Sunny Gerbera Daisy

Tucked behind a few things, my daisy die cut sat lonely and abandoned.  I'm not sure why... sometimes I get stuck on using one thing and forget about my cherished other tools.

Anyway I saw a challenge to celebrate Gerbera daisies - what a perfect die cut for this.  I made the center a little darker than the larger petals and included a vintage-y looking button for the center.  Here's the challenge at Stampin Celebration #52. 





 

I found the layout from Clean and Simple Challenge Blog #154 so I thought I'd use this bold daisy in this design.  Easy and fun!

Now the colors - I just love how these gals can put together colors at CR84FN #36.  Yellows are simply not my thing, but look how pretty their challenge picture is?!  I think I was attracted to the cake and the rest is history... 

Thank you for your visit.
Have a Sunny Day!
Luci

If You Zoom In - It's One Layer!

Stamping time yesterday was such a gift.  Thanks to some sweet friends, a stamping get-together was simply delightful.  Events in this year have been nothing short of continuous challenge, but in everything, I am grateful for the blessings that have come about through every struggle.  So, who am I to complain?  Instead, let me share a comforting quote for anyone who is feeling burdened - certainly something I have reflected on over and over:

Cast your cares on the LORD
and he will sustain you;
he will never let the righteous fall.

Psalm 55:22 

So, if casting my cares is what I am to do - then cast away I shall.

And, here I am.

Ready to stamp.   

I turned to the Less is More Challenge (LIM #28) to find that there is a one-layer challenge going on there.  WOW.  I cannot be a one layer gal.  I've tried.  

I give you... my attempt of simplicity.  I was so excited to try this technique from this gorgeous card, that my sweet friend, Stephanie posted.  What fun!  

The background is made of a glorious blend of colors and shimmer spray.  I inked up my acrylic block with Certainly Celery and Pacific Point.  In the corner I spritzed some Log-cabin smooch spray, followed with spritzes of water to make the inks a beautiful wash of color.  Onto Whisper White cardstock did the block go.  If you try this, I guarantee that you will hardly contain your excitement, as the inks blend together before your very eyes.

Now, as for the one layer... I tried, really.  It started off that way, but ribbons, embellishments and punches were all looking at me with those puppy-dog eyes.  Naturally, I caved.  Here is my result.  I did try to keep it simple... I did not even add a ribbon!  (But, isn't that vintage brad simply something?!)

Thank you for visiting.

Wishing you a moment to cast away your cares.

Luci

Heaven Must Be Shades of Lavender

Though, looking a little blue, the project here highlights shades of lavender.  This dreamy color, comes courtesy of this challenge - CR84FN35:




I enjoyed adding all of the little shapes together with this one.  I added a small scalloped border to the sides of my ribbon-like banner.  Then used 2 sides of the Top Note to accent the sides some more.  What a great way to use up scraps!

I wanted to use a delicate image with these colors.  I thought the beautiful swirls of the butterfly from Stampin Up's Hope and Strength campaign, along with the sentiment tag on the bottom would add to the gentle theme I was looking for.

To get just the words I wanted, I used a marker to color the stamp and used one of my millions of white paper strips on which to stamp.  Clipped the corners (there must be a punch for that shape, already?!) and popped everything on dimensionals.

Thanks for visiting!
Hope you find your slice of heaven today.
Luci

It's OK to Stop

Today I had but a moment to create a clean and simple card - and with my tendency to keep adding, I had to remind myself that it really is OK to stop.  I have to say, I loved making this card.  I think the little flower at the top is my favorite.  It's for my sweet niece who is just beginning her teenage years... oh, the ride so begins (again) for her parents!

I found these wonderful challenges to guide me in picking colors, choosing the layout and designing the image:

At the Creative Corner, I tried their red and aqua challenge - and I loved how they suggested to use the pink, 'cause I could not find a color for the base of the card.  I think I like how the Pink Pirrhouette surrounds the focal image.

 

The super-fun layout was lifted from the folks at Clean and Simple.  What a great sketch challenge!  I will be sure to try this simple and sweet sketch again!

And, since I keep using the same stamp set over and over (not like I don't have a few more...LOL), I needed to find an image inspiration.  Over at SCS, the Saturday Challenge - IC295 was just the right amount of inspiration I needed to get these cute little stem stamps in my hands.  I found this pretty image on the site, L'Affiche Moderne.

And isn't this a cute little flower (if I say so myself)?  I created it with the Boho punch and a black paper fastener for the center.  

Thanks for visiting!
Hope you have a sweet and simple day!
Luci

Adding CAS-Tastic Summer Ink

So morning coffee in hand and a brief opportunity to travel the blog-o-sphere, I came upon these lovely challenges:  Over at Just Add Ink (JAI 78), they pulled out of their magic color wheel, one of my favorite color combinations:  Certainly Celery, Not Quite Navy, Sahara Sand and Chocolate Chip... yummy!  And, over at SCS, there is the Summer CAS-tastic challenge (F4A75) that craves those summer colors.  And at the Clean and Simple Stamping blog (#150) there was an adorable, CAS sketch to try!

Completely inspired, stamps practically jumped into my hand and away I went... until, of course, the phone rang and all that reminded me that this day has many tasks ahead.  Yes, it was a brief moment of creative bliss.  So before I tend to the things that need to get done, let me share my CAS-tastic (SCS term) moment with you.


I know I cannot get enough of this Sail Away stamp... I just adore it!  I love how every time I add the sails with designer paper or cardstock (Certainly Celery here), the image seems to pops off the page.  The waves were sponged until I had some movement under the boat.  Hardly able to see, but I choco-chipped some color on the actual boat.

Thanks for visiting.
Have a CAS-tastic Summer Friday!
Luci

Non-Convention Goer Swap

Not being able to attend this year's Stampin' Up's Convention, I decided to participate in a non-convention goers swap - so I would not miss out on the fun of swapping!  I am so looking forward to receiving the rest of the swap back.

The flowers were masked with the script background and colored using a tool I have put aside for a while - I don't know why - 'cause it was one of the very first supplies I purchased when I started to stamp:  The Blender Pen!  Not the same pen that I started with (went through a few since the early days), but certainly a loved device.  I dabbed it in the ink and water-colored it around the flower, giving some areas a certain amount of light and dark.

And, can you tell I am absolutely loving those Teeny Tiny Wishes?  They are the sweetest little sentiments (as seen above:  "just for you") that add just a little something to any size element on the card.

So, this card started out for a special person's milestone birthday.  I enjoyed the card so much, I decided to make a few more.  Here is the full version of my card.

 

It took me longer than I expected, as there were more pieces to work on than what I imagined in my head (as I always seem to do).  And, of course, making multiple copies of the same card... well, you understand.  I don't know how some stampers make 100s and 100s of swaps...

I added a little card to the front envelope for an extra surprise.  Those Curvy Verses are too wonderful, too:

Supplies Used:

• Stamps:  Fabulous Florets, Curvy Verses, En Francais,  Teeny Tiny Wishes

• Ink:  Soft Suede, Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake, Basic Black

• Big Shot Supplies: Flower Garden Textured Embossing Folder, Scallop Envelope Bigz Die, 

• Other Supplies:  Pearl Jewels, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Blender Pens

• Techniques:  Masking, Sponging, Water-coloring


Here's another version of it with a pink/purple color scheme.  I think I still favor the red and black colors, though.



Thanks for visiting.
Have a wonderful day,
Luci

Morning Cup o' Joe on Small Doilies

For me, a perfect morning is a tasty cup of coffee ~ joined by a cookie (on a doily, of course), a calm dog and quiet time to create.  Such occasions are rare and short lived.  I enjoyed my (short) moment this morning, until I heard the footsteps...

I found this color combo at Color Throwdown - which I probably would not have thought to put together, but quite enjoyed the blend... (nice coffee pun, huh?)

So with the current doily craze, I thought I could play along with the WT330 SCS Challenge.  Unfortunately, I don't have any real doilies... but, I thought the detailed circle element from Stampin' Up's Artistic Etchings, had that doily look.  You have to look very closely to see them - I added the mini doilies below the white scallop effect above.

.

I added a little bling on heart to "perk up" this cute little cup, with a side of frothy whipped cream on the edges of the card.

Hope you find your perfect moment today.
Thanks for stopping by!
Luci

Happy 4th!

 Happy 4th of July!  The storms have passed and so a lovely day of sunshine and splashing for all... (Shockingly, our pool is crystal clear blue... and, not the typical shade of cloudy green).  

Well, maybe not splashing for all... you see, the floral brad and splashes of blue (to the upper left) are hiding the poor little birdie that I messed up coloring.  But, since I was following the Mojo Monday challenge here, I moved my "star" element to the other side so I could cover up the faulty feathered friend. 

I chose to use this interesting color combo in the Simply Stampin challenge here.  They have some beautiful samples there, so make sure you visit them, too.

Thanks for stopping by.
Have a terrific day!
Luci

Surf's Up!

Masculine cards have to be my most challenging - especially since I admire all the floral cards out there!  Needing a masculine graduation card, and finding this super challenge at CASual Fridays, I thought going with Kraft and beach-y blues might be just the way to go. 

I started by masking the sun or moon (whichever mood you are in) on a piece of Kraft CS, and sponged the blue sky around.  Then I added some drifts of Kraft sand (sponged of course).

 

Here, I tucked in a few embossed surf boards so that they had a glossy/wet look (ya' know after surfing all day, they had to dry off...)

I added 3 tags to the upper left, using just the Happy part of the Happy Graduation stamp for the smaller tags.  The 3 tags and the 3 sea shells I thought fell right into sketch challenge that inspired this layout.  You can see the sketch here from iheart2stamp.  

I hope it's a happy, happy day for the graduate!

Thanks for stopping by.

Hope your day is happy, happy!

Sunscreen Needed on this Sail Away Adventure

Well, there are more "Out of the Garden" projects to show you.  Unfortunately, the pictures are stuck in the computer that needs repair... sigh...  Plus, it's probably too hot to be in the garden these days, so - I'll take you to the shore (as they say in Joisey).

And, how much do I love this cute little sailboat?  It's one of those stamps that you can use in a scene, rather than just on its own, if you know what I mean.  Here, I wanted to put the boat in some waves under a beautifully sunny day.   I used the giant Medallion stamp for the sun and added too much yellow for my taste - so, I figure it's a reeeeealllllly sunny day!   I had to reapply sunscreen when making this card.   :)

Since it was used for a masculine graduation card, I added the saying from Stampin Up's Set, Word Play:  "Go Confidently in the Directions of Your Dreams" on the inside.  I thought it was fitting for the occasion.

Thanks for stopping by.
Have a bright day!
Lucian

Go in the Direction of Your Dreams

The close of the school year is upon some of us (still... sigh).  Yes, in New Jersey, school is in progress.  Graduations are certainly in the air, though.  So in the way of my garden theme, here's a nod to all of those students who are ending their school career to embark on their life-long journey.  I thought this phrase, "Go in the Direction of Your Dreams" from SU's collection of Word Play is just the right amount of font whimsy and heart-felt sentiment under my flower-filled hills.

I know I was inspired by another stamper to use those amazing swirls (sorry, I cannot find the image anywhere, now) - that has got to be my all-time favorite SU stamp!  Baroque Motifs can do just about anything!

And, the beauty inside this card was CASED from a fellow SU demonstrator, Sharon White, who shared the idea of swirling butterflies on Stampin' Up's Stampin Connection.   So, here's a close-up of the inside with butterflies and flowers... and of course... those baroque swirls!

By using a window sheet or transparency, you achieve a glorious effect of butterflies flying on the (clear/transparent spiral) inside of your card.

Hope you found an idea or two.
Have a glorious day!
Luci

Elegant Purple Eggplant

Isn't this the season of eggplants and zucchini's?  Since I was making projects this month - with the theme,  "Out of the Garden" - Elegant Eggplant seemed like the best choice for this monochromatic card.  I suppose, it's one more excuse for me to bring my favorite color onto my craft table:  Elegant Eggplant!

What do I love about monochromatic cards?
1.  Easy color combo!
2.  Surely, I can find just 1 favorite color to use...
3.  Offers an elegant and/or serious nature to the card.

I was inspired by someone's website - (and now must hunt it down to show you - but I will) - to create a water-colored design on an embossed image.  I used the aqua painter to pull ink off of the coordinating Elegant Eggplant stamp pad and lightly dab into the petals of the Flower Garden embossing folder.  To finalize the edges, I sponged Elegant Eggplant ink around the sides of the card.

So glad you could stop by.
Have a wonderful day!
Luci

I Love a "Sale"

I am just enjoying the use of this single stamp, Sail Away, from SU's mini catalog.  I was inspired by Mary Brown's use of masking and sponging to create the sunset scene.  I used designer paper for the sails.  The waves have a touch of white gel pen, if you look closely:

And, I picked up the stitched grossgrain ribbon from SU's clearance rack.  I though it had just the right amount of white stitching to match the waves!  I love a sale... or is it... sail?!

Thanks for visiting.
Have a peaceful day!
Luci

KISS: Keep it Simple Sweetie

Wishing for time you simply don't have?  In a simple answer... yes!  Sometimes keeping it simple is the way to go. 

Minimalistic designing, though, can be a challenge.  Here's a quick recipe for keeping cards simple:

1. Find a tiny focal point.
2. Frame it in the center of your card 
3. Add a relatively small sentiment below the small image.
4. Don't be afraid to crop the image.
5. If it is too simple for your taste, add a simple embellishment (see my tiny flower below).

Here's a digital card I made for GCU.  I wanted to focus on the hands playing the guitar.  Other ways to embellish this card is to create a little texture in the background.

So, give it a go and kiss something today.   It simply may be the most fun you have with the little time you have!

Have a happy day,

Luci

A New Day

Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each.
Henry David Thoreau

It's been a while and a few challenges since my last post.  But, my want to create and inspire has been aflame.  Lately, my photography has helped me to focus (no pun intended) on the beauty in the most simplistic of everyday sights.

Recently, I traveled to a mining town in Pennsylvania.  With abandoned mines, no longer is it a booming middle class town.  In its current state of decay, one resident sadly put it, "Once thriving, this is a dying town, with the population decreasing each year."  Nonetheless, overlooking a parking lot was a glorious sunset where the tops of the mountains could be seen from one end of the camera lens to the other.  I was quite literally blown away (as there were tornadoes in the making for that evening).  Inspired by a hero caretaker, I created this card for her.   Above is a sneak peak (uploaded to Greeting Card Universe, soon to be approved).

I hope this day brings you joy. 
Luci

Grunge-y Spring Card

Waking up to snow again after spending a Friday (in February) at the beach should not be a surprise to me. However, I am so ready for Spring.  So, in that spirit, I chose to do a grunge-y looking spring card, following this CAS107 challenge on SCS.  While the card looks like it is square-like, it is actually the standard 4.25 x 5.5 inches.
 

I just love that tiny butterfly and those pretty little pearls - it's all about the accessories!  Stampin Up sells these self-adhesive pearls for $4.95 - and you get 150 of them!

Here are some of the supplies I used:

1. Fifth Avenue Foral, Clear (113734)
2. Beautiful Wings Stampin' Up! Embosslits Die  (118138)
3. Basic Pearls Jewel Accents (119247)

Thanks for stopping by.  If you have questions, please feel free to email me or leave a comment.
Be Happy,
Luci

P.S. - The SALE•A•BRATION Promotion is running from now until March 31, 2011. Pick up your free products from this catalog for every $50 order! It's a once-a-year fabulous time to stock up on stamps and supplies.

Basket of Hearts

I cannot get enough of this Valentine Defined set - even though Valentine's day has passed.  And, how many ways can you use that adorable cupcake punch?  The use of basket was inspired by a fellow demonstrator, Marlene Salvato.  I stamped the grass in Wild Wasabi and removed the green hearts with a baby wipe.  Then, I colored in the hearts with Elegant Eggplant.  I popped the basket with a dimensional.  I'm feeling, though, that Crumb Cake is my new gray (see next post).

Here are some of the supplies I used:

1. Valentine Defined Stamp Set, Clear (123057)
2. Framed Tulips Textured Impressions Embossing Folder Die (121809)
3. Create a Cupcake Stamp Set, Clear (121982)
4. Build a Cupcake Punch (121807)

If you have questions, please feel free to email me or leave a comment.
Be happy,
Luci

P.S. - The SALE•A•BRATION Promotion is running from now until March 31, 2011. Pick up your free products from this catalog for every $50 order! It's a once-a-year fabulous time to stock up on stamps and supplies.



 

Gray is the New Black

Move over "little black dress" - here comes gray!  Still not sure if I am pleased with the idea of a happy tree on a gray background, but it certainly is different from what I normally design.  My favorite part is the sanded background with the heart-grass in the corner.  I love how that sanded background gives this card that edge-y grunge-y look.  Here are some supplies I used:

1.  Circle Punch: 2-1/2" (120906)
2.  Valentine Defined Stamp Set, Clear (123057)
3.  Sanded Background Stamp (109294)
4.  Scallop Border (119882)
5.  Butterfly Embosslet (118138)
6.  Basic Gray Cardstock - of course! (121044)

Thanks for stopping by today.  If you have questions, please feel free to email me or leave a comment.
Be happy,
Luci

P.S. - The SALE•A•BRATION Promotion is running from now until March 31, 2011. Pick up your free products from this catalog for every $50 order! It's a once-a-year fabulous time to stock up on stamps and supplies.

Stamp Camp #4 - Birthday Spinner

Images (c) Stampin' Up 2011

Game spinners bring back memories of board games and fun family nights together. Now you can add a game spinner to a greeting card with these fun papercrafting hands, brads and washers (121893). It's fun - Give it a whirl!

These are some of the new supplies from the Occasions Mini Catalog that I used on this project:

1. Take a Spin Stamp Set, Clear Mount (122015) / Wood Mount (121937)
   
2. Circle Punch: 2-1/2" (120906)
3. Game Spinner Hands (121893)
   

If you have questions about any of the supplies or on the construction of this project, please feel free to email me or leave a comment. Don't forget to vote for your favorite (see poll in upper right).

Be happy,
Luci

P.S. - The SALE•A•BRATION Promotion is running from now until March 31, 2011. Pick up your free products from this catalog for every $50 order! It's a once-a-year fabulous time to stock up on stamps and supplies.

Stamp Camp #3 - Hinge Card

Images (c) Stampin' Up 2011

Don't you love when cards open a different way? It adds just the right amount of unexpected happiness.


This card opens by creating a swinging hinge using one of those cute Fabric Designer Brads (121880).



And, what could make this card happier than glitter? I just adore the Glimmer Paper (121790). It's simple and easy to use - and looks great with both Real Red or Cherry Cobbler. Just punch out the accent that you want and adhere it to your project. It's super sparkly - and the best part? No glitter on your face when you're done using it! (Well, maybe not YOUR face... but I always have sparkles going on when I'm using glitter.)

These are some of the new supplies from the Occasions Mini Catalog that I used on this project:

1. Valentine Defined Stamp Set, Clear (123057)
2. Fabric Designer Brads (121880)
3. Seam Binding Ribbon 1/2" - Cherry Cobbler (120992)
4. Circle Punch: 2-1/2" (120906)
5. Glimmer Paper (121790)

If you have questions about any of the supplies or on the construction of this project, please feel free to email me or leave a comment. Don't forget to vote for your favorite (see poll in upper right).

Be happy,
Luci

P.S. - The SALE•A•BRATION Promotion is running from now until March 31, 2011. Pick up your free products from this catalog for every $50 order! It's a once-a-year fabulous time to stock up on stamps and supplies.

Stamp Camp #2 - Pillow Box

Images (c) Stampin' Up 2011

Can you guess why this is this Rex's favorite project? Rex, our mischievous puggle, found a way to sneak this project from the table to a quiet corner. Thankfully, we caught Rex right before he tore the wrapper on the chocolate bar. Sadly, the pillow box did not make it.


Aside from the chocolate, the little tag detail is my favorite part of this project. I used half of an oval scallop through which I could thread the hemp.

These are some of the new supplies from the Occasions Mini Catalog that I used on this project:

1. Eat Chocolate Stamp Set, Clear (122006)
2. Seam Binding Ribbon 1/2" - Cherry Cobbler (120992)

If you have questions about any of the supplies or on the construction of this project, please feel free to email me or leave a comment. Don't forget to vote for your favorite (see poll in upper right).

Be happy,
Luci

P.S. - The SALE•A•BRATION Promotion is running from now until March 31, 2011. Pick up your free products from this catalog for every $50 order! It's a once-a-year fabulous time to stock up on stamps and supplies.

Stamp Camp #1 - Soda Shop

Images (c) Stampin' Up 2011

Part of my all things "Happy" camp, here's my Soda Pop Shop card. What could be happier than a cupcake with blueberry icing? And, don't the colors remind you of yester-year... something you might find in an old fashioned diner?

These are some of the new supplies from the Occasions Mini Catalog that I used on this project:

1. Create a Cupcake Stamp Set, Clear (121982)
2. Build a Cupcake Punch (121807)
3. Circle Punch: 2-1/2" (120906)
4. Glimmer Paper (121790)

If you have questions about any of the supplies or on the construction of this project, please feel free to email me or leave a comment. Don't forget to vote for your favorite (see poll in upper right).

Be happy,
Luci

P.S. - The SALE•A•BRATION Promotion is running from now until March 31, 2011. Pick up your free products from this catalog for every $50 order! It's a once-a-year fabulous time to stock up on stamps and supplies.

Back Again

Looks like my original PaperHoliday blog is (temporarily?) disabled on my end. That means, I cannot add any content to it at this time. Must have been all of the explicit papercrafting content included in my blog - ha!

But, as I understand it, there was some sort of hacking issue that impacted quite a few blogs - mine being one (actually two) of them:  PaperHoliday (the first blog) along with the Crafty Catwalk (challenge blog).  Sigh.

So, what's a gal to do? Revisit her favorite holiday spot, and stamp, of course! So, welcome to PaperHoliday2 - my blog - revisited. Thank you for spending some time in my new getaway.

Don't forget to come back and re-visit -- as I am still rebuilding this site and my links.