Soft and Sweet Floral Thank You

Last week, many of my stampin' friends gathered in locations all over the globe for the Stampin' Up! On Stage events. 

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to attend this time - just way too much going on here with family - BUT, my swaps made the journey and were traded out for some gorgeous cards! 

Two of our awesome Advisory Board Alumni planned a group dinner and card swap and I was so happy to be able to participate long distance. 

The theme for our swap was Thank You cards - which we all need. 

I'll be sharing some of the lovely cards I received in return here on the blog, so stay tuned! 

Here's a supply list for my card so you can recreate it at home: 

There aren't any tips or tricks to this one - it's just basic layering - I know you can do it! 

Good to see you back here today - have you been stamping this week? 

I sure hope so - you NEED your creating time! 

Clean and Simple Circles Card

Last month, I needed to create a bunch of cards for some special people so I went the clean and simple route with a touch of glam: 

The green palette was inspired by the month (March), the holiday (St. Patrick's Day), and a photo of multiple greens I saw online. 

Lots of great inspiration I'd say.... 

Once again - a pretty straightforward card - 2 punches, one greeting, card stock scraps - easy-peasy! 

The one trick you need to know is to adhere your center circles down first. 

When you place the others, they will hang over the edge a bit, just take your Paper Snips and trim to the edge of the card sides. 

So, here's a supply list for you:

The best part of this card is that you can take the simple design and re-create it in any color combo, with any greeting for ANY occasion. 

Ya gotta love multi-tasking... :)

So glad you stopped by today - now, go create something fun! 

You're My Anchor Encouragement Card

I don't know about you all, but I sometimes struggle with "Guy" cards. 

True story. 

It's not that I don't like creating them, but for this gal who loves all things girly, it's just hard to get in that man-style creative groove. Can you relate? 

I can tell you what helps tho' - having a stamp set to work with that has strong images and (bonus!) great co-ordinating graphics. 

Guy Greetings to the rescue: 

This card is pretty straightforward - 3 colors, simple stamping and layering, minimal embellishments. 

Keeping it clean and simple is sometimes the best way to go for "Guy" cards.

Yeahhh.....not a whole lot of guys can appreciate a sweet lace ribbon or vintage button....

So, here's a supply list for you AND because I'm good like this - a FREE, printable tutorial. 

To order any of the supplies listed, simply click on one of the product photos and you'll be taken right into my Online Store to shop! 

(The Washi Label Punch is Sold Out and is retiring, but the greeting is easily hand-cut or you can use the Bitty Banners Framelits)

Click the link below for the FREE, Printable Tutorial:

You're My Anchor Encouragement Card

Thanks for stopping by - I hope you get sometime to get crafty with your stamps and ink today!

Balloon Fun Happy Birthday Card

Back in February, I created a few different cards using the Number of Years stamp set that's found in the Occasions Catalog. 

It's a super versatile set and one of the things I like doing with stamps like these is collaging them on one clear block to create a custom background stamp. 

Here's the third card I created using that technique:

And here's a pic of how I set up the collage on the clear block: 

Now that you've seen how the background was created, the rest of the card is pretty simple. 

Here's a few tips:

1) The balloons were punched from one piece of Perfectly Artistic Designer Paper with the Balloon Punch. I just turned a couple of them over to show the different color tone on the back. The Wink of Stella clear shimmer pen was used to highlight each balloon and I added them to the card front with Stampin' Dimensionals. 

2) The balloon strings are made with a single piece of White Jute Ribbon. I cut the edge off one side of a 7" piece and pulled out the individual strings, adhering them to the back of each balloon with some Fast Fuse. I tied them all together with another strand and adhered them to the card front with a Glue Dot. 

3) The greeting was stamped a second time in Night of Navy ink on a scrap piece of paper. I trimmed it out with Paper Snips and adhered it to the card front, covering the Daffodil Delight image. 

Here's a complete supply list for you: 

I thought this was a fun birthday card for kids of all ages - and super easy to make too!

You can purchase all the supplies by clicking on any of the product photos above - they will take you directly to my Online Store. 

Sale-A-Bration ends on the 31st! 

Don't miss your last chance to receive FREE products for each $50 you spend - 

Here'a a graphic showing you ALL the free items still available to choose from: 

As you can see, the Metallics Glitter Tape is already SOLD OUT! 

But....the Perfectly Artistic Designer Series Paper that I used on today's card is STILL Available!

Shop at this Link:

www.trinitydesigntudio.stampinup.net

Way To Go! Masculine Congratulations Card

Designing 'Guy' cards is tough. 

Especially when the guy in question is pretty chill about everything. No huge spikes of likes or dislikes. With the exception of math, computers and my daughter, this particular young man doesn't geek out about much else. 

He does like the color orange though, so for a designer, that's something - ya' know?!

So, this new-ish, special young man in Emma's life was recently honored at his end of season sports banquet. And of COURSE, he needed a congratulations card! 

And me, being the card maker in the house, I whipped out a few supplies and came up with this collage-y, semi-grungy, masculine elements filled Congrats card: 

In all honesty, I kinda got carried away, but I really loved the end result!

There's nothing magical about the elements - the only technique I used other than collage stamping was direct to paper with the Soft Suede ink pad on the Soft Suede card stock banners. Dragging the ink pad across the card stock gave them a slight woodgrain effect. 

Here's a supply list for you (I think the wooden arrow element is retired tho'): 

As always, you can visit my Online Store to shop for any of these products simply by clicking any of the product photos above. :) Easy-peasy!

Don't forget - Sale-a-Bration ends on March 31st! So just a few more days to get a FREE Exclusive product with your $50 order! 

Thanks for stopping by --

I hope you have time to create something awesome today!

Traveler - Inspiration Series - Camera Card

Well folks - this is it! 

Last day of the Traveler stamp set Inspiration Series. It seems appropriate to end with a Graduation card, don't ya' think? 

We're all gonna need a couple grad cards coming up soon - I know with Emma's high school graduation this June, I'll need more than a few for her friends. This card is a great one for the guy grads - and super simple to create too. 

The style is called a 'gatefold' card because the front opens up like a gate. It's easy to achieve the fold, simply score at 2 1/8" from each end of a piece of 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" card stock and fold the flaps in towards the center. The focal image layers are attached to just one side of the fold. Easy!

Here's a couple tips for this particular card:

1) I stamped the suitcase in a random pattern on the front prior to dry embossing the flaps with the Modern Mosaic embossing folder in the Big Shot. 

2) the focal layers are attached with Stampin' Dimensionals to allow for the thickness of the ribbon. I just like it to lay right, ya' know? 

3) The black layer is popped up on dimensionals too - just because. I like the depth they add to a card and tend to use them like candy...

Anyway, here's a complete supply list for you:

Shopping for any of these products and more is so easy, simply click on any of the product photos and it will take you right into my Online Store. 

Be sure to check out the Clearance Rack and Weekly Deals while you are there and remember - all orders of $50 or more automatically earn you a choice of a FREE Sale-A-Bration product! (but just through the 31st!)

I hope you've enjoyed this series - is there a stamp set you'd like to see some ideas for? 
Leave me a note in the comments and if I own it, I'll consider it for my next inspiration series!

I probably should remind you about the soon-to-be retired In Colors.

All 5 of the 2014-16 In Colors will be retiring at the end of May. 

What that means, practically speaking, for you is - 

the products using these 5 colors will SELL OUT - and Soon! 

I just look at past years sales history to speak from experience. 

My suggestion is to take a peek at what you own now and STOCK UP if there are any you will be sad to see go. 

You especially want to grab a couple of ink refills for your ink pads so you can keep using them for years to come. 

Here's a little graphic to help re-familiarize you with the colors: 

You can place your order online at 

www.trinitydesignstudio.stampinup.net

Have an awesome Monday everyone! 

Traveler - Inspiration Series - Ocean Liner Card

It's Day 3 of the Traveler stamp set Inspiration Series - 

I hope you're enjoying this set of more 'masculine' cards. 

The images in this stamp set call out to my inner vintage maven, but honestly, my first thought is to go shabby-chic, romantic style with them. 

Creating a set of more masculine projects was a fantastic challenge! 

Here's today's ocean liner card: 

As with the first two cards, this one is pretty straightforward stamping - except.....

1) I created the inked layers on the bottom of the card base using a piece of torn grid paper and a sponge. Cover the top portion of the card front with the torn paper, exposing about a 1/4" or so across the bottom of the card. (shows darker in the photo) Sponge Crumb Cake ink all over the exposed portion. Next, shift the torn paper up and over, exposing more of the card front and shifting the torn edge so it creates a different sponged edge. Sponge more ink on the exposed card front. This will create the two-tone effect you see shown. 

2) As much as I hate fussy-cutting anything, this stunning ship image was dying to be made 3-D. So, I stamped the full image on the focal card stock piece, then stamped it again on a scrap. I cut out just the larger portions of the ship with my Paper Snips then popped it up on Stampin' Dimensionals. 

3) The Blackberry Bliss circle was actually run through the Big Shot in the Modern Mosaic folder, but my camera was being a booger the day I took the pics and I couldn't get it to show up in the shot. It looks awesome in person tho'! LOL!

Here's a complete supply list for you: 

Shopping for any of these products and more is so easy, simply click on any of the product photos and it will take you right into my Online Store. 

Be sure to check out the Clearance Rack and Weekly Deals while you are there and remember - all orders of $50 or more automatically earn you a choice of a FREE Sale-A-Bration product! (but just through the 31st!)

I'm so glad you stopped by today - be sure to come back tomorrow for the next card in the series.

How many of you have taken a cruise? And how many of you have cruised on a vintage style ocean-liner? I'd love to hear you're experiences! 

Traveler - Inspiration Series - Train Engine Card

Welcome to Day 2 of this Inspiration Series featuring the Traveler stamp set! 

Today's card has this gorgeous steam engine image for the focal point. When I look at this image, I immediately think about all the awesome period movies I've watched over the years. In my mind's eye I can see the train station platform, the rolling steam along the underside of the train and the heroine of the story - standing on the platform, dress billowing in the breeze. 

Yeah....I love a good romantic tale...

but, who doesn't? 

Anyway, here's today's card:

This one's pretty straightforward as far as design elements; simple layering and background stamping. The only things I can think of tip-wise are: 

1) the string layered behind the two Bitty Banners is another piece of the Burlap Ribbon pulled from a cut length, maybe about 8 inches or so. I just looped it around 2 fingers and adhered it to the back of the banners with Fast Fuse. 

2) the Kraft card stock was once again dry-embossed with the Modern Mosaic folder in the Big Shot then sponged with Soft Suede ink to bring out the pattern. 

3) the little strip of Black Glimmer paper across the bottom perfectly finished off this card. I know it's retired! But sometimes a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do - know what I mean? And besides, I'll bet you've got some stored away for a rainy day in your craft room, now dontcha? MHM.....

Here'a a complete supply list for you (minus the glimmer paper):

Shopping for any of these products and more is so easy, simply click on any of the product photos and it will take you right into my Online Store. 

Be sure to check out the Clearance Rack and Weekly Deals while you are there and remember - all orders of $50 or more automatically earn you a choice of a FREE Sale-A-Bration product! (but just through the 31st!)

I'm so glad you stopped by today - be sure to come back tomorrow for the next card in the series.

Question: What's your favorite 'period' movie? 

Mine is Pride and Prejudice (the Kiera Knightley version). 

Share yours in the comments! 

Traveler - Inspiration Series - Globe Card

It's been a little while, so I think it's time for a new Inspiration Series - you guys up for that? 

Good! I KNEW you would be! 

Over the next 4 days, I'll be sharing a card series that I created using the Traveler stamp set. Here's a sneak peek at the 4 cards: 

The first card up is done with the globe image as the focal point. And it's a friendship card for a reason. 

Because of SU! I have friends literally, all over the world. 10 years ago, I never foresaw that happening, but I'm oh, so glad it did! Stampers and makers are amazing people and there's an acceptance in this community that truly knows no borders. It's one of my greatest joys of my business and my life. 

So, for all of my 'international' friends - this card's for you! 

You know who you are. ;)

I chose a masculine palette for this series - playing up the vintage feel of the stamps. Plus, 'man' cards have always been tougher for me, so I wanted to challenge myself to create something that the guys could appreciate. 

The card itself is pretty basic, layering with dimensionals, but three things pop out that I should tell you: 

1) the white tag is a simply collage of images. I stamped the passport and suitcases first, then overstepped the globe. Easy! 

2) the dry-embossed banner behind it was a piece of Kraft card stock that I ran through the Big Shot with the Modern Mosaic Embossing Folder. I used the Triple Banner Punch to make it a banner, then sponged on some Soft Suede ink to bring out the pattern. Lastly, I curled up the ends with a Bone Folder. 

3) the string for the tag is actually a strand from a piece of Burlap Ribbon. I cut the edge off the ribbon and pulled out the long strands to use as string. Pretty cool and cost effective as well!

Here's a complete supply list for you: 

Shopping for any of these products and more is so easy, simply click on any of the product photos and it will take you right into my Online Store. 

Be sure to check out the Clearance Rack and Weekly Deals while you are there and remember - all orders of $50 or more automatically earn you a choice of a FREE Sale-A-Bration product! (but just through the 31st!)

I'm so glad you stopped by today - be sure to come back tomorrow for the next card in the series.

Time for Tea - A Friendship Card

I don't know where I'd be without my friends - how about you? 

And those awesome, true blue, love you no matter how bad your hair looks or how smelly you are after that workout at the gym kinda friends are rare gems! 

They're the ones you ALWAYS have time for - even if you can't stop and share a cup of tea (or coffee), you've always got time to chat or text and share a smile. 

Yep, those kind of friends!

So today, I'm raising my tea cup to them:

This super cute stamp set - A Nice Cuppa - is from the Occasions Catalog and the images are fabulous! 

Here's a complete supply list for today's card: 

As always, you can simply click on any of the product photos above and shop in my Online Store! 

It's simple to grab the supplies you need to create with. 

www.trinitydesignstudio.stampinup.net

When you're shopping, don't forget that March is the LAST MONTH of Sale-A-Bration! 

You earn a FREE, Exclusive Product with each $50 order you place. 

And there are a few NEW products JUST ADDED for you to choose from: 

You'll be able to select ANY of these products plus the others that are still available (yes, some have SOLD OUT!) when you check out. Look for the Drop Down Menu to choose!

That's all for today stampin' friends - time to go create something pretty. How about you? What are you creating today?

The Thin Blue Line

Most of you who who have followed my creative endeavors for any time here on the blog or on social media are likely aware that my husband is a Police Officer for our local department and I am a former Police Officer from the same organization. 

This past Saturday, our department, the Prince William County Police Department, experienced for only the 4th time in our 45 year history, a line of duty death of one of our officers. 

The murder of Officer Ashley Guindon - on her first day on the job - is heartbreaking for our law enforcement community nationwide. 

Two more of our finest, Officer Jesse Hempen and Officer Dave McKeown, were critically injured during the shooting as well and are currently recovering from their injuries.

For those of you who may not be familiar with the details, here is a link to the press release by the PWCPD: 

Line of Duty Death of Officer Ashley Guindon

My husband is part of our department's Peer Support Team - uniquely tasked with counseling and advising the officers and staff of the department in times like these. 

It is a hard place, absorbing the hurt and heartache and anger that is the natural response of all affected. 

I've absorbed his real-life heartache as he shares with me his own sadness and his concern for our Blue Family. 

I've taken in as well, the news coverage and punditry of those outside the line - all trying to make sense of the senseless - an impossible task, even for those of us inside the line. 

I've reflected on my own history with the department, turning over memories again and again in my mind of times when things could have taken a deadly turn. 

It makes you catch your breath sharply when you allow yourself to think of what, but for the grace of God, could have been.

As an artist, I turned to what I know best, my craft, my outlet to express some of the emotions that have been coming in waves these past 48 hours. 

Truly, for some things, there are just no words. 

Tuesday, March 1st, we will pay our last respects to Officer Guindon and thank her for her service and ultimate sacrifice - paid on our behalf. 

The Thin Blue Line will continue to stand strong in your honor.

Please pray for us. 

Pray for our Blue Family. 

Our Brothers and Sisters in Blue who guard over us. 

Not just the Prince William County Police Department, but ALL Law Enforcement Officers. 

Never forget that they go where others will not. 

They defend the defenseless and stand up for those who cannot.

And at times, they are called to pay the greatest price 

for the least of us all. 

Great is the cost of a devoted heart, sworn to protect and serve.

Oh Baby! Thank You Notes

What does every new Mom need? 

Besides diapers and sleep that is....

Thank you notes! 

(She probably also needs someone to write and send them for her, but a stamper can only do so much, ya know?)

Here are some cute, clean and simple thank you notes I created for my niece last week. Their sweet little man was a preemie surprise and I know she has her hands full! 

There's no layering at all on these cards - just pure stamping for a streamlined look. 

Here's a supply list for you if you'd like to duplicate these - they'd look adorable in pink too!

Be sure to stop back by tomorrow - I made a sweet name banner for my new nephew - can't wait to show it to you! 

Have a fantastic Monday everyone - 

LAST Day for these Weekly Deals! 

Don't miss the discounted price on Fast Fuse Refills!

www.trinitydesignstudio.stampinup.net

Clean and Simple Masking Card

Sometimes it all starts with a scrap of card stock.

There was a little square of card stock laying on my studio table that I'd cut a leaf from for another project. As I glanced at it for about the 100th time, it occurred to me that it would make a fun mask to create a background with - and this card was born:

I loved how it turned out so much that I did a live broadcast on Periscope, sharing how it was made. 

Usually the Periscope broadcasts go away after 24 hours, but this time I saved the video and downloaded it. 

I thought you'd like to view it so here's the link:

Clean and Simple Masking Card Video

**Remember this video was filmed as a live stamping broadcast on the Periscope App. The conversation I'm having is with the live participants who logged in to the broadcast. It's such a fun way to stamp and share! 

I'd love it if you followed me there and were able to tune in when I stamp live. 

Here's my account so you can follow me after you download the free app from the iTunes App store or Google Play -

@trinitydesign95

Here's a supply list for you:

So, there you go! 

Click on any of the product photos to shop for what you need in my Online Store!

I hope you enjoy working with this fun and easy technique - I'd love to see what you make with your own masks. :)

Sweet Weekly Deals you'll LOVE! 

www.trinitydesignstudio.stampinup.net

Creativate Weekend Sketch Challenge!

It's time to get crafting with a NEW Sketch Challenge from the Creativate Team! 

I share these sketches with my downline team in our private Facebook group each week and they have a ton of fun playing along. I'd love it if you played too!

Here's a sample based on this week's sketch:

And here's the sketch!

CREATIVATE WEEKEND CHALLENGE 

The Creativate Team wants to get you stamping but we know that coming up with ideas can be tough sometimes. Creativate Weekend Challenge to the rescue! 

Each Friday we will be sharing a sketch with you. Are you up for the challenge? Just grab some stamps, ink, and paper (and maybe an embellishment or two).

Look at the sketch... that circle can be anything! It could be a flower, Heart, framelit. The sentiment might look better somewhere else. That's okay! You might want the background to be designer paper or what about stamping a background stamp there? It's your card, just use the sketch to give you some ideas!

I want to see what you've created! 

Post a photo of what you design online and share the link in the comments of this post. You have all week to share your card or project. 

Happy Crafting! 

Don't forget the Weekly Deals this week!

Lots to LOVE!

www.trinitydesignstudio.stampinup.net

Birthday By the Numbers - Take Two!

Yesterday, I shared a really sweet and simple card that used the Number of Years stamp set and I promised that I'd share this one today:

And if you follow me on Periscope, you got to see the demo of how I set up my clear block with the stamps in the set to make the collage background. I also created the card live for you! 

I love Periscope! 

It allows me to stamp and create 'live' even if you're not in the same room with me. 

Be sure to follow my account there - @trinitydesign95

The app is free for both iPhone and Android AND you can watch from your laptop or desktop computer as well. 

Anyway, I digress - here's another look at today's card:

And here's a supply list for you: 

As always, you can click on any of the product photos and place your order in my Online Store! 

Shopping made easy!

I'm so glad you stopped by today - what will you be creating this weekend?

I'll be posting the Creativate Weekend Sketch Challenge tomorrow - come back by and let that inspire you!