Merry Christmas!

Have a safe and wonderful holiday!

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Celebrate!

It's Christmas Eve and I have one more Christmas card to share with you.  I'm getting ready to head over to my number two son's and spend Christmas with his family.  I'm so looking forward to it.  Now that my number three son has moved out of state and my number one son is out of country, it will be a different kind of Christmas for me, less noise.  :-)  I love being surrounded by family and those that won't be with us today are very much missed.

Wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas!

Stamp Sets:  Feeling Sentimental (retired), Reason for the Season; Inks:  Lost Lagoon, Night of Navy; Cardstock:  Rich Razzleberry, Very Vanilla; Accessories & Tools:  Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Dimensionals, SNAIL Permanent Adhesive, Stampin' Trimmer

The sketch I used is from CAS(E) this Sketch Challenge.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Mossy Meadow Christmas

Christmas is almost here and, even with all the Christmas cards I make all year long, I found I still need a couple of more.  I kept this one very simple with but I love the way it turned out.  I think it's a perfect match for the Sunday Stamps Sketch Challenge.

Stamp Sets:  Flurry of Wishes - inside sentiment, Holiday Home - outside sentiment; Ink:  Mossy Meadow; Cardstock:  Home for Christmas Designer Series Paper, Whisper White Thick; Accessories & Tools:  Brick Wall Embossing Folder, Home for Christmas Enamel Dots, SNAIL Permanent Adhesive, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

The sketch I used is from the Sunday Stamps Challenge.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Watercooler Wednesday Challenge #48

Heidi's challenge for us this week is an "Anything Goes With Snow."  With time at a premium, I decided to keep this one very simple.  I added a layer of Whisper White to the Real Red and stamped on the Sahara Sand layer.  A few enamel dots for a pop of color and it's all done.

This is our last challenge of 2015 but we'll be back come the New Year for another year of great challenges.

Stamp Sets:  Happy Scenes - sentiment, Perpetual Birthday Calendar - snowflakes, White Christmas; Inks:  Early Espresso, Whisper White Craft; Cardstock:  Real Red, Sahara Sand, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Home for Christmas Enamel Dots, SNAIL Permanent Adhesive, Stampin' Trimmer

For all the details and to join our challenge, visit Watercooler Wednesday Challenges.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Snowman Ornament

Christmas Card Challenges is on a holiday hiatus, I decided to share one of the cute gifts I received at our annual Christmas dinner.  Several local demonstrators get together every year to have a gift swap and share a meal together.  It's a fun time.  This little snowman tealight ornament was made by Kelli.  I think he is so cute!  He even has his own little box to sleep in once it's time to put Christmas away for the year.  Next week I'll share another of the gifts I received.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Purrfect Friend

Today found me busy working on an order of wedding invitations but I wanted to take time out to make a card, using a new Taylored Expressions stamp set and dies, to share with you.  This is a case of a card I made when I attended an event at the Taylored Expressions Studio.  Being someone who loves to do counted cross stitch, the Stitch by Stitch stamp set immediately caught my interest.  And, the Embroidery Hoop Dies was a perfect pairing with the stamp set.  Over the next few weeks I'll be sharing more of the images as I gear up to make some Valentine's Day cards.

Stamp Set:  Stitch by Stitch (Taylored Expressions), Inks:  Basic Gray, Real Red; Cardstock:  Basic Gray, Calypso Coral, Real Red, Smoky Slate, Stacked with Love Designer Series Paper Stack (retired), Whisper White, Whisper White Thick; Accessories & Tools:  Embroidery Hop Dies (Taylored Expressions), Arrows Embossing Folder, Sweetheart Punch, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, Red Wink of Stella Brush, Silver Cording Trim, Multipurpose Liquid Glue, SNAIL Permanent Adhesive, Dimensionals, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

The sketch I used is from the Freshly Made Sketches Challenge.  As you can see I changed it up just a wee bit so I hope they still consider it a valid project for their great sketch.  Instead of making a smaller layer for the center, I stretched it to the edges of the card and made the images, die cuts and sentiment the focal layer.  What do you think?

And even though I'm a huge fan of Christmas, I played along with the Inkspirational Challenge.  It's a new challenge for me.  The challenge is to make a project without a Christmas theme.  Since I make a Christmas card a week throughout the year as a member of the Christmas Card Challenges Design Team, I had no problem following along with the no Christmas theme challenge.  It gave me a chance to play with my new Taylored Expressions stamp set and dies.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Shades of Bermuda Bay

There is just time for a quick post today.  I'm busy making Christmas gifts and getting those late cards out to friends and family.  I combines two challenges today, Sunday Stamps Challenge and the RetroSketches Challenge.  I think they came together rather well.  What do you think?

Stamp Sets:  Beautiful Bunch, Butterfly Basics, Crazy about You, Gorgeous Grunge, Petal Potpourri; Inks:  Basic Gray, Bermuda Bay, Pool Party, Smoky Slate, Soft Sky; Cardstock:  Basic Gray, Bermuda Bay, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  1-3/4" Scalloped Circle Punch, 7/8" Scalloped Circle Punch, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Turquoise Rhinestones (Want2Scrap), Dimensionals, SNAIL Permanent Adhesive, Stampin Trimmer.  Stampin' Up! ® product unless otherwise noted.

The colors I used are from the Sunday Stamps Challenge.

The sketch I used is from the RetroSketches Challenge.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Watercooler Wednesday Challenges #47

It's time for a new Watercolor Wednesday challenge and this one is all about blue.  I love blue and I love the color inspiration from Design Seeds, so it being my turn to offer up the challenge, I picked this great Dew Blue color combination from Design Seeds.  Don't you think the Design Team created some beautiful projects?

Now we'd love to see how you were inspired.  Show us your project and share it over at Watercooler Wednesday Challenges.

Ever have one of those ideas in your head that you just can't get transferred to paper?  Well, that's what happened to me with this design.  No matter what I did, it just didn't.  Sigh...but, it's blue, so I can live with it.  :-)

Stamp Set:  Best Thoughts; Inks:  Basic Gray, Marina Mist, Night of Navy, Pool Party, Smoky slate, StazOn Jet Black; Cardstock:  Night of Navy, Watercolor Paper, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Decorative Label Punch, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Crystal Effects, Dimensionals, Stampin' Trimmer

We'd love to have you join us this week at Watercooler Wednesday Challenges.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Birthday Wishes

Today is a rainy, gloomy day here in Iowa.  So, what better way to brighten the day than to make some pretty flowers with the new Petal Pop-Ups 2 Dies I recently purchased from Taylored Expressions.  The flower is actually a layered flower.  You can just see a hint of the color under the top flower.  Daffodil Delight under the Pacific Point flower and Pacific Point under the Daffodil Delight flower.

Stamp Set:  Zinnia Bouquet - sentiment (Taylored Expressions); Ink:  Pacific Point; Cardstock:  Daffodil Delight, Pacific Point, Secret Garden Patterned Paper (Graphic 45); Accessories & Tools:  Petal Pop-Ups 2 Dies (Taylored Expressions), Triple Banner Punch, Corner Rounder Punch, Pearl Basic Jewels, Dimensionals, Multipurpose Liquid Glue, SNAIL Permanent Adhesive, Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

The sketch I used is from the Share Joy Challenge.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Sunday Christmas Card Challenge #2

It's a short post for you today.  I have so much going on that I'm meeting myself coming and going.  I have to get cardstock cut for 100 wedding invitations I was asked to design and make.  Now that approval has been given, it's time to get busy.  Plus, I'm still working on family and friends Christmas gifts.  Busy, busy, busy!

For my Christmas Card Challenges card this week, I opted not to do any stamping.  I love that little joy die.  It's just the right size for the front of the card and adds just the right pop of color.

Stamp Set:  None used; Ink:  None used; Cardstock:  Cherry On Top Designer Series Paper Stack, Chocolate Chip, Cucumber Crush, Watermelon Wonder, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Joy Die (Taylored Expressions), Punch (unknown), Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Dimensionals, SNAIL Permanent Adhesive, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine.  All Stampin' Up! product unless otherwise noted.

Come join us for our last challenge of 2015.  We are taking a brief hiatus over Christmas but will be back with more challenges in the New Year.  You can find all the details at Christmas Card Challenges.

The sketch I used is from Freshly Made Sketches.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

It's a Little Yellow Chick

Today I thought I'd share a sneak peek of one of the 2016 Sale-A-Bration stamp sets called Honeycomb Happiness.  I feel for this little chick the minute I saw him.  He's so cute!  The set also includes an ice cream cone and a balloon.  And, from the 2016 Occasions Catalog, the Honeycomb Embellishments.  They come in Whisper White, Mint Macaron and Blushing Bride.  I used a Whisper White to which I added touches of Daffodil Delight.  The Occasions Catalog and the Sale-A-Bration Catalog are set to launch January 5th.  If you'd like catalogs of your own, let me know and I'll be sure to get one right to you.

Stamp Set:  Honeycomb Happiness (2016 SAB); Inks:  Basic Black Archival, Daffodil Delight, Tangerine Tango; Cardstock:  Whisper White Thick; Accessories & Tools:  Honeycomb Embellishments, Blender Pen, Stampin' Trimmer

The sketch I used is from CAS(E) this Sketch!

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Watercooler Wednesday Challenges #46

Our Watercooler Wednesday challenge came from Jean this week and it's a CAS (Clean And Simple) one.  When I saw the inspiration she provided, I knew I had to CASE (Copy And Share Everything) it for my youngest son's birthday coming up in December.  The retired Mustache Framelits Die is a favorite of mine that will continue to have a happy home with me for a good long while.  It was so perfect for this project.   I know my son is going to love it!

Stamp Set:  Crazy about You (sentiment); Ink:  Basic Black; Cardstock:  Basic Black, Whisper White Thick; Accessories & Tools:  Petite Pennants Builder Punch (retired), Mustache Framelits Die, Project Life Cards & Labels Framelits Dies, Word Window Punch, Corner Rounder Punch, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, SNAIL Permanent Adhesive, Dimensionals, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

For all the challenge details and to share your project, visit Watercooler Wednesday Challenges.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Let It Snow!

One of my favorite challenges is closing down after their current challenge.  It's with a sad heart that I enter my last card in the Colour Me...! Card Challenge and say good-bye.  I have enjoyed their challenges.  Thank you Tara and Hayley. 

Combining challenges is something I enjoy doing and this time I was able to use three different ones.  That doesn't happen often but the card I made fit all three so well.  Colour Me...! had Soft Sky as their color this week and I combined it with the sketch from Freshly Made Sketches and the "Let it Snow" theme from The Paper Players.

Stamp Sets:  Flurry of Wishes, Happy Scenes (sentiment); Ink:  Soft Sky; Cardstock:  Soft Sky, Whisper White, Whisper White Thick; Accessories & Tools:  Triple Banner Punch, Snow Flurry Punch, Candy Dots Brad Bases, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Dimensionals, SNAIL Permanent Adhesive, Stampin' Trimmer

The colors I used are from the Colour Me...! Challenge.

The sketch I used is from Freshly Made Sketches.

The theme I used is from the The Paper Players.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Sunday Christmas Card Challenge #1

You know, I love this time of year!  I'm getting cards ready to send to family and friends.  All I have to do is address the envelopes and stick a stamp on them.  Now how sweet is that!  Since becoming a Design Team Member for Sunday Christmas Card Challenges, I've not had to stress out about getting things done on schedule.  Making a card a week has been a blessing.  So, join us this week and start making your cards early.  And, be sure to say hello to our new Design Team Members!

Stamp Sets:  Reason for the Season, Wondrous Wreath (sentiment); Inks:  Basic Black Archival, Crushed Curry Stampin' Write Marker, Wink Stella Brush Clear, Wink of Stella Brush Red; Cardstock:  Basic Black, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Dimensionals, SNAIL Permanent Adhesive, Paper Snips, Stampin' Trimmer

Join us as we start a new year of Christmas cards.  You can find all the details and link up your project at Christmas Card Challenges.

The sketch I used is from Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenges.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Watercooler Wednesday Challenges #45

This week at Watercooler Wednesday Challenges, Susan shared a great sketch to spark our creative process.  I don't often make baby cards but I've not used the Something for Baby stamp set and Baby's First Framelits Dies in such a long time that it was time.  My nephew and his wife are expecting their second child and they know it's a boy so blue was an easy color choice for this card.  If you know me well, you know that blue is not a problem for me, it's my favorite color.   Hmm,  I wonder if that is why I have three sons?  :-)

Stamp Sets:  Crazy about You (sentiment), Something for Baby; Inks:  Marina Mist, Night of Navy, Soft Sky; Cardstock:  Marina Mist, Night of Navy, Soft Sky, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Baby's First Framelits Dies, Project Life Cards & Labels Framelits, Decorative Dots Embossing Folder, Itty Bitty Accents Epoxy Stickers, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, SNAIL Permanent Adhesive, Dimensionals, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

For all the challenge details and to link up your project, visit Watercooler Wednesday Challenges.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Grateful For You

It's been a while since I've been able to create and post on a regular basis.  I haven't felt well for quite some time and had no idea why.  Well, I found out why last Monday when I was admitted to the ICU overnight.  It was a new experience for me.  Fortunately, it was not life threatening and it can be controlled with medication.  I am feeling fantastic with more energy than I've had in a long while.  Those at the hospital took such good care of me so I'm making cards to take with me when I go in Wednesday for my follow up.

The challenge over at The Friday Mashup was right on target for what I needed.  The sketch was great and the thankful theme mashed up well for a perfect card.  As you can see, I flipped it and used one of the Lots of Labels Framelits Dies.

Stamp Set:  For All Things; Ink:  Soft Suede; Cardstock:  Soft Suede, Timeless Elegance Designer Series Paper, Very Vanilla; Accessories & Tools:  Lots of Labels Framelits Dies, Champagne Rhinestones (Want2Scrap), Dimensionals, SNAIL Permanent Adhesive, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

The sketch and theme I used are from The Friday Mashup!

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Sunday Christmas Card Challenges #52

This week it's another "Anything Goes" challenge here at Christmas Card Challenges.  It's getting down to the wire.  Have you made all of your Christmas cards?  Thankfully, mine are now all done and ready to be signed, sealed and delivered.  It's a relief to know, that by the time they need to be put in the mail, they are all made and just need addressed.  For me, it's one of my favorite things about being on the Christmas Card Challenges Design Team.  If you play along each week, you have them all done, too!  :-)

Stamp Set:  Reason for the Season; Ink:  Mossy Meadow; Cardstock:  A Christmas Carol Patterned Paper (Graphic 45), Home for Christmas Designer Series Paper, Mossy Meadow, Real Red, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Ovals Collection Framelits Dies, Dazzling Details, Dimensionals, SNAIL Permanent Adhesive, Paper Snips, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine.  All Stampin' Up!® product unless otherwise noted.

For all the challenge details and to share your project, visit Christmas Card Challenges.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Watercooler Wednesday Challenges #44

It's "Anything Goes" week at Watercooler Wednesday Challenges!  Yay!  I love "anything goes."  I'm so used to being able to do whatever I want in the other "anything goes" challenges that I enter, that I forgot that Buffy's challenge actually has a wedding element to it.  Oops!  I guess you could use this for an anniversary card if you wanted.  I was thinking of my son when I made this since he is giving me an early Christmas gift this year.  He's paying to have the brakes fixed in my car and I am truly grateful for his help.  I am blessed with wonderful sons!

But, back to the challenge.  Buffy's inspiration photo is absolutely beautiful, don't you think?  So, come join us this week and show us how you were inspired.

Stamp Sets:  For All Things, Wondrous Wreath; Inks:  Cajun Craze, Soft Suede, Tangerine Tango; Cardstock:  Cajun Craze, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla; Accessories & Tools:  Brick Wall Embossing Folder, Chalk Talk Framelits Dies, Wonderful Wreath Framelits Dies, Regals Candy Dots, Vanilla Thick Baker's Twine, Dimensionals, SNAIL Permanent Adhesive, Glue Dots, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

For all the challenge details and to share your project, visit Watercooler Wednesday Challenges.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Sunday Christmas Card Challenges #51

"Anything Goes" is the challenge this week at Christmas Card Challenges.  So, pull out your favorites and show us what you've got!

The other day when I ordered my 2016 Mini Calendars from Taylored Expressions, I found this very nice Peace Die in the bag.  It was a thank you from Taylored Expressions.  I was so excited.  Here is how I used it.  The sentiment below the die cut comes from the Reason for the Season stamp set.

Stamp Sets:  Bold Snowflake (retired), Reason for the Season; Inks:  Lost Lagoon, Night of Navy; Cardstock:  A Christmas Carol Patterned Paper (Graphic 45), Lost Lagoon, Night of Navy, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Peace Die (Taylored Expressions), Blossom Punch (retired), Iced Rhinestone, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Dimensionals, Multipurpose Liquid Glue, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine.  All Stampin' Up!® unless otherwise noted.

For all the challenge details and to link up your project, visit Christmas Card Challenges.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

The Wacky Watercooler's November Christmas Celebration

It's time for another fabulous Wacky Watercooler Blog Hop.  This month we are focusing on Christmas.  It's just a wee bit over a month away and, if you are like me, you have plenty of gifts and cards to design and make for family and friends.  I have no doubt that you will find plenty of inspiration from those of us sharing our Christmas projects with you.  So, grab a cup of your favorite beverage of choice, sit back and see what's in store.  Enjoy!

Tonight I'll be joining a group of local Stampin' Up! Demonstrators for our annual Christmas dinner and gift exchange.  This year I decided to make a matching desk ensemble.  This mini note pad, in it's festive holder, will fit nicely on anyone's desk.

Stamp Set:  Back to Basics Alphabet; Ink:  Mossy Meadow; Cardstock:  Home for Christmas Designer Series Paper, Mint Macaron, Real Red; Accessories & Tools:  Triple Banner Punch, Iced Rhinestones, Gold Baker's Twine, 3-1/2" x 5" Mini Writing Tablet (Tree House Pad & Paper, Inc.), SNAIL Permanent Adhesive, Tear & Tape Adhesive, Stampin' Trimmer

My second project is the other half of the desk ensemble.  As you can see, it's a calendar and sticky note holder.  The easel card is so much fun to make and it is so easy.  I'm planning to make this set for the three people who work in the office here where I live.  I always give them a little something I've made every Christmas.

Stamp Set:  Back to Basics Alphabet; Ink:  Mossy Meadow; Cardstock:  Home for Christmas Designer Series Paper, Mint Macaron, Real Red; Accessories & Tools:  Triple Banner Punch, Iced Rhinestones, Gold Baker's Twine, 2-1/4" x 3" Mini Calendars (Taylored Expressions), 3" x 3" Stick On Notes (Greenbriar International, Inc.), SNAIL Adhesive, Tear & Tape Adhesive, Stampin' Trimmer

My final project, also 3-D, is a little tealight that sits on the Wondrous Wreath.  I'm sure I saw this somewhere and it stuck in my mind to try it.  Although, I don't recall who specifically came up with this, I do thank them.  I saw several in my snooping on the Internet.  I think I just might add a name to it and use them as place cards on my Christmas table.

Stamp Set:  Wondrous Wreath; Inks:  Garden Green, Pear Pizzazz, Real Red; Cardstock:  Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Wonderful Wreath Framelits Dies, 5/8" Whisper White Organza Ribbon, Gold Cording Trim, Gold Basic Metal Buttons, Glue Dots, Tear & Tape, Tealight

Next up is Christine Giuda.  To see her wonderful projects, click the image below.

To go back and check out the great projects by Priscilla Ivler, click the image below

To head home to the Wacky Watercooler Stamping blog, click the image below.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Snow Trees

Have I mentioned that I have a thing for single layer cards?  All of a sudden I'm completely enthralled with them.  I've been card making for over five years now and have just discovered single layer cards!  Now I ask you, what took me so long?

This card is stamping only and the only embellishment is the Wink of Stella Brush Clear Shimmer that I put on the snow patches on the trees and on the bottom part of the card under the trees.  I know, it doesn't show up well but it is there.

With snow in the Iowa forecast, I kind of had it on my mind.  I'm not sure how much we'll get where I live but I do know that north of here it could be up to five or six inches.  My number two son and his family will be right in the thick of it.

Be sure to stop back at 8 p.m. CST and take a tour through the Wacky Watercooler November Christmas Celebration Blog Hop.  There's a whole lot of Christmas inspiration going on!

Stamp Sets:  Happy Scenes (trees & sentiment), Perpetual Birthday Calendar (snowflakes), Wondrous Wreath (sentiment); Inks:  Basic Black Archival, Smoky Slate; Cardstock:  Whisper White Thick; Accessories & Tools:  Wink of Stella Brush Clear Shimmer

Inspiration for this CAS Christmas winter wonderland card came from The Paper Players.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha