The Wacky Watercooler Spring Fever Blog Hop

Hello and welcome to a new Wacky Watercooler Blog Hop.  With so many of us experiencing massive snowfalls, ice and just plain all around bad weather, it seemed appropriate to have share a wee bit of Spring Fever with all of you.  I know I'm ready to see some warm temperatures that stay around for more than an hour or two.

My first project is a CASE (Copy And Share Everything) of a design from Jackie Susnik.  I fell in love with the simplicity of the design and loved how she brought it all together.  I didn't have the same stamp or patterned paper she used so I used the 2013-2015 In Colors, which I will be sorry to see retired at the end of May, and the Butterfly Basics stamp set from the 2015 Occasions Catalog.  For the flower, I used Pistachio Pudding and Coastal Cabana.

Stamp Sets:  Butterfly Basics, Teeny Tiny Wishes; Inks:  Coastal Cabana, Daffodil Delight, Pistachio Pudding, StazOn Black; Card Stock:  Coastal Cabana, Stacked with Love Designer Series Paper Stack, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Blender Pen, Pearl Basic Jewels, SNAIL Adhesive

Here is Jackie's design.

For my next project, I CASEd the design found on page 18 of the 2015 Occasions Catalog.  I've had the Painted Petals stamp set for a while now and have not taken the time to use it.  I must say that I really do like it.  Now that I've initiated it, I know I'll be using it more in future projects.

Stamp Set:  Painted Petals; Inks:  Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry, Sahara Sand, Tuxedo Black Memento; Card Stock:  Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  SNAIL Adhesive, Stampin' Trimmer

My final project is a very simple little basket.  I'm planning to make one for each of my grandchildren for May Day.  I just might make them for my big kids, too!  They like to get treats just like the younger ones.  This is a project that we made at the January meeting of my local demo group.  We get together every other month to swap, learn a new project or technique and talk a little business.  It's an enjoyable time and a way to spend time with other crafty individuals.  Of course, theirs will have some candy in them.  I didn't have any on hand so I used some pretty silk flowers to fill my basket.

Stamp Set:  Petal Potpourri; Inks:  Bermuda Bay, Tangerine Tango; Card Stock:  Moonlight Designer Series Paper Stack, Tangerine Tango, Whisper White;  Accessories & Tools:  Envelope Punch Board, Flower Medallion Punch, 7/8" Scallop Circle Punch, Pearl Basic Jewels, Sticky Strip, Glue Dots

Next on your tour is Priscilla Ivler.  To see her inspirational projects, click the image below.

To check out the great projects from Stefanie Pletscher, click the image below.

To return to Wacky Watercooler Stamping and start your tour again, click the image below.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha


Current Hostess Code:  BDU2XPTT

The Paper Players #233

It's been a day full of new cards and multiple posts.  Now I'm ready to sit back, watch a movie or read a book and relax.

I made this card for The Paper Players Challenge.  I loved the sketch from Sandy!  I used the Blossom Punch to punch out the card front then, added the flower to the inside of the card that I punched from the Painted Blooms Designer Series Paper.  And, yes, that is a real feather.  I had picked it up quite some time ago and it's been laying on my desk ever since.  When I saw the sketch, I knew it would be perfect for my card.

Be sure to stop back tonight at 8 p.m. Central Standard Time to tour the newest Wacky Watercooler Stamping Blog Hop.  You'll want to see all the fantastic projects everyone will be sharing.

Stamp Set:  Bloom with Hope (sentiment); Ink:  Coastal Cabana; Card Stock:  Painted Blooms Designer Series Paper, Pool Party, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Blossom Punch, Coastal Cabana Thick Baker's Twine, Glue Dots, SNAIL Adhesive, Dimensionals, Paper Snips, Stampin' Trimmer

The sketch I used is from the current Paper Players Challenge.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Current Hostess Code:  BDU2XPTT

Retro Sketches 154

Sunshine.  Blue sky.  Whatever am I doing indoors on a day like this?  Well, let me tell you.  It's only 9 degrees out there and there is no way I'm braving the cold for any reason!  With that decision made, I sat down at my craft table and got busy.  I now have my projects made and my post created for the launch of the Wacky Watercooler Stamping Blog Hop.  Be sure to tune back in at 8 p.m. Central Standard Time to see all the creative projects we have for you.

And, I made this cute little 4x4 card to send to a friend who really did "made my day."  It also gave me the opportunity to use one of the new Sale-A-Bration stamp sets that came in my order, Best Day Ever.

Stamp Set:  Best Day Ever; Inks:  Bermuda Bay, Rich Razzleberry; Card Stock:  Bermuda Bay, Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  What's Up Punch, 1-3/4" Scalloped Circle Punch, Bermuda Bay Sequin Trim, Rich Razzleberry Button (retired), Linen Thread, Glue Dots, SNAIL Adhesive, Stampin' Trimmer

I used the great sketch from the current Retro Sketches Challenge #154.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Current Hostess Code:  BDU2XPTT

Fab Friday Challenge #58

It looks like we are headed for a heat wave today.  They're saying it's going to be 41 degrees.  The downside is it's going to snow again.  I can't complain as we have not had what I would call a typical Iowa winter although we have had plenty of bitter cold.  Lately, I've been making a lot of cards with flowers.  I'm thinking that's telling me I'm more than ready for Spring.

I love this new Petal Potpourri Stamp Set and the Flower Medallion Punch.  You can find them both in the 2015 Occasions Catalog.  I think I should have added a couple of more leaf stems, don't you?  You have to admit that it's a bright one! 

Stamp Set:  Petal Potpourri; Inks:  Pool Party; Card Stock:  All Abloom Designer Series Paper Stack, Island Indigo, Rose Red, Wild Wasabi; Accessories & Tools:  Flower Medallion Punch, Bird Builder Punch, Pearl Basic Jewels, SNAIL Adhesive, Glue Dots, Dimensionals

The sketch I used is from the Fab Friday Challenge Blog.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Current Hostess Code:  BDU2XPTT

The Friday Mashup 198 and Just Us Girls 281

In case you are wondering what I'm doing up so late, I'll just come right out and tell you.  I can't sleep!  Thus, 2:43 a.m. is late instead of early.  Make any sense to you?  Don't feel bad, me either.  So, what do I do when I can't sleep?  I make cards.

For this card I combined challenges, The Friday Mashup and Just Us Girls.  It was challenging but fun to try to get the colors and sketch and images to come together.  It took me a few tries.  I wonder if that is because I'm sleep deprived at the moment.  The light blue layer is from the Painted Blooms Designer Series Paper.  To give it a little character, I stamped the honeycomb image from the Butterfly Basics stamp set using Sahara Sand ink.  I stamped off so it gave just a hint of the image.  Both butterflies are stamped using Night of Navy ink.  I love the look of the Smoky Slate card stock with the Night of Navy butterfly.

Stamp Sets:  Butterfly Basics, Gorgeous Grunge; Inks:  Night of Navy, Sahara Sand; Card Stock:  All Abloom Designer Series Paper Stack, Blushing Bride, Night of Navy, Painted Blooms Designer Series Paper, Sahara Sand, Smoky Slate; Accessories & Tools:  Butterfly Thinlits Dies, 5/8" Whisper White Satin Ribbon, Silver Rhinestones (non-Stampin' Up!®), Dimensionals, Glue Dots, SNAIL Adhesive, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine. Stampin' Trimmer

All Stampin' Up!® product unless otherwise noted.

The sketch and flight theme are from The Friday Mashup!

The pretty colors are from the Just Us Girls Challenge.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

March Hostess Code:  BDU2XPTT

Watercooler Challenges #18

It just seemed to take me forever to decide on a design for this week's Watercooler Challenge.  I loved the sketch but had no idea what colors to use.  Then, I started to hear a little voice say, "Use me! Use me!"  Before I knew it, the card was done.

I stamped the flower image from Butterfly Basics on Naturals White using Always Artichoke ink.  Then, I stamped it again on some Natural White using Rich Razzleberry ink.  I fussy cut those images and placed them on top of the first image.  I really didn't want to add more patterned paper so, I stamped the honeycomb image from Butterfly Basics onto more Naturals White and used it as one of the banners.

Stamp Set:  Butterfly Basics; Inks:  Always Artichoke, Daffodil Delight, Rich Razzleberry; Card Stock:  Moonlight Designer Series Paper Stack, Naturals White, Sahara Sand; Accessories & Tools:  Circles Collection Framelits Dies, Pearl Basic Jewels, SNAIL Adhesive, Dimensionals, Stampin' Trimmer, Paper Snips

To find out how you can join us for this challenge, visit the Watercooler Challenges Blog.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Current Hostess Code:  BDU2XPTT

Sunday Christmas Card Challenges #12

For our "Anything Goes" challenge this week at Christmas Card Challenges, I stayed with all greens except for the layer that I stamped the trees and sentiment on.  I'm really going to be sad to see the color Pistachio Pudding go.  It's one of the 2013-2015 In Colors that will be retiring this year.  I hadn't used it in a while so thought it was time to get inky in green.  I also used my all time favorite stamp set, Lovely As a Tree.  It's the very first stamp set I ever bought once I was introduced to Stampin' Up!®  It was an easy choice as I do love trees.

Stamp Sets:  Lovely As a Tree, Joy (retired); Inks:  Mossy Meadow, Pistachio Pudding; Card Stock:  All Abloom Designer Series Paper Stack, Gold Foil Sheets, Mossy Meadow, Very Vanilla; Accessories & Tools:  Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, 3/8" Mossy Meadow Stitched Satin Ribbon, SNAIL Adhesive, Glue Dots, Dimensionals

Join us for the "Anything Goes" challenge at Christmas Card Challenges.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Current Hostess Code:  BDU2XPTT

Bird in a Gilded Cage

Just have time for a quick post tonight.  Tuesday nights are my night to watch my favorite TV programs.  I'm not a big TV watcher but Tuesdays have it!  I love the challenge over at The Paper Players.  It gave me a chance to use my Tim Holtz Caged Bird die.  It's one I've not used before even though it's been out for a while.  I actually won it in a contest when I worked at Archiver's.

Clean, simple and singing those wishes out to everyone!  

Stamp:  Butterfly Basics (sentiment); Inks:  Early Espresso, Tumbled Glass (Tim Holtz), Vintage Photo (Tim Holtz); Card Stock:  Gold Foil Sheets, Sunshine Paper Pad (My Mind's Eye), Very Vanilla; Accessories & Tools:  Caged Bird Die (Tim Holtz), Decorative Dots Embossing Folder, Gold Baker's Twine, Pearl Basic Jewels, Glue Dots, Dimensionals

Stampin' Up!® product unless otherwise noted.

Here is the theme from The Paper Players challenge.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Sunday Christmas Card Challenges #11

A snowman last week, a snowman this week but two totally different looking ones.  Last week's was due to the snow and this one is for this weeks' Snowman Inspiration Challenge at Christmas Card Challenges.  I saw this cute snowman card a while back and have been wanting to make one for one of my grandchildren.  This week's challenge was perfect for showing casing this cutie.  The original design I saw was from Brandy Cox, so, thanks Brandy, for sharing your idea.

Stamp Set:  Teeny Tiny Wishes;  Ink:  Garden Green; Card Stock:  Basic Black, Garden Green, Real Red, Red Glimmer Paper, Silver Glimmer Paper, Tangerine Tango, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools: Top Note Bigz Die, Snow Flurry Bigz Die (retired), Snow Burst Embossing Folder (retired), 1/2" Circle Punch (eyes), Owl Builder Punch (mouth), Silver Gelly Roll Pen (eyes), Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Glue Dots, SNAIL Adhesive, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

Join the fun at Christmas Card Challenges and show us your snowman.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Retro Sketches 152 Likes Paper Players 231

It's been a few days since I've felt much like creating.  I think it was the lack of coffee.  I ran out two days ago and was too lazy to go to the store until today.  I made a fresh pot when I got home and perked right up with my caffeine fix!  I only have two addictions these days; coffee and stamping.

You know, I just have to say it.  Although the flower looks rather orange, it's actually Real Red.  Since it's after midnight and I have another burnt out bulb for the light tent, things are just not looking as good as they could.  I really did use the colors from the challenge.  :-)

Stamp Sets:  Beautiful Bunch, Bloom with Hope (sentiment), Petal Potpourri; Inks:  Calypso Coral, Real Red, Tuxedo Black Memento; Card Stock:  Stacked With Love Designer Series Paper Stack, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Flower Medallion Punch, 7/8" Scallop Circle Punch, Pearl Basic Jewels, SNAIL Adhesive, Glue Dots, Dimensionals, Stampin' Trimmer

The sketch I used is from Retro Sketches Challenge.

The colors I used are from The Paper Players Challenge.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

The Friday Mashup! Challenge #196 & Watercooler Challenges #17

With Valentine's Day just a few days away, I had time to make one last card that I needed.  My original idea was to do this in blues but the challenge over at The Friday Mashup was a perfect fit for what I had in mind.  We could create a project using the colors of red, white and pink or create a project using a love theme or do the mash up and create a love themed project using the challenge colors.  I used a lot of white and love how it turned out.  I think my oldest granddaughter will like it.

Stamp Sets:  Butterfly Basics, Pictogram Punches; Inks:  Blushing Bride, Pink Pirouette, Pistachio Pudding, Real Red; Card Stock:  Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Scalloped Tag Topper Punch, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, Corner Rounder Punch, Pearl Basic Jewels, Pink & White Baker's Twine (American Crafts), SNAIL Adhesive, Glue Dots, Dimensionals

All Stampin' Up!® product unless otherwise noted.

The inspiration for my card is from The Friday Mashup Challenge.

I've also added my card to the Watercooler Challenges.  It fit the Valentine challenge.  Be sure to check it out, too.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Sunday Christmas Card Challenges #10

This week's Christmas Card Challenges was to create something predominantly white.  Well, that was easy.  All I had to do was look out my craft studio window and see the white covered world and snowman instantly came to mind.  What else do you do when you have all that snow on the ground.  We had a major winter storm come through last weekend and it left over ten inches of snow behind.  And, while penning this post, it's snowing again and will leave us with another inch or so.  You can see pictures of the day after the storm on my blog, Jots, Dots and Thoughts.

For my card, I used my snowman embossing folder and added bits of silver to make the little guy stand out.  It's easy to build a snowman when you don't actually have to go out in the cold to do it.

Stamp Set:  Christmas Bliss (sentiment); Ink:  VersaMark; Card Stock:  Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Snow Flurries & Snowman Set Embossing Folder (Tim Holtz); Silver Dazzling Details, Silver Stampin' Emboss Powder, 1/8" Silver Ribbon, Silver Rhinestone (non-Stampin' Up!®), Glue Dots, Dimensionals, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

All Stampin' Up!® product unless otherwise noted.

Head over to Christmas Card Challenges for more details.  We hope you join us.  We'd love to see what you create!

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Retro Sketches 151

There is only one way to beat the winter blues and that's to make a flower filled card!  I loved the sketch over at Retro Sketches.  It was prefect for some cheerful flowers.  I'm loving that new Painted Blooms Designer Series Paper from the new Occasions Catalog.  It's all hand painted designs and that's just the kind of thing I like.  Here is the card that was inspired by the sketch.

Stamp Sets:  Four Frames (without the bird), Four You; Ink:  Blackberry Bliss; Card Stock:  Painted Blooms Designer Series Paper, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Scalloped Tag Topper Punch, Decorative Label Punch, Petite Petal Punch, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, Pistachio Pudding Thick Baker's Twine, In Color Sequin Assortment, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, SNAIL Adhesive, Glue Dots, Dimensionals

Here is that great sketch from Retro Sketches.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Creative Blog Hop

What an honor it was to be asked by both Heidi of Stampin Along With Heidi and Kath of All That Scrap to be a part of the Creative Blog Hop.  They are two very talented ladies and I enjoy seeing the amazing projects they create.  I blog hop regularly with them through our monthly Wacky Watercooler Blog Hop and we have a new one coming up soon that you will want to check out.

The Creative Blog Hop works in a rather interesting way.  You are nominated to join the blog hop and the only requirements are to nominate two others to follow you on the next Monday and to answer four questions about yourself and your creative process.  Nothing to it!

For my project, I chose the Lotus Blossom Stamp Set featured in the new Sale-A-Bration Catalog.  It has turned out to be a favorite.  The sentiment is from the new Painted Petals Stamp Set found in the new Occasions Catalog.  Can I say it's another favorite?  Okay, I'll have to admit that there are many from those two catalogs that are favorites.  Stampin' Up!® outdid themselves with them.

With over ten inches of snow on the ground, I needed to cheer myself up with some bright Springlike colors.  I love the new Painted Blooms Designer Series Paper.  They are hand painted designs and all gorgeous.  Pacific Point and Rose Red certainly made for a bright, cheerful card.

Stamp Sets:  Lotus Blossom, Painted Petals; Inks:  Garden Green, Rose Red, Tuxedo Black Memento; Card Stock:  Pacific Point, Painted Blooms Designer Series Paper, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Rhinestone Basic Jewels, SNAIL Adhesive, Dimensionals

There are the four questions those of us who participate are asked as part of the Creative Blog Hop.

1.  What are you working on now?  As a Design Team member for Christmas Card Challenges, I weekly design a Christmas card to contribute to the blog.  I also love challenges so I enter quite a few and am always working on a new project to share.

2.  How does your work differ from others in your genre?  Well, there are so many styles and so many talented people, that it's hard to know where I fit in the mix.  I tend toward clean and simple but I do like to try different things so you never know what you'll see from me.

3.  Why do you create what you do?  You know, I hadn't really thought of myself as very creative.  I do like to sew and crochet.  I'm working on a mystery novel so that tells you I like to write.  Since I became a Stampin' Up!® demonstrator, my passion for card making has taken center stage and I spend most of my time creating cards and other projects for friends and family and for sale.

4.  How does your creative process work?  Inspiration comes from a variety of sources.  Pinterest, magazines and the challenges I enter.  I've even taken a photo of a shadow on my wall and tried to translate it to paper or canvas.  Then there are times, I just sit down at my craft table and start playing with paper.  I'm also a doodler.  I keep a journal and colored pencils next to my recliner and when I'm taking a wee bit of a rest, I'll pick it up and doodle.

And, now it's time to share with  you the two people I've nominated to participate in the Creative Blog Hop next Monday, February 9th.  Alanna, from Alanna's Spot in the World, and the Design Team Coordinator at Christmas Card Challenges, and Jean, from Rogue Thoughts...Jean's Stamping Studio in the Rouge Valley.  Two very talented artists.  I know you'll love their projects!

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Sunday Christmas Card Challenges #9

It's a color challenge this week here at Christmas Card Challenges.  The Holiday Hues chosen for inspiration are ones that I really do love.  Give me blue and I'm one very happy stamper!  I focused on the blues but added a touch of Always Artichoke, Mossy Meadow and Sahara Sand.  I do hope you will join this week.  We'd love to see what you create!

Stamp Set:  Happy Holidays (October Cardmaking & Papercrafts Magazine); Ink:  Always Artichoke; Card Stock:  Adventure Bound Designer Series Paper Stack, Comfort Cafe (retired), Marina Mist, Soft Sky, Trim the Tree Designer Series Paper Stack (retired), Very Vanilla; Accessories & Tools:  Perfect Pennants Bigz L Die (retired), Frosted Sequins (retired), SNAIL Adhesive, Glue Dots, Dimensionals, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

To play along, check out the details at Christmas Card Challenges.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha