InkyPinkies...

Tickled Pink Party!

2012-03-04T12:16:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago I hosted a workshop & swap with a PINK THEME! Every little detail had some pink infused in it. I wanted to share a few of the pics and ideas with you, incase you have a little princess or queenies that would like to party pink with you...

Here's my table all set for my workshop ladies.

I made about a dozen tissue paper pom-poms, you can view a YouTube video how-to here.

They really added a fun flair!

Here is my CANDY BUFFET! I created a tutorial for the apothecary jars, there's a link to the membership site here, I highly recommend this fun site! There are some other fun items, a glittered wood block "Be Mine", pink bottlebrush tree that I'm so in love with, and a pretty embellished pillar candle.

These were my party favors, they're handmade little muslin bags, I posted a tutorial for those here.

What would a PINK PARTY be without PINK YUMMY FOOD?
Here are my Pink Lemonade Cupcakes. They're easy and awesome! My recipe is this: White box cake cupcakes. Make fresh buttercream icing (3C confectioner's sugar, 1 stick softened butter, 2T milk), but replace the milk in the recipe for frozen pink lemonade concentrate. Needs no additional color or flavoring! Amazingly pretty and yummy!

Below are bottled water wrapped in patterned paper (Beau Chateau SU!), and sugar cookies topped with M&M's. The sugar cookies were melt-in-your-mouth. The recipe is from Allrecipes.com and you can find it here.

Finally, here's a pic of my lovely friends enjoying themselves at the party. Make and takes, Sale-A-Bration shopping, and card swaps. And all the wonderful sweets :)

Apothecary Candy Buffet

2012-03-04T07:38:00.000-08:00

One more time this round, I've designed a pretty project for UStamp With Dawn and Friends!! Big Shot Roundup.

Here's a yummy Candy Buffet. It's a cinch to put together, and makes a fabulous display for your wedding, birthday, stamping event, or everyday organization.

This tutorial includes jar decoration, embossed candy bags, thank-you notes, and envelopes to match. It will pull your party together and make you look like the Hostess With The Mostest {which you are, of course}! There's also a recipe and instructions for the pretty cake pops pictured .

If you are interested in checking out this and FIFTY more world class projects, for $24.99 for a three month membership, click here to be taken to UStamp With Dawn and Friends!! Big Shot Roundup!!

Don't leave home without it!

2012-03-03T10:44:00.001-08:00

Your scrap supplies, that is!

I'm leaving to fly to Southern Parts Unknown this morning, and normally I drive and bring with me three bins of craft product in my family Suburban. It goes in before food. And the cats (2 of them). But since we're flying commercial air, momma had to pack light. And by light, I mean I didn't even want my husband to know its in the suitcase!

So I came up with this brilliant solution. I grabbed a Priority Mailer from the post office. Covered it with patterned paper to make it pretty. Then packed it with the bare basics to scrap a mini album while I'm gone! I have some fun goodies tucked in, including an entire Simply Scrappin' Tickets & Tags kit, mini album starter from my stash, trimmer, stapler, adhesive, and a clear wood mount case full of embellishments. That should do just fine ;)

Here's a quickie on how to dress up an unattractive repurposed box...

I'll be posting the creation of the mini album on my limited supplies over this coming week. Wish me luck & lots of crafty time!

Have a blessed & creative day! Erika. www.erikaclark.stampinup.net

Butterflies & Blossoms Layout & Trinket Box

2012-02-29T09:13:00.000-08:00

I am so honored to be designing projects for Ustamp With Dawn and Friends, and today my latest project premiered on her site!

It's a 6" x 6" layout with easel back, matching card and "trinket" box. I designed it with a specific use in mind - to document the memory of a loved one or a cherished time, and tuck mementos in the box.

I want to share with you how I finished my project.

My sweet Gram passed away in May of last year. She was an everyday part of my life for so many years, but particularly the last five, when she suffered from Alzheimers Disease and slowly came to need everyday care. Dealing with a loved one with memory loss is very difficult, but as in all things, there are blessings that come from these times. She loved my children fiercely, always wore a smile, and was my constant cheerleader. So, I finished this little layout and box to capture the good times and hold a few keepsakes of the times I'm grateful for.
Here's us...

Here is the finished trinket box...there's a locket with curls from MY first haircut that she always kept :), and some little things she kept beside her.

I made little picture cards with journaling blocks on the back. They're 2-1/4" x 3-1/4" on Poppy Parade, with 2"x2" squares of Very Vanilla, stamped with the lined journaler and date stamp from Notes & Details. Die cut butterflies from Beautiful Wings Embosslits are the only embellishment. Keep it simple, and repetition works!

Thanks so much for looking! You really should check out all of the wonderful projects Ustamp With Dawn has to offer. It's $24.99 for three months of access to 40+projects, chats, and community events. Here's the link: http://bigshotroundupuswdaf2012.ning.com/main/authorization/signIn?target=http%3A%2F%2Fbigshotroundupuswdaf2012.ning.com%2F

Have a blessed & creative day! Erika. www.erikaclark.stampinup.net

Elegant Bird and Blossom

2012-02-25T13:11:00.000-08:00

I really should be doing other things today! But when there's a card challenge rolling around in your head, new supplies, and housework to be done, what are you going to do? All I can say is, thank God for the washing machine. I still look somewhat productive, having the mountain of clothes attacked, and still have time to fit in this card...

I love the new Elegant Bird Die. I plan to make some fabric projects with it very soon! Today, she was cut with Crumb Cake and embossed with Vintage Wallpaper, inked with White Craft. Her wings are actually from the Two Step Bird Punch, not the die cut that exactly matches. However, I thought it played well with the blossom as both leaves and wings.

I stamped up the Crumb Cake base and the inside of the card with images from Sale-A-Bration, Fresh Vintage. Just enough to shabby it up a little!

The center square and bird are spritzed with Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz, I took a pic in the sunlight to catch the sparkle...

You can see how I make flower rosettes on this earlier blog post. I used white waffle paper (from the 2012 Spring Mini) for this rosette, and spritzed it with Blushing Bride Smooch to give it a little shine and color (also from the mini). Fabulous stuff! I love when you can make something truly unique from Stampin' Up!'s basics.

Here's the sketch posted today on Stamping 411 with The Operators. So many possibilities here with that lovely circle in the middle. I really love what the designers have done, you have to check it out. All sorts of creations in the center...medallions, squares in the round, doilies, a maze, and die cuts. Fantastic!

SUPPLY LIST:
PAPER: Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla
STAMPS: Fresh Vintage, Kindness Matters
INK: Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Blushing Bride
ACCESSORIES: Elegant Bird Bigz Die, White Waffle Paper, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, Smooch Spritz, Blushing Bride Pleated Ribbon, Victoria Lace Ribbon, Bird 2-step punch, Pink Rhinestones from Blossom Builders Designer Printed Kit.
OTHER: Sewing machine, scotch tape

Color Block Challenge

2012-02-23T09:29:00.001-08:00

After a nice, uplifting Ash Wednesday service, I'm already looking forward to Easter! I do believe we're having an early Spring too, don't you think?

This week at Hand Stamped Sentiments, the challenge is Color Blocking. Well, I started thinking and several possibilities started brewing. So I tried a bunch of them...

This one is a trio of die cut butterflies, on Attic Boutique DSP and Watercolor Paper, layered with the middle butterfly popped up. Clean and simple, just a teeny bit of ribbon and linen thread trim and a little banner sentiment from Heaven Blessed. The textured Sahara Sand CS gives it enough interest that it didn't really need more embellishment.

Inside is a little layering with DSP and Pool Party, with the sentiment and a bunny stamp.

The second card is masking butterflies with the same die, Beautiful Butterflies Bigz. Die cut a piece of copy paper, scotch tape the unwanted cuts back onto the paper, leaving only the desired butterfly cut out. Sponge them across Very Vanilla in Regal Rose, Daffodil Delight, Pool Party. A little punch trim, layered DSP, on Soft Suede. More clean and simple!

Here they are together...

The third one I like the concept of, and I probably could do more with this. It's simply 1-1/4" strips of CS and DSP, cut into squares and rectangles. Arrange onto scrap paper and stamp a little scene of images from Heaven Blessed. I like the detail on these stamps, and will watercolor them really soon. But not today ;)

Once the images are stamped, move them onto the card base arrange, and adhere. Add a little brad as a focal point.

The shape of the squares is carried through to the inside of the card here...

Here's the color block challenge from Hand Stamped Sentiments. I love their samples this week. Not sure I'm done with this challenge yet, I have a layout to work out still and this technique offers so many possibilities!

SUPPLIES:
STAMPS: Heaven Blessed (Spring Mini 2012)
DSP: Attic Boutique (Spring Mini 2012)
CARDSTOCK: Watercolor paper, Sahara Sand, Pink Pirouette, Pool Party, Soft Suede,
INK: Soft Suede
ACCESSORIES: Big Shot, Beautiful Butterflies Bigs Die, Corner Rounder Punch, Pool Party Seam Binding Ribbon, Linen Thread, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Punch, Basic Rhinestones, Sponge

Have a blessed & creative day! Erika.

Fresh Vintage {cut & color}

2012-02-20T17:22:00.000-08:00

Today we were finally SNOWED IN! I have so been craving a snow day. Amidst the boys' wet clothes, mopping up bootprints, and chucking wood in the stove, I made a bright bouquet of Fresh Vintage flowers.

I love the color combo of shabby Basic Grey, Wisteria Wonder, and Poppy Parade. A little Lucky Limeade to tie it all together.

The scalloped circle is a die cut from Perfect Pennants, laced together with a little Lucky Limeade Organdy Ribbon from Sale-A-Bration. A 1-3/8" circle punch of Lucky Limeade fills in the center, and hand-colored and cut bouquets from Fresh Vintage. I spritzed a little Basic Grey and Lucky Limeade here and there to ink up the Confetti White cardstock even more.

An Antique Brad cinches the center of a seam binding ribbon bow. My thought was that it looks like a little hand-tied bouquet, for a shabby-chic look. Shabby chic doesn't come naturally to me, but I really love the look when I see it!

I used The Friday Mashup's sketch and theme FM46 for my inspiration...
As well as Cupcake's Creations color challenge. Excellent combo!

Here's the view of the tree outside my window today. I. LOVE. SNOW.

Have a blessed & creative day!
Erika

Go Fly A Kite! {how to}

2012-02-18T20:26:00.000-08:00

This month's Stampin' Success magazine features some beautiful paper pieced kites. So pretty, I had to make one too.

Chock full of Sale-A-Bration goodies! Everyday Enchantment DSP and Ribbon & Brad pack make up the kite. New from the Spring Mini are the Edgelits Dies and Textured Impressions Embossing Folders to match.

Peeking from behind the Square Lattice is the beautiful tree image from Forever Young.

These new border treatments make a huge impact and are so easy to use!

TRY IT! Here's the basic How-To...
Start with 2 small pieces of patterned paper:
One at 1-1/4" square
One at -1-1/4" x 2"
Then cut and assemble like this:

Connect your four pieces of the kite with a 1" square of paper covered with glue or tape runner.
Use Sticky Strip around the back border to adhere the scalloped border. Pictured here is SU's Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch.
Add ribbon to kite's tail as desired. The sky's the limit!

I'm playing with a sketch from Stamping 411...

I just turned it left 90 degrees.

Have a blessed & creative day! Erika.

Fabric Flowers, anyone?

2012-02-16T15:09:00.000-08:00

Howdy, Y'all!

I've been busy creating a few new project tutorials for the current round of UStamp With Dawn and Friends. I want to share my latest with you...

It's a fabric wrapped wreath with four kinds of handmade fabric flowers. Matching mini cards and box, all with beautiful Beau Chateau fabric from Stampin' Up.

The full 6 page tutorial for this project, plus over 40 others, is available right now at the live UStamp With Dawn and Friends Big Shot Roundup, click here to join in!

Boy Valentine <3

2012-02-14T04:45:00.001-08:00

Here's the Valentine I made for my boys.

Lots of Love Letterpress plates
P.S. I Love You stamps
Framelits Labels largest size
Extreme Skateboard stamped inside of
SU's new Maze Game
A little Glimmer Paper and sponging.

Here is the same topper, done girly-style...

Have a blessed & creative day! Erika. www.erikaclark.stampinup.net

Blossom Heart Valentine

2012-02-12T18:46:00.000-08:00

This is the Valentine I've made for my dear husband. I hope he doesn't think it's too frou-frou. But either way, I love it ;). And I love him.

It's Real Red CS embossed with Lots of Love Letterpress Plates and Versa-Mark. Sponged with Real Red.

Then a scrap of cardstock punched with the Full Heart Punch is covered with Sticky Strip and adhered with temp adhesive to the work surface (to hold it in place). NOW...punch 60 hearts from the Bitty Shapes Punch Pack flower punch. Yea, it took 60! Sponge all of them with Real Red & spritz them with with Blushing Bride Smooch Spritz.

Layer them onto the sticky strip covered heart, first in single layer, then build up with Stampin' Dimensionals to give it a robust look. A few of the top blossoms get pearls.

Embellish card with ribbon & a hat pin.

Here's my inside. I got a little crazy with the smooch!

Below is the card with the decorated envelope.

Here's my inspiration, it's a gorgeous card by Patricia Barber. I couldn't find a blog for her and I hope she doesn't mind the CASE! I just had to share, I think anyone would love to get a card so pretty and heartfelt.

Have a blessed & creative day! Erika. www.erikaclark.stampinup.net

Twitterpated Fabric Flower Keychains

2012-02-11T19:15:00.000-08:00

It's snowing today, but it's all springtime in my craft room. It's full of these Twitterpated fabric blooms! Are you curious about using SU fabric but don't sew? Then grab your hot glue gun, a strip of Designer Fabric, and a scrap of ribbon and whip up one of these rosettes. I've made them into keychains. Here's how...

Tear a 3" x 24" strip of fabric and tie a knot at one end. Heat up the glue gun.

Wind and roll the fabric around the knot in the middle, adding dabs of hot glue as you go. Tuck the last bit of fabric and glue it to the back.

Using the Big Shot and Blossom Party die, cut a flower from felt, burlap, or paper. Felt works nicely.

Cut one 6" and two 3" lengths of ribbon. This is SU Dotted Scallop ribbon.

The leaves are formed from the 3" pieces like this.

The 6" strip is folded in half & hot glued, along with your two leaves Then seal it all in the back with your felt flower. Slide a keyring onto the ribbon loop and you have a sweet handmade accessory!

They fit nicely in Stampin' Up's Bitty Box.

Here's my bunch, ready to swap!

Have a blessed & creative day! Erika. www.erikaclark.stampinup.net

Valentine Inspiration Gallery

2012-02-11T12:35:00.000-08:00

I hosted a Tickled Pink workshop and swap last weekend, where we enjoyed lots of pink goodies, pink decorations, and swapped gorgeous PINK projects.
This was an anything-goes swap, as long as there was pink in it somewhere.
I wanted to share with you all the beautiful creations from the girls...

SHERAHL

Sherahl made a fabulous treat holder, and handmade heart shaped rice crispy treats with her precious grandson to tuck inside. For all the details you can check out her post here.

RACHEL

Rachel outdid herself with this way over-the-top pretty backpack! It's SO girly-girl and expertly done. I myself, choose not to use white for most of my papercrafting, because I am Inkypinkies and can't keep things clean :). Rachel can though!

WENDY

Wendy makes the cutest projects and I love her style SO much. She made an anti-bac holder, using Melon Mambo, hand cut doilies from Flirtatious and glimmer paper, glitter, and bling! Fit for a pink princess!

DANYELLE

What can I say to do justice to this card? It's perfect and nobody will ever receive it from me because it's in my permanent inspiration place. This girl knows how to use a stamp to its maximum potential! She used P.S. I Love You stamp set from the Spring Mini, the new Doily die and Smooch spritz, and then there are details that go on forever. Eyelet border punch, pleated ribbon, bling, Distress Stickles, embossing.

She's also a fantastic blogger and gives me a big old belly laugh everytime I read her blog. Please check her out here.

JOANN

JoAnn is a major blessing in my life, my neighbor and my crafty sista. She turns out all pretty stuff, and this card is no exception! Crumb Cake, Beau Chateau DSP, Framelits, Apothecary Art, Velvet Trim.

IRIS

Iris is an avid cardmaker, and her cards are always cute, clever and inspiring. Her pretty thank-you card features Flirtatious DSP against Regal Rose and Pink Pirouette. Fine pink choices :)

ELSIE

Elsie's card is out of this world! A slider card with paper piecing on the hot air balloon. Love it!

JUDYANNE

JudyAnne, you are the real deal! She made all three of these goodies, the medallion pop above nestles in the box below. I am at this very moment eating the Kisses from this box. That red one there? Gone. Oh yes I did.

The medallion has an envelope from Scallop Envelope Die on it, with a beautiful pink Girardhelli chocolate in it, calling my name. It says, "For You", right?

Judy also made this little sweetie, with Sixlets for limbs. I'll be CASE-ing this for my 2nd grader's Valentine's Day party. He voted it best of the bunch!

Have a blessed & creative day! Erika. http://www.erikaclark.stampinup.net/

DIY Muslin Pouches {sweet & simple}

2012-02-09T20:34:00.000-08:00

I love, love, love muslin! It's soft, pretty, and cheap to play around with. I made these sweet little gift pouches for my Tickled Pink theme party this weekend. I'll be posting all about the party over the next few days, but I wanted to start sharing do-able projects.

Each pouch is hand-stamped with the heart image from P.S. I Love You (Spring Mini) and has a matching ribbon drawstring of Rose Red Seam Binding Ribbon. They're just the right size to tuck a small sample-size lotion or antibacterial bottle.

Want to make some? Here's how:
Get some muslin, scrap fabric, or Stampin' Up designer fabric.
Cut a strip 4" x 14"

Run a straight stitch along both ends.
Fold in half, seam side out. Your bag is inside out at this point.

Stitch along both sides, but don't sew completely up to the top. Leave some room at the top for your ribbon to run through.

I took (2) 18" pieces of ribbon, and ran each through the sides with a safety pin attached at one end. This makes threading INFINITELY easier!
Then, voila! You have a stinkin' cute drawstring pouch to stamp on and fill up.

Have a blessed & creative day! Erika. www.erikaclark.stampinup.net

Love You Because...dry erase frame art {Thriftypinkies}

2012-01-30T10:31:00.000-08:00

My stampin' sister JoAnn found these frames at (lol) JoAnn's for A DOLLAR! Get out, right? They're gorgeous and sturdy.

So I decided to try using it as a dry-erase board.

I used SU's new Attic Boutique DSP, layered it up at a 4x6 size, and added an image from Have A Seat in Early Espresso, run through the Big Shot with Decorative Frames embossing folder, and hand-tore the edges. Then I inked the edges in Poppy Parade to match the matting of the smaller rectangle, but inked from the backside first, distressed a little more with my fingernail, and touched up on the front side only where I thought it was needed. This way, the sponging is very subtle. Punched two hearts from Poppy Parade and silver Glimmer Paper and set them on the chair. I framed this portion at this point.

Below you can see that I added all the 3D elements on the outside of the glass...printed "I Love You Because" with my computer using French Script font, and printed on Watercolor Paper. It has such rich texture! Then I finished the edge with Basic Pearls and added a few more in the lower corner.

Here's the beautiful part...whenever you think of another reason, you can write a little love note to your special someone and leave it where they'll see it!

AND, I discovered that our Stampin' Write Markers work wonderfully in place of a dry-erase marker. to change the message, spray a bit of Stampin' Mist onto a tissue and it rubs off easily!

Here's my first message to my sweetie. I also plan to leave these messages to my children. Like, "Your smile lights up the room", "you give the greatest hugs", and "your techie genius always saves the day" <3

I used The Paper Players current sketch to inspire the layout, I just made it landscape to suit my needs. You should give it a try!

SUPPLIES:
STAMPS: Have A Seat
PAPER: Attic Boutique DSP, Pool Party, Poppy Parade, Watercolor Paper
INK: Early Espresso, Poppy Parade, Black Stampin' Write Marker
ACCESSORIES: Big Shot, Decorative Frames Embossing Folder, Heart to Heart Punch, Basic Pearls,

Have a blessed & creative day! Erika. www.erikaclark.stampinup.net

A-MAZE-ing Easel Valentine

2012-01-27T15:35:00.000-08:00

Here's a seriously fun card for someone you love. Or like a lot!
It's Stampin' Up!'s new Maze Game set from the Spring Mini, and I plan to have a LOT of fun with these.

This one is wrapped in pleated ribbon and propped up on an easel card to show it off a bit.

Lots of glitter hearts are added. Some to hold the easel, some just 'cause!

Here's how it looks closed. These angle easels are really easy. Just start with a 5-1/4" square card, and score from the bottom left to the top right, with the card opening from the side (not the top). This way will guarantee that all your embellishments stay right-side-up when you open the card and don't turn sideways. Believe me, I know ;)

Here's a back view. I made sure to cover the back of the maze puzzle, which would otherwise be white, so it looks finished from all angles.

This is how it looks opened traditionally, so you can write a nice BIG love note at the top.

Detail of the back of the puzzle. I used Sticky Strip to run the pleated ribbon around the backside of the puzzle, then covered it with a 2-1/2" circle of DSP, adhered with Stampin' Dimensionals so the ribbon won't get crushed. I love those embossed hearts! I also took the tiny balls out of the puzzle and put rhinestones in there, shaker-card style, but they didn't show up as well as I hoped.
Below is an an angled view, not too much bulk, but still plenty going on there!

I was inspired by two challenges, first one is SUO37, Stampin' Up Only challenge to use your NEW stash.
Second is this great sketch from Friday Mashup.

SUPPLIES:
STAMPS: Totally A-maze-ing
PAPER: Sweet Shop designer DSP, Silver Glimmer Paper, Pear Pizzazz, Whisper White
INK: Calypso Coral, Basic Black
ACCESSORIES: Maze Game, Pleated Satin Ribbon (Pear Pizzazz), 1/8” Organdy Ribbon Everyday Enchantment (Calypso Coral - SaleABration), In Color Printed Designer Brads, Small Heart Punch, Heart to Heart Punch, 2-½” Circle Punch, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter
BASICS: Simply Scored, Dimensionals, Sticky Strip

Have a blessed & creative day! Erika. www.erikaclark.stampinup.net

Five Minute Letterpress Favors

2012-01-14T18:42:00.000-08:00

I always tuck a thank-you in my customers' bags, and for several reasons. 1) I love my customers, 2) I love to showcase products and techniques, and 3) I love an excuse to make cute things!

I whipped these up while sorting my order before work this morning.

I have to confess! I've tried to use the letterpress plates several times before, as they really intrigue me. Every time I tried, I'd tear huge holes in my CS and sit and pick the shreds out, swearing under my breath. THEN I READ THE ENCLOSED INSTRUCTIONS! LOL! Very easy, as it turns out :) tab "A", only one plate. Ah ha!

So let's have a look. Black CS, white Craft Ink, die cut from Two Tags. Inside I wrapped a sample of black Scallop Dots ribbon. But if I were handing out to friends, I'd stick some Andes Chocolates inside ;)

Below is the quickie recipe to put these together.
Basic Black CS pressed with White Craft Ink
8" Pink Pirouette 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon
Pink Pirouette CS, pressed with White Craft Ink, Punched with Decorative Label Punch. The little points on each short side are cut off so I can wrap the sample ribbon around.
Hat Pin
Silver Glimmer Paper, punched with Full Heart Punch
Scrap of the Pink Pirouette pressed CS punched with Modern Label Punch.

To easily stick the Hat Pin down, first stick Stampin' Dimensionals on the back of the glimmer heart, then place your pin on the tag, securing with the glimmer heart.

I'm playing with Nina Dee's ribbon challenge, as I added some tinsel trim on a few, I think that counts as metallic ribbon! Love her challenges, ribbon is my favorite embellishment.

Also playing along with SUO Challenge 36, New Techniques. I'm so proud of myself for figuring out that Letterpress Plate, simple as it may be!

Have a blessed & creative day! Erika. www.erikaclark.stampinup.net

Apothecary Pretties...

2012-01-10T16:46:00.000-08:00

No, I haven't had enough of these gorgeous Framelits Labels yet!

I love this sketch from Stamping 411 that I thought I'd try it one more time! It's definitely going into my permanent template archive. Very easy and elegant!

I stamped the image from Apothecary Art onto watercolor paper using black Staz-On, colored with Stampin' Write markers, and started blending with the blender pen. The inner ring of Pool Party adds a nice dimension to the label, and frames those flowers very nicely. Just blend in circles, gently and steadily, from the outside toward the center.

The butterflies are cut from Beautiful Wings Embosslits, they're one of my all-time favorite tools. One large butterfly from Everyday Enchantment DSP, and another with vellum sheet. Layer and adhere with Sticky Strip folded in half lengthwise to make it nice and thin. Add a few Basic Pearls and pop it off with a dimensional.

The ruffled ribbon makes a nice banner across the label, and fills in the spot where a sentiment might go. Love that Ruffled Ribbon!
Below is the inside, simple but done :)

I'm playing along with HSS's challenge to use pleats or ruffles. Click here to join the challenge! I really enjoy their challenges as well as their inspiration projects.

Also using this fab template that I already mentioned: Click here for Stamping 411's weekly challenge! They always treat you like one of the gang :)

SUPPLY LIST:
STAMPS: Apothecary Art, Tea Shoppe ("Stay" sentiment)
DSP: Everyday Enchantment (Sale-A-Bration), Vellum
CARDSTOCK: Wild Wasabi, Watercolor Paper, Very Vanilla
ACCESSORIES: Stampin' Write markers (Calypso Coral, Daffodil Delight, Wild Wasabi, Riding Hood Red. Black Staz-On. Blender Pen. Beautiful Wings Embosslits. Ruffled Ribbon in Pool Party. Basic Pearls.

Have a blessed & creative day! Erika. www.erikaclark.stampinup.net

Clean & Simple Saturday

2012-01-07T13:34:00.001-08:00

An easy, simply layered card for a busy Saturday...with Stamping 411's Saturday sketch.

I took down all of my Christmas decorations today, and as much as I miss the holidays (I really do!), I love how plain and clean my house looks when all the Christmas fluff is packed & gone. So keeping in the spirit of plain, clean, and pretty, I finally grabbed a coffee & headed to the craft room to rest my feet & unwind!

I do love repetition in cards, so if one banner's good, and one Apothecary label is good, then more is better, right?!!

I layered the hearts as well. Punched 3 from glimmer paper, scored on the white side down the middle & fold each in half. Apply sticky strip to one half of each heart & stick them back to back, leaving the last two with no adhesive till you're ready to use it. I like this 3D heart because it'll still fold flat to mail.

Here's the sketch:

SUPPLY LIST:
CARDSTOCK: Crumb Cake, Shimmer White
DSP: Attic Boutique, Glimmer Red
STAMPS:Apothecary Art, P.S. I Love You
INK:Soft Suede, Crumb Cake (sponging)
ACCESSORIES: Framelits Labels, Small Heart Punch, Linen thread

Have a blessed & creative day! Erika. www.erikaclark.stampinup.net

Happy BIRD-Day!

2012-01-06T17:40:00.000-08:00

Here's a cute little number I whipped up for my son's 11th birthday...

It's a boxed cookie-decorating set! With Angry Birds!

Here's how it looks when the lid opens, revealing a mason jar, frosting, and sprinkles...

All set to decorate!

Here is the card, it's a slider card (my first try ever)...

and opens to reveal a bunch o' flyin' Angry Birds!

Look Out! Birds a'flyin'!

Now, I have to reveal my sources, since this was not my original talent, but a collaboration of two fantastic tutorials.

The Angry Birds tutorial was by Mellisa Stout, her blog is The Stamp Doc. You'll see this is nearly an exact case, as I'm new at both sliders and pop ups!

The box of treats is a tutorial that is currently on UStamp With Dawn and Friends SCORED! Event. Rachel Ricks designed this adorable kit to be used to cook a personal cupcake in. You can visit Rachel's blog, The Little Blue Room here to see the original version.

You can also gain access to this and tons of other tutorials by visiting UStamp With Dawn and Friends directly. I was a Dawn & Friends addict, and now I'm blessed to design for her!

Thanks to both of them for helping me put together a gift that's sure to bring a sticky, sprinkly smile!

S'Mitten!

2012-01-04T13:59:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to reveal a new project I designed for UStamp with Dawn and Friends SCORE! Event!
I can share some pics with you today, and invite you to check out all the wonderful projects offered.

This is my project:

It's a 3D mitten, embossed and decorated with all kinds of wonderful new items from SU's Spring Mini.
{Which, by the way, went live today and is available to everyone!}
It is filled with a whole array of manicure goodies, nail polish, cuticle stick, polish remover pads.
Also, there is a swing-a-way box, which houses 5 mini cards with decorated envelopes, and wrapped Ghirardelli chocolates.

Here's a closer shot of the mitten with the manicure goodies:

And here's how the box displays the cards and chocolates.

It's super easy to put together, and I think any friend would love to receive this for a birthday, Valentine's day, or just because! I've written a complete step-by-step tutorial with lots of photos and a printable template for the mitten.

If you're ready to join the fun at the SCORED event, click here to go to UStamp With Dawn and Friends site. There are member galleries, live chats with giveaways, and new projects posted at least twice a day. You will never run out of amazing projects when you are a part of this group.

Perfectly Penned...with Pens!

2012-01-02T18:37:00.000-08:00

Today was a snowy day, really cold here in the Appalachian Mountains. This card, with it's bright & cheery color pallette, really warmed my spirits!

The patterned paper is a new set available TOMORROW from SU's Spring Mini, called Attic Boutique. The patterns are vintage, shabby chic, and some are a bold retro, and they are wonderfully layerable! I'll be using this DSP a lot.

I matted & layered a few patterns. I like that the base pattern is fountain pens, and the stamp is from Perfectly Penned ;). Well played.

I hand made a little flower from a scrap of crochet trim, gathered with thread, and finished with a large pearl.

The paper that the stamped image is on is also from the DSP, a light floral yellow pattern.

The card sketch is Mojo Monday's latest:

The color combo is a Cupcake Creations challenge, CR84FN45. Truly challenging for me, but I enjoyed the outcome!

SUPPLIES:
CARDSTOCK: Crumb Cake, Pool Party, Soft Suede
DSP: Attic Boutique (Daffodil Delight, Calypso Coral, Poppy Parade, Pool Party, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla)
STAMPS: Perfectly Penned
INK: Soft Suede
ACCESSORIES: Calypso Coral Organdy ribbon, Crochet Trim ribbon, large & basic pearls, sponge, Bird punch (leaf).

Have a blessed & creative day! Erika. www.erikaclark.stampinup.net

True Scrap SSC236

2011-12-31T09:23:00.000-08:00

Being away for the holidays, I still have to drag supplies with me and play with paper! I have downsized my travel stash quite a bit though, and am down to only 2 small totes. So I'm limited in my choices.
I made this card following Stamping 411's sketch challenge using almost exclusively scraps.

There are some sneak peeks here! The DSP, Everyday Enchantment, is my new favorite.
The die cut is the large doily from the Spring Mini.
Matching brad & DSP are Sale-A-Bration scores! As well as the stamp in the center, Fresh Vintage. Starts January 24...get 'em free with a $50 purchase!

I rolled a handful of scrap punches from the triple doily punch into cones, secured them with a bit of Sticky Strip, and made a medallion out of them. The doily border is a scrap from when I cut the middle out for another project. Nothing has to go to waste! I secured them to the card with Two-Way Glue. Added a little bit of Vanilla Seam Binding Ribbon and stamped tags from Fabulous Phrases.
Here is my scrap stash...

I love going through it and placing different scraps around a card base. It's a great springboard for ideas.

What do you think of my True Scrap medallion? :)

Here's the sketch:

SUPPLIES:
CARDSTOCK: Very Vanilla, Lucky Limeade, Confetti White
DSP: Everyday Enchantment
STAMPS: Fresh Vintage (Sale-A-Bration 125117)
ACCESSORIES: Very Vanilla Seam Binding ribbon, Paper Doily Large Sizzlits Die, Triple Doily Layer Punch, Tag punch, Everyday Enchantment ribbon & brad pack

Have a blessed & creative day! Erika. www.erikaclark.stampinup.net

A Sprinkle of Love

2011-12-30T16:45:00.001-08:00

Here's a versative sneek-peek set coming out in January's Sale-A-Bration. It's bold and graphic, and so easy to love!

Now, do you ever set out to do a particular thing to a card, and mess it up? But it turns out cute and you surprise yourself at the creative talents you didn't even KNOW you had?!! Yah, that's what I did with the scalloped border at the bottom. I thought I had it set so the scallops would line up perfectly, but I had it wrong. But it was exactly a half scallop off, so it looks right :D

I used the striped embossing folder for just the middle black square for added texture.
Carried the scalloping through top to bottom.
The stamp set is new for Sale-A-Bration, called Sprinkled Expressions. So cute and easy to use, requires no coloring or fussiness.
The brad and organdy ribbon, and the DSP are also Sale-A-Bration, Everyday Elegance.
The ribbon is easy to layer and super shiny, it really adds a nice punch.

I took on this week's Stampin' Up Only Challenge #35, Feeling Punchy. Since I'm away from home this week, I only took a handful of punches, literally FIVE! But I grabbed one and went to town anyway, and who would know?!

SUPPLIES:
CARDSTOCK: Basic Black
DSP: Everyday Elegance, First Edition
STAMPS: Sprinkled Expressions
ACCESSORIES: Organdy ribbon, Designer Brads, Scallop border punch, striped embossing folder

Have a blessed & creative day! Erika. www.erikaclark.stampinup.net

Nothing Says LOVE Like Sparkly Things

2011-12-28T18:02:00.000-08:00

Diamonds are a girl's best friend, but in a pinch, rhinestone bling & fresh new SU supplies will do just fine!

This week's Hand Stamped Sentiments challenge just made my heart flutter! All my favorite colors here-pink, blue, kraft.

I used a new Spring Mini stamp set, P.S. I Love You. The Multi-heart stamp is the centerpiece in VersaMark, surrounded by varying sizes of Basic Rhinestones.
New pleated ribbon in Blushing Bride.
Pretty little hat pin accent.
And that handful of bling!

For the border, I used the mat pack to stitch around the perimeter, then the Simply Scored tool to score one border line, then distressed the edges.

SUPPLIES:
CARDSTOCK: Crumb Cake, Pool Party
STAMPS: P.S.I Love You (Spring Mini)
INK: Versamark, Soft Suede
ACCESSORIES: Mat Pack, Basic Rhinestones, Pleated Ribbon (Blushing Bride - Spring Mini), Hat Pin (Spring Mini), Distressing Kit, Dimensionals

Have a blessed & creative day! Erika. www.erikaclark.stampinup.net

Get Well, My Friend! {sneak peeks}

2011-12-28T11:30:00.000-08:00

Now that Christmas is over, I find myself wandering aimlessly through Craftland. No more gifts to make? Christmas cards in red, green, Pool Party? Punched gift tags? *sigh*

Okay, okay! Four months of Christmas projects are enough, I hear you.
On to the Spring Occasions Mini and Sale-A-Bration peeks, then!

Here's a sweet little Get Well card I made with a shabby chic theme in mind. I adore the new DSP available in the new mini, this one is from Attic Boutique. Just the right amount of vintage, but with some gorgeous brights mixed in...my fave Pool Party, super bright Poppy Parade, and Daffodil Delight to get you in the mood for that Spring thaw.

I used the new Framelits Labels dies as a backdrop for the teacups (Tea Shoppe). Double stamped the center teacup and popped it out, then filled it with pansies from the same collection. They're watercolored with Stampin' Write Markers onto Watercolor Paper. This allows me to play around with the blending and fussy-cutting, since this paper is thick and pliable. I painted the edges of the flowers with Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint (a must have), as well as detail on the outer teacups. I stamped and cut three sets of the pansy stamp, cut and layered them into a pretty bouquet. Should lift the spirits of the recipient!
Each layer is Distressed, Sponged, Spritzed, and Rolled.
Finished off with a double layer of ribbon, and a Mini Vintage Tag stamped with the word "friend" from Tea Shoppe.

I used these two wonderful challenges as a springboard for my card...

SUPPLY LIST:
CARDSTOCK: Sahara Sand, Soft Suede, Pool Party, Very Vanilla
DSP: Attic Boutique (Spring Mini)
STAMPS: Tea Shoppe (Spring Mini), Perfectly Penned (Holiday Mini)
INK: Pool Party, Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Calypso Coral, Pretty in Pink
ACCESSORIES: Framelits Labels Collection (Spring Mini), Seam Binding Ribbon (Pool Party), Organdy Ribbon (Calypso Coral - Sale-A-Bration), Mini Vintage Tag, Shimmer Paint, Watercolor paper, Color Spritzing Tool, Distressing Kit, Stampin' Dimensionals
Have a blessed & creative day! Erika. www.erikaclark.stampinup.net

A Blessed Christmas to You and Yours!

2011-12-24T13:44:00.000-08:00

I wish you a Very Merry and Blessed Christmas!
Thank you for sharing your time with me this holiday season, and all through the year.
I truly enjoy our mutual love of papercrafting, and believe it makes our lives more meaningful.
I'm so excited for Jesus' birthday, I can hardly wait :)
Please relax and reflect, don't overwork yourself, and record memories to enjoy later!

Much love,
Erika

Cookie Swap Inspiration

2011-12-20T17:23:00.000-08:00

I attended a fun and festive cookie swap at my upline, Sherahl's house last night. Thought I'd share all the beautiful cookie packaging, incase you need some ideas (like I did yesterday morning)!

This one is mine.
It's a box made with the Simply Scored tool.
8x8 square of CS, score @ 2.5" all around. Fold. Assemble. Embellish.
Mine features some brand new pleated ribbon around the top, available Jan 3 from SU! Four Frames, glimmer paper, Winter Felt embellishment, jingle bell, Pear Pizzazz seam binding ribbon, Letters To Santa DSP around the middle.
I made the box to reuse, just tuck another little gift in and regive!

I used the Cupcake Inspiration Challenge for the colors & shape of this box. Here's the inspiration photo:

And here's me!

This one is JoAnn's. She made the most beautiful, sparkling cookies to show off in the mason jar.

This is Wendy's. Gift card holder! Yay! I'll be regifting this little beauty. The cookies are already gone. Peanut Butter Kisses don't have a snowball's chance near me.

Betsy made some beautiful embossed tags. Yummy chocolate chippers too.

Cute SU single stamp puts it together in a snap.

Sherahl's packaging is warm & inviting. Felt. Ribbon. Yummy cake box cookies. My son, CJ, voted these the most delicious. They have Heath bars crushed up in them.

Pretty, pretty tag. A little bling. Cute, colorful bag. :)

Jaime made a very creative ornament punch art tag, mounted on glimmer paper. I snipped that one off to save too!

Hope you enjoyed!

Have a blessed & creative day! Erika. www.erikaclark.stampinup.net

Bring on the Gifts, Day 2

2011-12-18T19:36:00.000-08:00

Today's rush of gifts was for the teachers. I am in total denial, but no, it's true. Friday was the last day of school, and I'll have my kiddies with me for the REST OF THE YEAR.
Preparing.
Cooking.
Shopping.
Crafting.
Ah, well! At least I won't have to pack lunches.

Here are some gifts I put together for the teachers.

This is a shadow box with a Christmas tree, and nested among its little boughs are all the students' fingerprints made into little reindeer! Awwww!

They pressed their fingers into a little acrylic brown paint, pressed them onto a punched scallop circle, hand drew antlers and eyes, and glued on a tiny pom pom nose. Each one shows their personalities, the big splotchers and the tiny gentle prints. They're 2nd graders.

The teacher loved it! I wish I had one for myself!

The star on top of the tree is one of my late grandmother's vintage rhinestone pins, hot glued to the top.

They actually made two at the same time, and I made the second ones into ornaments for them to take home and share with their parents. Red glimmer paper and white satin ribbon. (Cased from the very talented Dawn Rapsas.)
The dear deer below belongs to my very own Ryan <3 Love!!!

I also made a couple blocks of layered peppermint soap.They made easy and fun gifts, and I think they make a nice presentation!

These bath gifts were made one evening with my crafty sister JoAnn.
We made these totally cute and sparkly bath fizzies too!
They're easy and smell DIVINE.
Here's the quick recipe: 1 C. Epsom Salts, 1T Water, couple drops of lavender essential oil. Mix, color with food coloring, and press into candy forms, or silicone forms.

I placed them in a cello bag, punched a couple of layers of glimmer paper and stamped a gingerbread man from Bingo Bits, tied on with skinny ribbons, and these little guys were ready for giving!

Have a blessed & creative day! Erika. www.erikaclark.stampinup.net

Coming Soon!!! SCORED! With Ustamp With Dawn and Friends!

2011-12-15T20:16:00.000-08:00

I'm excited to announce a wonderful upcoming event chock full of world-class tutorials. They are all Stampin' Up! and they all feature the fabulous Simply Scored Tool! Simply Scored is HOT and NEW, and you will be an absolute pro when you see what Dawn and Friends has in store for you!

I'm back for my third round as a designer, and I am working hard on a project that I hope will delight. I know all of the designers are putting together breathtaking crafts, cards, and gifts.

If you're interested in joining this event, with blog posts at least twice daily, chat rooms, gallery, swaps, and much more, click here to visit the main site and learn all about it.

3D Spinner Ornaments

2011-12-14T06:42:00.000-08:00

At my last workshop we made these clever ornaments. They go together so easily that even my boys made them!

This one uses Deck the Halls DSP.

This one is a softer combo, using BoBunny paper with SU trim.

The centerpiece is glimmer paper, 2 punches of it from the decorative label punch, glued back to back. A piece of satin ribbon. And a sentiment from Bells & Boughs, inked with Stampin' Write Markers and sponged around the edges.

I've turned out a bunch of them! I think they'd look great in different sizes hanging from a window pane or your ceiling.

I learned how to make them by a random search, but there's a good downloadable tutorial on Ustamp With Dawn & Friends Up On the Rooftop Blog Hop. She put a bunch together to make a really large ornament. Pretty!!!

Have a blessed & creative day! Erika. www.erikaclark.stampinup.net

Bring on the Gifts!

2011-12-13T19:46:00.000-08:00

The next few posts will highlight all the crafty gifts that my neighbor JoAnn & I are whipping up for the ones we love! We've been buying, planning & pinning for weeks, and we're proud to say we are putting together some cute projects.

This is a pair of handmade earrings made of Stampin' Up! jingle bells strung together with jump rings onto silver fish hook style earrings. Each earring has 4 bells, and one one each is glittered with red & silver Galaxy Glitter.

I hooked them onto a handmade burlap sachet. To make the sachet, simply cut out a long rectangle of burlap, about 3-1/2" wide by 7" long. I used pinking shears. Then fold in 1/2 and cut to make 2 even squares. Stitch them around 3 sides with a zig zag stitch. While still under the foot of the sewing machine, stuff a little filler scented with lavender oil into the pocket. Stitch the 4th side, and voila! You have a cute little rustic pillow!

I ripped a long length of Deck the Halls Designer Fabric and then stitched that across two sides, then formed a bow on the front. Stamped "merry" from pennant parade onto a tiny tag & wrapped that onto the bow.

I tucked it into a SU Kraft Box. Keeping it simple!
I layered Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon with a torn strip of burlap to hint at the contents, and put a sparkly tag of glimmer paper, organza ribbon, and a sentiment from Bells & Boughs on top.

I plan to make a bunch of these for friends. I hope they know I care for them extra because i made something myself for them ;)

I'm playing along with Hand Stamped Sentiments HSS97, An Old Fashioned Christmas. Should be a great challenge, since I know so many people are getting back to homespun goodness. Give it a try!

Have a blessed & creative day! Erika. www.erikaclark.stampinup.net

SNEAK PEEKS BEGIN! ...with a Paper Players Challenge

2011-12-07T19:31:00.000-08:00

Oh, wow, my friends! I am in possession of some gorgeous new items from Stampin' Up!'s Spring Occasion Mini. This catalog is bright, fresh, and innovative. Lots of brand new ideas.

I used my new stash for this pretty little treat topper. The Paper Players #75 challenges us to use non-traditional colors for a Christmas project. So I used Blushing Bride and Wild Wasabi, with a smattering of silver glimmer.

The topper was cut from a new product called Framelits Labels, there are several of the same shapes you can cut with the Big Shot and the all nestle. Nice!

The ribbon is new also, Pleated Satin. It comes already pleated and stitched! I formed it into a little Christmas tree.

I topped my tree with another newbie, LARGE Basic Pearls! They're big, 8mm. More is more, right?! It's backed with a silver glimmer punch from bitty punches, and the tree trunk is another snip of silver glimmer paper.

The banner is a stamp from Pines and Poinstettias, stamped on watercolor paper, and brushed with a little Blushing Bride with a watercolor pen.

I filled them with some yummy Mint M&Ms, tucked into a Small Cello Bag. Don't eat them, though, I'm pretty sure there's glitter in there! Hee hee!

Here's the Paper Players Challenge. Why don't you give it a try??

Have a blessed & creative day! Erika. www.erikaclark.stampinup.net

Hot Chocolate Bar {Thriftypinkies}

2011-12-07T12:00:00.000-08:00

Hi friends! I had a nice workshop this weekend, and I always have a theme to my workshops...and I always manage to decorate using dollar store items. {More money left for Stampin Up! supplies}

I set up a cute hot chocolate bar with dollar store food items, glass containers, and Stampin' Up! Decor Elements.

A dollar glass container for each item...hot chocolate mix, mini mallows, candy canes, cinnamon sticks, sprinkles.

Yum!

I applied SU vinyl appliqués to a couple of the glasses. Quick and easy! And washable & reusable.

My little guy sampling the goods.

Our work table, mid way thru the workshop. My classes are always a fun mess.

Rose showing off her make @ take. I'll feature this later in the week.

Our finished product! Six cards and a box using Beau Chateau.
You can find a tutorial like this on Ustamp With Dawn & Friends I Heart the Holidays. I followed her templates, changing up the cards a bit to use what I have on hand.

Have a blessed & creative day! Erika. www.erikaclark.stampinup.net

BLOG HOP! UStamp With Dawn and Friends Up On The Rooftop World Showcase!

2011-12-01T18:03:00.000-08:00

HI BLOG HOP FRIENDS! IT'S TIME TO PICK MY BLOG CANDY WINNER!
I'VE HAD 63 WONDERFUL COMMENTS ON MY PROJECT, THANK YOU SO MUCH EACH AND EVERY ONE, FOR TAKING TIME OUT OF YOUR DAY TO STOP BY AND VISIT ME.

SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST TO SEE THE RANDOM NUMBER GENERATOR.
THERE WERE 63 COMMENTS...AND THE WINNER IS:

Comment #25, Denise Foor!!!

True Random Number Generator Min: Max: Result: 25 Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Denise Foor said...

Can we say....details make the woman!!! Love, love, love your projects! Your attention to the little things make me swoon. Thanks for the extra photographs, too.

Awww, thanks so much, Denise! I'll be getting in touch with you or you can email me through the address on the sidebar. Congratulations!!!

Welcome to the UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! Up On The Roof Top 2011 World Showcase Holiday Blog Hop.

If you have been following the Blog Hop from the beginning, you have just been wowed by Heidi Baks‘ MDS Gift Packaging, what fun and yummy ideas for gifts for friends, neighbors, and your family at home!

If you are just joining the Blog Hop, no problem, as you can start at any point. All the Designer's Blogs are linked together so you will be able to see ALL the FABULOUS projects we have for you.

My project is a Christmas Chalkboard Bundle. Chalkboard décor is a hot trend right now, and I’m going to show you how easy it is to incorporate it in your paper crafting. I’ve made a hanging chalkboard platter, graced with punched & glittered paper flowers, that you can use all year long…as a chalkboard, magnetic memo board, or to display some favorite photos! I’ve also incorporated the chalkboard paper into a gift box, tag, card, and bag.

Have a closer look...

These flowers are a cinch with a punch and a little glitter!

This gift bag & tag set are the ultimate in repurposeable glamour!

Both can be written and re-written on.

A little felt snowflake and tiny bow dress up this tag.

These tags are easily reproduceable. And how do you like the glittered jingle bell?

A kraft gift box gets the royal treatment with a belly band, a big bright bow, and a cluster of bling.

As a Special Thank You for stopping by my blog I am giving away BLOG CANDY!!
Please leave a comment about my project to be entered for a chance to win a great goodie bag of current Stampin' Up! products. I will randomly select a winner to be announced on Tuesday, so please check back to see if you are the lucky recipient!
AND there's MORE...LOTS MORE!! You have the opportunity to get the downloadable PDF Tutorial for my project FREE!! It's a GIFT from UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! Woohoo!! See the blinkie below to access the FREE Blog Hop Website.
In the Spirit of the Holiday Season, you have the opportunity to get in on "Special Holiday Pricing" for the upcoming UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! SCORE!! Event. The Stampin' Up! Simply Scored Tool is HOT STUFF and SCORE!! will feature 40+ projects, all created using the Simply Scored Tool. SCORE!! is a MUST NOT MISS Event!! See the blinkie below to join and get in on the Early Bird savings.Click the blinkie below and you will be taken to
THE UP ON THE ROOFTOP BLOG HOP WEBSITE!!

And now for the most exciting giveaway of the season...
Everyone that joins the new and exciting upcoming event - SCORE!! - with "Special Holiday Pricing" will be entered into a Drawing to win 1 of 3 FREE Passes for an ENTIRE YEAR of UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! events!!
YES!!
You read that right!!
YOU could win a whole year of UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! events FREE!!
***Special Holiday Pricing of just $19.99 ends Dec 8th*** Winners will be announced on Friday, Dec 9th.
Click the Blinkie below to join SCORE!! with Special Holiday Pricing
and a chance to win a FREE Year of UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! events!!

And now for the most exciting giveaway of the season...
Everyone that joins the new and exciting upcoming event - SCORE!! - with "Special Holiday Pricing" will be entered into a Drawing to win 1 of 3 FREE Passes for an ENTIRE YEAR of UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! events!!
YES!!
You read that right!!
YOU could win a whole year of UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! events FREE!!
***Special Holiday Pricing of just $19.99 ends Dec 8th*** Winners will be announced on Friday, Dec 9th.
Click the Blinkie below to join SCORE!! with Special Holiday Pricing
and a chance to win a FREE Year of UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! events!!

http://ustampwithdawnandfriendsbloghop.ning.com//

Of course it's ***FREE*** to join and
there you will find the tutorials for ALL the blog hop projects,
PLUS live chats, challenges and more prizes!!
You will even have an opportunity to be considered for a spot as a Guest Designer!!
Yes!! It is all FREE, so tell all your friends and
join the fun with UStamp with Dawn and Friends!!

AND last but certainly not least, it's time to hop on over to the next Designer's Roof Top, so please click below for NEXT BLOG, where you will find DAWN KEIL MILLS ready to share a delightful Holiday layout with you.

If you would like to hop back to Heidi’s Roof Top, please click below.

Getting ready for the BLOG CANDY WINNER!!!
Don't forget to leave a comment :)
Thanks again for stopping by and Happy Holidays to YOU!!!

Merry & Bright Honeycomb Ornament Card

2011-11-27T17:42:00.000-08:00

This was the most fun card I've made ALLLLLL day. I've been Pinning tons of handmade paper ornaments lately, and my scrappin' sista & I are determined to get them all made. I taught myself today to make the honeycomb ornament after my son opened a card at the store yesterday & exclaimed how cool it was because it had a tissue paper ornament that opened out in it. I *gently* slapped his hand and said, "I can make that! Put it back! Five dollars! Sheesh."

So here's my (better than store bought) card...

I learned the ornament fold on Amazing Paper Grace's blog post. I punched about 20 pieces from the Ornament Punch from Spice Cake DSP and folded it out only halfway to adhere it to the card, instead of going all the way around and making a full hangable ornament.

Note! The link for the tutorial is broken, here is the website page so you can copy and paste:http://www.amazingpapergrace.com/honeycomb-ornament-tutorial-2/

Here are the steps to make this card:
Card base is Early Espresso 11" x 4-1/4"
Whisper White 4-1/8" x 5-3/8"
Whisper White 4 x 5-1/4", run thru big Shot with Snowburst Embossing Folder, smeared with Pool Party ink on the debossed side of the folder. Then I sponged Frost White Shimmer Paint onto the embossed snowflakes.
Round corners on all three layers and adhere.
Punch 3 layers of CS with Scallop Border Punch in alternating Pool Party & Whisper White.
Adhere a strip of Dotted Scallop Chocolate Chip Ribbon over top and adhere with Dimensionals.
On a scrap of Whisper White, stamp Jolly Jingles Jumbo Roller in Pool Party. Now, I don't use the ink cartridges for most of my cards. I simply roll the wheel across the ink pad, brayer-style, and run it over the CS, then trim as I like. Sponge the edges with Pool Party, and mount onto Early Espresso CS.
Adhere sentiment under ribbon embellishment.
Next, create the ornament.
Dont forget the GLITTER! Apply silver Galaxy Glitter with Two-Way Glue.
Embellish with a strip of Rhinestones, and one large Rhinestone at the base of the ornament.
I also sponged the edges of the card base with Frost White Shimmer Paint.

Inside of the card, I punched an ornament from an extra scrap of the embossed snowflake paper.
These are the two awesome challenges I was inspired by to make this card...

I hope you'll give one a try this week! There's nothing more fun than creating something beautiful and sharing it with your friends.

Have a blessed & creative day! Erika. www.erikaclark.stampinup.net

Tags, Bags, Boxes & Bows...TAGS!

2011-11-23T18:14:00.000-08:00

I'm holding a Tags, Bags, Boxes & Bows gathering at Wittman UMC on Sunday, Dec 12th. We'll have a dozen beautiful little projects to choose from, and I'm going to post all of them over the next week.

Here are my first sets of gift tags!

This first set is a sparkly but elegant tag set with glimmer paper and Bells and Boughs. A little satin ribbon & popping up. Pretty and pretty easy!

Next up is a gorgeous velvety combo. Mocha Morning is so rich and elegant. The tag is a CASE from UstampWithDawn's I Heart the Holidays event, by the fabulously talented Gretchen Barron, and I created a wine bottle tag to go with it.

Third set is a super quick & easy group made with antiqued Very Vanilla, the Ticket Corner punch & quilted ribbon trim. With the right supplies, even a one-minute tag can make your gifts look SO put together!

Can't wait to get together with all my wonderful friends and neighbors. This is what it's all about <3

I'll be posting gift bags next!

Have a blessed & creative day! Erika. www.erikaclark.stampinup.net

Clean & Simple White Christmas

2011-11-21T08:47:00.000-08:00

Oh, how I love clean & simple cards, but they're SO hard for me to do! A couple of reasons-
1) I can't keep anything clean &
2) I can't keep anything simple.
Inkypinkies is truly what I am, I get ink on everything. And isn't it easier to keep adding things to a card til you're satisfied that it's brilliant?! {sigh}

But I digress. A clean & simple color palette paired with a beautiful sketch made a Christmas card as fresh as the driven snow...

I wanted to use almost exclusively white for this card, with just a touch of Night of Navy, so to give it the punch it needed but keep it monochromatic, it needed two things: Texture (Simply Scored) and Lighting (Stampin' Dimensionals).

The quilting effect on the background was done by scoring a sheet of Whisper White into 1/2" squares, then cutting down to the size I needed. I popped that background off of the card.

The rosette is a 1-1/2" of Whisper White, scallop punched along one end. Then scored at the dip in each scallop to give it a nice, uniform look. The centerpiece layers are (1) a 1/2" circle punch of white, (2) a silver glimmer snowflake and white snowflake layered with dimensionals, and (3) a medium Basic Rhinestone.

I used Crystal Effects to adhere everything, it tacks up quickly and is truly clear and doesn't leave a residue.

The vertical strip is a 1-1/2 x 5 strip of white, double scored along both sides, and embellished with silver glimmer paper snowflakes.

The Joy (from The Sounding Joy) was first stamped onto Whisper White, then run thru the Big Shot with one of the Designer Frames embossing folders. Then hand cut and adhered with dimensionals.

Here are the two challenges I was inspired by...

An aside...
Every time I create something, I place it somewhere conspicuous so I can love on it every time I walk by (LOL, don't you do the same thing??!!!) My son has started doing the same thing. He created this catapult out of K'Nex, and here's what I saw when I walked by my srsly retro den this morning...

Haha! He's just like his momma!

...and yes, those are reel to reels. And a TV from 1957.

Have a blessed & creative day! Erika. www.erikaclark.stampinup.net

Saturday Snowman Fun SSC230

2011-11-19T10:52:00.001-08:00

I got up early, early this morning, before the rest of the house was up. It's the time of day I can think most clearly, I'm most relaxed and not exhausted from the day. I know some friends who stamp into the wee hours of the morning, but not me! I like my coffee and the sunrise to get creative.

I took on the Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge, SSC230. Had some fun with Frosty!

I had a blast making this!

I used the XL Scallop Square Die, and made it into a shadow box with dollar store weatherstripping foam. It's about 1/4" wide and just the right depth. Cut the square out of the middle with a craft knife.

Then was the fun part!

I stamped frosty twice, once on a square of Pool Party, and again on Whisper White. Colored and cut him, and pieced him onto the Pool Party image.

I used Diamond Effects on his coal buttons,

A Jingle Bell on his hat.

Nestled him on layers of silver Glimmer Paper.

Added snow to the background with a gel pen.

Threw some mica flakes in for good measure!

Here's how he looks close up.

...and the inside of the card.

Here's the sketch...

I was also inspired by Lisa Foster's wonderful collection of snowmen from

U Stamp With Dawn and Friends. Her choice of color was wonderful!

SUPPLIES:

CARDSTOCK: Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler, Island Indigo, Glimmer Paper, Whisper White

STAMPS: Snow Much Fun

ACCESSORIES: Mica Flakes, Cherry Cobbler Quilted Ribbon, polka dot brads, jingle bells, snowburst embossing folder, window sheets, gel pen, crystal effects, Stampin' Dimensionals, sponges.

Sparkling Simply Adorned HSSTC93

2011-11-18T14:30:00.001-08:00

The current Hand Stamped Sentiments Challenge is to use the Bargello technique. This is done using strips of paper, fabric, etc and aligning them to form interesting patterns. I've been meaning to make a new insert for my Simply Adorned charm, so I used the technique on a striped paper from Holly Berry Bouquet DSP.

The stripes are trimmed at 1/8" and 1/16" wide and spaced to form a block pattern behind the glimmery snowflake. It does add interest and texture, which I like in that tiny space. Lots of sparkle!

The other side is a scrap of Cherry Cobbler embossed with Snowburst folder. I layered 'wish' from Pennant Parade with a scrap of silver Glimmer Paper. The I stamped the little girl silhouette from Welcome Christmas and punched her out by cutting the image into a strip and feeding it into the Modern Label punch, one side at a time to the size I like.

Added a Bauble and a Trinket Key, with a scrap of Very Vanilla Seam Binding Ribbon.

I wore it today & already got compliments :) I heard my first Christmas song on the radio today too, it was Last Christmas by Wham or George Michael. LOL. Not my favorite but I was still excited!! So it begins!

Here's the info on the challenge, maybe you'd like to give it a go?

Have a blessed & creative day! Erika. www.erikaclark.stampinup.net

SIMPLY SPARKLING SSC229

2011-11-13T13:27:00.001-08:00

Help! I need an intervention! I should be doing SO many other things, but I'm hooked on making Christmas cards. I was actually dreaming about this sketch. Thinking about it during the sermon at church. While cooking bacon. So the only way to get it off my mind was just to do something about it!

The glimmer paper makes this wreath so dreamy! A few punches from the bird punch, a few glue dots, and some red glimmer holly berries from the owl punch. Finished off with a bow of Real Red 1/4" grosgrain & a rhinestone brad. I wish I had one like this to hang in my house!

The sentiment is from The Sounding Joy. I stamped it on a piece of Whisper White, then trimmed evenly around the word, leaving enough room around all 4 sides to run 2 score lines down each side. The Simply Scored tool makes it look so well finished.

Here's the Stamping 411 sketch...

Can you tell that I do my blogging on my iPhone?!

The main card base is from a Simply Sent kit. These kits are great! Precut, embossed, scalloped. Envelopes & sentiment trim included.

Here's the bird punch that the wreath leaves came from. The wrap & interlock so nicely.

Happy Sunday to all! I'm decorating for Christmas this weekend to leave more time in December for the good stuff.

Have a blessed & creative day! Erika. www.erikaclark.stampinup.net

THE SOUNDING JOY OF JINGLE BELLS!

2011-11-12T07:22:00.001-08:00

Today's card is a result of three challenges I was inspired by. I am already so much into the Christmas spirit that I'm all over the web looking at gorgeous, festive crafts & decor.

I made my very own wreath of jingle bells last night! It's only 1-1/2" wide!

It really was easy. I strung Stampin' Up jingle bells onto a length of craft wire and then formed them into a loop. The naturally nestle together in pairs, giving them a nice rounded wreath shape. I then ran one end of the craft wire through the last jingle bell on the opposite end, gently pulled them together, and twisted the craft wire to secure. Like magic! Then I looped some cherry cobbler seam binding ribbon to "hang" it on the card, & embellished with a long, soft Pear Pizzazz bow. This wreath took about 43 bells. The come in a pack of 48 for $2.95, so it's almost a pack. Not bad for a pretty one-of-a-kind card!

I just love the regal look of The Sounding Joy. It is a really elegant set, and makes it easy to create a beautiful looking card.

Here are the challenges I used for inspiration...

PPA119 Pals Paper Arts. I loved her fair, glowing skin tone against the traditional evergreen & dark reds. And look! There are bells in there!

DEEsigns by Nina Dee. If you ever need inspiration, check out her blog. It's brimming with beauty. My long banner of Cherry Cobbler striped grosgrain was perfect for her challenge.

SUPPLY LIST:
PAPER:
Wild Wasabi, Shimmer White
STAMPS:
The Sounding Joy
ACCESSORIES:
Jingle Bells, Basic Rhinestones, Seam Binding Ribbon in Cherry Cobbler & Pear Pizzazz, Striped Grosgrain Ribbon in Cherry Cobbler, Sponges, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, Corner Rounder Punch, Snowburst Embossing Folder
OTHER:
Craft Wire, Oval cutting tool.

Have a blessed & creative day! Erika. www.erikaclark.stampinup.net

NOEL SHADOWBOX FRAME SSC228

2011-11-09T19:08:00.000-08:00

I squeezed in a little scrapbooking time today between work, school, mom-taxiing, & laundry. It's framed, but still counts as scrappin', right?

I used a Dollar Tree frame and scrap burlap. Burlap is everywhere right now in the crafty world! Check out Pinterest for lots of ideas. Then I used Stamping 411's sketch challenge as a guide.

Here's the sketch...

I was able to tuck a lot of layers and texture into this little frame. Here's a piece of Stitched Felt Winter Wishes dusted with Galaxy Glitter (gold & silver mixed), trimmed with a Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding Ribbon bow and Jingle Bells. The backdrop of the wreath is from Delicate Doilies.

The Noel stamp is from Many Merry Messages. I backed it with a few scraps from Deck The Halls DSP cut into flags. I brushed a little glitter on the lettering for good measure! Glitter always helps :)

I love this photo, a sweet memory from last Christmas of going out after school to the paint-your-own-pottery store. If it's the only picture I scrap all season, it'll be enough to keep happy thoughts about!

I'd love to see you try the challenge, if you'd like to try, here's Stamping 411's site. They not only offer fun challenges, but there are TONS of tutorials there.

Supply list for shadowbox frame:
Stamps: Delicate Doilies, Many Merry Messages
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake
Paper: Deck The Halls DSP, Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler
Accessories: Stitched Felt Winter Wishes, Tasteful Trim Bigz Die, Big Shot, Jingle Bells, Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding Ribbon, Galaxy Glitter silver & gold.
Etc: Shadow box frame (dollar tree), burlap (JoAnn Fabrics)

Have a blessed & creative day! Erika. www.erikaclark.stampinup.net

SWEETCAKES BIRTHDAY SET!

2011-11-09T09:18:00.000-08:00

WOW, did I have fun making this birthday suite! An easel card with a tealight birthday cake & box of chocolates tucked inside, gift box, bow, tag, and cupcake wrapper and pick!

First, I LOVE the Domestic Goddess DSP and plan to do so much with it! The patterns are retro (which I love), yet versatile. Like the delicate floral patterns I used on this project. Second, I LOVE the Greeting Card Kids. I can't get enough of their sweet little faces :o)

Third, I LOVE PUNCHES! This project incorporates over TEN Stampin' Up! Punches. If you would like to check out a full tutorial on my project, as well as dozens more wonderfully tempting projects for all seasons (just in time for Christmas!!), check out UStampWithDawnandFriends Knock Out Punches! You will be amazed and instantly hooked on the exciting atmosphere there. It's a party! Come on over!

Have a Blessed and creative day! Erika

Tis the Season for Sharing More Swaps!

2011-11-08T08:00:00.000-08:00

I just love a good swap! Checking out my tin of swap cards for days afterward, the fruit of so many talented crafty labors! I hosted my first SU! only swap recently. I've shared my Fall themed cards, and now here are all the Christmas!!! Cards!!!! 47 days till Santa comes, y'know.

The first is from Betsy, my upline. This card blew me away because she hand-cut ALL those little postage stamp indentations from the Deck The Halls DSP. The effect was so worthwhile, her card is CUTE!

Here's Judyanne's card. She is the very best at coloring & blending. So much talent! She used Beautiful Season.

Elsie used the very versatile Delicate Doilies set. So pretty with all that texture!

Christmas Lodge was Rachel's pick! This tree is grand enough to stand alone, but hers is shimmery & distressed, and propped up on an easel card with bling. Love it!

I love circles! I have my own board dedicated to them on Pinterest. And I love Lisa's card with circles, rounded corners & lush velvet trim.

Pretty in plaid! Frosted Lodge DSP makes this snowy cabin look so cozy. Wrapped all up with Cherry Cobbler quilted ribbon. Nicely done, Heather!

There. Are you feeling a little Christmas Cheer?!

Have a blessed & creative day! Erika. www.erikaclark.stampinup.net

Sharing Soiree Swaps!

2011-11-07T17:37:00.000-08:00

I recently hosted a swap with a bunch of truly talented ladies, and I wanted to share their cards with you. Hopefully you'll be inspired to create, as I certainly was!

The first batch is Fall themed, and tomorrow I'll share the Winter/Christmas.

First up is JoAnn, who made this lovely scallop circle card. It's held together with a cute little belly band, and opens to reveal a little Pool Party message!

Spice cake looks so fresh against Crumb Cake CS!

Next up is Wendy's card. Don't you just love that medallion?! Why haven't I bought that stamp set yet? Those witchy feet are so cute! Love all the punching & techniques. Wicked Cool stamps, wicked cool card!

This card was done by my very talented friend Danyelle. I LOVE her blog, you have to check it out.She always makes me laugh, but she's sweet too, and so creative!I love this message of gratitude and the lovely tree with just a touch of bling.Hand Penned Holidays, Lovely as a Tree.

Here is a beautifully detailed card from my friend Iris. Lots of paper piecing and layering here. She always decorates the insides & envelopes to match.

Here's Rose's card. We've been swapping cards for over 4 years! This wreath is from a hostess set in the Holiday Mini. She used the new Dazzling Details to add sparkle to the leaves.

Here's a bunch of chocolate minis I wrapped in Pick Your Poison DSP and plunked them in a dollar bin bucket with dollar bin moss. I know Halloween's over but I think I may do this for Christmas too!

Hope you enjoyed! Please message if you have any questions on supplies used.

Have a blessed & creative day! Erika. www.erikaclark.stampinup.net

ARE YOU PUNCHY?!

2011-11-04T15:22:00.000-07:00

COME JOIN ME!

U Stamp With Dawn and Friends is an amazing online event that is all Stampin' Up! all the time. I have been enjoying the fantastic projects and tutorials, which are always over the top amazing and gorgeous. This round showcases projects using punches, which are my favorite to use, since they take up little space and are so versatile.

And guess what? I have been invited as a Guest Designer at this event! I'm so amazed and honored to be considered.

I hope you'll join the fun and see what we have in store for you!

Have a blessed and creative day! Erika

Harvest Projects - Thriftypinkies!

2011-11-04T13:37:00.001-07:00

Can you guess what I volunteer for at school? CRAFT projects! Yay! I can't get enough. We put together these super cute pumpkin mosaics...

Dollar store picture frame 2/$1.00
Burlap scrap & clearance buttons from JoAnns.
Scrap ribbon.
Elmers glue.
Total cost each, about 75 cents.

My guy with his art. Still freshly glued :)

The "patch" drying.
My inspiration came from Pinterest. Have you gotten hooked yet? I'm surprised I have time for anything else.

Here are some cute little party favors. Indian corn made from tamale husks & Stampin' Up cello treat bags. These were a CASE from the very creative & talented Rachel Ricks at The Little Blue Room.

The kids thought they were cool!

Have a blessed & creative day! Erika. www.erikaclark.stampinup.net

SSC227 Blingy Jolly Jingles

2011-10-31T14:07:00.000-07:00

I know it's Halloween, but I'm in a bright Christmas mood anyway! I should've been Mrs. Claus for Halloween instead of a bank robber :)

This week's Stamping 411 sketch was so clean and simple, I wanted to do something special.

Shaker Box! I've been dying to use one of SU's quick & easy frames from the Holiday Mini.

So simple! I punched two ornaments, embossed one, and filled the shaker circle with Basic Pearls.

I used a bunch of large basic pearls, scraping the adhesive off with the Piercing Tool.

Then I stuck the medium pearls back to back so they'd roll around.

Aren't they bright and baubly?

I kept the rest of the card nice and simple, graphic lines.

The Jolly Jingles jumbo stamp wheel looks so great heat embossed in white.

It's really a striking stamp. Those wheels don't get enough face time, do they?!

Here's the sketch...Hope you'll give it a try! Visit Stamping 411 to enter your lovely card and see all the great samples!

Supply List:

Cardstock: Shimmer White, Baja Breeze

Stamps: Jolly Jingles jumbo roller #120864

Embellishments: Snowburst Embossing folder, Ornament Punch, Basic Pearls, White 5/8" satin ribbon, Rhinestone brad, white embossing powder, heat gun, Versamark ink.

Have a blessed and creative day! Erika

Sharing some Autumny Make & Takes...

2011-10-26T15:05:00.001-07:00

I went to an {awesome & inspiring} upline meeting this weekend and I wanted to share the beautiful projects that were available for us girls...

Aren't they wonderful?! So crisp & warm looking.

This is a single stamp from the holiday mini, Leaves Of A Tree. It's lovely and versatile. Spice cake paper is run through the Big Shot for texture. I love that shot of Pool Party CS & ruffled ribbon.

Here's a smaller card, with hand cut leaves from Gently Falling, Spice Cake fabric knotted around, and monogrammed.

And what?! How cute is this? A super sweet test tube treat that's elegant enough for your BFFs, but the kids will snatch them up if you're not careful!

I love the way the acorn looks against that tag, and once again, the fabric makes it so much more wow. Love. It.

Thanks to the wonderful & talented Kathy Wayson for these great little works of art.

Have a blessed & creative day! Erika. www.erikaclark.stampinup.net

HALLOWEEN PUSH POPS done MDS style

2011-10-24T17:49:00.000-07:00

Here's a little treat I put together for my stampin' girls this weekend.

{The tulle skirting was from JoAnn's. It's on sale.}

They're mini brownies in push pop containers.

Remember those?! With the orange ice treats?

I'm obsessed with them, they're so cute!

I decorated them with labels printed from Stampin' Up's My Digital Software.

You get all these embellishments for $4.95...

You can resize them, print off as many as you need, add words to the blank labels.

They match the DSP, so you look so put together. :D

Item #125614 incase you're wondering.

I got the original idea from Pinterest, you can find these containers stuffed all different ways.

Here's a sample that caught my eye:

I've seen them done with M&Ms, multicolored cakes, cinnamon buns, yummm.

I bought the containers from this seller on Etsy, she was wonderful!

If you get around to making some, you'll have to let me know what you did!

Have a blessed and creative day! Erika

HANDMADE GIFT BOW HOW-TO

2011-10-23T18:43:00.000-07:00

Here's a quick and easy tutorial on how to make your own gift bows from patterned paper.

STEP 1: Cut 3/4" strips:

(3) 8"

(2) 6"

(1) 2" from the cut portion of a 6" strip

STEP 2: Fold and twist each end and adhere with a bit of glue.

When you do both ends, it'll look like this.

STEP 3: Repeat with each strip. The 2" strip is just rolled into a loop and secured with sticky strip.

When they're done, they'll look like this.

STEP 4: Stack the 3 largest pieces and fasten them together with a small dot of glue.
Repeat with the two smaller pieces.

This is what you'll have.

STEP 5: Stack them up and a bit more glue. I add a staple right in the center at this point to really anchor it

all together.

STEP 6: Use sticky strip to secure the last loop in the center. HOW CUTE IS THAT?!

Have a blessed & creative day! Erika. http://www.erikaclark.stampinup.net/

Over The Top Swap! SSC225

2011-10-17T14:40:00.000-07:00

This week's Stamping 411 Sketch Challenge helped me over a big hurdle, getting ready for a swap that I'm hosting at my house this weekend! I managed to combine the challenge with both the party favor and the swap card!

Here's the sketch:

And here's my take:

This is a Dollar Tree wine glass, green on top, clear at the stem.

I wrapped the stem with black tulle, you can find that anywhere - WalMart, JoAnn's...

Traced the base on Pick Your Poison DSP and glued it around the perimeter with 2-Way Glue. That way if anyone wants to use the glass, it will soak right off.

Add a little Pear Pizzazz Seam Binding Ribbon to make it pop.

Here's the card by itself.

Card base is 2 layers of the large Scallop Square die, folded, and glued together. It's smaller than a regular 4-1/4" x 5-1/2" card, but will fit nicely in that size envelope.

Lots of stamping from Out On A Limb, layered with the Stamp-A-Ma-Jig.

Added black galaxy glitter around the edge, silver galaxy glitter dabbed on the bats' eyes with a super-skinny paintbrush & 2-Way Glue.

The little medallion is a 3/4" strip, first punched with scallop border punch, then cut into strip, then scored every 3/16". I stamped one spider from Out On A Limb, and blinged her little butt :o) Layered the medallion on a 1-3/8" circle punch of Pear Pizzazz.

I wanted to make it an obvious all-in-one set, so I clipped the card to the glass with a mini clothespin.

I painted it black with Basic Black re-inker, blew dry with heat embossing tool, then gave it an ample glittering.

Finally, I wrapped a small cello bag full of candy corn in a 13" square of tulle, tied with Pear Pizzazz seam binding ribbon.

I hope it's a hit! I sure had fun making it!

Have a Blessed and Creative Day! Erika

Thank U Sweetie!

2011-10-14T11:17:00.001-07:00

For an upcoming wedding of a very special friend, I volunteered to make favors. Actually, I stated the fact.

Here are the samples. Navy and cream are the colors.

I love these little treat boxes. They go together so easily. Mine are 4-1/4" by 5-1/4", roll the longer end into a cylinder & adhere with sticky strip. Pinch one end shut & adhere. Fill, close up & embellish.

For both of these, I wrapped with fabric. I like the texture it adds. The second one is pinched shut with a crimper.

Finally, who can resist a big, sweet Hershey Bar? These were the bride's favorite. Which is yours?

Time to order some Night of Navy CS ;)

Have a blessed & creative day! Erika. www.erikaclark.stampinup.net

WELCOMING MY CHRISTMAS MOJO (MOJO210)

2011-10-14T10:23:00.000-07:00

Boy, I'm in the mood for Christmas already! This week's Mojo Monday Challenge has me all ready to deck some halls...

"Believe" is my word this holiday season, since my baby boys are 7 and 10. I want them to believe in holiday magic forever. I also am glad they Believe the miracle of the true meaning of Christmas, which is why I love it all year long.

Stamps: Welcome Christmas, Jolly Jingles Jumbo Wheel Stamp #120864

DSP: Simply Scrappin' Christmas Lane #124007

CS: Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso, Whisper White

Accessories: Snowflake punch, Decorative Frames embossing folder, Antique Brads, Early Espresso satin ribbon, Shimmer Paint (champagne)

The sketch:

If you don't recognize the sentiment on the front, here it is:

See the word "Believe" next to NOEL? Yes. I inked just that little bit. Look at how many phrases you can get from just that one stamp! At $8.50 it's a steal. Just sayin.

Hope you decide to play along! It's always great for creative inspiration!

Have a blessed & creative day! Erika. www.erikaclark.stampinup.net

SHADOWBOXES - ThriftyPinkies!

2011-10-08T09:03:00.000-07:00

Cruising the dollar store, I picked up a few goodies to make craft projects out of. Here is the first set, made from a wooden shadowbox ($1.00) and a black crow (also $1.00).

All paper is Pick Your Poison from the Holiday Mini.

I've seen these crows around, and couldn't wait to try one of my own!

My tip for you is...LOTS of hot glue. Easy.

The shadow box went together easily too, just by cutting bits & pieces of the DSP.

The pic below shows detail of the title cut from a piece, sponged, blinged, and embellished.

The tag punch worked nicely to highlight a few spooky features.

A little ribbon & antique brad, and it's ready to put pictures in & hang!

Here's a Christmas version of the same idea...This is done by my very talented co-scrapper and neighbor, JoAnn :o)

So pretty! The little gift box is made with 2 punches of the Petal Card Double Punch, nestled together.

Paper is Holly Berry Bouquet.

Any questions? Feel free to leave a comment or email!

Have a blessed & creative day! Erika

Snow Fun Favors

2011-10-05T20:01:00.001-07:00

Here's a cute, quick way to divvy up some of those mica flakes. Stuff some in a Stampin' Up cello bag, coax them down with a pencil, and stick an icy cool topper on them from Snow Much Fun...

Silver glitter paper, cherry cobbler & some marker work.

So cute! How cool would they be with a candy cane stick?

Have a blessed & creative day! Erika. www.erikaclark.stampinup.net

TIMELESS PORTRAIT CHRISTMAS STAR

2011-09-27T06:43:00.000-07:00

My inspiration for this card challenge came from several paper star wreaths I've seen lately on Pinterest. The ideas from those beautiful boards are endless!

I loved the template, and the rich red color of the DSP.

I made a set out of it, thought it would be nice to give as a pillow treat for my Christmas guests!

Here's a close up of the medallion. Lots of detail in a tiny spot! The medallion is edged in black Galaxy Glitter, and the black rhinestones are from last year's mini, but you can color the clear ones with a black sharpie and they look great.

I love this template so much that I hope I have time to make more this week! It's def a keeper.

If you'd like any further details, feel free to ask!

HAND PENNED ONE SHEET WONDER

2011-09-25T14:43:00.000-07:00

One Sheet Wonder...Using a single sheet of Spice Cake DSP. Here's the bunch of them...

I tried my hand for the first time with a one sheet wonder - a dozen cards made with only one sheet of patterned paper!

Cherry Cobbler CS, Spice Cake button, medallion in Pear Pizzaz, trimmed in Galaxy Glitter, XL Scallop punch,
Felt from new 2011 Holiday Mini

Close up of the Spice Cake button made into a pumpkin. The 1-1/4" circle punch works perfectly in there, sponged with a little Pumpkin Pie ink, added some Early Espresso to give the pumpkin some shape. Took a scrap piece of the DSP, punched leaves with Bird Punch, another skinny scrap was wrapped around a paper clip to make the curly cue trim, and a little hand cut stem from Early Espresso.

Happy Halloween: see above shot for detail on embellishment.

Thank you note made with Top Note Big Shot die.
"Thanks" sentiment hand colored with Stampin' Write Marker from Hand Penned Holidays.
Random stamped leaves from Gently Falling.
One strip of DSP was cut lengthwise, then each strip was scored at 1/2" and 1", then pleated.
Attached the separate pieces at opposite ends of card.
Adhere top note piece with sticky strip at top and bottom, but with 2 Stampin' Dimensionals in the center so the pleats keep their depth.

Give Thanks card, using Hand Penned Holidays and Gently Falling.
Antique Brad added to anchor folded corner.

Give Thanks
With Very Vanilla Velvet Trim, Cherry Cobbler Quilted Ribbon.
Sentiment stamped on Very Vanilla, spritzer tool, flagged ends with a square punch,
finished top & bottom with Simply Scored tool - 2 lines each across.

Merry Christmas, Clean and Simple
trimmed in Very Vanilla Velvet Trim
River Rock, Pear Pizzaz CS

Day of Gratitude stamp set.
Early Espresso Quilted Ribbon Trim,
Neutrals button, threaded with a thin strip of quilted ribbon.

With Love
Trimmed with Victoria Crochet Trim, Scallop Ribbon punch, basic pearls.
I love the way this one looks! Pretty for anniversary, wedding, your Valentine.

Merry Christmas
Trimmed in Quilted Ribbon, basic rhinestones, ticket corner punch.

Finally, here is the template I created to cut the DSP.

It's rough, I know! But all the pieces are labeled with the cards I made. I hope you can make some, too! Please let me know if you do!

Just think, you can do a whole workshop, or 144 cards with ONE pack of DSP. It just requires a little creativity. Get out your stash and see what you can create!

Till then, have a Blessed and Creative Day!!!

Erika

OUT ON A BENCH!

2011-09-22T19:21:00.000-07:00

This is a card I made for my local swap girls. The theme this month was purple/orange. We got some beautiful cards!

I used the cute trio of pumpkins from Out On A Limb, a new Halloween set. I love its cute, cheerful take on the Halloween theme. I set them on the bench from Have a Seat (my all time favorite set!). Then I stamped the Halloween sentiment on whisper white and made a tiny banner out of it.

I made the pole for the banner from a quilter's pin, painted with two-way glue, and rolled right in a jar of glitter. I was going for a look of the pumpkins holding the banner, I hope it worked out! I also used the glitter to brighten up their stems. :) cute!!!

Here's a closer look at the pumpkins. I just get a kick out of those moustaches! LOVE them.

The colors used are Wisteria Wonder, Pear Pizzaz, and Pumpkin Pie.

STITCHED STOCKINGS SWAPS

2011-09-15T15:49:00.000-07:00

My fellow demos and I put together another awesome swap, each using a stamp set from the new Holiday Mini Catalog. I'll share all of them eventually, but here are mine...

I used Stitched Stockings and the Stocking Builder Punch.
The first one uses an image from Merry & Type, lots of embossing and bling.

Inside is a little hanging stocking. So easy, using the Simply scored, to make a mountain fold in the middle of the card. Credit goes to Hana Houdek for the inside layout, and for card #2.

Card #2 uses the Simply Scrappin' set from the new mini. I LOVE the paper in it. So bright and merry! The jingle bells do jingle jangle jingle, incase you were wondering. The quilted ribbon adds a nice textural detail.

I punched a circle of the DSP from the kit, then punched a slightly larger circle thru the card front to give it some added detail. *Hint* Adhere the DSP circle after you punch the hole in the front for perfect placement.

Lots of dimension here...

Card #3 is a sweet baby card, cased from the Idea Book, but changed up quite a bit. Page 86 if you're wondering :o)

Have a blessed & creative day! Erika. www.erikaclark.stampinup.net

WITCHY DIVA TREAT

2011-09-13T18:13:00.001-07:00

I'm fixin' up a batch of these sweet treats for my card club girls...

They're made using cello treat bags in the Holiday Mini, only $2.50 for a pkg of 50. You could make these all day long & never run out of clever ideas for toppers! (product #124134)

For this one, here's what I did...
Punched 2 lg scallop circles
Punched 1 XL circle punch & ran thru Big Shot with spider web embossing folder
Stamped witch image from Out On A Limb in Holiday Mini with Basic Black
Colored in with several pale Stampin' Write Markers (Wisteria Wonder, Certainly Celery, Pumpkin Pie, Rose Red for cheeks)
*Carefully* cut out her legs, & skim around them with black marker to hide the white cut marks
Using the 1-3/8" circle punch, stick the witch image into the punch, legs first, till her two hands line up with the sides at the bottom third of the punch. Make sure her legs are pulled out of the punch (your punch is upside down so you can see what you're doing) and punch her out. It'll look like she's sitting with a moon as her backdrop.

Sponge the "moon" in Daffodil Delight, edge with Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint.
Create a mist bottle of Champagne Mist using 30/70 Shimmer Paint to Alcohol. Spritz all the black pieces. The shimmer is amazing!
Piece it all together as shown, tying a bit of 1/4" taffeta ribbon under the moon, so she has something to sit on ;o)
I use Sticky Strip to adhere the scallops to the cello bag. No fumes to affect the candies!

Oh, don't forget her bling! She's a diva, after all. I used black Galaxy Glitter applied with the tiniest paintbrush & 2-way glue to the hat, dress & shoes. Then a couple of basic rhinestones.

Have a blessed & creative day! Erika. www.erikaclark.stampinup.net

STITCHED STOCKING TREATS

2011-09-06T19:05:00.000-07:00

I whipped up a batch of these for a swap, and to use as thank-yous.

This is the new Stitched Stockings set and Stocking Builder Punch from Stampin' Up's Holiday Mini.

SUPPLY LIST:
PAPER: CHERRY COBBLER, WHISPER WHITE
STAMPS: STITCHED STOCKINGS, DELICATE DOILIES
TOOLS: STOCKING BUILDER PUNCH, XL SCALLOP PUNCH, 1-3/8" CIRCLE PUNCH, 1-3/4 CIRCLE PUNCH
EMBELLIES: MICA FLAKES, CHERRY COBBLER SEAM BINDING RIBBON, BASIC RHINESTONES, STAMPIN' DIMENSIONALS, CRYSTAL EFFECTS, STICKY TAPE

It takes EASY and CUTE to a whole new level!!!

I alternated the stocking tops using Mica Flakes and Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding Ribbon. Which do you like best? If you're wondering about mica flakes, I wasn't sure about them, but couldn't wait to give them a try. I punched the stocking tops (a small rectangle), and laid them in my glitter tray. Then I applied an even layer of Crystal Effects and poured mica flakes generously over all. I took a large punch, turned upside down, and placed it over the pile of mica flakes, and left it there for several minutes. This flattens the fluffy flakes so your punch will retain its shape. Then I removed the excess flakes, applied another layer of Crystal Effects over the first layer, and repeated. This gave me a nice, thick, but more flattened layer of mica flakes. I trimmed the edges of them, because I love everything SYMMETRICAL! I love glitter and glitz, but I had to find a way to use these shiny pretties without looking sloppy.

All in all, these take about 5 minutes to make, with the right supplies. If you need any of these, head right on over to my Stampin' Up! Shop, open 24/7/365.

Have a Blessed and creative day! Erika

Crisp Autumn Thank You Gift

2011-08-31T18:20:00.000-07:00

For my latest workshop, I wanted to make a special thank-you for my hostess. I made this box using the petal cone die (the instructions are on the packaging). I used Spice Cake to cut a strip to use as trim, using pinking shears.

I made a pretty flower using the Big Shot, folded and layered them, secured with a button embellished with Build-A-Brad and Spice Cake DSP, and a vintage tag.

Inside....new Spice Cake Designer Buttons, with a circle punch of Spice Cake DSP, topped off with various ribbons. Each one is a magnet! Dollar store round magnets are glued onto the back with Sticky Strip. I saw this clever button idea done by fellow SU demonstrator Barb Mullikin.

To top it all off, I added a pin back to the fabric flower, no need to leave it stuck on the box! I love the color so much, I'd definitely wear this! How about you?

Have a blessed & creative day! Erika. www.erikaclark.stampinup.net

Welcome Baby!!! Diaper Cake

2011-08-31T08:49:00.000-07:00

For my dear sister's baby shower, I wanted to try making a diaper cake. It was SO fun and easy to make. Three tiers of sweet smelling Pampers, 12 pairs of socks rolled into rosettes, 4 washcloths, 4 long-sleeved onesies, hair accessories. It's all in there!!!

I made the topper with a new single stamp set from the Idea Book & Catalog, called Bringing Baby. It's such a sweet image, with a really retro looking baby (think Gerbers) and the stork! I made a large medallion and backed it with a paper doily from the Flirtatious DSP. Added mica flakes and dazzling diamonds to the edges to finish it off.

Here's how it looked at the party. She loved it!

Here's the momma, and my baby sister :)
Have a blessed & creative day! Erika. www.erikaclark.stampinup.net

Cheerful Cherries SSC218 & I {Heart} Ribbon Challenge #8

2011-08-30T13:01:00.000-07:00

I'm tackling a couple of challenges today, while getting warmed up to make 3 sets of cards for a demo swap for the new Holiday Mini Cat. It always helps to stretch your sketchy muscles before getting down & dirty!

My card is a bright and cheery "Thanks" from a new set "Cherish Friendship".

The embossing was done using the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder (#120175), swiped all over with a Daffodil Delight ink pad before placing Whisper White CS & running thru the Big Shot. The frame - isn't it cool? - is a new 2-pc set from SU called Designer Frames (#123130), it has a rectangle and an oval folder. I embossed in 2 colors, Daffodil Delight & Real Red. Cut the yellow just around the embossed rectangle portion & cut the red all the way around the outside. They layer quite nicely. I stamped the image on watercolor paper with Basic Black, colored in with Stampin' Write Markers, added a little white gel pen for lighting on the cherries, and added Crystal Effects for dimension.

Here's a close-up of the bowl of cherries...

The challenge sketch:

Then there's the current I {Heart}Ribbon Challenge From Nina Dee's blog, {USE YELLOW RIBBON} My stash doesn't include any yellow ribbon :) so I made my own, with the Daffodil Delight Ink Pad & white Organza Ribbon. I layered it with Real Red grosgrain ribbon to complement the layers on the card.

Further inspiration on the colors/composition from Pinterest

Can you see where I was coming from?!

DECK THE HALLS MINI ALBUM

2011-08-16T18:42:00.000-07:00

One of my awesome customers (and friend) is hosting a workshop soon, and she requested that we make the scrapbook seen on pg. 229 of the new Idea Book & Cat. I decided that, with a little alteration and improvisation, I could do this as a minibook with minimal supplies used and still offer it for free as a make-and-take.

This is full of goodies from the new Holiday Mini Catalog!

Four mini pages on each side of the album, one on each side showcases a *BLINGY* embellishment!

What do you think of the little stocking?

It's a new set with a matching multi-punch, called Stitched Stockings!

The punch is called Stocking Tag Punch.

There's also *new* mini jingle bells that REALLY jingle :)

...and silver Glimmer Paper that shines like starlight. Beautiful!

So what do you think? Here's one more look...

This workshop is open to anyone, is FREE, and I can always make room for one more! Check my calendar on my Stampin' Up! site.

Have A Blessed and creative day! Erika

A Simple Thanks Will Do...

2011-08-16T04:56:00.000-07:00

This sample is also a submission in the I{Heart}Ribbon Challenge at Deesigns by Nina Dee.
The layout of this card is taken from one of her recent blog posts!

Here's a simple Thank You card using Gently Falling, a sneak peek from Stampin' Up!'s Holiday Mini.

I love the variety of leaves in this 12-pc set.

Stamp a backdrop of all the leaves in Crumb Cake on Confetti White cardstock. For the main leaf, stamp it with Early Espresso on Whisper White, then sponge a variety of Autumny colors (Daffodil Delight, Cherry Cobbler, Pumpkin Pie, & a touch of Old Olive). Then cut it out. Tie a long strand of linen thread around the length, then a piece of Certainly Celery seam binding ribbon which is gathered & adhere with glue dots. Attach your leaf with a Stampin' Dimensional. Using the Tag Punch, stamp & punch Thanks from any variety of sets, along with a couple punched from *new* Spice Cake DSP (available 9/1). Use Tombo Multipurpose adhesive to fan out the tags, punch a small hole in top & insert a mini brad. Adhere with glue dot. Finally, use some of the *new* Dazzling Details to set off the tips of the leaves. This little touch does so much for the card! Here's a closer look...

If you haven't seen the new Holiday Mini, you're missing out on a huge batch of loveliness! Email me at erika.stmichaelsrv@gmail.com if you'd like a copy.

Have a blessed & creative day! Erika. www.erikaclark.stampinup.net

Clean and Simple Elegance

2011-08-13T06:43:00.000-07:00

I love the vintage feel of this card.

One of my first purchases from the new Idea Book & Catalog was this set, Established Elegance. I just know it's going to produce some beautiful cards!

This one starts with Crumb Cake base, and is embossed with SU's newest folders, Designer Frames. (they are amazing! 2 in the pack for $8.50, a rectangle & an oval #123130) The large oval punch fits this embossed oval perfectly, so I layered some stamping on a pc of Very Vanilla & adhered. Stamped the dress form on Very Vanilla with Early Espresso & colored in a few details with Pool Party Stampin' Write marker. Fussy cut & adhere with dimensionals. Added a little word art at the bottom & a torn strip of Beau Chateau Designer fabric.

The fabric is my new favorite detail to many cards. A lot of stamper friends of mine wonder what to do with the fabric. I think the possibilities are endless! Trim, a substitute for ribbon, fabric flowers, backdrop for photos in a layout, gift wrapping, and then all of the actual sewing options!

The final detail is a little flower punched with Itty Bitty Shapes from Beau Chateau DSP, with a Vintage Trinkets metal button in the center, adhered with s glue dot.

Hope you enjoy.

Do you need a Holiday Mini? Just email me your address (erika.stmichaelsrv@gmail.com) and I'll have one delivered to your doorstep. All these delicious papercrafty beauties are available Sept 1st. Don't wait!

Have a blessed & creative day! Erika. www.erikaclark.stampinup.net

Thank-U! Pretty pennant mini

2011-08-13T06:39:00.000-07:00

Here's a 3x3 card I made for my ladies that ordered from my Delicate Doilies workshop.

Basic Black with punched Itty Bitty Shapes to give it some added depth. I strung linen thread across the top with 3 small bits of Sticky Strip placed where the banner elements will be. I cut the side pennant from Crochet Lace, and punched the center with Pennant Punch, stamped with Pennant Parade. Backed with a scrap of Pocketful of Posies DSP. The final touch is a couple of flowers in Rich Razzleberry punched with Itty Bitty Shapes. I placed a Basic Rhinestone in the center and folded the petals in a bit, adhered with more Sticky Strip. It really holds everything in place.

Don't forget to take advantage of Stampin' Up!'s special this month on DSP. I know I'm stocking up!

CLICK HERE TO GET DSP IN YOUR HOT LITTLE HANDS!

Have a blessed & creative day! Erika. www.erikaclark.stampinup.net

A Crisp Autumn Thank-You

2011-08-13T06:35:00.000-07:00

I've noticed that lately the winds are changing direction, the ivy is starting to turn its telltale crimson outside my window, and flocks of geese are stirred up and flying over. That can only mean one thing...Autumn is on its way! Oh, I can't wait! Cool mornings, blue jeans, cider, long school days to make cards....

Speaking of which-

I got my first preorder from the Holiday Mini yesterday, and it is divine! This is my first card made with the Spice Cake suite.

I've had a couple of requests for the supply list so here's what I used:
Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Early Espresso, Spice Cake DSP
Fabric: Spice Cake cut with pinking shears
Stamps: Gently Falling, sponged with More Mustard, Cajun Craze, Read Red, and Daffodil Delight
Glitter used is Galaxy Glitter in Gold
Metal Embellishment: Mini Brad
Ribbon: Early Espresso Quilted Ribbon, Pool Party Ruffled Ribbon, Linen Thread
Tag Punch, stamped with TY from Day of Gratitude

I combined all sorts of textures to put this card together.
-fabric
-ribbon
-glitter
-metal
-linen thread

It would make a great masculine birthday card, too.

SUPPLIES:
Paper: Spice Cake DSP, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla
Stamps: Gently Falling, Day of Gratitude
Ink: Early Espresso, Cajun Craze, More Mustard
Embellies: Spice Cake Designer Fabric, mini brads, superfine gold glitter, Pool Party ruffled ribbon, Early Espresso quilted ribbon, linen thread.

All of these new supplies are available to order Sept 1. Please email me if you'd like to get in on my expedited order for your new goodies.

Yay for the Holidays!!!

Have a blessed & creative day! Erika. www.erikaclark.stampinup.net

Baseball Card for the Birthday Boy

2011-08-09T07:50:00.000-07:00

One of my DS's best friends is ALL about baseball, as are many 10-year old guys. Is it just me, or do you also wake up from a dead sleep with a card idea just bopping around in your brain? Then, as is usual for me, it turned out nothing like what I envisioned, but I like it just the same. (as usual!)

Supplies:
Paper: Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack (pumpkin pie stripe), Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black, scrap
Stamps: Happiest Birthday Wishes
Embellishments: Glimmer Brad, Stampin' Dimensionals,Square Lattice Embossing Folder
Ink: Basic Black, Craft White, Pumpkin Pie

His team colors are orange and black, and so is my home team, the Baltimore Orioles. I did poke around on the web and saw a similar card by Debbie Henderson. I formed the cap the same way I did pumpkins last year, only cut off the bottom at a slight angle. Hand cut a bill from basic black, and ran it through the Big Shot with the Square Lattice embossing folder, adding a little white craft ink around the edges to set it off. I layered some Stampin' Dimensionals in the center of the baseball cap to give it a rounded look, using adhesive on the outer edges. Punched a round circle out of a scrap of baseball themed paper. Then for the sentiment, I stamped the Birthday wish on Pumpkin Pie, matting it with Basic Black, and punched all the edges with the Ticket Corner Punch. I thought the ticket was a nice touch!

Beau Birthday Cards

2011-08-08T19:50:00.000-07:00

Today was a great day...I got to (1) make cards (2) with a dear, sweet friend (3) at home, huddled up in my cozy little craft room. We made birthday cards for another mutual friend. Here's what JoAnn came up with:

Paper: Beau Chateau DSP, Marina Mist, Pink Pirouette, Confetti White
Ink: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso
Punch: Curly Label
Embellies: Dotted Scallop ribbon in Early Espresso, Build-A-Brad, Pink Pirouette 1/8" taffeta ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals
Stamp Set: Tagtastic

Isn't it pretty, pretty, pretty? We saw a similar sample on Splitcoast, changed up the DSP and added a few embellishments. I love repetitive shapes, and I love mulitple patterns. This one turned out very nicely.

Here was my birthday card:

Paper: Beau Chateau, Whisper White
Punches: Decorative label, misc scallop punch, Modern Label, Round Tab
Embellishments: Antique Brads, Basic Rhinestones
Ink: Marina Mist, Pink Pirouette, Crumb Cake

This one is a dresser sidestep card, and I learned how to form the card on Jackie Topa's website. There are a lot of super cute punch-cut dress designs out there, and I love how the scallop punch makes a feminine, swingy dress. I used the flip side of the pink and white DSP to add a wide sash to the waist, and made a flower sprayed with smooch spritz and reinker. I will definitely be making more of these! Easier than they look.

Hope you enjoyed my pink & blue cards! If you'l like to order any of these supplies, head on over to my Stampin' Up! Store!

*TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL ON STAMPIN' UP! PAPER PACKS!

Mix and match any of Stampin' Up!'s gorgeous Designer Series Paper

Buy three and get a pack of your choice FREE! Yay!

I recommend checking out all of the wonderful holiday packs...

Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and then a pack to tickle your fancy on us.

Have a Blessed and creative day! Erika

My Stampin' Penpal!

2011-07-21T08:18:00.000-07:00

Last month I joined a swap on U Stamp With Dawn and Friends' blog, and instead of the usual mail-in-a-stack and get back a variety (which is totally awesome in itself), this one was a one-to-one swap. I was paired up with a stamper whom I did not know by the moderator, and given her email & address. Then we were to make a gifty item and a card and mail them off. What I didn't know, was that each swapper got paired up with a friend overseas!!! Enter Jess. I have had so much fun getting to know her! She's a fellow blogger, a smart and friendy lady, and an avid and excellent papercrafter!

Take a look at these beauties I received from my Australian friend!

My new favorite stamp set, Artistic Etchings. Everything I see made with this set is so artsy and cool.
CJ, my oldest son, commented on the "super cool note pad"!

Don't you love this chocolate box? It's so beautifully distressed, I just love this look.
And how about those adorable Aussie chocolates? Yes, they are delicious too!

I highly recommend that you try a swap like this. I only hope that my next swapper is as fun as Jess.

Thanks for visiting today!

Have a blessed & creative day! Erika. www.erikaclark.stampinup.net

Corner Bookmark with Origami Flower Dangle

2011-07-20T19:47:00.000-07:00

Today I rediscovered something about myself that I've forgotten. You might feel this way, too. I make cards because #1, first and foremost, I love to play with paper! The #2 reason I make cards is because they're thoughtful and wonderful extensions of myself that I hope will brighten someone's day.

I think these fit both bills...

I came across a link on Tip Junkie's blog, and stopped dead in my tracks when I saw the first bookmark. I had to try Sandy's Kusudama fold right away.

Here was my first one...

Then I couldn't stop! I had to try it with all of my new papers!

Different trims for each one...buttons, punches, bling...

And just like that, I have a beautiful half dozen Christmas or birthday gifts, ready to pair with a good book. Fun! Give it a try.

Have a blessed & creative day! Erika. www.erikaclark.stampinup.net

French Country Friend SSC212

2011-07-19T18:21:00.000-07:00

Q: Can I make a card at 70 mph?

A: Oh, yeah.

I tackled this Stamping411 challenge in my motorhome today across two states (Ohio & Michigan)!

Beau Chateau die cuts, miscellaneous flower punches, ribbon scraps, almost everything here is a leftover.
I'm so glad I have my little box of random bits!

Armed with my tote and a boxful of random scraps, this is what I felt like today, and this was my guide...

There were a few sudden stops and a couple broad turns that had paper, ribbon, and tiny embellishments sliding away. Then there was the overhead light that worked loose and crashed down on my table, scaring the dickens out of me and scarring my treasured paper trimmer!

OUCH! Road Rash!

But you can't frolic in papercrafting without sometimes having to do battle.

I am claiming victory on this one :D

Supplies:
Stamps: Cherish Friendship, Notably Ornate
Paper: Beau Chateau, Soft Suede, Watercolor Paper
Punches: Bird Punch, Boho Blossoms
Ink: Crumb Cake, Pink Pirouette, Certainly Celery

Have a blessed & creative day! Erika. www.erikaclark.stampinup.net

Quick Coffee Break! VIA Pouches for friends...

2011-07-14T15:51:00.000-07:00

I put together a dozen or so of these cute pouches for Starbucks Iced Coffee packets, perfect for giving away in the hot summer months.

The left is Charmed, one of my favorite sets to layer. I used that because it's not retired. However, all my giveaways are the sample on the right, a retired hostess set called A Slice Of Life. There are plenty of substitutes you can use from the new catalog, such as Morning Cup #120489 or Take A Sip #120323. I'm away from home and just using what I grabbed :)

Here's a closer look...

How do you like those adorable mini clothespins? Too cute! Theyre plenty affordable too, $2.95 for 24. Item #112942 if you're interested! The DSP is new and beautiful, it's called Pocketful of Posies. I love anything with brown!

I was inspired by a sample I saw on SplitCoastStampers, from addinkandstamp's blog, it was a Christmas theme. If you'd like to make your own, here are the approximate measurements:

Cut cardstock 7" x 5-1/2", makes 2 per sheet of 8.5 x 11.
Fold in 1/2 lengthwise, adhere side and bottom.
Cut bottom DSP 3-1/2" x 6", punch bottom with a scallop punch
Cut top DSP layer at 2-7/8 x 6", layer and adhere to pouch.
Use another 1" x 6" of coordinating DSP to make a paper ribbon. Attach with Stampin' Dimensionals.
Next, make your focal point. Any stamps & any circles will do!
Add your little embellishments, these are Tiny Tags.

Have a blessed & creative day! Erika. www.erikaclark.stampinup.net

It's A Wrap! Birthday Bitty Box

2011-07-12T18:59:00.000-07:00

I'm going to a shoebox swap on Saturday with 14 of my *closest* cardmaking girlfriends. I . Can't . Wait. I love shoebox swaps, because I get to busy myself making everyone's awesome creations, chat, eat, repeat. haha! If you happen to be interested, visit Pam's website at http://www.psiloveyouscrapbooking.com/, and look into it.

Here's my project for the girls...

It's a box using the Sizzix Bitty Box die, with the lid run through the Swiss Dots Embossing Folder.

It's wrapped with a belly band with a handmade pinwheel, embellished with buttons & rhinestones.

The sentiment is from a new Hostess set, Happiest Birthday Wishes. It's a huge set!

Finally, our box is filled with chocolate nuggets wrapped in these handy new stamps made just for this purpose, It's A Wrap! How easy is that?!

I think it makes an awesome little gift!

Yum and Cute all boxed up in one!

If you would like the Word document with all the directions complete with photos to follow, absolutely free, just send me an email and request it.

Have a blessed and creative day! Erika

Delicate Doilies in Wisteria Wonder for MOJO199

2011-07-12T16:41:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends! I've been spending all week tucked away in the mountains, where the weather is cool, and the lush green mountainsides are just gentle to the spirit. I spent 2 days cleaning and painting, and the rest of the time seated at my new scrap area...here's a look at my humble but HAPPY space...

Look at all those punches! LOL! They were for just one project I'm prepping for.
And my Idea Book front & center :)

Anywhoo, to the matter at hand. Mojo Monday. I'd like to be one of the first to post every Monday, as I do look for the new challenge every Monday, first thing. Like when I'm having that first sip of coffee. Then the idea has to marinate for awhile. Gotta think of my stash, new stamps, techniques, how to use the template maybe not quite so literally. You do too, don't you?! These things don't come naturally to me.

So here's my frilly, Wisteria, Doily-laden card for MOJO199...

I love that the Delicate Doilies DSP has TWO full sheets of luscious laser-cut doilies to cut and use. The color is on one side, and the other side is plain white. I can see this being used by stamping right on the white side of the doily, wow, won't that be cute! Hmmm...

Here's the template:

There's so much potential for this sketch! I turned it sideways, and started by trimming 1-1/2" off the right side of the card front. Next punched a Lace Ribbon Border and adhered to card front. I cut a doily from Deicate Doilies DSP, added the happy birthday sentiment from a new Hostess set, Happiest Birthday Wishes, layered and adhered, adding a bit of seam binding ribbon to make the Happy Birthday pop. I stamped a doily from the Delicate Doilies stamp set, and punched a Butterfly out of it, inked the edges, layered with another Whisper White butterfly, added pearls and a hat pin I had sticking out of my tote, and adhered with Stampin' Dimensionals. Finally, finished with Whisper White Organza Ribbon. Oh, and layered the inside of the card with a scrap of Delicate Doilies paper, as you can see in the detail pictures...

As always, if you'd like to place an order, feel free to email me erika.stmichaelsrv@gmail.com, or shop online anytime at my Stampin' Up Site

Have a blessed and creative day! Erika :)

Take Care with Beau Chateau SSC211

2011-07-10T19:25:00.000-07:00

Wow, I am LOVING all of the new goodies from the 2011-2012 Stampin Up! Idea Book that debuted this month. I had some time today to play between projects and workshop prep, and picked a Stampin 411 Challenge, Saturday Sketch 211.

I could. not. wait to break into the gorgeous Beau Chateau DSP, it's so, well, so me. I know I'll use every little scrap of this pack. Here's the card:

...and here is the sketch:

What a quick and simple sketch! I love it. Can't wait to give this away. Better yet, I'll make two so I can keep one for myself ;)

SUPPLIES LIST:

Cardstock: Confetti White, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Pink Pirouette

DSP: Beau Chateau

Stamp Set: Love and Care (Hostess)

Big Shot, Sizzix Originals Blossom Party

Other: Very Vanilla Seam Binding Ribbon, Basic Rhinestones

Hello Baby for MOJO 195

2011-06-18T14:05:00.000-07:00

I combined several of my favorite stamps and techniques for this week's Mojo Monday sketch.

I LOVE Have A Seat and am SO glad it's not retiring this month! It has a simple sophistication that I just love every time I see it.

I also love the Color Spritzer Tool from SU. It gives a plain piece of cardstock an artsy splash of color with no effort.

Lastly, I always reach for ribbon @ bling, so I'm happy this has both!

These sweet little birds from Clearly For You serve as a little family..momma, daddy, and the blue baby boy bird.

I currently have NO baby boys coming my way, but look forward to giving this to the next one in line :)

Here's the sketch... Give it a try!

SUPPLY LIST:
Stamps: NEW JULY 1 Pennant Parade, Have A Seat, Clearly For You.
Cardstock: Marina Mist, Crumb Cake, Whisper White
Tools: Triple Heart Punch, Scallop Border & Corner Punches, Color Spritzer Tool

Have a blessed & creative day! Erika. www.erikaclark.stampinup.net

MY FRIEND MASKING CARD

2011-06-17T08:26:00.000-07:00

This clean and simple card was easier said than done!

It is a simple masking technique, with sponging and then stamping an image over. The trouble with me is that I'm somewhat of a messy stamper! I did not know that! LOL

I wasted at least three cards getting ink where it's not supposed to be. But I'm going to make more of these. I'm determined to master this technique! They're really nice looking when they're done. Mine was inspired by Christine Chubb's sample.

Supplies include:
NEW JULY 1st My Friend stamp set
Bigz Die Beautiful Butterflies #114507
Basic Rhinestones
scoring tool

Thanks for looking!

SPA BY MAIL GIFT SET

2011-06-16T08:04:00.000-07:00

This little gift set is one that I discovered on UStamp With Dawn and Friends World Blog Hop. It was a brilliant three day tour of fantastic projects and cards by some of Stampin' Up's best and brightest. This was a free project offered by Jackie Topa, and her .pdf handout was very easy to follow.

Inside, there are bath salts in a treat cup, emery boards hand stamped to match, and a pocket for a gift card or samples.
The punch on the top center is left blank so I can add a sentiment later based on the occasion - birthday, get well, etc.

I just changed up the colors a bit to suit what I have on hand, and what my recipient likes, and put them together. I made three in all today, and I am so happy they're done! I have a project to teach and a gift on the go for when I need something pretty, quick, and pretty quick!

I do plan to make these at a workshop this summer, so if you're interested in attending, or having your own workshop with your friends, just click the link at the top of the page to contact me!

Some supplies used:

Circle Treat Cups #116802 $2.95 for 12

Decorative Label Punch #120907

Scallop Circle Punch 2-3/8" #118874

Scallop Circle Punch 1-3/4" #119854

Circle Punch 1-3/8" #119860

Circle Punch 2-1/2"

Petal Card Double Punch #119273

Blossom Petals Builder Punch #121808

Seam Binding Ribbon - Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler

Basic Rhinestones

Thanks for stopping by!

Erika

Every Moment Bookmark Card

2011-06-15T08:04:00.000-07:00

Last week I made 30 of these pretty bookmark cards...

Well, I should say I made them with the help of two precious friends!

They were for my grandmother's memorial service. She loved reading, birds, and all things crafty. So these were a fitting tribute to her. They went over very well!

The stamp set is Every Moment. I'm so glad it's not retiring next month!

Other supplies used:
Elegant Lines Embossing Folder
Beautiful Wings Embosslits (butterflies)
NEW JULY 1 #122362 LaceRibbon Border (on blue & red card)
Seam Binding Ribbon in Cherry Cobbler
Two Tags Sizzix Die
Modern Label Punch #119849
Love Letters DSP (retiring)
Cardstock: Blushing Bride (in color), Not Quite Navy, Shimmer Paper Specialty paper, Cherry Cobbler,
Basic Pearls

You can shop for any supplies by clicking right here any time 24/7!

Have a blessed & creative day! Erika.

MOJO194 Hello, My Friend

2011-06-12T19:08:00.000-07:00

Here is my second submission for Mojo Monday this week. I've been dying to try out this gorgeous new stamp set from the all new Stampin' Up Idea Book & Catalog, called My Friend. It has strikingly large stamps, not a lot of coloring in required for those that like fast and easy stamping. It's available for purchase July 1! Not too long now!

I stamped the large floral image with Versamark, then sprinkled the fab new colored embossing powders (wild wasabi & melon mambo) on my image with my fingertips, then heat set. Cut it up and placed. Then I ran a piece of Wild Wasabi thru the big shot for some texture. I used one of my favorite paper sets, Presto Patterns Specialty paper for the circles which were rubbed with So Saffron ink to match the paper above, and tucked under the wasabi strip. Topped it off with a bit of pom pom trim and a puched flower with a bit o'bling. It wouldn't be mine without the bling!!!

Thanks as always, for checking in today!

Erika

MOJO194 Happiest Birthday Wishes

2011-06-12T13:10:00.001-07:00

This is a sneak peek at a beautiful new hostess set from Stampin' Up! available July 1st. I combined it with some also NEW gorgeous In Colors! Yay!

The stamp set is Happiest Birthday Wishes, and is a huge double set full of great stamp images and word art. One new and awesome change Stampin Up has made is that when you host a party, you can choose whichever hostess set you want at a low discounted rate instead of having to have a gazillion dollar party to get the set you love most. Your pick, isn't that cool?!

The paper used is also new DSP called Just Add Cake. Nice, happy patterns. And they coordinate with the new In Colors.

Have a great Sunday!

Erika. www.erikaclark.stampinup.net

Sample of gifts class tomorrow night!

2011-06-02T10:11:00.001-07:00

Here is one of the options for a lovely gift set we'll be making tomorrow night at my monthly class. It's a note set, complete with notepad, pen, pocket to store coupons-receipts-gift card, a small envelope pocket for change or small items, and it all snaps shut in this sweet little case! I have already given my first sample away to a friend who LOVED receiving it! Below are samples with the more subtle patterned paper.

It's an easy, yet impressive gift project. You'll have the option to make two - one to give and one to keep! It tucks right in a purse.

Have a blessed & creative day! Erika. www.erikaclark.stampinup.net

FAREWELL TO THE OLD, TO WELCOME THE NEW!

2011-06-01T13:28:00.000-07:00

Stampin' Up posted their last chance stamp and accessories today, to make way for the HUGE new 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalog. I'll be posting some sneak peek projects later this week, but for now, here are the items that are being retired. These are first come, first served, while supplies last...so if you had your eye on a cute stamp set, please don't hesitate!

To view and shop all of the last chance items, click here to go to my Stampin' Up! site.

ON THE GROW - ANGLED EASEL CARD

2011-05-27T13:04:00.000-07:00

Isn't this fresh? You know pink and green are my favorite colors to make cards with. I love this pretty watercolored vase of flowers. Better than the real thing, needs no water and lasts forever!

An easel card is a very easy fold, this one on a diagonal works best as a square.
Simply score from the lower left to the upper right.
Be careful when you adhere your stamped image that you only apply adhesive to the lower portion that's not popping up!

This card was inspired by a fellow SU Demo Louise M. Delvecchio.

As always, if you need to order supplies to make your own beauties, just click on the catalogs on the sidebar. Thanks! See you all soon!

ON THE GROW - WITH TRIPLE LAYER PUNCH

2011-05-27T12:12:00.000-07:00

I don't think I'll ever color this scooter any other color than turquoise. I just believe all "Vespa" style scooters should look this way! :) Till I have one of my own (hint, hint) here's what I get...

Here's a view of the fold. I made it so it's about 1/4 to 3/4 ratio on the folds.
Just something a little different to show off the pretty punches.

This is the 2nd of 3 cards I've made with this set. I love to color and this one just begs to be watercolored! I used brush markers and Aqua Painter...easy! The beautiful punched border is the Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch. Patterned paper is Love Letters DSP, a very versatile pack. Add a little bling on the stamped image and it's done!

The punch and the stamp set can be purchased in the NEW SUMMER MINI CATALOG. You can shop at this link or click the catalog on the sidebar. Don't miss out!

ON THE GROW - DOUBLE EMBOSSING TECHNIQUE

2011-05-27T11:39:00.000-07:00

Here's a close up of the double embossing. Just brayer your dry embossing folder with Versamark and run it through your Big Shot. Then sprinkle with a colored embossing powder and heat set. I used the new Wild Wasabi embossing powder, and it does a flawless job. It's a very find powder and has a delicate sheen to it.

This set from the new Summer Mini Catalog just stole my heart! This is a nice everyday card, with a bright, happy look for summer. You could easily swap out the sentiment for any occasion. Here are the details:

Cardstock: Wild Wasabi, So Saffron, Very Vanilla
Embossing: Vintage Wallpaper, Wild Wasabi embossing powder

Mojo Monday 189 (on Sunday)! WHOOOse Birthday?

2011-05-08T12:19:00.000-07:00

I lost my mojo on Tuesday when I got some sad news. I had this cute card halfway done. But I finally felt up to finishing it & I'm glad I did, it made me smile! It's pretty simple but I think it will bring joy to whoever receives it :)

Here are the supplies used:

Paper: Play Date Quick Accents paper pack, chocolate chip
Stamps: Sweet Birthday
Punches: Two Step Owl XL, 2-3/8" scallop, 1-3/4" circle
Glimmer Brads
Baker's Twine

I trimmed the card 1/4" shorter so it would still fit in a standard envelope with the owl's hat sticking up :)

If you need any supplies to make one of these for yourself, shop online anytime here on my Stampin' Up! website!

Have a blessed & creative day! Erika. www.erikaclark.stampinup.net

Location:Kent Narrows,United States