My Heart POPS for You

Whew!  One down and only eleven to go!  I'm in Valentine mode trying to get all of the cards done I need to send to my children and grandchildren.  I have three sons and nine grandchildren.  Looks like I'll be making hearts for a few days yet.  I may just wear out my new Heart Balloons Stamp Set before I'm done.  I had a lot of fun putting this card together.  I wanted to make it look like the balloon had actually burst and little hearts were floating out of it.  I'm not sure how well I pulled that one off but I do like the way the card turned out.  Bright, cheerful and very red and white!

Stamp Set:  Heart Balloons (My Favorite Things); Inks:  Real Red (Stampin' Up!), Tuxedo Black (Memento); Card Stock:  Whisper White, Real Red, Pink Pirouette, Polka Dot Parade Designer Series Paper (Stampin' Up!); Accessories & Tools:  Delicate Doilies Die-namics, Heart Balloons Die-namics, Cute Cameras 2 Die-namics (My Favorite Things), Whisper White Baker's Twine (Stampin' Up!), Stampin' Dimensionals (Stampin' Up!)

Today I played along with the sketch over at My Favorite Things.  Here is the sketch for this week's challenge.

 Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Valentine Grunge with Tag

Combining challenges can be a challenge in itself!  Colors and sketches, sketches and colors, I really love how it stretches me to use all the elements in each challenge.  For this card I used the sketch from The Paper Players Sketch Challenge and the colors from ColourQ Colour Challenge.  It was fun and I love how the card stock layer is actually a sleeve for the little tag.

Stamp Sets:  Gorgeous Grunge, Teeny Tiny Wishes (Stampin' Up!), Heart Balloons (My Favorite Things); Inks:  Primrose Petals, Blushing Bride (Stampin' Up!); Card Stock:  Crumb Cake, Primrose Petals, Blushing Bride, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White (Stampin' Up!); Accessories & Tools:  Chalk Talk Framelits, Whisper White Baker's Twine (Stampin' Up!), Rhinestones

To check out both challenges just click on the images below.  There is still time for you to play along.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Happiness

Today I've combined a sketch challenge with a color challenge.  Retro Sketches meet Dynamic Duos.  I think they played well together.  I, for the life of me, could not find an umbrella stamp which I thought I had  so I improvised.  I found a piece of Attic Boutique Designer Series Paper, that is retired from Stampin' Up!®, but had a cute little umbrella.  On the inside of the card, I added a strip of the same patterned paper I used on the front just to add a bit of pizzazz.  You just see it peeking out on the lower left of the card. 

Stamp Set:  Loving Thoughts (Stampin' Up!);  Ink:  Tuxedo Black (Memento); Card Stock:  Very Vanilla, Melon Mambo, Basic Black, Attic Boutique Designer Series Paper - retired (Stampin' Up!), Sunshine (My Mind's Eye); Accessories & Tools:  Scallop Oval Punch, Extra Large Oval Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals (Stampin' Up!), 1/8" Vanilla Ribbon.

And, here is where I got my inspiration.  Just click on either image to go the the Retro Sketches Sketch Challenge Blog or the Dynamic Duos Color Challenge Blog.  I've just recently been introduced to both so it was fun to be able to play along with the two.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Petite Petals Sympathy

For today's card, I used the sketch from the Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge.  I find when I have a limited amount of time available to create, that a sketch allows me to make a project in no time at all.  I've been wanting to use the new Watercolor Wonder Designer Washi Tape from Stampin' Up! since I got it but just didn't have any ideas in mind.  This sketch was a perfect showcase for it.

Stamp Sets:  Petite Petals, God's Blessings - retired (Stampin' Up!); Inks:  Baked Brown Sugar, Smoky Slate (Stampin' Up!); Card Stock:  Crumb Cake, Basic Black, Very Vanilla (Stampin' Up!), Sunshine Paper Pad (My Mind's Eye); Accessories & Tools:  Watercolor Wonder Designer Washi Tape, Pearl Basic Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals (Stampin' Up!)

Now here is the sketch from the Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge that I used.  You can click on the image below to head over to the blog for all the details about the challenge.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Petite Petals Thank You

The Friday Mashup Challenge this week was to use stars or make a thank you card set with matching envelopes or to make a set of thank you cards and envelopes using stars.  Easy, right?  Well, yes, if you have anything 'starry' to use.  I was at a loss until I remembered my paper pad of Mother Goose by Graphic 45.  It worked great for my set of 3" x 3" thank you cards.

Stamp Sets:  Petite Petals, Simply Sketched (Stampin' Up!); Inks:  Bermuda Bay, Coastal Cabana, Crushed Curry (Stampin' Up!); Card Stock:  Bermuda Bay (Stampin' Up!), White (Bazzill), Mother Goose Patterned Paper (Graphic 45); Accessories & Tools:  Petite Petals Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals (Stampin' Up!), Rhinestones

I wanted to add the star paper to the flap of the envelope but didn't have enough left.  Instead, I used a retired Stampin' Up! set called So Happy for You.  It had a shooting star stamp in it that I used to stamp the front left corner of the envelope.

To go check out The Friday Mashup blog, just click on the image below and it will take you right over there.

Now I have the last of my thank you cards done and can concentrate on the Valentine cards I need to get designed and sent.  Busy, busy, busy!

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Heartfelt Thanks

My very first My Favorite Things order came last Tuesday and Wednesday a new challenge came out so I have been having lots of fun playing with all of my new goodies!  I simply love the balloon hearts.  They also have another balloon set that is on my wishlist.  Oh, and they have matching dies!  Now how cool is that!  I'll share those projects later but for now here is the card I made for their current Wednesday Stamp Club Challenge.

Stamp Set:  DC Heart Balloons (My Favorite Things);  Ink:  Baked Brown Sugar (Stampin' Up!); Card Stock:  Baked Brown Sugar, Bermuda Bay (Stampin' Up!), My Girl Paper Pad (American Crafts), Glitzy Glitter (DCWV), White (Bazzill); Accessories & Tools:  Staggered Heart Border Die-namics, Delicate Doilies Die-namics (My Favorite Things), Crystal Effects (Stampin' Up!)

The doily die-cut was just too pretty to cut off, so I simply used the whole thing.  There are four dies in the set and I can't wait to use the other three.  They are so pretty.  I'm thinking they will make for some sweet Mother's Day cards.

Now here is the sketch from the My Favorite Things Wednesday Stamp Club Challenge.  Just click on the image for all of the details.  I love their sketches!

I spent the afternoon over at my friend, Heather's, stamping some of the balloons from the DC Party Balloons stamp set.  They will work great for some birthday cards I have to make in the days ahead. 

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Bible Verse of the Week

I have set the Lord always before me:  because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

Psalm 16:8

KJV

Wacky Watercooler Welcome 2014 Blog Hop

Hi everyone!  So glad you have joined us here today.  Haven't the projects been fantastic and the inspiration over the top!

For my first project I wanted to showcase the cute little Petite Petals Stamp Set and the Petite Petals Punch from the Occasions Catalog.  I am really going to enjoy having this little set!

Stamp Sets:  Petite Petals, Everything Eleanor; Inks:  Pool Party, Blushing Bride, Gumball Green, Pumpkin Pie; Card Stock:  Pool Party, Island Indigo, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Chalk Talk Framelits, Honeycomb Embossing Folder, 1/8" Silver Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

My next card features one of the products you can get free during Sale-A-Bration, the Decorative Dots Embossing Folder.  It is so different from the Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder in that the dots are random and not neatly spaced.  I really like the way it looks.  I used the sketch I found at Unscripted Sketches for this card.  Sometimes when I'm making a bunch of cards at one time, I look for some inspiration from a sketch or color challenge to help me out.

Stamp Set:  Simply Sketched;  Ink:  Bermuda Bay; Card Stock:  Whisper White, Bermuda Bay, Polka Dot Parade Real Red; Accessories & Tools:  Decorative Dots Embossing Folder (Sale-A-Bration), 1/8" Silver Ribbon, 1-3/4" Scallop Circle Punch, Rhinestones

With February 14th not far off, I thought it quite appropriate to share a Valentine Card with you.  Gorgeous Grunge made for some terrific backgrounds and this is a sketch I found over at Freshly Made Sketches.

  
Stamp Sets:  Gorgeous Grunge, Delightful Dozen; Inks:  Blushing Bride, Raspberry Ripple; Card Stock:  Blushing Bride, Whisper White, Raspberry Ripple, Rose Red; Accessories & Tools:  Hearts Collection Framelits, Rhinestone

Well, there you have it for me.  Now head on over to your next stop to see what Heidi Weaver has in store for you, just click on her name under the watercooler!   

Heidi Weaver

Christine Giuda

Wacky Watercooler Stamping

Thanks so much for joining us on our Wacky Watercooler Welcome 2014 blog Hop.  And, thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe.

Marsha

You & Me

Stamp Club last Sunday was a lot of fun and we made some very nice cards.  Since you'll  be seeing another post later today, I'm going to keep this one very short.  I just wanted to share one of the cards I made with you.  It was my favorite out of the five we made.

Stamp Sets:  Perfect Pennants, Gorgeous Grunge; Inks:  Baked Brown Sugar, Coastal Cabana, Crisp Cantaloupe; Card Stock:  Coastal Cabana, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Sweet Sorbet Accessory Pack (Sale-A-Bration Brochure), Rhinestone Basic Jewels

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

I Heart You

You know what I love best about laptops?  I can be as miserable as can be and still be online doing my thing.  :-)   For some reason, I decided I needed to catch a very nasty, cough til your ribs hurt, cold.  Of course being out in a salvage yard with my youngest son in the snow and cold blowing wind didn't have any part of it, right?  Well, I'm on the mend and felt well enough to do a little stamping today.  Yay!  Especially, since I got a bunch of new stuff yesterday that I wanted to play with.  I can't wait to share it with you.

Today's card was made with a new stamp set from My Favorite Things.  It's called Heart Balloons and I love it!  It worked perfectly for the current challenge over at The Paper Players.  We had to create a single layer card with minimal embellishments, if any.  I love this clean and simple look!

Stamp Set:  Heart Balloons (My Favorite Things); Inks:  Crushed Curry, Raspberry Ripple, Bermuda Bay (Stampin' Up!), Tuxedo Black (Memento); Card Stock:  White (Bazzill)

I did add one rhinestone right where the balloon strings meet.  It added just a bit of sparkle to the card.

Click on the image below for all the details of the One Layer Valentine Challenge at The Paper Players.

Be sure to check back tomorrow.  I am participating in the Wacky Watercooler Welcome to 2014 Blog Hop.  A bunch of Stampin' Up! Demonstrators will be showing off some of the new products from the Occasions Catalog, the Sale-A-Bration Brochure and the current Annual Catalog.  Prepare to be inspired!

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Bible Verse of the Week

As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you:  continue ye in my love.

John 15:9

K

Old Guys Rule Birthday

Here we go again with another birthday card.  Do you know how hard it is to come up with a guy card?  You'd think it would come easy for me given I have more guys in my life than gals.  Three sons, three brothers, seven grandsons and that is not counting the brothers-in-law.  Whew!  With two more February birthday cards to make, I am so glad only one is another guy card.

I am playing along with two challenges this time.  I didn't see on either that I couldn't combine so I'm hoping I didn't overlook something.  The colors from the ColorQ Challenge were just right for a guy card and the sketch from the Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge meshed perfectly.  I really like how it turned out.

 Stamp Sets:  Gorgeous Grunge, Delightful Dozen (Stampin' Up!), Inks:  Basic Gray, Island Indigo (Stampin' Up!); Card Stock:  Poppy Parade, Whisper White, Basic Gray, Island Indigo, Pool Party (Stampin' Up!); Accessories & Tools:  Silver Brad

Here is the inspiration for the colors to be used in the ColorQ Challenge.  Just click on their name or on the image below to see all the great entries in the challenge.

And, here is the sketch from Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge.  You can click their name or on the image below to check out their blog and get all the details of their challenges.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

God Bless You

Today's card is a 'skinny' card.  I've never made a 'skinny' card before but the folks over at Crazy 4 Challenges decided that's just what we needed to do for their challenge.  For all the details, click on their name and go check it out.  I rather like the smaller size.  I love how these colors all came together.

Stamp Sets:  Simply Sketched, Trust God (Stampin' Up!); Inks:  Strawberry Slush, Pistachio Pudding, Coastal Cabana (Stampin' Up!);  Card Stock: Strawberry Slush, Whisper White, Daffodil Delight (Stampin' Up!), My Girl Paper Pad (American Crafts); Accessories & Tools:  Beautiful Wings Embosslits, 3/8" Old Olive Organdy Ribbon - retired, Extra-Large Oval Punch, Dazzling Details (Stampin' Up!), Rhinestones

I have a friend who needs a bit of encouragement so this will be on its way in tomorrow's mail.  I love making cards to send to family and friends.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Pretty in Pinks

You know you spend a lot of time with someone when they have an influence over your color choices.  I love blue, Heather loves pink and I find myself making more cards using pink card stock and inks than I ever did before I started hanging out with her.  Too funny!  As you can see, my card has blossomed with mostly pink!

Card Stock:  blushing Bride, Rose Red and Early Espresso (Stampin' Up!), Maggie Holmes Paper Pad (Crate Paper); Accessories & Tools:  1-3/4" Scallop Circle Punch, 3/16" Corner Punch, 7/8" Scallop Circle Punch, 1/8" Silver Mini Brad and Linen Thread (Stampin' Up!), Silver Key

For this one, I chose not to use a sentiment since I'm not sure what it will be used for, birthday, anniversary, thinking of you or thank you.  I can always add that at a later time.

I played along with Seize the Sketch, so be sure to head on over for some more inspiration.  Just click on the image below.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Blooming Rose

Today my friend and stamping buddy, Heather, came over with some of her My Favorite Things stamps and dies.  We stamped and chatted the afternoon away making a design so we could play along with My Favorite Things Wednesday Stamp Club Get Sketchy .  She has been instrumental in taking me out of my box and combining colors and papers that I would never think of using together.  I love getting together with her.

Stamp Set:  MPD Blooming Roses (My Favorite Things), Outlined Occasions - retired (Stampin' Up!); Inks:  Strawberry Slush and Pear Pizzazz (Stampin' Up!)m Tuxedo Black (Memento); Card Stock:  Daffodil Delight, Very Vanilla and Island Indigo (Stampin' Up!), Maggie Holmes Paper Pad (Crate Paper), White (Bazzill); Accessories & Tools:  Circles Collection Framelits and Stampin' Dimensionals (Stampin' Up!), MPD Rose Bouquet Die (My Favorite Things), Rhinestones

And, here is the sketch used for the challenge.  You can click on the image to go see all the details of the sketch challenge.

It was a great way to spend an afternoon and I'm already looking forward to the next time Heather and I can get together.  Be sure to stop by her blog to see her wonderful creations, Simply Handmade by Heather.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha 

Bible Verse of the Week

Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him:  I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

Psalm 91:14

KJV

Thinking of You

While unpacking and organizing my craft supplies into their new space, I discovered I had a lot of already cut and scored card bases.  To make room for more "stuff" (I love that word!), I decided to use them all up.  I think I have enough for all of the birthday cards I need to make this year!  :-)  Don't worry, today's card is not birthday.  I have a couple of friends I don't see often so I'm making 'thinking of you' cards to send to them.

Stamp Sets:  Gorgeous Grunge, Simply Sketched and Teeny Tiny Wishes (Stampin' Up!); Inks:  Crisp Cantaloupe and Pistachio Pudding (Stampin' Up!); Card Stock:  Very Vanilla, Pistachio Pudding and Whisper White (Stampin' Up!), She Art Patterned Paper (Christy Tomlinson); Accessories & Tools:  Tear Drop Circles Die (Spellbinders), Stampin' Dimensionals (Stampin' Up!)

For this card I used the sketch at Freshly Made Sketches.  It was perfect for stamping my own background with Gorgeous Grunge.  For all the details, just click the image.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

For My Sister

Next month is my oldest younger sister, Terri's, birthday.  She loves all things purple so in keeping with her favorite, I made her card all in shades of purple.  I used the sketch from Mojo Monday Card Sketch Challenge and really like how this came together.  Even though the Beautiful Birthday stamp is retired, it remains one of my favorites.  I love all the swirls.

Stamp Set:  Beautiful Birthday-retired (Stampin' Up!); Ink:  Perfect Plum (Stampin' Up!); Card Stock:  Perfect Plum, Whisper White, Elegant Eggplant and various Designer Series Papers (Stampin' Up!), She Art Patterned Paper (Christy Tomlinson); Accessories & Tools:  Decorative Label Punch, Heart Collection Framelits, Full Heart Punch, Small Heart Punch and Stampin' Dimensionals (Stampin' Up!), Rhinestones

Here is the sketch I used for my card.  Click on the image to head over to the Mojo Monday Sketch Card Sketch Challenge.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Valentine Heart

Today I took a break from birthday cards and made my first Valentine card.  I'm thinking about making and sending Valentine cards to my sons and their families this year.  It's been a long time since I've done that and I think it would be fun.  I love making easel cards and it fit perfectly with Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Challenge which is to create a 'shaped' card..

Stamp Sets:  Flower Shop, Teeny Tiny Wishes and Language of Friendship-retired (Stampin' Up!®); Inks:  Strawberry Slush, Coastal Cabana and Pistachio Pudding (Stampin' Up!®), Tuxedo Black (Memento); Card Stock:  Blushing Bride, Rose Red and Whisper White (Stampin' Up®), Patterned Paper (Crate Paper); Accessories & Tools:  Hearts Collection Framelits, Extra-Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch and Stampin' Dimensionals (Stampin' Up!®), Rhinestones

As you can tell, I still haven't got my light tent set up.  There are just too many shadows to suit me but it was the best I could do.  And, yes, tomorrow I am getting that light tent set up!

Click on the image below to find out all the details about the Timeless Tuesday Get in Shape Challenge.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe...

Marsha

Baked Brown Sugar Birthday

Today I started to work on getting all of my February birthday cards made as I have five of them scattered throughout the month.  Since I want to get some Valentine cards made, too, I think I'm going to mix it up so I don't get so bogged down with birthday cards that I go 'bleck' and don't get anything done.  :-)  Not likely, but you just never know.  Anyway, this is the card I made for my oldest younger brother.  I found the sketch on the Operation Write Home website while doing some research on their organization.

Stamp Set:  Simply Sketched (Stampin' Up!®); Ink:  Baked Brown Sugar; Card Stock:  Baked Brown Sugar, Raspberry Ripple, Summer Starfruit, Soft Suede and Very Vanilla (Stampin' Up!®), Silver & Gold Collection (Bo Bunny); Accessories & Tools:  1/8" Silver Mini Brads, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine and Stampin' Dimensionals (Stampin' Up!®), Small Octagons Dies ( Spellbinders)

Here is the sketch I used.  Just click on the image to visit the Operation Write Home website.

 I love that the measurements were included.  It made it so quick and easy to make the card.  They have other sketches, too, that I want to use so be sure to check them out if you enjoy using sketches.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Jean's Birthday Card

Just when you think you are ahead of the curve, an oh my gosh moment happens.  While adding birthdays to my new calendar, I realized that I had overlooked one.  My friend, Jean, lives in Oregon and her birthday is next week.  So, I sat right down, made this card just for her and sent it on it's way.

For her card, I wanted to follow the challenge over at CAS-UAL Fridays but it also had to be a CAS design.  Don't you think the sketch from the Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge works perfectly?

Stamp Sets:  Loving Thoughts and Beautiful Birthday - retired (Stampin' Up!); Inks:  Wisteria Wonder and Coastal Cabana (Stampin' Up!); Card Stock:  Wisteria Wonder, Coastal Cabana and Winter Frost Designer Series Paper (Stampin' Up!), Glitzy Glitter Paper (The Cardstock Stack); Accessories & Tools:  Circles Collection Framelits, Essentials Paper-Piercing Pack, Stampin' Pierce Mat, Paper Piercing Tool, Rhinestone Basic Jewels (Stampin' Up!), Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

What you can't see is that I stamped a very elegant looking Happy Birthday on the inside of the card using Coastal Cabana on the Wisteria Wonder card stock.  Those two colors look great together.

Here's where you can find the challenges I used for today's card.  Just click on the image and away you'll go!

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Another January Birthday

Well, here is the final card needed for my January birthdays.  Devin joins the ranks of teenager this year.  I figured it will be the last year I can get away with a somewhat cutesy card for him.  I love the bright colors of this one and who says bright colors are only for girls.

Stamp Sets:  Gorgeous Grunge and Swirls & Curls (Stampin' Up!); Inks:  Coastal Cabana and Crisp Cantaloupe (Stampin' Up!); Card Stock:  Coastal Cabana and Very Vanilla (Stampin' Up!), Vintage Bliss (Simple Stories); Accessories & Tools:  Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder and Stampin' Dimensionals (Stampin' Up!), Blender Pen, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

This one is being entered in two challenges.  I used the sketch from The Friday Mashup challenge.  I think it would work for the theme of time as well given a birthday marks the passing of time but I'm not sure that's what others would think.  Here is the sketch from The Friday Mashup!

I'm also sharing it over at Seize the Birthday.

Whew!  All the January birthday cards are done.  I only have five to make for February.  I'd better get busy.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha