K.I.S.S - 'Keep It Simple Sweetie' PPA30 Challenge

This week at PPA the challenge was to create a K.I.S.S.card. What is a K.I.S.S card I hear you ask. Well, it means:
Lots of "white" space
Simple designs
Minimum time to create
Limited layers and embellishments
Having never really sat down and deliberately come up with a K.I.S.S card before, I found this challenge lots of fun. Sometimes we can get caught up in creating a "masterpiece", when really we need to remind ourselves that sometimes "less is more". This card took me 15 minutes from start to finish and I love the final product. Simple, eye catching ... totally kiss-able!

For the Wonderful Carol!

My wonderful Upline Carol is just so lovely. Recently we had a workshop at her house and I had the best time. She is so encouraging and supportive and I wanted to send her a Thank You card to let her know how much I appreciate her and her efforts.
This is the card I came up with. It's a bit hard to see but I have used one of the tree tops in the 'Trendy Trees' stamp set, to create my own background designer paper for the large teal square. I love being able to create my own unique paper this way. To make the smaller scallop square to accentuate the main image, I just punched out four small SU! scallop squares and joined them together. The seams are hardly noticeable.
I have made the triangular portion of the card many times before but wanted to do something a little bit different for Carol. I added the large Scallop Square but then needed a way to make the card stand up for display. What I came up with is an easel time stand (see below). I thought I was pretty clever coming up with this. Often I see an idea I like and alter it to suit what I am doing, but this I came up with all on my own and I did a little dance of joy when it turned out. It's not often I come up with something I can call original!
I sent the card and haven't posted it until now, just in case Carol visited my blog and saw it. The card has been delivered so here it is for all to see.
So, thanks once again Carol. You really are wonderful :)

Team Challenge & PPA29 Combo

For our team challenge we have to make a card using our favourite product in the new 'Occasions Mini' catalogue. For me the best product of all is the 'Sweet Pea' Designer Series paper. I love the colours in it and the designs. I think it is so "prettiful"(as my youngest would say). I've made my card using the paper as the highlight and have kept my stamped image simple to complement it.
Over at PPA they have a sketch challenge so I decided to incorporate the two. Simple sketch, simple layout but LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that paper! Thanks for looking :)

Big Shot Blooms

Recently I came across an idea on SplitCoastStampers that I wanted to try, and these blooming beauties are the result. I initially made them with the idea of putting them in the local craft market but I just love them! I was wearing one yesterday while volunteering at my DD's school and someone noticed it, wanted it, and so I got my first order!
I used my handy dandy Sizzix Big Shot and circle die to create them. I am constantly amazed at all the wonderful things my Big Shot can do!
You can wear them as a brooch, on your hat or scarf and I even thought about making some into hair ties. As well as that, wouldn't they make a great gift... who doesn't like to receive flowers?? And with winter still upon us, they're a great way to add a bit of colour and flair to your wardrobe.

1 Stamp Set, 3 Cards!

When looking at buying a stamp set I ask myself "how much use am I going to get out of it and how versatile will it be?" By asking myself this I try to get the most use I can out of the sets I have. This is the theme for my upcoming class.
I have chosen SU's stamp set 'Le Jardin Botanique' to use as the mainstay for these three gorgeous; yet different, cards. They could cover a myriad of occasions and by simply changing the sentiment on the Christmas card below you'd have yet another card for another event.
Now that's what I call making my stamps work for me!

Beary Birthday Wishes

This is the beary sweet card I made for an upcoming birthday tomorrow. Purple is the recipients favourite colour so I've incorporated it into the card for her.

The card design is an easel card so it lies flat for sending but you can stand the front of the card up with the base becoming the easel stand. The card front remains in this upright (albeit slanted!) position as it rests against the border I have added above the 'happy birthday' sentiment.Pretty clever I thought!

I tried my hand at water colouring also and I have to say it is more difficult than I thought. You have to try and be less fussy with colouring in, something I struggled with!
I have to work on shading to give the cute wee bear depth, but I am happy with it as my first attempt!
All supplies are Stampin' Up!
Thanks for taking a peek :)

And the winner is...

Congratulations goes to Cyndi for winning January's lucky prize draw!
You've won yourself the cute mouse card and matching gift box filled with goodies.

This month's prize draw is an altered chipboard notebook (see right). I took a plain spiral bound notebook and decorated it. I kept it fairly plain on the inside so there are a multitude of uses for it. The cover has one of my favourite all-time sayings on it, so hope you like it!
To be in with a chance to win, just place an order with me for $25 or more during the month of February. Every $25 spent gives you another chance to win.
Good luck!