Basic Teal Ruby at the PPA


It’s time for another Pals Paper Arts challenge! Everyone knows that I love this challenge, not just because I am on the Design Team, but because of the variety it offers. This week just happens to be a Color Challenge featuring Taken with Teal, Ruby Red and Basic Gray! Have fun with this combination, and let your creativity run wild! Remember that the PPA challenge is open to everyone, regardless of the products that you use!


The Stampin’ Schach Design Tips:

  • Be a “hot shot” with your Big Shot! I couldn’t live without mine! For this card, I’ve texturized using the “Quilted” Perfect Details Texturz Plate and I’ve zipped the Top Note die through with Ruby Red card stock. And if that wasn’t enough, I zipped and texturized Very Vanilla! Whew! But wait…there’s more! I zipped a piece of Taken with Teal card stock through with the Scallop Circle #2 Bigz die (which is just the perfect size for a three inch circle!)

  • Punch it up! Don’t be afraid to try different combinations of punches! One of my favorite combos is to layer the Designer Label and Modern Label punches. And unlike fast food combos…this one is calorie free!

  • “Ice, Ice Baby”! The smaller Square Ice Turquoise Brad mirrors the larger Square Ice Turquoise Brad and visually ties the sentiment to the image. The angularity of the square brads compliments the “arms” of the Serene Snowflake, adding cohesiveness to the design.

  • Pay attention to details! Soften edges with a Sponge Dauber and Basic Gray ink! Paper pierce the scallops! Add a snippet of Basic Gray Taffeta Ribbon! Pop up elements on Stampin’ Dimensionals! All of these details add so much, and will elevate even the most mundane card to marvelous!
I hope that you enjoyed today’s card and tips! I know that I found these colors to be a tad tricky…but isn’t that the purpose of a challenge? I will be anxious to see what you create this week. And, thanks to all of you who participated in last week’s “Think Pink” challenge. It was heartwarming to see us all united in honoring all who have been affected by breast cancer. So, leave me a comment and let me know what you think of this “Basic Teal Ruby” card, and then hop on over to the PPA and few what my fellow Design Team members have created for your inspiration! You will not be disappointed! Until next time…

Stamp Set: Serene Snowflakes (115438—Holiday Mini), Teeny Tiny Wishes (115370); Inks: Basic Gray (109120), Taken with Teal Stampin’ Write Marker (100068), Real Ruby Stampin’ Write Marker (100075), Blender Pens (102845); Card Stock: Basic Gray textured (108693—Neutrals assorted), Ruby Red textured (108697—Earth Elements assorted), Taken with Teal textured (108696—Rich Regals assorted), Very Vanilla (101650); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Perfect Details Texturz Plate (115962), Standard Texturz Impressions Pad (114614), Standard Texturz Silicone Rubber (114615), Top Note Die (113463), Scallop Circle #2 Bigz Die (113469), Circle Scissors Plus (112530), Glass Mat (112531), Modern Label Punch (116630), Designer Label Punch (107590), 1/2″ Circle Punch (104390), Sponge Dauber (102892), Paper Piercer (116631), Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430), Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049); Embellishments: Basic Gray Taffeta Ribbon (109064), Square Ice Brads (109113)

Missing in Action and Still Time to Play at PPA

Doesn’t this blog candy look delicious? It is being offered to one lucky participate during the Pals Paper Arts “In the Pink” challenge. A winner will be selected randomly from all who participate and link correctly to this challenge. But hurry…Mr. Linky will close Tuesday at 12:00 Noon CST!

And don’t worry if you do not hear from me for a few days. It is Parent-Teacher Conference time at my school, and I will be putting in twelve hour days in order to meet and confer with parents. Communication is a very important part of my job, and I look forward to this opportunity to have positive discussions with parents. However, these long hours will take their toll on my card making, I fear! But, I will be back with my Pals Paper Arts inspiration card bright and early on Thursday morning! And I do get Friday off! Until next time…

Vintage Christmas Punch at OCC


I love Saturdays! Why? Because it marks another Our Creative Corner challenge! This week, the OCC gals are challenging us to create a card or project using something vintage or vintage inspired. The “Santa Stamp” from Christmas Punch was my choice for the day, especially since it could be used for the excellent sketch challenge at Penny’s Challenges. Featuring the “Cracked Glass” technique, the little stamps were matted onto Petals-a-Plenty embossed Very Vanilla card stock and distressed. The Designer Series Paper, from the Christmas Jingle Simply Scrappin’ collection, and the sentiment, from Grateful Greetings, are both reminiscent of a by-gone era. Here are my tips for creating “Vintage Christmas Punch”!

The Stampin‘ Schach Tips:

Don’t be afraid to try a new technique! Cracked Glass is easier than you might think. Just follow these steps:

Simply stamp your image onto card stock. I distressed the edges of my images with a Sponge Dauber and Chocolate Chip ink.

Using a Brayer, apply VersaMark ink to the image. Sprinkle with Glassy Glaze Embossing Powder.

Tap off the excess, and heat with a Heat Tool until the powder melts. Up to four layers of Glassy Glaze can be applied. To apply the extra layers, on small images like this stamp, more powder can sprinkled on while hot. For larger images, simply cool, add more VersaMark, and repeat the heating process.

Place the embossed image into the freezer and allow to cool completely. This will only take a few minutes! You are then ready to crack the image.

To emphasize the crackling, distress with a sponge dauber and ink.

There…wasn’t that easy? Remember, if you ever have any questions about the techniques that I use, I am only an email away! And I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you that I will be offering technique classes beginning in February. If you are in the Southeast Iowa or West-Central Illinois area, I would be happy to have you join me! I already have one section filled, so if you are interested in reserving a spot, please email me with your interest. More details will be released after the first of the year!

Important Reminders:

The next Pals Holiday Blog Hop is quickly approaching! Mark your calendar for November 10th, when the focus will be on Fall and Halloween! And don’t forget to participate in the Pals Paper Arts “In the Pink” challenge and huge Blog Candy giveaway! One lucky participant will be randomly selected to receive over $100 worth of Stampin‘ Up! products!

Won’t you please leave a comment for me today? I really do appreciate them. And as always, if you ever have any questions about my cards, please do not hesitate to email me. Until next time…

Please Click Here to Order Stampin’ Up! 24/7!

Stamp set: Christmas Punch ( 115366—Hostess Level 2); Inks: Chocolate Chip (100908), VersaMark (102283), Old Olive (102272), Real Red (103133); Designer Series Paper and Card Stock: Christmas Jingle Simply Scrappin’ kit (115696), Very Vanilla (101650); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Petals-a-Plenty Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (116824—Holiday Mini), Heat Tool (100005), Color Spritzer (107066), Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430), Chocolate Chip Stampin’ Write Marker (100071), Glassy Glaze Enamel Stampin’ Emboss Powder (100477), Designer Label Punch (107590), Brayer (102395), Sponge Daubers (102845); Embellishments: Old Olive 5/8″ Grosgrain Ribbon (109054)