for the sentiment which is also from the Watercolour Trio Set.  I really hoped to be able to photograph step by step by process of making this card but I didn't get the chance again this week! I hope to be able to next week once life has settled down!

Supplies

Stamps: Watercolour Trio

Paper: Sage Shadow, Whisper White

Ink: Stampin' Write Markers-Creamy Caramel, Sage Shadow, Cameo Coral, Barely Banana

Tools: Oval Punches, Texturz Plates, Big Shot, Eyelet Border Punch, 1/4" Sage Shadow Grosgrain Ribbon

Thanks for stopping by!

I hope you get the chance to play along this week with us!

Smiles, Lesley :)

Curtain Call Colour Challenge

I wanted to be sure to play along with the Curatin Call Colour Challenge this week which was to use Pink, Melon Mambo, Certainly Celery and White.  Such pretty floral colours and I inked up my newest set called "Awash with Flowers".  I used the Thumping Technique on the flowers to give them a two-toned look.

Thanks for stopping by! Smiles, Lesley :)

Colour Dare and Cards for Mum

This card uses the "Elements of Style" set and I wanted to make a card for the current Colour Dare which was to use Yellow, Green and a Lighter Green. I covered the flowers in Dazzling Diamonds and it is all glittery!!  What mom wouldn't love a little glam and glitter!

I absolutely LOVE the "Elements of Style" set, can you tell?  Geez, I can't stop using it and I am ok with that!  I used Rich Razzlebery and Mellow Moss.  I also must tell you, I finally broke down and bought the Word Window Punch!  I LOVE IT!!!  I am so silly sometimes, thinking I don't need something and just making do with what I have.  But the Word Window Punch goes beautifully with the Modern Label Punch and my Teeny Tiny Wishes Set!  Now my options seem endless!

For this card I pulled out my Vintage Vogue Set and inked it up in the Plum colours from the Soft Subtles colours.  This is one of my favourite colour combos and I need to remember to use it more.  I made some other cards with these colours last week and since then, I have been looking to use them more.  This card measures 5x5.  The pretty Mother's Day Sentiment is from "All Holidays".

Thanks for stopping by!

Smiles, Lesley :)

10 Minute or Less Challenge #119-A Sketch

It's Friday and that means it is time for the "10 Minutes or Less" Challenge over on Carole'Anne's Blog.  This week we were given a sketch.  I decided to pair it up with the pretty colour combo over at Stacey's Curtain Call Colour Challenge which was to use Crushed Curry, Going Gray, Basic Gray and White.  Once again I inked up my new "Elements of Style" Set.  I stamped the main flowers in Mustard and then inked up the swirly stamp in Going Gray, stamping over top of the yellow flowers.  The entire front panel was then put through the Big Shot with the Texturz Plates to add some detail.  I cut out the Hummingbird and popped it up on a dimensional.  I worked fast and had all my supplies and pieces on the table ready to go before I started.  I still didn't make it in 10 minutes but I was quicker this week!  I was in the 20 minute realm!!!

Please stop by the "10 Minutes or Less" Challenge Blog and be sure to play along this week.  I am looking forward to seeing your creations.

Supplies Used:

Stamps: Elements of Style, Watercolour Trio

Paper: Whisper White, More Mustard, Basic Gray Cardstock

Ink: More Mustard, Going Grey, Basic Gray

Tools: Perfect Details Texturz Plates, Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Scissors, Dimensionals, Snail Adhesive, More Mustard Ribbon, Scallop Trim Punch, 2-Way Glue Pen and Dazzling Diamonds Glitter

Thanks for stopping by!

Smiles,

Lesley :)

Colour Throwdown #89 and Stampin' Royalty #16

When I saw the sketch at the Stampin' Royalty Blog this week and the current Colour Throwdown, I knew I had to combine the two challenges!  I decided to finally ink up my new "Awash with Flowers' set which is available this month and then will come out again in the new big catalogue in July.  In fact, any hostess who has a party of $460 will earn this stamp set for FREE!!!  But only for this month!

I inked the outline of the flowers in black and then stamped the inside with Sage Shadow and Almost Amethyst.  I also completed the inside of the card with more flowers and a sentiment from a level 3 hostess set.  The card base is Bordering Blue and the ribbon is Sage Shadow.  You can't see it, but I used my texture plates to emboss the Amethyst cardstock under the top note shape.  I turned the sketch and made a vertical card, looking through my blog, you will notice I tend to make this style of card the most!  It was nice to get out my Top Note Die and use it for the sketch.  I always forget about it and I love the frame it creates for the images.

Tomorrow I will be revealing my second Design Team Card for the 10 Minutes or Less Challenge Blog! It is going to be a fun challenge this week...

Thanks for stopping by! 
Smiles, Lesley :)

I Went for It!!!

I have wanted to play along with Arielle's Colour Q Challenge for a while now...I seem to always be without one of the colours she is looking for but this week I decided to play along with or without the right colours!!  I was stumped as to what kind of card to make.  Wow...it was a real challenge with these colours but I decided to go for it!

I used my new Awash with Flowers stamp set and inked up the flowers in Bravo Burgundy, So Saffron and Only Orange.  The leaves are stamped in Certainly Celery.  The Awash with Flowers set is available to order in April and then won't be available again until July.

Thanks for stopping by!
Smiles, Lesley :)

Elements of Style

I was playing with the new "Elements of Style" Set again! I just love this set and how it stamps.  I also stamped on the inside of my card, for some visual interest.  I used Pale Plum as my card base and I am so sad it is leaving, I am all about soft purple!  Oh well. I am also excited about the new colours coming. 

Here is a close-up of the flowers. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Smiles,

Lesley :)

Vintage Thank You

I love my new Elements of Style stamp set from the Summer Mini!  I stamped it in black, coloured the flowers and leaves.  Then using the backing strip that came was on the back of this clear stamp, I masked the image and stamped over it with my French Script BG Stamp.  Then I spread crystal effects all over the entire front panel with the flowers on it.  I added some Iridescent Ice Embossing powder and heated the entire front panel with my Heat Tool.  Can you see the shimmer on it?  It is really sparkly!

I got this idea from Andrea and her beautiful card can be found here.  I love the simple layout of this card!  In fact the whole card took so little to make it!  This stamp set is an easy one to use!  I also used the sentiment from the new "Watercolour Trio" Set that I am hoping to ink up today!

Last night I played with some other new stamps! I can't wait to share my new creations!!

Thanks for stopping by!
Smiles,
Lesley :)

Stampin' Royalty #15-KISS (Keep It Simple Sweetie)

Hooray! I finally received my newest shipment from SU! and my new "Motorcycle" stamp has arrived!!  As soon as I saw the challenge at Stampin' Royalty I knew that I needed to make a simple masculine card! I chose Sahara Sand, Black and Vanilla for my cardstock.  The image and sentiment is stamped in black.  The sentiment comes from the "Watercolour Trio" set which is also new in the Summer Mini!  I inked up an old BG stamp called "Print Pattern" in Sahara Sand and stamped it onto my card base.  I used some Vanilla Satin ribbon on the bottom of the card.  I was on such a roll with this simple layout, I made another card using the Extreme Skateboarder!   

Thanks for stopping by!
Smiles,
Lesley :)

Elements of Style Preview

My demo order with all new sets from the Summer Mini Catalogue came in tonight!  Oh boy!  I quickly assembled my "Elements of Style" set and went to work.  I wanted to make some pretty Mother's Day Cards for my mom and my mother-in-law.  I stamped the floral image in Elegant Eggplant and then used my Blender Pen to colour the blossoms.  I didn't use any ink on the Blender Pen, I just let it bleed the ink that was already on the page!  The leaves are coloured in with Mellow Moss.

I stamped the hummingbird in the Elegant Eggplant again and then cut it out and popped it up with dimensionals.  I added some Elegant Eggplant Ribbon to the top left hand corner.  I also stamped the inside of the card with the floral image.  The flowers are covered in glitter, that really makes them look pretty! Oh!!!  I love this set!

Thanks for stopping by!

Smiles,

Lesley :)

10 Minutes or Less Challenge (My First DT Creation!)

This is my first Design Team member creation for the 10 Minutes or Less Challenge. I am so excited to be on this team! Here are the colours we are using for the challenge this week! Chocolate Chip, Always Artichoke, White and Rich Razzleberry. I love the rich, elegant colours!!

Here is what I used to create my card:

Stamps: Oval All (113790), Fifth Avenue Floral (113734)

Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Rich Razzleberry

Designer Paper: To the Nines

Embellishments: Whisper White Organza Ribbon, Whisper White Craft Ink

Tools: Scallop Edge Border Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch, Heat Embossing Tool, Embossing Buddy

I chose the Fifth Avenue Floral Stamp Set because it is on SALE for the month of April!!! Oh boy!!! It is 20% off the regular price, which is a fabulous deal! I stamped the Rose in Whisper White Craft Ink and embossed the image using my Heat Embossing Tool and White Embossing Powder. I NEVER, well, HARDLY EVER, emboss and I don't know why! I should do it more! I love the rose image in white...the image works well when it is embossed. I also finished off the inside of the card.

All you need to do is visit Carole'Anne's Blog and link up your card for the chance to win the Wings of Friendship stamp set!!  I can't wait to see what you create using these colours! I hope you get the chance to play along this week!

Thank you for stopping by!

Smiles,

Lesley :)

Colour Throwdown #88-Asian Artistry

I am on the run again today but had to play with the Throwdown Girls!!! You should head to their BLOG and check out the Design Team Samples!! Speaking of Design Teams, I make my DEBUT in TWO days!!! Woo-hoo! We have a fun challenge all lined up! I hope some of my sweet stamping blogging friends will give it a go! (Hint, hint!! LOL!) So please watch for my post on Friday with all the details!!! This card was made for the current Colour Throwdown which was to use Basic Grey, Tangerine Tango and So Saffron. I finally decided to ink up my flowers from the Asian Artistry Stamp Set! Yippee! I coloured the flowers by outlining them in the Orange and then colouring them in with Saffron. I cheated on the leaves and added some Mellow Moss and Basic Grey. The inside is also completed but I forgot to take a picture. Sheesh! I am just running these days!! On a personal note, my school, where I teach, is performing at the big local theatre in one week! My good friend Jane and I (she's a stamper and a fellow teacher at the school) have put this show together from the script and music to the dancing and prancing! Whew! We have been working hard and I am so excited it is only a week away! We are heading to the 800 seat theatre, yep, 800 SEATS, today to make all the final arrangements.

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a great day!

Lesley :)

Splitcoast Stamper's Colour Challenge

I wanted to play along with Splitcoast Stamper's Colour Challenge today to use Ruby Red, Blush, Cameo Coral and Cocoa. I substituted Chocolate for Cocoa. I love these colours together! I used the Charming Set again with my Finial Press Embossing Folder. Only a quick post as I have an appointment and must head off!

Thanks for stopping by!
Smiles,
Lesley :)

Two-Step into Spring Promotion!

Promotion Dates: April 1-30, 2010

Promotion Details:
Hostesses- Host a $460 workshop and receive the brand-new Two-Step Awash with Flowers stamp set FREE! Two-Step into spring with a sneak peek from the 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalogue! Be the first to add the Awash with Flowers stamp set to your collection. I just ordered it for myself! (This is a brand new set and not on sale.)
Customers:
Purchase the 4 spring-themed Two-Step Stampin' sets listed below at 20 percent off the retail price--no additional purchase necessary!

113824 Greenhouse Garden
Regular Price $34.95 On Sale for $27.96 113734 Fifth Avenue Floral
Regular Price $32.95 On Sale for $26.36

111578 Flower Fancy Regular Price $48.95 On Sale for $39.16 113258 Trendy Trees

Regular Price $23.95 On Sale for $19.16

Club Projects: Beary Best Friends

This is what we will be making at my Card Club tomorrow night. I have wanted to use this set for a while with the matching Pawsitively Prints Designer Paper. I decided to teach my fabulous group of ladies how to make a Pocket Card. I thought this would be really cute for a birthday invitation or as a little birthday card. The tag with the image of the bear slides into the card with the ribbon. I love making these cards as an alternative to a traditional card!

I used both the Beary Nice Wishes Set (118050) and the Beary Nice Friends Set (118052). I also used the Buttons #5 Sizzix Die (113440) with my Big Shot. I coloured the bear images using my Stampin' Write Markers in Close to Cocoa/Creamy Caramel, Ballet Blue/Bashful Blue, Pretty in Pink, Celery and Pumpkin. I am currently creating for my first design team project which I will link up to my blog on Friday! I hope you get the chance to stop by and to check out what the Design Team creates! It is a terrifc challenge!

Thanks for stopping by!
Smiles,
Lesley :)

Mercy's Sketch Challenge

I noticed a few of my blogging pals played Mercy's Sketch Challenge this week and when I saw the sketch I was immediately inspired. A couple of weeks ago, I saw this gorgeous card on Stacey's Curtain Call Colour Challenge which was to use Pink, Kraft and White. I loved the way she stamped the brocade background in white craft ink on Kraft paper! So I copied that idea. The flower I stamped in razzleberry, stamped off on scrap paper and then inked up with a Pretty in Pink and Creamy Caramel Marker. The Razzleberry was still on the stamp and it made the image look vintage. (I think?!!) LOL! I gently sponged the outside of the circle with Pretty in Pink.

Thanks for stopping by!
Smiles,
Lesley :)

Exciting News!!

Today I had exciting news!!! I was chosen to be on Sandi and Carole'Anne's Design Team. Yippee!! They do the wonderful 10 minute challenges and both of them are trendsetters for sure! I am so pumped to be on their team! Thank you ladies!!!On Friday I was so excited to learn my card had been chosen by the Stampin' 411 Design Team as one of their weekly picks! I have been playing the Stampin' 411 for quite a while now, I hate to miss it! SO I was pretty excited to have been chosen by them!! This card was made using the Stampin' 411 Sketch. I dug around in my stash and pulled out my "A Little Birdie Told Me" set. It is retired but I love using it to paper piece the bird. My colours are left over scraps on my desk from my swap creations, and I must admit, I love these two colours together!! The DSP is from the Sweet Pea Paper Pack which you can only get until April 30th! I played with the sketch a bit and put the birdie section on an angle. That birdie is such a party animal!!! LOL!

Thanks for stopping by!

Smiles,

Lesley :)

CPS Sketches and Curtain Call Colour Challenges

Again I am using my new "Sweet Scoops" set from the upcoming Summer Mini Catalogue. This is one of the wonderful reasons to be a SU! Demonstrator, you get to play with stamp sets in advance!! I loved the CPS Sketch Challenge this week and decided to play along!! My card measures 5"x5" square. The little strips behind the main image measure 1.25"x 4.75". The main panel is 4.25"x 2.5". The Curtain Call Colour Challenge #25 over at Stacey's blog this week is a fun one! We get to use Bold Brights!! I don't have many Bold Brights and so I had to improvise.

Here is my colour conversion:

Yoyo Yellow became So Saffron

Green Galore became Certainly Celery

Pixie Pink became Melon Mambo

Only Orange became Only Orange (I have that one!!!)

I wish I had those colours that were needed for the challenge because I can just imagine they would look beautiful together! Green Galore, Yoyo Yellow, Pixie Pink and Only Orange are on the retiring list of colours going out this July! I finished off the inside too...now I have a card in my stash, all ready to go!! I glittered up the ice cream part of the cone again...I LOVE the Dazzling Diamonds on these sweet scoops!!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Smiles,
Lesley :)

My First Swap (Another Sneak Peek!)

Today has been wonderful! I cleaned and purged my crafting area, streamlining it so I can be more organized and inspired to create! I am so thrilled with how the room turned out. I have an old dresser from when I was little and I took the mirror off of it and turned it into a long work area with drawers! The best thing is my Big Shot and my Circle Scissors Plus are now out all the time, ready to be used. They just sit on the top of the dresser, all pretty and tidy looking and I get to play!! I joined a card swap with some other Canadian SU! demos. We had to use new stamps from the Summer Mini coming out and I decided to use my "Sweet Scoops" set. This cute little set is so much fun to stamp with, I loved using my Stamp-A-Majig to line up the ice cream tops. The cones are stamped in So Saffron and the ice cream is either Only Orange or Tempting Turquoise. I used my 2-way glue pen to add some Dazzling Diamonds to the ice cream...oh it is SO pretty!!! I also embossed each white panel with my Texturz Plates. The best thing about the Texturz Plates is they emboss softly and so when you stamp a sentiment, the sentiment doesn't look warped! I love it!!

What colour do you like the best? Only Orange or Tempting Tuquoise? I am torn but I do LOVE orange...it is my favourite colour!!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Smiles,

Lesley