TGIF Challenge #595 - Black & White - Whoops!!

I guess it helps to read the instructions!!

This week the TGIF Challenge Team was challenged to make a card with the Artisan Sketched Garden Designer Series Paper.

Give that I am a Last-Minute Lucy all the time, I went and looked at this graphic and thought, “Oh cool! Black and White!” WRONG!! Dang it!! Well, I am posting my card anyway!

Check out the blog challenge here - TGIF Challenge Blog if you’d like to play along.

Because I don’t actually have any black and white DSP (at least not any that I wanted to use!), I decided to make my own!

The background was created using the Water Decorative Mask (from the Dotted Lines & Water Decorative Masks pack).

I LOVE how it looks!

I used the stamps and dies from Lovely Arrangement to create the focal point, and even added some vellum by cutting some leaves using the dies. 

And, I cheated a little. The black and white gingham ribbon just HAD to go on this even though it is retired! (So are the embellishments … I couldn’t help myself!)

Stamps: Lovely Arrangement

Paper: Basic White, Basic Black Vellum

Ink: Black Memento

Accessories: Lovely Arrangements Dies, Black & White Checked Gingham Ribbon (retired), Adhesive-Backed Sparkle Gems (retired)

I’m actually wearing a sweater today … and it’s RAINING!! Hallelujah! (I don’t really need the sweater any more, as it has warmed up a little since I left the house). Fall is coming, though!

We’d love to have you play along!! You can check us out our blog HERE and Instagram … lots of great inspiration from the rest of the TGIF Crew!

TGIF Challenge #594 - Sketch Challenge

How fun is this sketch??? I came up with an idea right away when I saw it!!

This week the TGIF Challenge Team is working with this super awesome sketch!

Check out the blog challenge here - TGIF Challenge Blog if you’d like to play along.

I don’t do horizontal cards as often as I do vertical ones, so it was nice to have a challenge that pushed me in the right direction!

I had been out of town for several days and came back to an unopened box that contained both the Elegant Leaves Bundle AND the Luxe Foliage DSP, both of which I used here.

I also pulled out an old faithful friend … my trusty paper crimper. The leaves and gold on the DSP look so pretty with the added dimension the paper crimper adds!

A few dies from both the Elegant Leaves Bundle and Sweet Words & Labels helped me create just the right balance of things to add to the focal point … I love fall!!

Stamps: Elegant Leaves

Paper: Pecan Pie, Very Vanilla, Early Espresso, Golden Glow, Crumb Cake, Luxe Foliage DSP

Ink: Early Espresso, Golden Glow; Stampin’ Blends - Pecan Pie

Accessories: Elegant Leaves Dies, Sweet Words and Labels Dies, Adhesive-Backed Metallic Gems, Linen Thread, Paper Crimper

Just back from all ny traveling back and forth the last two weeks … I guess how I have to say excuse to put off the “spring cleaning” I totally intended to do in May … it may be time for a yard sale!!

We’d love to have you play along!! You can check us out our blog HERE and Instagram … lots of great inspiration from the rest of the TGIF Crew!

TGIF Challenge #593 - Color Challenge

What do you think of this soft, beautiful color combo? I love it!

This week’s TGIF Challenge is to use the lovely colors of Very Vanilla, Lost Lagoon and Fresh Freesia. Elegant and fun!

Check out the blog challenge here - TGIF Challenge Blog if you’d like to play along.

The focal point of this slimline (3.5”x8.5”) card is the word FRIEND, made using the Playful Alphabet Dies, Two-Tone Lost Lagoon and Fresh Freesia cardstock and the new Soft Weave 3D Embossing Folder.

Small amounts of the white core from the two-tone cardstock came through when I put the completed letters through my embossing machine using the Soft Weave 3D Embossing Folder. I love the effect!

The background was created using a blending brush and some Fresh Freesia ink. I then splattered a little bit of both Fresh Freesia and Lost Lagoon ink using my Stampin’ Blends. The edges were roughed up using a blade from some scissors.

The flowers and leaves were cut using a few of the Help Me Grow Dies and some Very Vanilla cardstock. I lightly colored the centers of the little diecut flowers using the Stampin’ Blends. Adding three different-sized Antique Pearl Embellishments and called this card complete!

Stamps: None!

Paper: Very Vanilla, Lost Lagoon 2-Tone, Fresh Freesia Two-Tone

Ink: Fresh Freesia; Stampin’ Blends - Lost Lagoon, Fresh Freesia

Accessories: Playful Alphabet Dies, Help Me Grow Dies, Antique Pearls

I’ve spent my entire summer going NOwhere … and since last week I have been to Disneyland, Bear Lake and am now headed to Stagecoach, Nevada, to visit my niece, nephew and two grand nephews! Great way to finish up the last month of summer!

We’d love to have you play along!! You can check us out our blog HERE and Instagram … lots of great inspiration from the rest of the TGIF Crew!

TGIF Challenge #591 - Inspiration

Flowers, flowers and MORE flowers! And in shades of yellow, no less! This inspiration photo for the TGIF Challenge is soooo good … and I knew right away what I wanted to do!

Check out the blog challenge here - TGIF Challenge Blog if you’d like to play along.

This card is mostly an exercise in fussy cutting. I just had received this month’s Product of the Month - Glow of Harvest DSP. It is absolutely GOOOORGEOUS! There’s a slight sheen to it which just makes each flower and leaf even that much better.

With a piece of Gingham Garden DSP as a backdrop, I added a diecut piece using the Botanical Expressions Die in Golden Glow. Then I just fussy cut a bunch of the images from a piece of the Glow of Harvest DSP and arranged them until I felt good about them.

The sentiment came from Sending Salutations and was cut out using one of the Nested Essentials Dies.

I then added a Very Vanilla Baker’s Twine bow and a few little butterfly embellishments. Very easy, and I love the fall vibes it is giving off!

Stamps: Sending Salutations

Paper: Very Vanilla, Golden Glow, Glow of Harvest DSP

Ink: Golden Glow

Accessories: Nested Essentials Dies, Botanical Expressions Die, Very Vanilla Baker’s Twine, 2026-2028 Butterfly Embellishments

My birthday is next week, so y’all know what THAT means … Yep! A trip to Disneyland with my BFF Cheryl and sister in law Diann. I plan to eat my way across both parks (with a little bit of restraint, I hope!). Then we will be taking a little family trip up to Bear Lake for the weekend! It’s gonna be a stellar week!

We’d love to have you play along!! You can check us out our blog HERE and Instagram … lots of great inspiration from the rest of the TGIF Crew!

TGIF Challenge #589 - Color Challenge

Ooooo! Nothing like a good color combo to get those ol’ creative juices flowing, right??!??

Whilst waiting for my new Stampin’ Up order to arrive, I looked through my stash and was feeling uninspired … so I used my clear blocks to create a background instead!

Check out the blog challenge here - TGIF Challenge Blog if you’d like to play along.

Using the two smallest clear stamping blocks (B & C) I created this background.  I then cut the 3.75”x5” piece of Basic White cardstock than I had stamped the blocks onto into 1.25” square. I roughed up the edges of the squares with the blade of my scissors and then stuck them back down onto the card base.

You know me and a little bit of splatter, right?? Using my Basic Black Stampin’ Blend I just let loose and splattered the whole card front!

I colored the little cake and tied both the cake stand and the card front up with some Basic Black Baker’s twine.

I couldn’t resist using some retired embellishments because they were just the perfect thing - and I just found them stashed behind something else (not like I had spent TONS of time looking for them several months back, to no avail!)

Stamps: Words & Wishes

Paper: Basic White, Crumb Cake, Berry Burst, Lemon Lolly

Ink: Crumb Cake, Berry Burst, Lemon Lolly, Memento Black; Stampin’ Blends - Bubble Bath, Lemon Lolly, Crumb Cake, Basic Black

Accessories: Words & Wishes Dies, Spotlight On Nature Dies, Basic Black Baker’s Twine, Clear Blocks B & C, Sparkle Gems Embellishments (retired)

What are your plans for the weekend?? Our oldest son has a community choir he has been conducting for years, and their summer concert is this weekend - can’t wait to go see them!

We’d love to have you play along!! You can check us out our blog HERE and Instagram … lots of great inspiration from the rest of the TGIF Crew!

TGIF Challenge #588 - Inspiration Challenge

This week’s TGIF Challenge made me go for the kitchen sink … meaning I was throwing everything at it to see what would stick! The photo to the left was our inspiration. We could use images, colors, or go for the “make a card set” thing, which is what I did!

Check out the blog challenge here - TGIF Challenge Blog if you’d like to play along.

There die sets, two stamp sets and one package of DSP got me from beginning to end on these, so let’s go!!

Here are the four “hidden flap” cards I created to make a set. I personally think that this Country Woods DSP is the BEST patterned paper that Stampin’ Up has had for some time … it goes with EVERYthing!! Keep reading to see that by lifting the little hidden flap you will see another hidden element - a framed sentiment!

Upon lifting up the little 1.5” flap that was created by cutting the front of the card base (Early Espresso) at 3” and 4.5”, you will have the option of adding a cute little sentiment panel of some sort. I used a combination of dies from Phrases & Frames and Cutest Crew, as well as a sentiment image from Cutest Crew.

The DSP was actually added to the card front, minus the flap you created (which in essence give you a two-in-one card front!).

Here’s the actual “inside” of the card. You can see how the DSP on the top half of this card peeks through from where the Early Espresso flap was lifted up for the actual front of the card. So much variety comes from just a couple vertical cuts!

Stamps: Words & Wishes, Cutest Crew, 

Paper: Basic Beige, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, Coastal Cabana, Pecan Pie, Crumb Cake, Petal Pink, Country Woods DSP

Ink: Crisp Cantaloupe

Accessories: Words & Wishes Dies, Cutest Crew Dies, Phrases & Frames Dies, Linen Thread, Adhesive-Backed Metallic Gems

Here’s the view of the cards in all three stages - closed (upper left), top flap open (upper right), and completely open (bottom middle). The only differences between the four cards in the set were which piece of the Country Woods DSP I was going to use and where I was going to use it. The sentiments throughout all four cards are done using the same cardstock and ink (the flowers surrounding the “just a little hello” sentiment panel were a little different on each card as I used the scraps of Country Woods DSP I had leftover. The little birdies I cut out using the Cutest Crew Dies ended up being a mix-and-match of Pecan Pie, Night of Navy, Petal Pink, Crumb Cake and Coastal Cabana.

Soooo happy to be at the weekend … I am just about ready to tackled my daughter’s old room that is just FILLED with stuff she left behind when she moved out AND all of the remnants of what my dear mama left behind after we had divvied up most of her furniture and clothing. It’s time for me to get serious about that stuff - especially since I will be able to make a lovely guest room out of it by the time I’m done!

We’d love to have you play along!! You can check us out our blog HERE and Instagram … lots of great inspiration from the rest of the TGIF Crew!

TGIF Challenge #587 - Tone On Tone

This week’s TGIF Challenge is soooo much fun - a tone-on-tone inspiration!

Check out the blog challenge here - TGIF Challenge Blog if you’d like to play along.

I’m not sure why I don’t make monochromatic cards more often … they’re so much fun to make!

Using a combination of  Scalloped Wishes Dies, Lazy Daisy and Forever Plaid 3D Embossing Folders and both sides of a piece of Crisp Cantaloupe Gingham Gallery DSP, I created this card to highlight Crisp Cantaloupe … so happy to have it back, even for a while!

After inking up the inside of the Lazy Daisy 3D Embossing Folders with some Crisp Cantaloupe ink, I put a piece of Basic White cardstock inside and ran it through my Cut & Embossing Machine. Don’t you just LOVE how this turned out???

I then cut a Scalloped Wishes Oval and used the Forever Plaid 3D Embossing folder on it to add some texture. Putting the little diecut flowers around the edge of it gives it a fun, summer garden feel.

And Gingham Gallery is fast becoming my new favorite DSP!

Stamps: Scalloped Wishes

Paper: Basic White, Crisp Cantaloupe, Gingham Gallery DSP

Ink: Crisp Cantaloupe

Accessories: Scalloped Wishes Dies, Lazy Daisy 3D Embossing Folders, Forever Plaid 3D Embossing Folder, Antique Pearls

We are celebrating Pioneer Day today in the good ol’ state of Utah. Parades, BBQs and time with family are on the agenda all weekend! Love me a good holiday!

We’d love to have you play along!! You can check us out our blog HERE and Instagram … lots of great inspiration from the rest of the TGIF Crew!

TGIF Challenge #586 - Inspiration Challenge

Oooooo! Highland cows!! They have become sooooo popular - and for good reason! They are completely adorable!!

This week’s TGIF Challenge is based on inspiration from the photo at the right. So let’s get started!

Check out the blog challenge here - TGIF Challenge Blog if you’d like to play along.

Where I started and where I ended up are not the same! I really wanted to use the cloudy sky paper from the Silly Old Bear DSP. I just couldn’t make the flowers work. THEN I ended up using this cute diagonally-stripped gingham paper from Everyday Essential DSP.

I like how this turned out. But I used a LOT more products than it would appear!

First of all, in addition to the DSP I used in the background - sheets from both Country Woods and Everyday Essentials.

I also used dies from Lovely Arrangements (the circles backdrop and sentiment panel) and Cutest Crew (the flowers).

And, OF COURSE, the focal point Highland Cow from Wild Bunch (which was a product of the month back in June). I really hope it gets brought back as an Online Exclusive because it is sooo very darling!

Stamps: Wild Bunch

Paper: Basic White, Darling Duck, Gorgeous Grape, Highland Heather, Cherry Cobbler, Poppy Parade, Country Woods DSP, Everyday Essentials DSP

Ink: Black Memento; Stampin’ Blends - Pecan Pie, Crumb Cake, Bubble Bath, Gray Granite

Accessories: Lovely Arrangements Dies, Cutest Crew Dies

What are you doing this weekend?? I may convince my hubby to go see “The Odyssey” … it was just released yesterday and it looks really good!

We’d love to have you play along!! You can check us out our blog HERE and Instagram … lots of great inspiration from the rest of the TGIF Crew!

TGIF Challenge #585 - Sketch Challenge

Sometimes, a good sketch is all you need for inspiration - and this week’s TGIF sketch is really good! I knew almost immediately what I wanted to do with it!

Check out the blog challenge here - TGIF Challenge Blog if you’d like to play along.

I have been fixated on the cute little crayon image in the Learn & Grow stamp set since I first laid eyes on it and just KNEW I was going to create something with a whole bunch of them!

I stamped a whole bunch of them and colored each with the light and dark version of each color using my Stampin’ Blends.

After cutting the triangle for the lower left corner of the card I used the Dotted Lines Mask and some Memento Black ink to put the pattern down. I also did a little ink flicking using both Night of Navy and Balmy Blue.

The crayons were super simple to color and cut out … aren’t they fun??

Stamps: Learn & Grow

Paper: Basic White, Basic Black, Balmy Blue

Ink: Black Memento, Versamark; Stampin’ Blends - Granny Apple Green, Mint Macaron, Pool Party, Night of Navy, Balmy Blue, Fresh Freesia, Bubble Bath, Melon Mambo, Poppy Parade, Pumpkin Pie, Lemon Lolly

Accessories: Adhesive-Backed Metallic Gems, White Embossing Powder, Black and White Baker’s Twine

We’re gearing up to be about 106 degrees by Sunday - stay cool and stay safe!

We’d love to have you play along!! You can check us out our blog HERE and Instagram … lots of great inspiration from the rest of the TGIF Crew!

TGIF Challenge #583 - Technique Challenge - Popping It Up!

Popping It Up!! Are you KIDDING me???!! I think I use dimensionals on every single stinkin’ card or project I make! So this week’s challenge is right up my alley!

Check out the blog challenge here - TGIF Challenge Blog if you’d like to play along.

One of my all-time most favorite Stampin’ Up sets has a flamingo in it (Tickled Pink). I still have it (you will have to pry it from my cold, dead fingers to get it from me!).

So I was ECSTATIC to see the images in the soon-to-be-released “Birthday Song” stamp set! I mean … COME ON!!

Not only did I fussy cut out the image of flamingos, add hats to them and color them with my Stampin’ Blends, but I popped them up on some Dimensonals as well!

And there’s more popping up when you open the card!

I made a swing card! So….. not only does the front panel “pop” and swing as you open it …

… the entire middle section of the card pops up, too!!

Here are the dimensions of each piece:

Barely Blush

  5.5” x 8.5” - scored at 4.25”

Flirty Flamingo

  5.25”x4”

  4 7/8”x1 7/8”

  3.5”x4.75”*

Basic White

  5”x8” - scored at 2”, 4” and 6”

  Scrap for sentiment

2026-2028 Gingham Gallery 12x12 DSP

  3 7/8”x2 3/8” (front panel)

  4.75”x1.75” (inside panel)

*You will have to cut out a panel in the front of the card to accommodate the “swing” panel. Make it the tiniest amount larger than the 3.5”x4.75” panel piece so that it will swing easily!

Here’s a peek from the top down so you can see how to assemble the parts …

Stamps: Birthday Song

Paper: Basic White, Flirty Flamingo, Barely Blush, Gingham Gallery 12x12 DSP

Ink: Black Memento, Flirty Flamingo; Stampin’ Blends - Flirty Flamingo, Petal Pink

Accessories: 2025-2027 In Color Flat Pearls, White Baker’s Twine

Have a great weekend!!

We’d love to have you play along!! You can check us out our blog HERE and Instagram … lots of great inspiration from the rest of the TGIF Crew!

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TGIF Challenge #582 - Inspiration Challenge

What inspires you??? This week the TGIF Challenge Crew is being inspired by this beautiful beachy sunset!

I spent last weekend on the beaches of Bear Lake with family … been working on some scrapbook layouts that I will be sharing soon. I definitely feel like I’m in “full beach” mode!

Check out the blog challenge here - TGIF Challenge Blog if you’d like to play along.

I used mostly newer products on this card, but I did add the little sailboat from “Come Sail Away” which retired in the last year. 

The paper is Sunset Coast 6”x6” DSP. I cut it into 1” vertical strips and overlapped the layers using some dimenstionals.

The fence is from the Notes & Totes Dies. The little “rope” of Basic Black Baker’s Twine is kinda cute, isn’t it?

I cut the hole in the center using Spotlight On Nature Dies. The sentiment panel is made using the Phrases & Frames Bundle. Of course I had to add some swirly water using the So Swirly Embossing Folder.

A few little rhinestone embellishments and I called this little card DONE!

Stamps: Phrases & Frames

Paper: Basic White, Blueberry Bushel, Azure Afternoon, Scenic Coast Dsp

Ink: Blueberry Bushel

Accessories: Spotlight On Nature Dies, Phrases & Frames Dies, Come Sail Away Dies, Notes & Totes Dies, So Swirly Embossing Folder, Rhinestone Basic Jewels

I love this time of year for all of the family get togethers. Tomorrow we are having a family reunion for my mom’s side of the family, and with Sunday being Father’s Day we will be having kids over … and celebrating my eldest’s birthday as well. Love spending time together!

We’d love to have you play along!! You can check us out our blog HERE and Instagram … lots of great inspiration from the rest of the TGIF Crew!

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TGIF Challenge #581 - Sketch Challenge

This week we’re doing a sketch challenge … and although I didn’t copy it exactly, it did inspire me to create a little garden scene that is quite fun!

Check out the blog challenge here - TGIF Challenge Blog if you’d like to play along.

Knowing that the “Hello” garden tag was going to be my center point, I struggled a little to come up with things that wouldn’t overwhelm it. In the end, you know me … more is MORE, right???

I added some little white gel pen lines to the plant on the left to give it a little more distinction and definition.

In the end, I like how this one turned out!

Stamps: Help Me Grow

Paper: Basic White, Basic Beige, Garden Green, Pecan Pie, Crist Cantaloupe, Lemon Lolly, Cajun Craze

Ink: Black Memento, Pecan Pie, Crumb Cake, White Gel Pen

Accessories: Help Me Grow Dies, Phrases & Frames Dies, Crumb Cake Baker’s Twine, 2026-2028 In Color 

butterflies

We’re headed to Bear Lake for some much-needed family time and good food, sailing, and playing on the beach! With my big floppy hat and sunscreen on board it should be a great time!

We’d love to have you play along!! You can check us out our blog HERE and Instagram … lots of great inspiration from the rest of the TGIF Crew!

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TGIF Challenge #580 - Color Challenge

Isn’t this a STELLAR color combo??? Granny Apple Green is my FAVORITE  SU “green” … and combined with the richness of Night o Navy and the subtlety of Smoky Slate it makes for an amazing outcome! 

Check out the blog challenge here - TGIF Challenge Blog if you’d like to play along.

See what I mean??? This card was created using a 8.5”x5.5” piece of cardstock, scored and folded at the 2.25” mark and the 6.50” mark. I cut a 1” strip from the right side so that it left a gap once the card was folded.

I cut a 1” strip from some Country Woods DSP and placed it inside the card where the gap in the front exposes it. I also added a little trim on the left-hand side using one of the Bordered in Beauty Dies.

I actually cut TWO of the Granny Apple Green elements cut using one of the Lovely Arrangements Dies. I adhered one to the outside/front of the card and the other on the right/inside of the card. This made the element more stable and allowed me to adhere the White Baker’s Twine that I used to act as a closure tie for the whole card.

Stamps: Lovely Arrangements

Paper: Basic White, Smoky Slate, Granny Apple Green, Country Woods DSP

Ink: Night of Navy, Granny Apple Green, Black Memento

Accessories: Lovely Arrangements Dies, Bordered in Beauty Dies, 3D Sunflowers Embossing Folder, White Baker’s Twine, 2025-2027 In Color Flat Pearls

The 3D Sunflowers Embossing Folder provides the perfect background for the flowers, sentiment and diecuts. Isn’t this a fun fold??

How’d we get to the weekend already??? It’s already JUNE and my brain still feels like it’s stuck back in FEBRUARY!

We’d love to have you play along!! You can check us out our blog HERE and Instagram … lots of great inspiration from the rest of the TGIF Crew!

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TGIF Challenge #579 - For That Special Guy

Here we are again with a challenge that I really NEED to do more of … those masculine, “dude” cards that I always hesitate to make because something else looks way more fun! This week we are making cards “for that special guy”! Perfect, since Father’s Day is upon us!

Check out the blog challenge here - TGIF Challenge Blog if you’d like to play along.

To be honest, I don’t have hardly any (or none, maybe??) masculine sets that are “current” with Stampin, Up. I guess that’s something I’m going to need to remedy soon!

So, I scoured Pinterest for some ideas and this is what I came up with based on some things I had seen.

This card really DOES have 8 layers!! And those colors in the middle 6 layers? Yeah, running that whole stack through my embossing machine was a CHORE1 But I do like how it came out!

I started with a 1” square of Pool Party in the middle, then added the next color beneath each layer by added 1/2” to each layer. 

The branchy piece was cut from vellum using one of the Petals of Beauty Dies.

In the end, I used some little dot embellishments that are actually retired (sad face!) because I just loved how they went with everything.

Stamps: A Family Celebration

Paper: Basic White, Pool Party, Coastal Cabana, Azure Afternoon, Cajun Craze, Early Espresso, Pecan Pie, Crumb Cake, Vellum

Ink: Versamark

Accessories: Perennial Postage Dies, Petals of Beauty Dies, 3D Birch Embossing Folder, White Embossing Powder, Crumb Cake Baker’s Twine, Streaked Dots (retired)

Any cool plans this weekend?? I need to STUDY STUDY STUDY as I am working on getting my Certified Personal Training Certificate and it is a LOT of information!! No wonder I have college nightmares about never going to a class until I have to take the final … SHEESH!

We’d love to have you play along!! You can check us out our blog HERE and Instagram … lots of great inspiration from the rest of the TGIF Crew!

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