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 - 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?

Hello Sunshine! Note Card Holder - FREE Tutorial!

Hello crafty peeps! 

It's another rainy, dreary day here in the Old Dominion - time for a little paper sunshine! 

Check out what I created with supplies from the February Paper Pumpkin kit: 

Now if those flowers and that FAB ribbon don't brighten your day, I don't know what will....

WAIT! 

I KNOW! 

How about a FREE downloadable TUTORIAL?!?!

Ok, why not? 

Click this link to download now: 

Hello Sunshine Note Card Holder Tutorial

Here's a peek at the stamped Note Cards and Envelopes inside: 

You guys are always wondering what ELSE you can create with the monthly Paper Pumpkin Kits, aren't you? 

Did you know that when you are one of my personal Paper Pumpkin Subscribers YOU receive an additional 7-8 ideas for EACH months kit? 

Yep, tis true! 

And you don't have to do anything but be my subscriber to receive them. 

These wonderful ideas come directly to you in your email inbox!

Did you know that through March 31st, a 3 month Paper Pumpkin Subscription is ON SALE?

It's normally $59.85 - on SALE for just $55 so you save almost $5 AND you earn a FREE Sale-A-Bration exclusive product with your purchase! 

Click the photo here to purchase and subscribe today! 

Once you make your purchase, you'll receive an email with instructions on how to register your subscription and you'll begin receiving the Extra FREE Tutorials and Ideas from me! 

Something else you should know -

once you are a Paper Pumpkin Subscriber, you will be able to purchase past months Kits (as available) and refills as an exclusive perk! 

Yes, even this month's kit! 

I'm so glad you stopped by today and I hope you enjoy the FREE tutorial! 

I'd love to be able to share all the awesome Alternate Projects for Paper Pumpkin with you in the future!

Be sure to join so you don't miss anything!

NEW Weekly Deals!!

Love the price on the Stars Framelits and the In Color Markers! 

Don't miss out - www.trinitydesignstudio.stampinup.net

Shop Now!

You Send Me Soaring Card

Undoubtedly, the stamp set used for this adorable card has been the hit of Stampin' Up!'s Sale-a-Bration offerings thus far. 

But who wouldn't want a stamp set called "The Sky is the Limit"?

It's guaranteed to make you smile. :)

Check out this sweet card project:

It's a super simple card to create - even the hand cut bi-plane is a cinch. Well, lets be honest, no hand cutting is fun, but this one isn't too bad if you don't get all crazy and try to cut out between the wings. 

Otherwise, this cutie is just simple layering and the bi-plane is popped up on some dimensionals. Add a rhinestone to the propeller and you're done. Easy-peasy! 

Here's your supply list: 

REMEMBER - this stamp set is one of the Sale-A-Bration products that is GOING AWAY!!

You only have until the 15th of February to receive it FREE with any $50 order. 

Visit my Online Store by clicking on the product photos above - you'll be able to place your order there! 

So glad you stopped by today - 

WEEKLY DEALS!

Really Great Prices on the items this week - 

Hello Birthday Girl!

Isn't this a HAPPY card?

It's like balloon confetti!

Wanna know the BEST part about this card?

You can create this one in less than 10 minutes! 

Yep, there's something to be said for clean and simple - and CUTE!

It also uses one of the fabulous Sale-A-Bration FREE stamp sets. 

Folks, FREE is never bad. LOL! 

Here's a supply list for you: 

As always, click on any of the product photos above and you'll head right into my Online Store to get your shopping done. 

And THANKS for choosing me as your Stampin' Up! demo. Can I just say "You're awesome!"

Happy Mail! A Sweet Thank You Note

It never gets old, opening the mailbox and finding a card inside! 

Among all the advertisements, catalogs and bills, every now and then, there's a little ray of sunshine - just for you! 

And doesn't it just make your day? 

I love that about being card maker - the ability to bring a smile to someone's face with just a few simple crafting supplies. 

It's priceless.

I received this sweet card recently from a member of my downline team and I loved everything about it! Especially the sweet message inside. :) 

It's simple and lovely and fresh - like a sweet summer day all wrapped up in an envelope. 

When's the last time you received a card from someone? Tell me how it made you feel - that's the best part! 

Here are the supplies needed to re-create this sweet, simple card: 

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

And don't forget about the Weekly Deals this week - the Brights Buttons used in today's project are on sale. 

I'll give you a tip too - snap up a set of the In Color Markers while they are on sale. 

Those colors are retiring this May - when the Retiring Products List is announced in April, anything in those colors will SELL OUT quickly! Don't miss them, and be sure to get ink refills - a MUST for keeping your ink pads alive! 

All orders of $50 or more earn a FREE Sale-A-Bration product too! 

Don't forget!

Be sure to stop back by over the next 4 days - I've got an Inspiration Series coming your way!

Apple of My Eye is a fantastic new stamp set in the Occasions Catalog. I'll be sharing some great designs that will make you fall in LOVE with it!

Dear Friend - Another Birthday Blooms Card!

Hello crafty friends! 

Since a week has gone by without a new post from me I figure I'd better explain....

I woke up Sunday a week ago to no internet at home and in typical fashion, our provider didn't show up to fix it until late Tuesday. So between no internet at home and me working my part time job, no blogging took place. Yeah.....

And then, I flew to Kansas City on Wednesday to meet up with 9 of my dear Stampin' Up! friends for a 4 day planning session. VERY exciting stuff! 

So yes, I've been gone.....

But today.....I'm BACK!!

And I have lots of crafty inspiration to share this week!

Starting with this card, another one using Birthday Blooms: 

I love the crisp simplicity of this card and the fresh colors just pop! The small flower is watercolored with ink refills and an Aqua Painter - easy peasy! 

Here's a supply list for you: 

As always, you can click on any of the product photos above and shop in my Online Store - 24/7! 

I'm so glad you stopped by today - when's the last time you pulled out your Aqua Painters?

Maybe today's the day! Go create something fun!

Last Day for these great Weekly Deals! 

Earn Free Products with EACH $50 purchase! 

Birthday Blooms - Again!

The New Occasions Catalog is chock-full of fantastic NEW stamp sets - 

and if you read my blog every day, you can probably tell there are a few I love!

Like Birthday Blooms. 

It's pretty awesome, just sayin'....

Here, check out this gorgeous card (a gift from a very sweet friend!)

I love the mixture of elements here from the texture of the Watercolor Paper to the silkiness of the lace trim to the little bit of bling peeking out from behind with the Silver Doily. 

All on a Crumb Cake background that gives it a slightly rustic feel. 

A GREAT card! 

And one you'd probably love to get in the mail or make for someone special. :)

I'm on the run this weekend - my daughter has a skating competition in northern Massachusetts so my blog posts are short and sweet for a few days. But I know you'll love the ideas I have to share! 

Have a great weekend everyone - make time to create something fun!

Shop Online 24/7 at my website: 

www.trinitydesignstudio.stampinup.net

Apple of My Eye - You're The Best!

If you follow my blog regularly, you've seen a LOT of this NEW stamp set Apple of My Eye over the past month. 

That's because I LOVE it! 

I really think it's the sleeper set in the new Occasions Catalog. 

Proving just how MUCH I love it, I even fussy-cut all the leaves in this card. Boom!

If that doesn't convince you - nuthin' will. 

Because I hate to fussy-cut anything.....

Just sayin'....

My inspiration for this design was my love of vintage - yes, really! 

Vintage fruit crate labels are gorgeous - they have really beautiful, kitschy artwork and awesome color combinations. So I kind of took that idea and made a modernized version of a vintage fruit crate label. 

Tell me, can you see it?? (If not, just tell me you love the card as much as I do. heeheehee)

Here's the list of all the products I used to create this fun card: 

As always, you can click on ANY of the thumbnail photos above and shop in my Online Store! 

(PSSSTTT.....the Perfectly Artistic Designer Series Paper is a FREE Sale-A-Bration item you can choose with ANY $50 purchase!)

So, tell me, what do you love about this card?

Going Global With You - Take 2!

Alrighty then! 

As promised yesterday, HERE is the 2nd Generation of my Going Global swap card.....

I Love, Love, LOVE the Island Indigo background! 

The depth of the color just makes all the collaged elements POP for me. 

What say you?

The only things I changed from yesterday's card to today's version was to remove the Whisper White background layer AND I stamped the World Map background image directly on the Island Indigo card from in coordinating ink. All the collage elements remain the same. 

But WHAT a difference, eh?

Here's the revised supply list for you:

As always, you can click on ANY of the above thumbnail photos to shop in my Online Store at ANY time! 

And don't forget....

The BIGGEST FREE Product Promotion of the YEAR began YESTERDAY!

With each $50 you purchase in Stampin' Up! products, you EARN a FREE, Exclusive Product from the Sale-a-Bration Brochure. 

DO NOT Miss these fabulous offerings - they are perfection this year! 

That should warm you up on these chilly Winter days!

Now, go create something fun!

The Sky is the Limit - Congratulations Card

Good morning crafty peeps! 

It's another day and I have another fresh idea for you with this fun Sale-A-Bration stamp set, Sky is the Limit. 

As soon as I laid eyes on this set, I KNEW I had to create with it. Have you ever had that happen? 

So, here's today's card, closed up:

And another view, opened up:

I've had this idea in my head ever since I saw this plane image. It reminds me of the airplanes that fly over the beach front in the Summer with their advertising banners trailing behind. (It's kinda making me miss the beach right now, to be completely honest.....)

Here's a close up of the plane connected to the banner:

You'll be able to get this awesome stamp set and the designer paper too (Going Global) on January 5th when the NEW Occasions Catalog begins. 

Place an order for $50 or more, and you can choose the stamp set FREE! (It's actually the ONLY way you can get it.)

Here's the list of supplies I used that you can order right now: 

As always, you can click on any of the thumbnail photos above and shop in my Online Store 24/7 - 365!

Thanks for stopping by today - now, go create something fun!