Christmas Joy and a Design Team Call

Hi everyone!  My post today is two-fold.  First, I'd like to let you all know that there is a Design Team Call out for Christmas Card Challenges.  I have been on the Design Team for six months now and love it!  To find out more about it, just visit the Christmas Card Challenges blog.

http://christmascardchallenges.blogspot.com/2014/10/design-team-call.html 

Second, here is a very simple and easy Christmas card I made quite some time ago and never did get around to sharing it with you.  All I did was layer a piece of patterned paper onto my card base, add a strip of the same patterned paper on the inside of the card and stamped the sentiment from the Joy stamp set.  It's one of the few retired stamp sets from Stampin' Up!® that I don't plan to part with in this life time.  :-) 

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Freshly Made Sketches 159

Today's card uses the sketch from Freshly Made Sketches and some of the "scraps" that have been laying around my craft table.  I thought it was time to use some of them up and this is what happens when you use what's on hand.  The sentiment comes from the Beauty of the Season stamp set and, although it's technically it's one of our Christmas stamps, I think this sentiment is great for a non-Christmas card.  What say you?

Stamp Sets:  Flower Shop, Kinda Eclectic, Beauty of the Season; Inks:  Coastal Cabana, Blackberry Bliss, Perfect Plum; Card Stock:  Whisper White, Real Red; Accessories & Tools:  Labels Collection Framelits Dies, Pansy Punch, Elegant Butterfly Punch, Decorative Label Punch, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Glue Dots, Dimensionals, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine, Stampin' Trimmer

You can find the Freshly Made Sketches challenge HERE.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Sunday Christmas Card Challenges #48

It's the last Sunday of the month and time for an Anything Goes challenge from Christmas Card Challenges.  This week my card is more whimsical since it is one I'll be sending to one of my younger grandchildren.  I was watching a PBS special about penguins the other day and it made me think of this stamp and die set I had gotten when I still worked at Archiver's.  It made for a great kid's card.

Stamp Sets:  Christmas Bliss, Penguins (Hampton Art); Inks:  Basic Black, Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, So Saffron; Chard Stock:  Whisper White, Trim the Tree Designer Series Paper Stack, Champagne Glimmer Paper; Accessories & Tools:  Penguins Die (Sizzix), Gelly Roll Pen, Decorative Label Punch, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, Dimensionals, SNAIL Adhesive, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

We'd love to have you join us for this week's challenge.  You can find all the Christmas Card Challenges details HERE.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Silver and Gold Gentle Peace

The challenge over at The Paper Players is to use silver or gold on your project.  Since I couldn't make up my mind, I used both.  I embossed the image onto a Gold Foil sheet, using Silver Stampin' Embossing Powder.  The dotted paper is from the All Is Calm Specialty Designer Series Paper.  So far, I've not added sentiments but I'm thinking I'll use the ones from the Gentle Peace stamp set and stamp them in Mossy Meadow.

Stamp Set:  Gentle Peace; Ink:  VersaMark; Card Stock:  Real Red, Mossy Meadow, Gold Foil Sheets, All Is Calm Specialty Designer Series Paper; Accessories & Tools:  Silver Stampin' Embossing Powder, Corner Rounder, Dimensionals, Paper Snips, SNAIL Adhesive, Stampin' Trimmer

The details for The Paper Players Clean-And-Simple Challenge can be found HERE.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Gentle Peace

It's the newest photopolymer stamp set from Stampin' Up!® and I love it!  My order came today and it was like Christmas in my house although that's how I always feel when I get my orders.  Gentle Peace is a wonderful image of Mary, Joseph and Jesus, just the kind of image I love for Christmas.  It's a reminder of why we celebrate the season.

The image was stamped on Vellum using VersaMark, then embossed with Silver Stampin' Up!® Embossing Powder.  I turned it over and colored the star and the baby Jesus with Stampin' Write Markers.  After it was colored, I adhered it to a pieced of Sahara Sand card stock and popped it up with dimensionals onto the Marina Mist card stock that I'd embossed with the Lucky Stars Embossing Folder.

Stamp Set:  Gentle Peace; Ink:  Soft Suede; Stampin' Write Markers:  Crushed Curry, Marine Mist, Blush Blossom (retired); Card Stock:  Soft Suede, Marina Mist, Sahara Sand, Vellum; Accessories & Tools:  Lucky Stars Embossing Folder, Silver Stampin' Embossing Powder, SNAIL Adhesive, Transparent Adhesive (Glue Dots), Dimensionals, Paper Snips, Stampin' Trimmer, Heat Tool, Embossing Buddy

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Sunday Christmas Card Challenges #47

Snow globes have long been favorites of mine and this week's Christmas Card Challenges has a wonderful inspiration photo for you.  So, I made a snow globe but without the shake it up and watch the snow fall. 

Stamp Set:  Holiday Home; Inks:  Lost Lagoon, Pear Pizzazz; Card Stock:  Blackberry Bliss, Lost Lagoon, Pear Pizzazz, So Saffron, Soft Suede, Whisper White, All Is Calm Specialty Designer Series Paper; Accessories & Tools:  Circles Collection Framelits Dies, Homemade Holiday Framelits Dies, Heat & Stick Powder, Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter, VersaMark, Frosted Sequins, SNAIL Adhesive, Multipurpose Liquid Glue, Heat Tool, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

For all the challenge details, visit Christmas Card Challenges HERE.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Nicholas Chance is turning 8!

Tomorrow is Nic's birthday but I wanted to share the card I made for him today since each Sunday is dedicated to the Sunday Christmas Card Challenges.  Some time back , Nic discovered Dr. Who and instantly became a fan.  From what I understand Mom is making one of her great cakes and I'm sure it will have a Dr. Who theme.  Most of the product I used in his birthday card is retired but given he is turning eight, the card may not last long.  :-)  I've been invited over after church for supper and the traditional cake and ice cream celebration.  Apparently he is going to be totally blown away by Mom and Dad's gift and I can't wait to see his reaction!

Stamp Set:  Delightful Dozen (retired), Feeling Sentimental (retired); Inks:  Midnight Muse (retired), Whisper White Craft; Card Stock:  Basic Black, Gold Foil Sheets, Not Quite Navy (retired) , Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Confetti Stars Punch, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, White Opaque Pen, Dimensionals, Paper Snips, SNAIL Adhesive, Stampin' Trimmer

It's getting late so I think I'm going to wrap this one up and get some sleep.  It's a busy day tomorrow as I'm needing to get a set of swap cards done as well as designing and making my projects for the next Watercooler Stamping Blog Hop which starts Thursday at 8:00 p.m. Central time.  Be sure to stop back and take a tour.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Retro Sketches 136

Well, there is nothing like deciding to join a challenge less than five hours before it closes now is there!  I'm not a procrastinator but I sure seem to be on the road to acquiring the habit.  Not really, it's just been a busy week and I'm behind on everything.  And, tonight my favorite oldest granddaughter is joining me for some pizza and a movie!  Now on to the card I made for the Retro Sketches challenge.

Stamp Set:  Four You; Ink:  Tempting Turquoise; Card Stock:  All Abloom Designer Series Paper Stack, Elegant Eggplant, Tempting Turquoise, Vellum; Accessories & Tools:  Gold Metallic Baker's Twine, Modern Morocco Die (My Favorite Things), SNAIL Adhesive, Glue Dots, Transparent Adhesive (Glue Dots), Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

You can find the sketch from Retro Sketches HERE.

Thanks for stopping by the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge 240

It's been a while since I've played along with the Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge.  With the holidays fast approaching, I decided to do a Thanksgiving card but a rather none traditional one.  Usually you think of Autumn colors for this time of year but I decided to go for a cooler look as in the weather has been cold where I live.  Rainy, windy and just plain gloomy.  I'm so not ready for Winter!

Stamp Set:  For All Things; Inks:  Lost Lagoon, Soft Sky; Card Stock:  All Is Calm Specialty Designer Series Paper, Crumb Cake, Lost Lagoon, Soft Sky; Accessories & Tools:  Circles Collection Framelits, Frosted Sequins, Dimensionals, SNAIL Adhesive, Sticky Strip, Multipurpose Liquid Glue, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

You can find the Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge sketch HERE, if you'd like to play along.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

MFTWSC197 and FabFri52

Hey everyone!  Today's card was made using the the colors from the Fab Friday Challenge and the sketch from My Favorite Things Wednesday Sketch Challenge (which I missed since I forgot to link to the challenge).  I love combining challenges.  The colors were perfect for my second Halloween card of the year.  Since I rarely make any, I find it interesting that I'm suddenly thinking I need to make one for each of my grandchildren.  They'll sure be surprised since I've never sent them one before.  :-)

Stamp Set:  Holiday Home; Ink:  Tuxedo Black Memento; Card Stock:  Basic Black, Moonlight Designer Series Paper Stack, Tangelo Twist, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Spiral Flower Originals Die, SNAIL Adhesive, Crystal Effects, Sticky Strip

The Fab Friday Challenge can be found HERE.

Here is the sketch I used from My Favorite Things Wednesday Sketch Challenge.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

CTS96 and CQC262

It's very rarely that I make anything pink.  I like pink but it's not a color I go to very often.  I'd much rather play with blue.  But, the color challenge at ColourQ was to pretty to pass up.  I do like pink and black together and adding a touch of silver (which is my favorite) had me instantly things of sparkle and stars.  The sketch at CAS(E) this Sketch! was a perfect match.  I really like how this one turned out.

Stamp Set:  Four You; Ink:  Basic Black; Card Stock:  Basic Black, Blushing Bride, Silver Glimmer Paper; Accessories & Tools:  Confetti Stars Punch, 1" Circle Punch, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, 1/4" Circle Punch, SNAIL Adhesive, Dimensionals, Stampin' Trimmer

You can find the ColourQ Challenge HERE.

The sketch from CAS(E) this Sketch! can be found HERE.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

FMS157 Pairs Up With CMCC41

Okay, who turned off the heat!  According to my local weather station, it's only 52 degrees out there and overcast and just plain gloomy.  Well, at least it's not snowing... yet!  I'm so glad I can stay inside, turn on the heat and enjoy the pretty view of color changing leaves from my studio window.  Staying inside also gives me more time to craft so today I made this card for Freshly Made Sketches and the Colour Me...! Challenge.

Stamp Set:  Teeny Tiny Wishes; Ink:  Cherry Cobbler; Card Stock:  Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake, Moonlight Designer Series Paper Stack, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Flower Punch Board (We R Memory Keepers), Antique Brad, Dimensionals, SNAIL Adhesive, Sticky Strip

All Stampin' Up!® Product unless otherwise noted.

You can check out the Freshly Made Sketches HERE.

You can find the Colour Me...! Challenge HERE.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Sunday Christmas Card Challenge #46

Welcome to the Christmas Card Challenges.  We have a color challenge for you this week and a wonderful inspiration photo to get you started.  While I did stamp a sentiment on the inside of the card, I haven't decided what one I'll use on the outside which is why you don't see one.  :-)  There are times when I make up a card but have no idea what I want to have it say, so I'll add the sentiment when the occasion suggests one.  I think a little Merry Christmas in the upper right just might do for this one.  Guess I need to look at my Christmas stamps to see what else might be available.   

Stamp Set:  Beauty of the Season; Ink:  Baked Brown Sugar; Card Stock:  Very Vanilla, Rich Razzleberry, Elegant Eggplant, Strawberry Slush, Pear Pizzazz, Champagne Glimmer Paper; Accessories & Tools:  Hexagon Punch, Corner Rounder Punch, Gold Metallic Baker's Twine, SNAIL Adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals, Stampin' Trimmer

The Christmas Card Challenges details can be found HERE.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

MOJO366 along with CTD313

Let me just say it's been a rough week evidenced by my lack of posting here.  Migraines are no fun but a migraine due to caffeine withdrawal is extremely painful.  Yes, I love my coffee and I'm happy to say I'm back swigging that wonderful stuff and feeling quite perky!  :-)  Enough so I was able to get a card done for a couple of challenges.  Mojo Monday has a great sketch and using the colors from Color Throwdown proved to be rather interesting.  I just didn't know how to make them look good together.  Here is what I finally decided on so you be the judge.

The pineapple is part of my brass collection.  I love to collect the stuff and I love the patina of unpolished brass.  Actually, I find that interesting given the fact that I love sparkle and shine.   All I do is wipe them off with a microfiber cloth and that's it. 

Stamp Sets:  Bloom with Hope, Four You; Inks:  Daffodil Delight, Perfect Plum, Tangerine Tango; Card Stock:  Daffodil Delight, Perfect Plum, Tangerine Tango, Trim the Tree Designer Series Paper Stack, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals, SNAIL Adhesive, Stampin' Trimmer

The Mojo Monday Card Sketch Challenge can be found HERE.

The Color Throwdown Challenge can be found HERE.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Sunday Christmas Card Challenge #45

Hi everyone.  It's Sunday and that means it's time for a new challenge.  This week you can make a holiday or Christmas card, which is the only requirement for this challenge, or you can add the optional challenge of layering it up.  We'd like to see lots of dimension.

For my card, I took some Elegant Eggplant and added a layer of All Is Calm Designer Series Paper.  I really like how the Lost Lagoon looks with the Elegant Eggplant.  To add even more sparkle, I added a rhinestone in the center of each sequin.

 
Stamp Set:  Holiday Home (sentiment); Ink:  Lost Lagoon; Card Stock:  All Is Calm Designer Series Paper, Elegant Eggplant, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Frosted Sequins, Multipurpose Liquid Glue, SNAIL Adhesive, Stampin' Trimmer

We'd love to have you join us this week for our Christmas Card Challenge.  You can find all the details for the challenge HERE.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

World Card Making Day

It's a cold, but beautiful sunny day here so what am I going to do?  I'm going to craft with some friends to celebrate World Card Making Day.  Since I'm making ready for the event my post is short and sweet.  Here is one of the cards we will be making today.

Stamp Sets:  Four You, Pictogram Punches; Inks:  Mossy Meadow, Tangelo Twist, Elegant Eggplant; Card Stock:  Elegant Eggplant, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, Dazzling Details, SNAIL Adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals, Stampin' Trimmer

Have a fantastic day and thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

It's Been a Day!

Ever have one of those days when you look at the world and go, "What?"  I was in the middle of a blog post and poof! my keyboard quit working.  Given it's wireless, the first thing I did was change the batteries.  Nope, that didn't work.  Absolutely nothing made a difference.  Sad thing is, I had another keyboard that I know works just fine but it has one of the old round connectors on it and there is nothing like that on the back of my computer, everything is USB and I don't have an adapter.
So, I put out a cry for help to my number two son, Matthew.  Bless his heart, he gave me a really nice keyboard and I'm back in business.

And, with that said, here is a cute little bird who has the same look on its face that I had on mine when I puzzled over what was wrong with my keyboard.  I have to say his look is much cuter than mine.  :-)   Enjoy and I'll be back later with a new card to share with you.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha