Merci! Danke! Gracias! Thanks! The Paper Players are hosting a “Thankful for Spring!” challenge featuring “Thank You” cards.  After this latest round of snow and cold temperatures, I truly am thankful that spring is just around the corner! I reached for one of my all-time favorite floral sets, Stippled Blossoms, and prepared for some quality time with my Stamp-a-ma-jig. I hope you enjoy viewing today’s card as much as I enjoyed creating it.

The Stampin’ Schach Design Tips
This finished card measures 4-1/4″ wide by 5-1/2″ long.

• They go together! Stippled Blossoms and the Stamp-a-ma-jig “go together like rama lama lama ka dinga da dinga dong”.  On today’s card, I used Soft Sky and Marina Mist for the larger flowers, Primrose Petals (stamped off, then not stamped off) for the smaller blossoms, and Pear Pizzazz and Always Artichoke for the leaves.  Of course, I just had to add Pearl centers to a flower or two!

• A banner thanks! The “Thank You” sentiment from Peaceful Petals was inked with Smoky Slate ink and cut out with the smallest Banner Framelit.  With it’s smaller size, it nestles nicely among the petals, while its color coordinates with Smoky Slate Hardwood background.

• Texture! The debossed side of the Fancy Fan Textured Impressions Embossing Folder provides a wonderful contrast to the Hardwood background.

I love the look of the Stippled Blossom images with the Hardwood background.  It’s a little surprising, and it is one of those happy mistakes that happen every once in awhile.  The Hardwood piece was abandoned from my first attempt at last week’s Pals Paper Arts card.  It was still laying on the counter when I picked it up on a whim. I’m glad I did.  What do you think of this pairing? Won’t you let me know in your comment today? Your comments are important to me.  Of course, if you ever have any questions about the cards I create or the techniques I use, I am only an email away.  Until next time…

Stamp Sets:  Hardwood, Stippled Blossoms, Peaceful Petals; Inks:  Soft Sky, Marina Mist, Pear Pizzazz, Always Artichoke, Primrose Petals, Smoky Slate; Cardstock:  Whisper White, Smoky Slate, Marina Mist; Tools:  Big Shot, Fancy Fan Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Paper Snips, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Banners Framelits; Glitz and Glam:  Pearls Basic Jewels

Growing up on an Illinois farm nearly 60 years ago definitely had its advantages. My days were spent outside on the back of a Shetland pony, while my evenings were spent curled up with a good book. I read every classic available to me, gleaned from the shelves of the “Bookmobile”, the library on wheels which visited our community every two weeks. 

My days have changed radically since then, but one thing which remains unchanged is my love of books.  Maybe that is why Stampin’ Up!’s Ex Libris bookplate stamp appealed to me so much.  It reminded me of so many days gone by…

I hope you enjoy today’s card, created for this week’s Pals Paper Arts sketch challenge.

The Stampin’ Schach Design Tips
This finished card measures 5-1/2″ wide by 4-1/4″ long.

• A matter of interpretation! I am usually so literal when it comes to sketches.  But this time, I put my own spin on it, translating the three circles into three elements: two punched butterflies and a mosaic image from the Lovely Romance set.  A little Blushing Bride card stock blossom, punched with the Boho Blossom punch, was crushed to create a rosebud and adhered to the middle.

• Flutterby! A Butterfly, punched from the a second Ex Libris image, flutters by!

• Magic! A Blender Pen and Rich Razzleberry, So Saffron, and Always Artichoke inks were used to tint sections of the ornate Victorian image.  Of course, a few Pearls work their magic.

Don’t you just love it when a card evokes memories? When I look at this card, so many childhood memories come flooding back. I feel the summer breezes blowing through my open bedroom window in the old farmhouse, and the warm tears rolling down my cheeks as I read Black Beauty.  The smell of horses and hay punctuate the air. Yep…I LOVE it when a card does that!

What do you think of today’s card? Won’t you let me know in today’s comment?  Your comments are important to me, and I do read each and every one. Of course, if you ever have a question about the cards I create or the techniques I use, I am only an email away.  Until next time…

(Lexi Update:  We are pleased to announce that as of Monday, Lexi has gained back 6 of the 10 pounds she lost. Woo hoo! Mondays will be her weigh-in days. We are supplementing her prescription food with “Lexi Stew”:  Chicken, spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, green beans, peas, blueberries, pears and apples…all cooked up in a Crock Pot. 

Here it is…just waiting for me to put on the lid, and turn on the heat.  Lexi only gets a tablespoon or two at a time, but it is so healthy.  Of course, the Twins get a spoonful, too!)

Many of you have emailed me, wondering what happened to the Mystery Hostess event.  I am happy to announce that it has been transformed into the Stampin’ Schach Code Club…a club where EVERYONE gets to be the Host or Hostess, and reap the Hostess Benefits.  Here is how it works:

It begins with SIX people, who agree to being members of the Code Club for SIX months

• Once six members are in place, hostesses for each month will be randomly selected.
• Each month, each member places an online order of $25 or more, before taxes and shipping, using a Hostess Code which will be sent in a private email. You can order more, but you must order at least $25. 
• Codes will be sent on the 10th of each month, and orders will need to be placed by the 20th. You have a full ten days to place your order. 
• You are guaranteed a minimum of $25 in Hostess Benefits, based on a guaranteed workshop of at least $150.

Because I want my online hostesses to feel the same love I give to my local hostesses, you also receive the following perks:

• Free catalogs
• A hostess gift during your hostess month, as a token of my appreciation
• A thank-you card
• A free tutorial at the end of your six month term

You are welcome to gather orders from friends and family to increase your workshop totals.  And remember, your orders are eligible for Shop with Schach Loyalty Points.

What are you waiting for? Email me today to reserve your spot!

Until next time…