A Peek at Nature Walk


I knew the moment I saw Nature’s Walk in the Occasions Mini catalog that I had to have it. Has this ever happened to you? You see a set and you know that it is the set for you? I think that there was just a certain vintage appeal for me, reminiscent of the artwork that you would find in turn-of-the-century science texts. Usually the more I use a set, the more creative I become with it. However, I hope that you enjoy the first card I have made with Nature’s Walk…I am already creating more in my head!

The Stampin’ Schach Design Tips:

  • Color Spritzer Tool dysfunctional? Try the Wonderfully Worn background stamp for a similar effect! I simply applied Soft Suede ink with a Brayer, and the result is instant “aging”! Hint: This technique is especially effective if you have difficulty squeezing the Color Spritzer Tool.
  • Framed! The new Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Framed Tulips, makes a delightful…well, frame…for your central image. Make the tulips “pop” even more by lightly brayering Soft Suede ink over the surface.
  • Tied up in knots! Crumb Cake Seam Binding takes on a different look when knotted with Linen Thread. And for a regal touch, add a new Trinket Crown!
  • The finishing touches! Distressed edges are easily achieved with a Sponge Dauber and Soft Suede ink. A Basic Pearl accents the eye!

How about you…is there a set from the Occasions Mini that is just calling out your name? I will be anxious to read your comments to find out! And remember, if you ever have any questions about the cards that I create or the techniques that I use, I am only an email away. Until next time…

Don’t miss out on the event of the season when Pals Paper Arts unveils it’s Best Dressed List for 2010 on December 30th. See which of the previous Artist Picks makes the cut as the Best of the Best!



Click Here to Order Stampin’ Up! 24/7

Stamp Sets: Nature Walk (W 121925; C 121997—Occasions Mini), Wonderfully Worn (118533); Inks: Soft Suede (115657); Stampin’ Write Markers: Marina Mist (119679), Always Artichoke (105113); Card Stock: Soft Suede (119948), Baja Breeze (111352), Very Vanilla (101650); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Framed Tulips Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (121809—Occasions Mini), Sponge Daubers (102892), Brayer (102395); Glitz and Glam: Crumb Cake 1/2″ Seam Binding (122332—Occasions Mini), Trinkets Crowns (121891—Occasions Mini), Linen Thread (104199), Basic Pearls (119247)

My Favorites for 2010: September through December

Like many of you, my post-holiday time has been very hectic. However, amidst all of the hustle and bustle, I want to make certain that I finish up my favorite cards of 2010 prior to continuing with my Occasions Mini peeks. With that said, here are my faves for the remaining months of September through December. Once again, clicking on the name of the card will take you to the original posts and details.

September

Wreath of Leaves

My Blender Pens and Paper Snips certainly got a work out with this card! Since wreaths are timeless, next year it will be fun to switch out the Designer Series Paper with Stampin’ Up!’s newest fall collection.


This fall I was able to take a class from Michelle Zindorf. Although I will never be the master of brayering that Michelle is, I did like the way this card turned out. However, I would love to switch out my ribbon for something scrunchy!
October

Quick and easy…it just doesn’t get any better! The only stamping on this card was the sentiment. With this card I began my love affair with Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper!

Christmas Balloon

And speaking of Deck the Halls, a wonderful sampling of the various patterns can be found in this balloon card! I can hardly wait to recreate this card with the beautiful Springtime Vintage Designer Series Paper from the Occasions Mini catalog.
November

Texture, Deck the Halls, glass glitter, pearls, scrunchy ribbon…need I say more as to why this card was one of my favorites!

Merry Christmas


With Pearls, Glass Glitter and an Antique Brad, the medallion in the middle of this card is vintage elegance. Once again, I can’t wait to see what new Christmas paper Stampin’ Up! has in store for us next holiday season. Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper will be a tough act to follow!
December
This card was created for a Pals Paper Arts color challenge, and surprisingly enough it worked! However, just to see what it would look like, I would love to re-create this in a different color combination!
And I leave you with my Number One Favorite Card of 2010! The ethereal glow of this monochromatic beauty tops everything!
I hope that you have enjoyed this retrospective as much as I have! And I hope that you are ready for my creations from the Occasions Mini! Until next time…

My Favorites for 2010: July and August, The Twins’ Doggie Day Spa and Blog Candy Winner

Summer time and the living is easy! Enjoy my favorites from July and August. To read the original post in which the card appeared, please click on the name of the card. The remainder of today’s post includes a few pictures of The Twins after their Doggie Day Spa excursion. The winner of the Butterfly Prints Blog Candy will be announced at the very end of the post.

July
Notably Ornate


Yikes…I was in a hurry to get this card completed prior to leaving for Convention. I totally forgot to distress the edges! If I were to re-do this card, I would definitely get out the Sponge Daubers, Soft Suede ink, and the Color Spritzer Tool! And this what an awesome Valentine this would make simply by switching to Cherry Cobbler!

Pals Swap Card


For this Convention swap card I used Pear Pizzazz, Peach Parfait, and Blushing Bride, among other colors. I would love to re-do this card with traditional Halloween colors! Ah…there’s always next year!

August
Greeting Card Kid


Texture, pearls, lace, antique brad, vintage trinkets, Deck the Halls! This is one card that I would not change! That’s unusual for me!

Doggie Day Spa

Thursday was “Spa Day” for the Boxer Twins! Mom woke them up early for their trip to the Allgood Animal Clinic and their appointment with Valerie! After an Aloe and Oatmeal bath and a warming blow dry, they had a mani-pedi and their little puppy whiskers trimmed! Look how pretty Muffy’s feet look!

After such a relaxing day, Muffy could hardly keep her eyes open when she arrived back home to her favorite napping spot on the back of the couch. On her little “Groom-O-Gram”, Valerie noted “I enjoyed all the kisses Muffy gave me!”

And look at the face on this handsome young man! At 19-1/2 weeks, Mr. Brody weighed in at 37.7 pounds. I think that Brody aspires to play professional football! He’s one big boy! On Brody’s “Groom-O-Gram”, Valerie noted that Brody was “very well behaved”. That’s Brody for you!

He is definitely a momma’s boy!

“And Brody…what a big tongue you have!”
“The better to kiss you with, Mom!”

Blog Candy Winner
I would like to thank everyone who took time out of their busy holiday schedule to stop by and comment on my card. I really do appreciate your input and support. As randomly drawn, the winner of this week’s Butterfly Prints Blog Candy is:

#52
Vicki said…
Adding pearls, glitter…really any of those extra touches makes the cards special. I’m always looking to add stuff and the blog candy looks amazing. 🙂

Vicki, would you please email your address to me within 48 hours, and I will send out your blog candy pronto! Once again, thanks to all of you for your kind remarks! Until next time…