Tea for Two

Happy Saturday, and welcome to my blog! Grab your cup of coffee and check out the card I created for this week's Utah Divas International sketch. You can find links to all of the cards and designers here, and below is the sketch for the week, UDISC234.

I took out the sweet Tea for Two Designer Series Paper along with some coordinating card stock and First Edition Newsprint and here's what I created.

Details ~

• Paper ~ Tea for two DSP, First Edition newsprint, Very Vanilla, Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade
• Ink ~ Island Indigo
• Accessories ~ 1 3/4" scallop punch, 1 1/4" scallop circle, Bird Builder punch, ruffled Island Indigo ribbon, glimmer brad

Here is a close up of the flower ~

I punched 4 scallops of each size, punched a hole in the center and inserted the brad.  I crinkled up the paper and then separated the layers.  It got lightly spritzed with some water, which allowed me to shape the flower, and I set it aside to dry.  Once dry, I sponged color on the edges.

I flipped the focal point from the right side to the left so I could balance the newsprint paper flower with the beautiful image on the Tea for Two paper. I wanted them to compliment each other, and if placed in the original sketch position, it would have covered up the flower I wanted to feature.  I think it is so important to create balance in a design and let your instincts be your guide.

You may notice that I did not add a sentiment.  I did that intentionally so that I can have more flexibility in my work.  This could easily serve as a get well, thank you, birthday, anniversary or sympathy card.  I will add my sentiment when I am ready to mail this.  I hope you remember this tip for your own work.  It really makes a huge difference, especially when you don't have time to make a card from scratch.

I'm so happy you stopped by today!  And I hope you learned something new as well!

Blessings,
Barbara

Oops! and This and That

A big "Oops!" on my part.  I scheduled a blog post and then forgot to make the card.  As my granddaughter would say, "My bad!"

Today is the launch of a new product and I just can't wait to share it!  I have fallen in love with "This And That" and I think you will too!  Take a look!

Your life is: Awesome. Quirky. Exciting. Perfectly messy. And happening really fast.

Get a sneak peek into the Stampin' Up! 2013-2014 annual catalog with the This and That product line that lets you capture it all on-the-go.

Leaving the hairdresser? Tuck your next appointment card right in with some washi tape. Having a girls' day at lunch and the movies? Stash the tickets right there and have each friend write her favorite part of the day. The possibilities are endless, and the goal is perfect imperfection. 

The This and That product line includes:

131268   Epic Day This and That Journal    $10.95
130814   Epic Day This and That Designer Series Paper   $10.95
130133   Remember This and That Rotary Stamp     $5.95
131271   Epic Day This and That Designer Stickers    $4.95
131269   Epic Day This and That Designer Washi Tape    $4.95
133350   Epic Day This and That Bundle     $32.08  15% 0ff retail value! 

Click here to shop the This and That line.

This and That is great when you use all the products together, but each product is great on its own too! The Designer Series Paper will appeal to scrapbookers and crafters alike-and everyone will love that awesome stamp. Plus, the other embellishments are so much fun. 

I am especially excited about the rotary stamp, which includes not only the date, but an assortment of great sayings like "This happened on" and "Best Day Ever." There are 12 choices in all!

Please note:

•  Stampin' Up! is introducing the line with these five products, but will be adding more This and That stuff as time goes on.

• 15% OFF Bundle Dates: March 23-April 30 (remember the items that come in the bundle will be available in the new catalog, but the discounted bundle is only available through April 30).

 But wait, there is more excitement!!

As a special promotion, all orders placed today and tomorrow will be eligible for a drawing for the hostess benefits  This is a Mystery Hostess online event!  If you order online, please be sure to enter hostess code YQV66932.  Once you add your first item to your shopping bag the hostess code must be entered just below the Special Offers section and it should say Barbara Dykhouse as the hostess.  Your items will be shipped directly to your house!

Once all the orders are placed, on Sunday evening, March 24, I will draw ONE name to get hostess benefits on the entire order! I will email the winner to get your choices, which I will need before 11:00 am on Monday, March 25.  (Everyone will receive a small gift just for participating in my first Mystery Hostess Online Event.  (FYI ~ If this is successful, there may be more!)

You can email me or shop my online store to order your This and That bundle today

Have a wonderful weekend!

Barbara

Saturday sketch

Happy Saturday, and welcome to my blog! Grab your cup of coffee and check out the card I created for this week's Utah Divas International sketch. You can find links to all of the cards and designers here.  Here is the sketch for the week, UDISC231.

I have combined the sketch challenge with this beautiful color challenge over at Create with Connie and Mary.

Some of the inspiration came from a card swap I am working on.  I will share that with you later, but for now, here's my creation.

All of the details ~

• Stamps ~ none!
• Papers ~ Very Vanilla, Primrose Petals, Print Poetry Designer Series Paper Stack
• Inks ~ Raspberry Ripple
• Accessories ~Artisan Embellishments Kit, Big Shot, Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder, Raspberry Ripple 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon

Here is a close up of some of the beautiful lace and a button from the Artisan Embellishments Kit.  I love the way the satin ribbon plays peek-a-boo through the lace.

The embossing folder was inked with Raspberry Ripple ink before I ran it through the Big Shot.  I love embossing, and I love it even more when the folder is inked! It adds so much depth to the texture, don't you agree?

Have a delightful weekend!  Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you learned something new today.

Blessings,
Barbara