Watercooler Wednesday Challenges #36

Welcome to our 5th Week Special 3-D challenge here at Watercooler Wednesday Challenges.  Since it's the fifth Wednesday of the month, we thought a 3-D project would be just the ticket to add a wee bit of variety to the challenges.  It was perfect for the project I had in mind.

Remember the butterflies I made for last week's challenge?  Well, here are the little gift bags that go with them.  I matched up the Home for Christmas Designer Series Paper on the butterflies and the bags.  I haven't quite finished them as they need tags and I'll also add some embellishment.  I left the ribbon a wee bit long since I'll need to open them up to add the gifts I'm making for them. 

Cardstock:  Home for Christmas Designer Series Paper; Accessories & Tools:  Gift Bag Punch Board, 5/8" Whisper White Organza Ribbon, Fast Fuse Adhesive.  All Stampin' Up!® product unless otherwise noted.

To find all the challenge details, visit Watercooler Wednesday Challenges.  We'd love to see your 3-D projects.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Weekly Deals!

Just a quick post today to share the current Weekly Deals with you.  You can order them any time from my website (just click the Shop Now button) but remember they are only available for a week.  Come next Tuesday you'll find new deals.  And, be sure to check out the Clearance Rack, too.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Diamond Studded Flowers

For today I have another combination of two more of my favorite challenges.  I loved the simplicity of the sketch from CAS(E) this Sketch and the colors from Fab Friday.  Together they made a very sweet clean and simple design.

Stamp Set:  Best Thoughts; Ink:  Soft Suede;  Cardstock:  Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White, Whisper White Thick; Accessories & Tools:  Flower Box Sprigs & Flowers Dies (Taylored Expressions), Ticket Corner Punch (retired), Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Dimensionals, Create a Sticker Max (Xyron).  All Stampin' Up!® product unless otherwise noted.

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

The colors I used are from the Fab Friday Challenge.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

The Friday Mashup #227

Fall is definitely in the air here in Iowa.  It's my favorite time of the year even though it's telling me that colder weather is ahead.  I love the colors and am looking forward to making a couple of day trips to see some of that color when it's at its peak.  For now, it's a fall scene made using the Happy Scenes stamp set and the Hearth & Home Framelits Dies.  They are both perfect for The Friday Mashup challenge which is to create a project with pumpkins or die cuts to create a frame or mashup it up with pumpkins and die cut frames.

Stamp Set:  Happy Scenes; Inks:  Cajun Craze, Crushed Curry, Pumpkin Pie, Tangerine Tango, Wild Wasabi; Cardstock:  Cajun Craze, Delightful Dijon, Tip Top Taupe, Very Vanilla; Accessories & Tools:  Hearth & Home Framelits Dies, Modern Label Punch (retired), Paper Snips, Dimensionals, Multipurpose Liquid Glue, SNAIL Permanent Adhesive, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine.  All Stampin' Up!® product unless otherwise noted.

The theme I used is from The Friday Mashup Challenge.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Sunday Christmas Card Challenges #43

Good morning!  It's an "Anything Goes" challenge for you at Christmas Card Challenges this week.  So, let you imaginations run wild and show us what you've got!  Although a wee bit hard to see, Rudolph does have a red nose.  I love the Home for Christmas Designer Series Paper.  Several of the designs have images that you can fussy cut and add to your cards.  I couldn't resist Rudolph!

Stamp Set:  Wondrous Wreath; Inks:  Cherry Cobbler, Chocolate Chip, Mint Macaron; Cardstock:  Chocolate Chip, Home for Christmas Designer Series Paper, Whisper White, Whisper White Thick; Accessories & Tools:  Wonderful Wreath Framelits Dies, Triple Banner Punch, White Perfect Accents, Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals, SNAIL Permanent Adhesive, Paper Snips, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine.  All Stampin' Up!® product unless otherwise noted.

For challenge details and and more inspiration from our Design Team, visit Christmas Card Challenges.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

A Beautiful Combination

That is what I thought when I combined the sketch from Freshly Made Sketches and the colors from the Colour Me...! Challenge.  I think they played well together, don't you?  This is another of the cards I've made using up the bits and pieces left over from other projects.  I'm one of those who really hates to waste anything, so this is a great way for me to use it all up.

Stamp Sets:  Peaceful Wreath (bow), Simply Sketched (sentiment), Wondrous Wreath; Inks:  Crushed Curry, Old Olive, Tangerine Tango, Tempting Turquoise; Cardstock:  Crushed Curry, Whisper White, Whisper White Thick; Accessories & Tools:  Boho Chic Embossing Folder, Wonderful Wreath Framelits Dies, Triple Banner Punch, Pearl Basic Jewels, Glue Dots, Dimensionals, SNAIL Permanent Adhesive, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine.  All Stampin' Up!® product unless otherwise noted.

The sketch I used is from Freshly Made Sketches.

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

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

The Paper Players #263

Scraps! Scraps!  And more Scraps!  I needed to clean up my craft table just a wee bit so instead of putting everything away, I made this fall card using one of my new favorite techniques, Inlaid Die Cutting.  I love the look it gives and it was perfect for this simple Fall card.  I had so much going on this week that I got behind in too many things.  Because the deadline for linking up my card is fast approaching, I would be done now.  :-)

Stamp Set:  For All Things (sentiment inside card);  Inks:  Soft Suede; Cardstock:  Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, Various Patterned Paper Scraps (Unknown); Accessories & Tools:  Assorted Leaves Dies (Darice), Cajun Craze Regal Candy Dots, Linen Thread, SNAIL Permanent Adhesive, Dimensionals, Blending Tool, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine.  All Stampin' Up!® product unless otherwise noted.

The theme I used is from The Paper Players Challenge.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Watercooler Wednesday Challenge #35

Hi, hello and welcome to an "Anything Goes" challenge at Watercooler Wednesday Challenges.  It was my turn to pick something for our challenge and I love the "anything goes" since you can do anything!  Make a card, a scrapbook page, home decor or something 3-D.  It's all up to you.  So let you imaginations run wild and show us what "anything goes" means to you.

Since the holiday season is fast approaching, my thoughts are on what new things I can make for family and friends for gifts.  One of the things I'm working on are these sparkly 3-D butterflies.  They are going to adorn gift bags that I'm making for my daughters-in-law.  Although it is hard to see in the photo, sparkly never does well for me in photos, each butterfly is covered with Iridescent Ice Stampin' Emboss Powder.  They're fun to make even if a bit messy.  Well, maybe not messy for you but I seem to have to make sure I spill the Iridescent Ice every time I use it.  :-)

Cardstock:  Blackberry Bliss, Home for Christmas Designer Series Paper, Real Red, Very Vanilla; Accessories & Tools:  Bold Butterfly Framelits Dies, Butterflies Thinlits Dies, Iridescent Ice Stampin' Emboss Powder, Fast Fuse Adhesive, Tear & Tape Adhesive, Heat Tool, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine.  All Stampin' Up!® product unless otherwise noted.

You can find more inspiration and challenge details at Watercooler Wednesday Challenges.

Don't you just love this fun graphic Heidi found for the challenge!?  I know I do!

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Sunday Christmas Card Challenge #42

Good Sunday morning to you all!  This week at Christmas Card Challenges we have a beautiful inspiration photo for you.  Because I love blue and because the inspiration photo featured blue, I used different shades of blue for my simple design with a star theme.  I do hope you can join us and show us what you were inspired to create.  Not only does the Confetti Star Punch make for a pretty border, it also gives you bunches of little stars that you can use for other projects.  They would be great for use in a shaker card.

Stamp Sets:  Christmas Bliss (sentiment), Christmas Lodge (sentiment on inside) - retired; Ink: Night of Navy; Cardstock:  Foiled Cardstock Stack (DCWV), Glitzy Glitter Cardstock Stack (DCWV), Marina Mist; Accessories & Tools:  Confetti Stars Punch, Lots of Labels Framelits Dies, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, SNAIL Permanent Adhesive, Multipurpose Liquid Glue, Stampin' Dimensionals, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine.  All Stampin' Up!® product unless otherwise note.

For all the challenge details and Design Team inspiration, visit Christmas Card Challenges.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Sunday Stamps Challenge #110

Hi everyone!  Today is my last day as a Guest Designer for the Sunday Stamps Challenge.  It has been such fun to be a part of this group of talented ladies.  And, even though I won't be designing for them any more, I do still intend to participate in the challenges.  I loved the sketch for this week's challenge.  I hope you can join us this week and show us what you were inspired to create.

Stamp Sets:  Everything Eleanor, Floral Wings, Sprinkles of Life (sentiment); Inks:  Blushing Bride, Mint Macaron, Mossy Meadow, Smoky Slate; Card Stock:  Mossy Meadow, Very Vanilla; Accessories & Tools:  Pearl Basic Jewels, SNAIL Permanent Adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals, Paper Snips, Stampin' Trimmer.  All Stampin' Up!® product unless otherwise noted.

You can find the the sketch and all the challenge details at Sunday Stamps Challenge.

The colors I used are Still Life Hues by Design Seeds.  They are a great place for lots of color inspiration.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

The Friday Mashup Challenge 226

You know, trying a new technique can be fun!  The Friday Mashup has a great challenge and one of the options was to use the Inlaid Die Cutting Technique as part of your project, if you chose to do so.  I decided to try to mashup it up and used the sketch and the technique.  I've never done the Inlaid Die Cutting Technique so thought it might be fun to give it a try.  It's funny how you get to working and all of a sudden you realize you forgot to use one of the components such as the sketch in this case.  :-)  I improvised so I hope it kind of fulfills the sketch part of the challenge.

The card is destined for Reno, Nevada where my youngest son and his family are now located.  They moved in August and have just gotten into their new home.  I thought it would be fun to make a "happy new home" card to send to them.  I sure do miss them and can't wait until I get a chance to go for a visit.  I love it out west! 

Stamp Sets:  Garden Shed - sentiment (Taylored Expressions), Holiday Home, Sprinkles of Life; Inks:  Cajun Craze, Calypso Coral, Crushed Curry, Night of Navy, Real Red, Soft Sky, Smoky Slate, Wild Wasabi; Cardstock:  Night of Navy, Soft Sky, Very Vanilla, Whisper White, Wild Wasabi; Accessories & Tools:  Circles Collection Framelits Dies, Homemade Holiday Framelits Dies (retired), Project Life Cards & Labels Framelits Dies, Cupcake Builder Punch, Hills Dies (Your Next Stamp), Rhinestone Basic Jewels, 5/8" Night of Navy Grosgrain Ribbon (retired), Glue Dots, SNAIL Permanent Adhesive, Dimensionals, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine.  All Stampin' Up!® product unless otherwise noted.

The sketch and the inlaid die cutting technique I used are from the current Friday Mashup Challenge.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Wacky Watercooler Blog Hop The September Mix-Up

Hey!  Hey!  Hey!  It's time for another Wacky Watercooler Blog Hop.  This time we are doing The September Mix-Up!  You'll see projects that feature product from the Annual Catalog and the Holiday Catalog.  So hang on to your seats as the fifteen hoppers wow your socks off!

For my first project, I used the Wondrous Wreath stamp set and Wonderful Wreath Framelits Dies.  I love this set.  I CASEd the design from Diana Carr but changed up the colors and the card stock.  I took the photo at night without benefit of my light tent so the white looks vanilla.  It really is white.

Stamp Set:  Wondrous Wreath; Inks:  Cucumber Crush, Melon Mambo; Card Stock:  Cherry On Top Designer Series Paper Stack, Melon Mambo, Whisper White, Whisper White Thick; Accessories & Tools:  Wonderful Wreath Framelits Dies, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Dimensionals, Multipurpose Liquid Glue, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine.  All Stampin' Up!® product unless otherwise noted.

For this card, I used the new Happy Scenes stamp set and the Hearth & Home Framelits Dies.  I love making scenes viewed through the window.

Stamp Sets:  Happy Scenes, White Christmas (bird); Inks:  Basic Black Archival, Basic Gray, Crushed Curry (bird beak), Real Red; Card Stock:  Basic Black, Basic Gray, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Hearth & Home Framelits Dies, 5/8" Whisper White Organza Ribbon, Dazzling Details, Glue Dots, Multipurpose Liquid Glue, SNAIL Permanent Adhesive, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine.  All Stampin' Up!® unless otherwise noted.

Woo!  Hoo!  My third project took just a wee bit longer than expected given the fact I had company show up at my door.  I have to say I love that Reason for the Season stamp set.  And, while not an advocate of the Lots of Labels Framelits Dies, now that I've used them, I think I'm loving them.  So, without further ado, here it is!

Stamp Set:  Reason for the Season; Inks:  Mint Macaron, Rich Razzleberry; Card Stock:  Cherry On Top Designer Series Paper Stack, Crushed Curry, Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White, Whisper White Thick; Accessories & Tools:  Lots of Labels Framelits Dies, Festive Flower Builder Punch, " Circle Punch, Softly Falling Embossing Folder, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, SNAIL Permanent Adhesive, Glue Dots, Dimensionals, Multipurpose Liquid Glue, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine.  All Stampin' Up!® product unless otherwise noted.

Next on our blog hop is the ever talented Penny Hanuszak.  She always offers up such great projects.

If you'd like to revisit the great projects by Jean Fitch, click the Previous button below.

To start at the very beginning, visit Wacky Watercooler Stamping Blog Hop by clicking the Home button found below.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Watercooler Wednesday Challenge 34

This week's Watercooler Wednesday challenge finds us using the Ombre Technique.  Jean gave us this great inspiration photo from which to work.  To be honest, it's a technique I've not done before.  I'm not sure why because I do like the effect you get.

The new Happy Scenes stamp set and the new Hearth & Home Framelits Dies just arrived and I couldn't wait to see what I could do with them.  With Autumn just around the corner and the cooler days made for a perfect Fall scene.

Stamp Sets:  For All Things, Happy Scenes, Hardwood; Inks:  Cajun Craze, Pumpkin Pie, So Saffron, Tangelo Twist; Card Stock:  Cherry On Top Designer Series Paper Stack, Pumpkin Pie, Smoky Slate, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Hearth & Home Framelits Dies, Blending Tool, Dimensionals, SNAIL Permanent Adhesive, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine.  All Stampin' Up!® unless otherwise noted.

For all the challenge details and to join us for this week's challenge, visit us at the Watercooler Wednesday Challenge.  We'd love to see what color you select and how you use it for the Ombre Effect Technique Challenge.

Now, I need to get busy on my projects for our next Watercooler Stamping Blog Hop.  As it so happens, it begins on September 17th at 8:00 p.m.  I do hope to see you there!

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Christmas Card Challenges #41

You know what happens when a new box of Stampin' Up!® arrives on my doorstep?  I stop what I'm doing, open the box and start playing.  Well, I did need my Design Team card for this week's Christmas Card Challenge so it was a perfect excuse to take a break and have some fun.  It's an "Anything Goes" week so fire up those imaginations and show what you've got!  I always look forward to seeing your creations.

Stamp Sets:  Flurry of Wishes, Happy Scenes; Ink:  Night of Navy; Card Stock:  Soft Sky, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Snow Flurry Punch, Banner Punch, Silver Sequin Trim, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Glue Dots, Multipurpose Liquid Glue, Stampin' Trimmer.  All Stampin' Up!® unless otherwise noted.

Join us this week for an "Anything Goes" challenge at Christmas Card Challenges.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

ColourQ Challenge 307 & CAS(E) this Sketch! Challenge 140

Have I mentioned how I love to combine a color challenge with a sketch challenge?  Sometimes they just come together and make for a very interesting card.  Because I love challenges, I also find that I don't always have time to enter all of my favorites so by combining them, I get to play along more often.  Okay, I'm going to go sappy on you and just say that challenges make me happy, happy, happy!  :-)

Stamp Sets:  Gorgeous Grunge, Sprinkles of Life (sentiment), Work of Art; Inks:  Blackberry Bliss, Hello Honey, Rich Razzleberry, Wisteria Wonder; Card Stock:  Moonlight Designer Series Paper Stack (retired), Whisper White, Whisper White Thick, Wisteria Wonder; Accessories & Tools:  Wisteria Wonder Baker's Twine (retired), Stampin' Dimensionals, SNAIL Permanent Adhesive, Stampin ' Trimmer.  All Stampin' Up!® product unless otherwise noted.

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

The colors I used are from the ColourQ Challenge.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Remembering

While not the traditional red, white and blue, I think the Lost Lagoon and Real Red colors from the Colour Me...! Challenge worked well for a tribute to those we remember each year on September 11th.  It's hard to believe that it has been 14 years.  As with many of you, I remember that day only too well.

Stamp Sets:  Flower Shop, Gorgeous Grunge, Wetlands (sentiment); Inks:  Lost Lagoon, Real Red;
Card Stock:  Real Red, Whisper White, Whisper White Thick; Accessories & Tools:  Bold Butterfly Framelits Dies, Pansy Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Pearl Basic Jewels, Glue Dots, SNAIL Permanent Adhesive, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine.  All Stampin' Up!® product unless otherwise noted.

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

The sketch I used is from Freshly Made Sketches.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping  Cafe,

Marsha

Watercooler Wednesday Challenges #33

Time flies when you aren't able to get into your craft studio to create.  Well, actually, I've been in the studio but the purpose was to get it put back together.  I totally changed my mind about setting it up.  You sometimes that's good and sometimes you should just leave well enough along.  Enough said!  :-)

So, without further delay, here is my card for this week's Watercooler Wednesday challenge.  It's a gorgeous inspiration photo from Bev and I just loved the shapes and colors.  Did you spot the wee bit of green I pulled out of the photo to use on my card?  I almost missed it and loved that it gave just enough contrast to the overall card.  I don't have my light tent set up so the photo isn't the best.

Stamp Sets:  Beautiful Bunch, Butterfly Basic (sentiment), Work of Art; Inks:  Elegant Eggplant, Wisteria Wonder; Card Stock:  Pear Pizzazz, Perfect Plum, Whisper White, Whisper White Thick, Wisteria Wonder; Accessories & Tools:  Fun Flower Punch, Petite Petals Punch, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, Silver Sequin Trim, Pearl Basic Jewels, Dimensionals, Glue Dots, Multipurpose Liquid Glue, SNAIL Adhesive, Stampin' Trimmer.  All Stampin' Up!® product unless otherwise noted.

We sure hope you can join us this week at Watercooler Wednesday Challenges.  We'd love to see what you create using Bev's inspiration photo.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Weekly Deals!

Hello all you fabulous, creative people!  It may be raining in my little corner of the world but that has, in no way, dampened my spirits!  I know.  I know.  :-) 

Today I wanted to share the current Weekly Deals with you.  You can order them any time from my website (just click the Shop Now button) but remember they are only available for a week.  Come next Tuesday you'll find new deals.  And, be sure to check out the Clearance Rack, too.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

When ordering, be sure to add the Host Code:  V2PMEC9Q

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Host Code:  V2PMEC9Q

Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge 285

My Labor Day was filled with making cards and scheduling posts.  How's that for "labor of love" on a holiday?  :-)  It was fun to devote my whole day to getting projects made for my Design Team commitments and for various other challenges that I enjoy.  It was a beautiful, late summer day with sunshine, blue skies and puffy white clouds floating around.  After lasts night heavy rains it was a welcome relief.

Here is the card I made for the Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge.  As you can see, I took the sketch literally.  It gave me the perfect opportunity to use one of my favorite photopolymer stamp sets called Banner Blessings.

Stamp Set:  Banner Blessings; Ink:  Night of Navy; Card Stock:  Gold Foil Sheets, Night of Navy, Soft Sky, Whisper White; Accessories & Tools:  Star Confetti Border Punch, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, Star Framelits Dies, SNAIL Adhesive, Dimensionals, Paper Snips, Stampin' Trimmer.  All Stampin' Up!® product unless otherwise noted.

The sketch I used is from the Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha

Monochromatic Butterfly

There is just time for a quick post before the next round of thunder storms rumble through.  I always shut things down and unplug the computer when there is lots of lightning.  It's just safer that way.  Please forgive my lousy photo taking.  I've not had the change to set up the light tent so the pictures come out a bit darker and less clear when taken at night.  I've been redoing my craft studio and changed my other mind about how the cabinets should be set up.  Remind me not to do that again.  :-)  Big chore but it's so worth it!

So, on to the card I made for the Colour Me...! Challenge and the Freshly Made Sketches.  I love being able to combine challenges.  With several birthdays on my calendar, I thought the monochromatic theme would make a beautiful birthday card.  What do you think?

Stamp Sets:  Bloom with Hope (retired), Kinda Eclectic, Swan Lake (Flourishes); Ink:  Mossy Meadow; Card Stock:  Mossy Meadow, Whisper White, Whisper White Thick; Accessories & Tools:  Elegant Butterfly Punch, Banner Punch, Whisper White Baker's Twine, Green Button (from my stash), Pearl Basic Jewels, Dimensionals, Glue Dots, SNAIL Adhesive, Stampin' Trimmer.  All Stampin' Up!® product unless otherwise noted.

The monochromatic theme I used is from the Colour Me...! Challenge.

The sketch I used is from Freshly Made Sketches.

Thanks for stopping in at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe,

Marsha