"Tea Shoppe" -- Sketch Challenge

The lovely folks at Stampin' 411 (http://stamping411.blogspot.com/) had another wonderful Saturday Sketch Challenge. Here is their sketch for this week:

Since I needed to break out my "Tea Shoppe" stamp set FINALLY! I decided to use it and some other items from the Occasions Mini Catalog and the Sale-a-bration catalog. Here it is:

I decided to use a lot of the 2011-2013 In Colors. I used Pool Party textured card stock, as well as Calypso Coral and Simply White. The inks were Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade, and Marina Mist (not in color -- I wish I had Wisteria Wonder to have used!). I used the Lucky Limeade bakers twine, pearls, and the Blossom Builders Designer Printed Kit; Adorning Accents Textured Impressions Embossing Folders and several punches. (Two small children are beckoning, so I'll have to finish up later!).

Here it is... my "Type Set" Valentine!

A bit delayed... (can you say non-sleeping children and visiting relative!), but here's the scoop: Early espresso, marina mist, and cherry cobbler card stock; cherry cobbler dazzling details, pearl embellishments, chantilly 1/2" lace; marina mist and early espresso ink. I used the Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge for inspiration (although I didn't get it done in time to post -- see above excuses, I mean reasons!)

I strayed a bit from the sketch, but I'm happy with the result. I found the dazzling details a bit hard to manage, but it adds bit of shimmer that I like. Next I have to get to the "Tea Shoppe."

It's Here!!

My "You're my Type" and "Tea Shoppe" stamp sets are here!!!! I'm so excited to get started!!! Unfortunately, the husband is in my stamping space right now, so it's going to have to wait.

Stay tuned!!

Valentines Galore!!!

As a Stampin' Up Demonstrator, I receive a brilliant newsletter/magazine called "Stampin' Success" every month. It has brilliant ideas each month that I've started trying to copy. While the publication doesn't list techniques, it does list all of the supplies. It's a great way to expand my personal inventory!!

Here are pictures of two more valentines I made based on designes found in the January issue:

I changed them slightly based on my supplies, but all in all I love them!!! I'm hosting a workshop on February 9th and I'm hoping to make one of these two as well as my Saturday Challenge (see below) design!

Excited about a Stamp????

Yes!!!!I can't believe I'm saying this, but I ordered the "You're My Type" stamp set and I'm so excited for it to arrive! Have you seen it????

It is the perfect mix of whimsical, romantic, and classic all rolled into one in my opinion. I want to try and use it in a Valentine ASAP!!!! Wish me luck!!!

Saturday Sketch Challenge Inspiration!!!

As a new Stampin' Up demonstrator, I've been pressured to be inspired and the pressure brought my creativity to a screeching halt!! Desperate, I contacted my upline and she pointed me in the direction of Stampin' 411!! You resourceful types out there probably already know about this brilliant blog, but I've just discovered it. They have this brilliant idea called the Saturday Sketch Challenge; once I realized it's potential I gave it a shot.

The brilliant creators at 411 come up with a basic sketch and you get to let your imagination run wild. Well, this is exactly what I needed to kick me in the pants!!! I had so much fun creating this valentine and while, it's not showcase quality like so many other people are capable of, I think it's a good start!!!

The Attic Boutique designer series paper was my inspiration. The colors and styles are so romantic, I thought it would be great for a valentine. I used Blushing Bride and Pear Pizazz for the ink colors (I used the markers because I didn't have the pads.. note to self, by the pads!!)
The stamp sets were P.S. I Love You and Take it to Heart (adorable!). Wisteria Wonder was my basic card stock and I used Whisper White for the stamping base. The Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer punch, a pearl, and Baja Breeze 3/8" Pleated Satin Ribbon. It's amazing how so many little items I bought for different purposes, come together to make such a cohesive look!!