Sweetest little baby bear.

I am really struggling with getting back on track with posting on here.  I think I have a plan to get back on track--we shall see.  I do have a few cards made that I have not shared though so I will begin with this darling little bear card.

Isn't this just the cutest little bear ever.  This is one of the new realistic three step stamps in the new catalog.  It is so cute in so many different colors.  I can't wait to play with it again.  A quick tip for you if you have this set---when you stamp each layer line up the armpits of the bear and it will look so cute when done.  I originally tried to line up the head and body but it wasn't working right.  This is such a simple card bu really really cute.  I used Crumb Cake ink stamped off once for the base, then the next layer was full Crumb Cake and the top layer is Soft Suede.  Cute as can be.  Garden green is the base of the card and the color used for the bow--it is stamped off once for the base layer then used full strength for top details.

Thanks for stopping by--hope you enjoyed my card.
Mary Jo

 Here are the supplies used on the card:

Monday Lunchtime Sketch Challenge 334 (TSSC334)

Welcome to Monday and the new sketch challenge for this week!  It is a pretty simple sketch and one that would be a great starting point to any occasion card.  Here is the sketch....

And my sample card, I am so loving the new Blackberry Bliss and Mossy Meadow with the Crushed Curry.  So I decided to combing them for this week's sketch.   It is kinda cute but kinda dark too??  Not sure if I really like it or not. 

Stamps:  Dotty Angles, A Dozen Thoughts, Pictogram Punches

Paper: Mossy Meadow, Blackberry Bliss, Crushed Curry, Whisper White

Ink: Blackberry Bliss, Mossy Meadow, Curshed Curry

Other: Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder

And now for the SUPER talented Design Team

Mary Brown

Tanya

Jonia Smith

Sue Root

Robbie

Nicole Tugrul

Bet you can't wait to get stamping!  And we can't wait to see what you come up with!
Be sure to add your sample to Mr. Linky below.

Here are some basic rules for the challenge....

1. You have a full week to play along!
2. Create a new card using the sketch as your inspiration.
3. Use any products you choose.
4. Add your card to your blog or other on-line spot and link back to this challenge.
5. Come back here and add a direct link to your sample for the challenge and NOT you home page of your blog--people will not look for your challenge card--trust me.
6. And this one is not really a rule but a request--get rid of that word verification!  It makes it hard for us to comment on your samples.  It is easier for you to delete the spam then for us to jump through tons of hoops to comment.  If your put your comments on moderation you do not have to worry about spam--you will have the option to delete it BEFORE it ever goes on your blog so you will ALWAYS be safe!
7. Have fun and tell you friends to play too! 
   Add your sample below
   Thanks for playing along!

Mary Jo

Wetlands Card Set Tutorial!

Are you guys ready for a brand new tutorial.  Just like the rest of my tutorials this one has step by step details with lots of pictures and cutting directions.  You will love the warm and inviting feel of these cards--especially this time of year when it is so cold in most areas--the colors and feel are so fresh and warm.  Hope you enjoy!

Six Cards all using the the same stamp sets.

(Wetlands and Express Yourself )

All cards use same supplies

All cards are mailable and easily reproduced.

All new layouts that can be used again and again.

All cut sizes and step by step directions for each card.

And all for ONLY $2.50! 

Is there a set you would like me to make a tutorial for?

Let me know and I would be happy to put one together! 

Stay warm and enjoy your day--preferably while crafting! Mary Jo

Flashback Friday!

I am so happy to be joining my friend Nicole again this week for Flashback Friday.  If you missed my post last week Friday you may not be aware of what this is you can read more about it and see last week's post HERE.  Essentially what it is is using some of those older stamp sets that we still have but never use.  I have almost every set I have ever purchased--that is quite a few, lol!  The one I chose to work with this year has not seen ink in many years.  But I always love it for it's darling images.  I will begin with my card.

Stamps: Happy Healing

Paper: Crumb Cake, Raspberry Ripple, Whisper White, DP

Ink: Basic Black

Other: markers

I kept it simple as it will be one I use for the church ministry and people do not want to pay extra postage.  I always loved this little penguin though!  So fun!  The set is from 1999. Here is what the rest of the set looks like. 

Why not hop over and see what stamp set Nicole used for her Flashback Friday post HERE.

Hope you are gearing up for a fabulous weekend.  I am ready--been a long week.  The kids are getting ready for State exams and it is nothing but stress!  Double homework and crazy anxiety!  I wish we would just boycott them all together.  But that is another story all together. 

Happy Friday!
Mary Jo

Another Hallmark CASE!

Here is another card that I copied from Hallmark--but made it better with Stampin Up! supplies!

Their version....

I really loved the bright colors and the fun flowers.  This is my version...

I used the mixed bunch stamp set--which by the way will carry over into the new catalog!--with the matching punch.  After laying the punched out flowers on the background I embossed the entire thing using the Square Lattice embossing folder.  Makes it almost look like it is a piece of textured designer paper and not separate elements.  Of course I did add the extra element of the sentiment since I didn't think you would be able to read the sentiment through the embossing.

Stamps:  Mixed Bunch, Thoughts and Prayers
Paper:  Poppy Parade, Peach Parfait, Concord Crush, Whisper White
Ink: Poppy Parade, Peach Parfait, Concord Crush
Other: Square Lattice embossing folder--flower punch.

TGIF!
Mary Jo

A couple of cards for a couple of challenges!

Both challenges are mine!  The first butterfly card is another sample for my Monday Lunchtime Sketch Challenge 121 it also fits the Latenightstamper's weekly challenge to use stamps from the current mini catalog. The second card is for the ED9 challenge -again on Latenightstampers -to sponge on an Easy and Demonstratable card.  Don't really like this one but that happens ever now and then.  I am still sharing it because it seems the ones I don't like others really like!  Imagine that.

 Stamps: All a Flutter
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White, Sweet Pea DP
Ink: Basic Black
Other: markers, rub ons, flower fusion, large white brad, circle punches

Stamps: None
Paper: Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Thoroughly Modern
Ink: Bermuda Bay
Other: Daisy Die, Large Chocolate chip brad, rub on

Off to praise rehersal, see ya soon
Mary Jo

Sick as a Dog!

No not me--thank God!  But isn't this little guys so cute, makes me say awwwwwww every time I look at him, he looks like he feels lousy.  I was so excited that SU added some sets from the main catalog to the SAB list this year.  I have been wanting this set but always end up with something else instead.  This card is for both the 411 sketch for the week and today's color challenge on SCS.

The colors on the color challenge were Bashful Blue, Soft Suede and Ruby Red.  Fun combo!

Stamps: Wellness Wishes

Paper: Ruby Red, Bashful Blue, Soft Suede, Whisper White

Ink: Basic Black

Accessories: markers, ribbons

Thanks for stopping by today.  Come on back again soon!
Mary Jo

Monday Lunchtime Sketch Challenge #77

A fresh week and I am feelin' great! I am so happy to be over that "@#$$$%%%%*" (stuff). The sun is shinning and I am feeling better. Life is good again! Today's sketch challenge is another easy one. Yea, so I expect lots of players this week. Spread the word and see who you can encourage to play along. And you play too! When posting on line please use the keywords TSSC77. Here is your sketch for the week.



I know it will not come as a surprise to you that I combined my cards with other challenges, lol. This is also for this month's DT challenge on Latenight Stampers to use the new in colors. They have grown on me already--although I still miss Kiwi Kiss badly.

This first card is featuring the new Rich Razzleberry color. I combined it with Orchid Opulence.

Stamps: Uppsy Daisy
Paper: Rich Razzleberry, Orchid Opulence, Whisper White and Rasberry Lemonade DP
Ink: Rich Razzleberry
Other: rhinestone brads, pretties kit, filigree brads.Chit Chat Rub On

The next card is also for this sketch, the Latenight Stamper's DT monthly challenge and the new Latenight Stamper's weekly challenge for this week which is weddings.
I am featuring the beautiful Crushed Curry on this one.



Stamps: Razzle Dazzle, Together Forever
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Crushed Curry, Rasberry Lemonade DP
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Crushed Curry
Other: embossing plate, sizzix scallop oval, sponge, Chit Chat rub on

Hope you will play along. Have a great day!

Mary Jo

Add your direct link to Mister Linky below!

Latenight Stamper's Weekly Challenge.

This week at Latenight Stampers we are revisiting an older Technostamper Monday Lunchtime Sketch. This was sketch number 19. If you seen this week's sketch #75 you will see that it is quite a bit a like. This was an easy sketch that EVERYONE could play along with. Even you!

Don't forget to check out the BLOG CANDY on the post before this one. Click HERE to see it.

Here is the sketch...



And my two 100% Current Stampin Up samples. Both sketch 75 and this one are great for using those fabulous Designer Papers.




First card.

Stamps: Thinking of Father soon to be retired
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Pacific Point, Walk in the Park DP, Whisper White
Ink: Basic Black
Other: Rub on, white brads, corduroy buttons and brads, scallop edge punch markers

Second Card

Stamps: Curly Label Punch Bundle
Paper: Whisper White, Pink Pirouette, Bella Rose DP
Ink: Cameo Coral
Other: Pretties kit, markers, Curly Label Punch, Corner rounder.


Don't forget to get in on the BLOG CANDY click ---- HERE

Mary Jo

Three Clovers Thursday Challenge #9

Welcome to Thursday and another Three Clovers Thursday Challenge. We are on number 9 already. Have you played along yet? This weeks challenge is to use your favorite Technique. I don't really have a favorite and since we did this last week on the Blogger's challenge too I just figured I would pick a different one. This week I chose Reverse Masking. Fun and simple. What do you think? Do you have a favorite or one you want to learn and don't know? Leave me a comment and I will check it out (if it's a favorite) or do a tutorial on it (if you want to learn). I really love techniques. Here is my card for today.

I used the circle scissors plus to cut a circle in a piece of computer paper and then used that as my mask. I stamped the flowers over the hole in the paper so they only showed up in a circle. Then before removing the mask I used a sponge and added some Baja Breeze ink all around the inside of the circle to make the circle stand out more. Then for a little more I added dots around the circle wih my black marker.

Ty the way this is 100% current Stampin Up and qualifies for my You're Hired Again series.

Stamps: Upsy Daisy, Really Retro
Paper: Baja Breeze, Basic Black, card stock, Baja Breeze DP along with Urban Oasis DP
Ink: Going Grey and Basic Black
Other: Circle Scissors Plus, sponge, ribbon, marker

Head on over to Kerry's blog to see what the rest of the team did and to play along! See ya there!

See ya soon.
I need to do some cleaning today---YUCK -- I would rather be stamping.

Mary Jo

Blogger's Challenge 87-Inspriration Challenge

Thanks God it's Friday because that means it's time for another Blogger's Challenge. This we were were given a picture and were supposed to make a card using it for inspiration. You can see the picture below my card. I had fun with this one. Got to use a new toy I just got-the tags die. Love it! The background is stamped with a stamp from the Friends 24-7 set and then spritzed with Rose Red ink. This will be number 27 in the Your Hired Series.




Here is the inspiration piece in case you would like to play along! We would love to have you.


The details

Stamps: Friends 24-7, Really Retro, Fifth Avenue Floral
Paper: Rose Red, Cameo Coral, Shimmery White
Ink: Rose Red
Other: markers, labels die, large oval circle punch, brads, ribbon, white gel pen

Mary Jo

Two more with this week's sketch!

Both of these cards are created for today's color challenge on SCS-More Mustard, Rose Red and Kiwi Kiss. The also both use the same layout which is this week's Technostamper Monday Lunchtime Sketch Challenge 57 and they both use 100% current Stampin Up! therefore they are card #24 and #25 in the Your Hired Series.

Stamps: Cheap Talk, Really Retro, Friendly Words, Jumbo wheel

Paper: Rose Red, Kiwi Kiss, More Mustard, Whisper White, Basic Black, Kiwi Kiss dp, Rasberry Tart dp

Ink: Kiwi Kiss, Rose Red, More Mustard, Close to Cocoa

Accessories: brads, circle scissors plus

Stamps: Polka Dot Punches, Yummy

Paper: More Mustard, Basic Black, Kiwi Kiss, Rasberry Tart dp, Kiwi Kiss dp

Ink: Rose Red

Accessories: kiwi/white satin ribbon, heart punch, photo corner punch, circle scissors plus

Thanks for stopping by today--please leave a comment so I know you were here, lol! Thanks

Mary Jo

Orange You Better Yet? -FS85- and a couple sketch players too!

It has been a while since I participated in a Featured Stamper Challenge on SCS so I thought I would do one today while getting prepared for my technique class tomorrow night.
We are doing the bandanna technique and wait to you see my other card. I love it. I do think this one is cute too but the other one rocks--you will have to wait for that one though--sorry.

I chose this card to case. I changed the stamps, colors and used the bandanna technique. Basically I just used the layout.

Here are the details.
Stamps:Pun Fun
Paper: Pacific Point, Tangerine Tango, Basic Black and Whisper White
Ink: Basic Black
Other: word window punch, nestabilities, white gel pen, black faux brads, colored pencils, blender pen

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here are a few more sketch players for this weeks sketch #35. You can find the original details along with the sketch HERE.

Lori at Inking Aloud

and

Margaret at Margaeli Inks


Great cards ladies. I love all the fall/Halloween stuff we are all making now.

See ya later with sketch 36!