Sympathy Card

It seems I have done quite a few sympathy cards lately.  And there are a few I did not photograph so I cannot share them here.  If I can find the original card where I found this design I will add the link later.  I know how to link now, only took me a few years to figure that one out! 

Okay, here is where the original card is found - Lorraine's Stampin' Corner.  All I changed was the ribbon and butterflies. 

Stamp Set - Thoughts and Prayers
Cardstock - Early Expresso, Marina Mist, Whisper White
Ink - Early Expresso
Accessories - Elegant Lines Embossing Folder, Chocolate Chip Taffeta ribbon (retired),Eyelet Border Punch, Beautiful Wings Embosslit

I must admit you will find a lot of retired items used in my samples.  I have not created much in the last couple of years and have hoarded lots of ribbon and cardstock.  I have decided to use and and use it well!  So if you have retired ribbon, cardstock and stamps - use them. They still work great and will provide someone with a  lovely handmade creation they will truly enjoy.

Hint - when using dark colors for your basic card remember to put a layer of light cardstock inside to stamp your sentiment.  I put two inside, one on the top and the bottom as we had numberous people who needed to sign this card. Adding a bit of decoration inside is a nice touch.

Treat Box!

How cute is this?  Well, if you are a Stampin' Up! demonstrator you recognize this from our Stampin' Success March magazine.  However, it was tweeked by Jessica Urrutia using a different flower for the top and bottom closure. Yes, I know, my top is not closed yet!  Check out Jessica's fabulous video here.  Thank you Jessica for the tutuorial. It was actually fun and relatively easy to assemble.

Cardstock - Everday Enchantment, Island Indigo, Poppy Parade, Early Expresso
Accessories - Basic Pearls, Bigz Beautiful Butterflies Die, Ribbon (Saleabration)

Cascading Birthday Card For Donna

I saw a card exactly (almost) like this one on Stamp and Scrap with Frenchie.  It was actually made by Vandee Ehrhardt.  I just loved all of the colors and butterflies and, of course, the Sale -A-Bration DSP, ribbon and brads.  Donna is my stamping buddy at Heart to Heart International.  So, for her birthday, she had to have an over the top card.

If you go to Frenchie's link you will not only find this card, but Frenchie's tutorial for Cascading Cards. Really like her tutorial best.

Stamps - Fresh Vintage, Birthday greetings inside of peek a boo die (anything works)
Cardstock - Everyday Enchantment DSP, Poppy Parade, Very Vanilla (looks like Whisper White in photo)
Accessories - Triple Layer Blossom Punch, Lace Ribbon Border Punch, Everyday Enchantment Brads, Ribbon, Peekaboo Frames Die, Beautiful Wings Embosslit die.

A bit late for Valentines!

I completely forgot to post this card. If you are a stamper and have a Pinterest account you saw a very similar version of this card everywhere. Hope I can find the name of the original creator.  The great thing about this card is that it is very simple to make.  In fact, I hosted a "Make a Valentine for your special one" at Heart to Heart International for all of the staff. No matter what their stamping skill level, the cards were perfect.

Stamps - Well Scripted (retired Stampin' UP!)
Ink - Cherry Cobbler
Ribbon - Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding
Punches - Decorative Label, Heart to Heart
Cardstock - Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler, retired DSP

Hint - when working with inexperienced stampers - success depends on simplicity.  One way to ensure they get the card front senitment done well is to have them stamp on a separate piece of cardstock then have them punch it out. This allows for mistakes where they can stamp again without ruining the front of their card.  The stamping looks good and the placement is exactly where they want it to be.