I am so enjoying my first weeks of summer vacation. Oops! I mean retirement! It has been wonderful to finally have the time to stamp and play with my new pre-order items. And it has been fun experimenting with different looks and techniques, as we shall see with today’s card, which features the new Hostess Level I set, Because I Care. I know…it looks like a dead hydrangea. But since everyone else has been using this set to make such gorgeous pink, blue, purple and even green hydrangeas, I wanted to use a monochromatic color scheme using my two new favorite colors, Crumb Cake and Early Espresso. (Why are my favorite colors always named after foods?) Did a make a mistake selecting this combination? I don’t know. I like distressed and “dirty” cards. I like beautiful pink, blue, purple and even green hydrangeas, too. When I was teaching, I always told my students, “A mistake is only a mistake if we fail to learn from it.” And since I learned several things while creating this card, it was not a mistake. I hope you enjoy and benefit from my learning process. And at the end of the post there will be a Blog Candy opportunity. Why? Because I care!
The Stampin’ Schach Design Tips:
- Distressing shouldn’t be stressing! My favorite tools for adding a distressed look are Sponge Daubers, the Color Spritzer and the 7-Sided Tool from the Cutter Kit. After inking up the “Hydrangea” image from Because I Care with Basic Brown ink, I stamped it onto Very Vanilla card stock. Then I heavily distressed the edges of the paper with the 7-Sided Tool. Using the Sponge Dauber, I dabbed Early Espresso Ink on the edges, bleeding in toward the center at the corners. After a few spritz with the Color Spritzer Tool and an Early Espresso Stampin’ Write Marker, my distressed look was complete. Note: The Basic Brown Classic Stampin’ Pad is on The Last Chance List. As of Thursday, it was still listed as available.
- Move aside Monet! Although Monet’s medium of choice was oil paints, I’ll take Blender Pens and Classic Ink Pads any day! I simply touch the tip of my Blender Pen to the corner of an ink pad to load it with ink, test it on a piece of scratch paper, and “paint” away! I used Crumb Cake for the blossoms and Always Artichoke for the leaves.
- Design your own “Designer” paper! I randomly stamped Crumb Cake hydrangeas on Crumb Cake card stock, for a subtle tone-on-tone background. After daubing a little Early Espresso ink on the edges, I had achieved the “smoky” look I wanted.
- W-A-C it! Sometimes focal mats look better when they are adhered Wonky, Akilter, or Cattywampus…all of which translate into “not exactly centered or straight”. I tried centering it, but it just looked better askewed.
- Step it up, if you wish! A few random pearls add so much! Or add a few random petals, snipped out and adhered for added depth.
So there you have it…three similar, yet different, looks!
How About Some Blog Candy?
View One
Here is what I have gathered together for this huge retiring In-Color Blog Candy Package:
- 36 —6″ x 6″ sheets of textured card stock (12 Bermuda Bay, 16 Dusty Durango, 8 Crushed Curry)
- 72 —6″ x 6″ sheets of Designer Series Pattern Paper (24 of each of the 3 colors)
- 36 Card Bases (12 in each of three colors)
- 3 new ink refills (Bermuda Bay, Dusty Durango, Crushed Curry)
- 3 like new Classic Stampin’ Ink Pads (Bermuds Bay, Dusty Durango, Crushed Curry)
- 3 yards of 1/2″ Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon (1 yard in each of the three colors)
- Vintage Labels Clearmount Stamp Set (New)
The rules: I will select one random comment (using a random number generator from Random.org) from all of the comments left on THIS post between now and Monday, June 21st at 3:00 PM, CST. I will announce the winner on Tuesday, June 22nd. The winner will have until Thursday, 3:00 PM CST to contact me with an address. I will ship your scrumptious candy out pronto!
View Two
Don’t forget…there is still time to take advantage of Stampin’ Up!’s $99 Starter Kit! Join The Schach Pack for less than the cost of a trip to the grocery store…and start receiving your demonstrator perks and benefits today! After seeing the new catalog, you will be glad that you did! Click Here to see a short video about being a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator and to sign-up on-line (my recruiting password is stampinschach) or Email Me to learn more! Hobby stampers…here is chance to really make an impact on your Wish List!
So please, leave me a comment to let me know what you think about today’s card, and to take advantage of this wonderful Blog Candy. And remember, if you ever have any questions about the cards that I make, or the techniques that I use, I am only an email away! Until next time…
Click Here to Order Stampin’ Up! 24/7
Stamp Set: Because I Care Hostess Level 1 (W 118384; C 120118—Available July 1); Ink: Crumb Cake (121030—Available July 1), Early Espresso (119670—Available July 1), Basic Brown (104315), Always Artichoke (105219); Card Stock: Early Espresso (119689—Available July 1), Crumb Cake (120953—Available July 1), Very Vanilla (101650); Tools: Color Spritzer Tool (107066), Cutter Kit (106958), Sponge Dauber (102892), Early Espresso Stampin’ Write Marker (119680—Available July 1); Glitz and Glam: Very Vanilla 5/8″ Satin Ribbon (117291), Early Espresso 1/8″ Taffeta Ribbon (119959—Available July 1)
I love your card. How did you make that awesome bow?
Thank you,
M.E.
love the card and the great ideas – thanks!!
Ooooo, LOVE that bow treatment!! Its the prettiest dead flower I’ve ever seen LOL 😉
What a beautiful card! I enjoy checking your blog often to see your wonderful creations. Thanks for the opportunity to win such awesome blog candy. Blessings!
I think the card is just lovely in this color scheme. It shows the versitility of the stamp itself-giving us options.
Ann the hydrangea cards are stunning. I like the first one the best… so elegant looking. I do have this stamp but now can’t wait to use it.
I also learned a new acronym.. WAC how cute is that.
Your blog candy is so generous and I hope I’m a lucky winner.
Thanks for sharing
I can’t believe that I forgot to leave a comment earlier! This card is so pretty! I love the monochromatic look. You are one of the best at distressing cards! And thanks for the chance to win this wondeful blog candy! ~Bonnie~
Leslie said … I have been lucky enough to see this card in person! What amazing creativity for a monochromatic theme. Being color blind I can maybe appreciate this “non” color scheme more than most. I think it has a very antiquated flair that you can’t necessarily create with color. Simply fabulous!
Gorgeous card – I love the monochromatic colors and the ribbon treatment. That’s something I don’t ever think to try – thank you for the inspiration!
Thank you for the offer and I am excited since I do not have that stamp set and some of those colors in an ink pad. I love your hydranga and I love to do distressed and dirty cards too! Congrats on your retirement. Hope you have a wonderful summer!
Ann, I love this card…I am into shabby chic and sepia and I think it is perfect. I love it all three ways. Thanks for the chance to win blog candy.
I have just found your blog and already come back every time I sit at the computer. I hope to enjoy some of your retirement projects in the upcoming days. Thanks!
I really enjoy your card you made. I just love hydrangeas (sp?). I used to have them growing in my backyard. I am looking forward to the new catalog so I can get this stamp!
This is gorgeous! Love the monochromatic scheme and stunning way you combined the bows!
That is a great use of the stamp set!!!! I Love the monochramatic effect on the card!!! Your tips are always fabulous!!! Happy retirement!
Hi Ann, beautiful card! I like the monochromatic look, myself. Your work is great! I am definitely adding your blog to my favorites!Thanks for the chance to win!
Ashley
Hi, Love the vintage look of this card, I also have just found your site and what a talent, cards are beautiful and thanks for the blog candy opportunity. Pat P.
Very nice! I love the monochromatic look and this stamp set!
I LOVE this card. I am such a fan of browns. I call them my crutches, when in doubt, brown! What a great look.
How DID you make that perfect bow? I saw this card on SCS and followed the link in hopes that you might have given directions on the bow too 😉
I always enjoy when you post a new card. This one is beautiful as always! Thanks for the chance to win!
I love the monochromatic look. I have not been brave enough to try it yet, but your card is very inspiring…thanks for sharing!
Amy
http://www.scrapdrawerdesigns.com
Hi, Love all your work and thank you for giving me a chance to win some eye candy………patm
Beautiful! and so is the blog candy. Thanks for a chance to win!
Beautiful card, Ann. I love that you gave us some additonal ideas – random pearls or petals! What a great idea! Thanks for the chance to win some blog candy!
Your bow is pop-off-the-page gorgeous! And the W-A-C idea—off-the-charts! Thanks for a gorgeous (and not dead!) hydrangea!
Hi Ann! Don’t need the candy, but just wanted to stop by and tell you how pretty your card is! Hope you had a good weekend!
Hi Ann! Don’t need the candy, but just wanted to stop by and tell you how pretty your card is! Hope you had a good weekend!
I am so glad you are enjoying retirement. Your work is always an inspiration to me.
I am so glad you are enjoying retirement. Your work is always an inspiration to me.
Ann I love the monochromaic look. You have inspired me to make a card of my own with this technique. I love the new stampset.Thank you for the chance to win such a generous blog candy.
Debbie Gasko
Ann, this is anything but a mistake! WOW, it is absolutely gorgeous. I know you said you distressed the edges, but it almost looks like you embossed them, they have such a shine. Beautiful, TFS.
I checked your blog again this morning not remembering that you are picking a winner tomorrow. I love your cards. I case them all the time. Keep posting!
Martha
These cards are gorgeous! I’m always envious at people who do the whole distressing thing. I can’t seem to figure it out yet lol. Great ideas on how to change up the card as well! Thanks for doing such a fantastic giveaway. Someone’s going to be very happy lol. Keep up the great work =)
Happy Retirement to you!!!! I love the look of your card. I think it’s very elegant. Thanks for a chance to win some wonderful candy.
Babe
Oh I love it!! I love hydrangeas anyway, but the third version – with the petals snipped out and the pearls in the center – wow! Gorgeous! Thank you for sharing.
Carrie L.
Love this card. Thanks for sharing
Leticia
scrapbook_butterfly@ymail.com
I am soaking up every bit of info I can from your site. If your brain hurts it is because I have been pulling every bit of info I can from it! Isn’t that what it is there for? I love your card this week. It is such a joy to see something different, and I am really liking this even though I am a color person. I love the tropical colors especially……thus signing up for this week’s blog! My future son in law says I have the only tropical log cabin in the world!!! Actually the only tropical room is my bedroom. You and the other PPA sites have given me years of info in just a few months. I am disabled and spend many hours online every day….soaking up info! You have added so much to my life & I want to thank you for that! Until next time.
Joan!!!
I am soaking up every bit of info I can from your site. If your brain hurts it is because I have been pulling every bit of info I can from it! Isn’t that what it is there for? I love your card this week. It is such a joy to see something different, and I am really liking this even though I am a color person. I love the tropical colors especially……thus signing up for this week’s blog! My future son in law says I have the only tropical log cabin in the world!!! Actually the only tropical room is my bedroom. You and the other PPA sites have given me years of info in just a few months. I am disabled and spend many hours online every day….soaking up info! You have added so much to my life & I want to thank you for that! Until next time.
Joan!!!
I don’t think you went wrong with you color choice, it looks stunning!!! I just love the bow too, beautiful. Wish I could tie a bow like that! Lovely card!
No, the hydrangea certainly does not look dead! I actually like it, no mistake in my book! Plus all my teachers always said to think outside the box!
Oh I love the looks of all the cards! Please enter me in on the blog candy… I didn’t buy any of those in colors this year and would very much love to have them! Thanks Kathy Hering 🙂
LOVE what you did with the ribbons, Anne. I cannot wait to get this set.
Retired. You lucky dog! I still have at least two more years of teaching before I reach that milestone.
ENJOY!
d
They don’t look dead to me, I really like the monochromatic look. I have seen this same stamp colored in different colors, but I am really loving this look. Great card. Thanks so much for the chance. 🙂
Beautiful,beautiful cards. So very elegant and I just love the bow….it’s so perfect. I would so love to win that yummy blog candy and not to mention, you are very generous with it.
Your card is beautiful. Such a nice touch with the ribbon! I just love this stamp set. Thanks for sharing!
Wow what candy you have!! I just discovered your blog a few weeks ago and love your card creations. Thanks for the chance to win great candy!
Ann, I am so glad I ran across your blog!! I have enjoyed everything you have shown us since your retirement. Man I do believe this is going to be a good thing for all of us, & Blog Candy doesn’t hurt lololol
I really like this card. I have a hard time distressing my cards because I don’t want to “mess them up.” Thanks for showing that sometimes they need to get messed up. I like the monochromatic look you used. I have tried it a couple of times and always like the finished look.
WOW, I’ve never seen such a pretty “dead hydrangea”. All the cards are very pretty.
Thanks for sharing,
Kim
What a GORGEOUS card. Your blog is amazing and I so enjoy visiting everyday for such wonderful inspiration.
Thank you for the generous offering of the candy and have a blessed and happy retirement.
I love the card you made. I have such difficulty with monochromatic cards. I think mine look boring. I really like the stepped up version with the pearls.
I like the 3rd card (with the snipped out petals popped up) the best; I also REALLY like the bow you made, so elegant & PRETTY!
Thanks for the inspiration & the chance to win some blog candy!
I think this card is fabulous! The only thing you could change would be to add a soft pink to the flower in a few spots, but then it wouldn’t be monochromatic anymore. I think it’s lovely!
I am liking this stamp set more and more and I like how you distress it. We are our worse critique of our own work!!! I don’t see any mistakes here Ann. Yes, I do love the name of the color schemes that involve food. They are more yummy that way and more easy to relate to. Thanks so much for a chance to the blog candy. Hugs.
I just love the fact that You make Your focal piece off kilter. I think it makes for a more interesting card! Lately I have seen other colors other than the normal color of hydrangeas…I really like them…Variety the spice of life!
I just love all the cards you make.that stamp is beauitful.Congratulation on your retirement,you are going to love it altgough the days are shorter.
Lovely blog candy.
Thanks for the chance to win.
Jocelan P
Love the monochromatic scheme – I’ll have to give it a try! Love your work and thank you for sharing!
Mona
This card is so soft and gentle. It’s refreshing to see an “unpurple” hydrangea! Love the smoky background you created on the crumb cake paper, and the ribbon is truly striking. Doesn’t look like a mistake to me….looks elegant!
Hi Ann,
your card is so extraordinary, it looks so “old and shabby”. Love the monochromatics.
I can´t believe that you are always use your stamp-pad for coloring, it looks like using the most expensive pencils, oil-colors etc.
I´m overwhelmed.
Have a nice weekend
hugs and smiles
conny with the address in USA.
The card is amazing! When some of the white ones are cut and let to dry – they turn into some brown hues. So, this is what I thought was the original aim – a dried one. I love the richness of the colors and I, too, love distressing. Your monochromatic look is wonderful. I have learned lots of little tips from your blog. Thanks for all your help and inspiration.
Chris R. from Iowa
OHH your Card is GORGEOUS!! I love the Mono look! So elegant!
Congrats on your retirement ( I am so JEALOUS!) And thank you for the chance at the FABBY Blog Candy! I will be going home to Iowa next week, so I will just stop and pick it up on my way to Davenport…LMAO!
Rubber Hugs,
Julie
Your card is beautiful, I love the distressing. Thanks for the helpful tips. Enjoy your retirement!
I love blog candy – thanks for the chance to win.
Cindy
The hydrangea card is very pretty, I’m really liking monochromatic cards lately. Thanks for the opportunity to win some great blog candy!
LOVE it!! So pretty! Your color combo is delish 😉
Thanks for the chance to win some candy!
I personally thought all hydragea were that color!! The ones I have tried to grow were brown! I like it no matter the color.
Love this blog candy! The 22nd is my 60th bday and I know this is my year to shine! Since you just retired I think it’s probably your year too!! Enjoy that retirement!
Ann, Amazing idea to distress a card using new hydrangea stamp. The pearls are an excellent bonus for the eye. LOVE! W-A-C it! No stress there as to matchie matchie margins.
Beautiful card. I really love the pearls which make a big difference in the look of the card. Happy Retirement and thanks for the chance to win some great candy! Gail M.
Ann, this is gorgeous, as most of your projects are! I love the monochromatic look you’ve used. I like it when people do things I never would have thought to do. It gives me inspiration to make my own! Thanks for sharing! ~Chanda
Beautiful card! Thanks for the chance to win some blog candy. You’re an amazing artist.
Hello! I don’t think your card is a “mistake” I think it’s great…I love monochromatic cards. As for your blog candy…yummo!!! I’m gonna miss the curry and durango colors. Thanks again for all your wonderful ideas.
I too am a teacher. Next year will be 38 years and my last one. I am coming home to my craft room. I can’t wait. I love your card with its quite sophistication.
Actually, I think that, with a slight change of the ribbon bow to something a little rustic, the card could be perfect for a man that is a gardener and lover of his flowers. Thanks for the chance to win some wonderful goodies.
fantastic . . . love the touch with the double ribbon and background using the hydrangea. hugs, m
Love, Love, Love the card. I’m a monochroatic, cattywampus person. Enjoy your retirement and make many more cards for us to enjoy.
Ann, I think your card is absolutely gorgeous! Doesn’t look dead to me at all!
Jamie
okicrafter@yahoo.com
So were you one of those teen age girls who wore a lot of smokey eye shadow??? lol You are the best at all this smudgey stuff – and I love the ribbon! (Don’t count me in the blog candy 🙂
Because I care….I’ll leave a comment on your card! I’ve always liked monochromatic cards and stamping in neutral colors. I really like the card and love the ribbon! You are so talented. I wish I had the time to do the things you do on cards!
Thanks for the chance to win!
Luann
Wow, what can I say except I like all 3 versions, but prefer the last one showing off a few petals with pearls. Gives it a special, vintage shabby chic look from long ago. Congrats on your retirement I have been retired 2yrs now and love it. I love your Schach tips, keep them coming. Thanks for sharing.
I love your monochromatic card. I love your wonderful details you give in explaining how this card was made. Happy, happy retirement! I look forward to seeing many more wonderful creations from you.
I love this card. It reminds me
of an old Black & White movie. Congrats also, on your retirement. I am very very jealous!
What a beautiful card. I never see anyone use the spritzer…and that ribbon, I just can’t figure out what you did but I love it.
Thanks for the opportunity to win some amazing and generous blog candy.
Anne I really love the card you made today. I love how you added those little flowers popped up who ingenious….I am so loving SU new colors and you just proved it!
Your blog candy is amazing just like you! You are the best and I love your blog, I don’t miss one day!
I love the monochromatic look. Your card is beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing with us. Happy Retirement.
Beautiful! I never thought to stamp this thing in browns! Cool! Another terrific idea!
No need for blog candy…just thought I would visit and be dazzled and usual!
Another Amazing card! I really like it best in the first photo. I too love that smokey vintagey look and sponges are my best friend. Thanks for a chance to win a very generous blog candy.
Hi Ann, I love your style! I really enjoy all of your creations, however this one is simply stunning!!!!!
I love the stamp set! And your card is gorgeous! Just loving the new colors. I would love to win your blog candy, it would make a great wedding anniversary gift for the 22nd!
Ilene B.
Hi! Congratulations on your retirement! I love the monochroatic hydrangea card, very different. The added touches makes the card take on it’s own beauty. Thanks for the opportunity to win some awesome blog candy.
All three cards are lovely! I like how you shared your lessons…one never stops being a teacher (I know)!
Hi Ann, I’ve seen many of the “colorful” hydrangeas that are out on the blogs right now ~ and yes, they are lovely ~ but there is something very serene about your card that I like a lot. It reminds me of the quieter, cooler days of fall. I especially love the background paper that you made which gives it such a classy touch. Lovely as always!
Thanks for the chance to win such great blog candy! Most of all, thanks for sharing you and your talent with us!
Hugs,
Barbara in SC
Love, love, love everything about this card! Outstanding…and your bow is absolutely wonderful. So glad you have more time to make your beautiful creations! That certainly works for me since I get more eye candy from it! 🙂
Oh my – I had a rough time when I retired – took me almost a year to get used to it and feel right. I’m so happy to hear that you are enjoying yours! When does the new puppy come to you???
I love monochromatic looks. Did I spell that correctly? A beautiful card as usual.
Martha
Beautiful card! I really need to put some ink to that stamp.
That is some awesome blog candy!
Love the card. It looks so elegant. I love cards with the vintage look.
Beautiful monochromatic look Ann. So glad you are enjoying your “retirement” and enjoying your own personal “recess”. Playtime is so much fun and so good for the heart and soul. Thanks for offering such awesome candy too!
What a pretty card you have today. I love the colors, the earthy tones always appeal to me. You are offereing a wonderful blog candy, so very generous!!
Oh, Ann! That is a stunning look! I have saved it in my favorites to try and duplicate or CASE it. Mmmmm just imagine that technique with the Artistic Etchings set . . . I can’t wait for sime time to play!
Susan
http://www.sendingsmilesacrossthemiles.blogspot.com
Hi Ann….Great card and blog candy. I’m looking forward to more of your great creations now that you’ve “retired”….something tells me you’ll be busier than ever 🙂
Cindy
LOL!!! Cattywampus is definitely one of my favorite words! Gotta laugh every time I say it or see it!
Gorgeous card and totally FAB bow and ribbon treatment!!! 😉
You’re the best!
Very nice vintage looking card.
Great blog candy!
Happy retirement! Sounds like you will have a lot more crafting time now!!!
Your card today looks great done in monochrome. Love that pretty bow.
Thanks for the chance to win your generous blog candy.
I think your card is one of the best I’ve seen. I love this look! And your Blog Candy looks SCRUMPTIOUS! 🙂 Hope I get some!
I love the look of this card. I love the monocromatic look and have a tendency to use it often. I don’t think the hydrangeas look dead only artfully dried! Happy Retirement.
I like your color choice. My daughter had “white” hyd…. at her wedding and they were beautiful. This card has an elegance that I quite like.
I love what you did with the ribbon, it keeps the card elegant yet lively. 🙂
I just wish I had 1/16 of your talent. How you come up with your colors and ideas. I could think all week and not come close to your cards. Thank you
I’ve seen many cards in all those beautiful colors but I must say the monochromatic look is beautiful! TFS and thanks for the chance to win!
Hugs,
Elizabeth
Hi, Ann, Love your card as always! Love the high light flowers and the ribbon is to die for. And look at those candy! You are so generous to offer such goodies.
Hi! I love the card that you created today, it’s true, that hydrangea has been used for lots of purples in the other blogs, but I really enjoy the rich browns. I like monochromatic cards, its amazing what you can do with just 1 color (in different shades)
Blog Candy is amazing! You put in so much stuff!!
Thanks for the chance to win!
Melissa