Six-Sided Sampler Greetings

Here are the cards I was working on when I spotted the hidden tissue box from yesterday's card.  I really like the simplicity of these cards.

Here's the scoop:

• Start with Whisper White card stock cut at 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" and scored at 4 1/4"
• The 2nd layer cut at 4 3/4" x 3 1/2"
• The 3rd layer cut at 4 5/8" x 3 3/8"
• Run the 3rd layer through the Honeycomb Embossing Folder (129378)
• Stamp a variety from the Six-Sided Sampler Set (w-130953 / c-130956) in your color choices, be sure to stamp a greeting - there are three that come with the set that are perfect.
• Punch with Hexagon Punch (130919) or cut with paper snips (since it's a really easy cut!)
• Using Stampin' Dimensionals to pop up the hexagons and sentiments.
• Tie a ribbon around the two layers before adhering to the Whisper White base.  Here I used 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon in Whisper White.

Have fun with mixing colors and sentiments.  That's the great thing with this set, you have so many options with every color in the Stampin' Up! Collection and the possibilities are endless.

Thank you for looking in today.  Have a Blessed Sunday!

~ Donna

Hexagonal Get Well

As I was working with my Hexagon Punch I noticed something different that it could be used for.  Ta-DA!  With the proper sponging and post-it notes placed in the right spots, it turns into a Tissue Box.  And what better use for a Tissue Box than a "Get Well Card".

Honestly, the hardest part was making the single layers of tissue stay wadded up on the card to look like a used (ewwww!) tissue.  

Stamps Well With Others Recipe:

Card Stock:  Whisper White, Daffodil Delight, Melon Mambo

DSP:  Gingham Garden (129310)

Stamps:  Express Yourself (Hostess Set)

Inks:  Melon Mambo, Crushed Curry (for shading)

Cool Tools:  Hexagon Punch (130919), Word Window Punch (119857), Modern Label Punch (119849)

Thanks for looking in!

~ Donna

Buy Three Get One Free - DSP!

It's time to stock up and save on the beautiful new Designer Series Papers!  Buy 3 of your favorites and select 1 more favorite for free.  If you only have one favorite, select 3 of the same and then order 1 more for free!  Such a deal!

Offer Dates: July 1-31, 2013

Offer Details: Buy three packs of select Designer Series Paper and get one for free!

The Fine Print:

• These items don't qualify for the offer:
  • Designer Series Paper Stacks
  • Specialty Designer Series Paper
  • Designer Series Paper from the holiday catalog preorder
  • Designer Series Paper ordered through hostess benefits
• To get your free DSP, enter it in your order separately from the three packs you're paying for. For example, if you want four packs of the same type of paper, put in the three you're paying for and enter the fourth as a separate item.
• No limits. Order six? You'll get two for free. Nine? You'll get three for free.
• Check out our Designer Series Papers in the annual catalog pages 151, 153, and 154.

Hope you had a safe and fun 4th of July - have a great weekend!

~ Donna

Thank You For Your Service

On Sunday, June 30, 2013, Arizona lost 19 young men from the Granite Mountain Hotshot Team as they were working to bring a wildfire in Yarnell, Arizona under control.  There was one survivor who was assigned to a different area of the fire and was not with the rest of the team.  My heart breaks for him as much as it does for the families of those who lost their loved ones.  So I knew I wanted to make a card to send to him but wondered what I could possibly make.

After thinking over several ideas, this is what I came up with.  The "fireman" is actually a soldier, I know that, but I think it worked out well.  Sadly, the stamp set is retired, but it was exactly what I wanted.  I altered the shoulder patch a bit and found an Arizona flag instead of the USA flag and made it to match the size. The tree stamp comes from Lovely as a Tree.

The inside stamp is also from a retired set, but it said exactly what I wanted it to say.  My first thoughts were to indicate "Courage" or "Hero" on the card, but I was afraid he wouldn't see himself as a Hero or Courageous and I didn't want to upset him as he heals.  I just wanted him to know we care.

Please keep the brave men and women that are fighting fires all across the country during these hot summer months in your prayers.  Please also pray for those who have lost their sons, fathers, brothers and husbands.

Steve Irwin from ABC 15 News here in Phoenix wrote this Wednesday night on facebook.  I want to share it with you.  I thought it was wonderfully written.

To the families: We stand behind you. We grieve with you. We can't comprehend your sorrow and your pain, and we know nothing will ever fill the void. Yet, even in your grief, you will feel loved. You will be protected. You will draw strength from the goodness and compassion of a new family, and you will re-discover a sense of faith and hope. We cannot take the steps of this journey for you, but we will be there to catch you when you stumble, and we will clear the path ahead. Most importantly, we will never forget. We will honor them by taking stock in ourselves, living and learning by their example. New heroes will rise, as new angels are born. It is our promise and privilege to do nothing less, in their honor, and yours.

Thank you for looking in today.  God bless you and your families and God Bless America on Her Birthday.

~ Donna

Perfect Blend - Rule the World!

How many of you love this set?  I know I do.  So many cute ideas to do with it.  When I first started stamping with Stampin' Up! friends in 2010 we made a gift bag with "coffee ring stains" on the outside.  So when I saw this set, I knew I wanted to do something with the stains again.  

Simply take a saucer or small plate and either Early Espresso or Chocolate Chip re-inkers.  Use just a couple of drops of ink and then add water.  You could either use a real coffee cup for the "ring" or like I did, use one of the empty embellishment boxes that buttons or brads come in.  Simply remove the lid and use the larger piece - dipping it into the ink / water mixture.  Gently press it onto your card - be sure to have some scrap paper or grid paper underneath so you can stamp off the page.  Be sure it dries completely.

I stamped several of the cups and then cut them out for layering on top of each other.  I also stamped the center of the cup where the insulator ring goes around the cup and cut it out as well and pieced it together.

I made two versions of the card.  Which do you like better?  I like the one with a bit of Washi Tape added to the card.  It gives it more color, don't you think?

Stamps Well With Others Recipe:

Stamps:  Perfect Blend (w-130745 / c-131392)
Card Stock:  Sahara Sand, Crumb Cake, Pool Party
DSP:  Epic Day This and That (130814)
Ink:  Early Espresso or Chocolate Chip
Extras:  Empty button container, Washi Tape, Paper Snips, Stampin' Dimensionals.

Thanks for looking in today.  See you again tomorrow?

~ Donna

Best of Birthdays

Do you love dots?  I do!!  With the new Designer Series Paper Stacks - available in every color family - we have lots and lots of dots to use!  Yayy!

These were so simple to put together and can be used in so many different ways.  Here I used the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder together with the DSP Stack from the Brights Collection (Melon Mambo, Pacific Point and Daffodil Delight).  I used Black StazOn ink to stamp the image and Stampin' Write Markers to color them in.

•  Begin with Whisper White cut at 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" and scored at 4 1/4"
• Your choice of card stock cut at 5 1/4" x 4"
• Whisper White cut at 5" x 3 3/4" and run through the embossing folder Perfect Polka Dots (117335)
• Designer Series Paper (DSP) Stack to match your choice of card stock cut at 3 3/4" x 1 1/2"
• Punch with the 2 1/2" Circle Punch (120906) with matching colored card stock
• Stamp image on Whisper White and then punch with 2 3/8" Scallop Circle Punch (118874)
• Color in your stamped image and send it to someone special!

Tip to remember:  Whenever you are adhering card stock that you've embossed, it's a good idea to use Sticky Strip (104294) so that it stays attached.  Depending on the pattern used, the Snail just doesn't have enough grip.

I also used Stampin' Dimensionals to pop up the circles for a little extra boost!

Thanks for looking in today.  

~ Donna

Prayers for Granite Mountain Hotshot Team - Prescott, Arizona

I was getting ready to post some cards I made this weekend, but I just can't.  Instead, I'd like to ask for your prayers for the family members and friends of some very Brave Heroes who lost their lives on Sunday, June 30, 2013.

The Granite Mountain Hotshot Team from Prescott, Arizona lost 19 Firefighters in a horrible wildfire in Yarnell, Arizona on Sunday.  My heart goes out to their families and all of those involved during this heartbreaking time.  Please keep them all in your thoughts and prayers as they go through the difficult weeks ahead.

God Bless all of our Brave Men and Women who are fighting fires all across the country during the blazing summer heat.  Rest in Peace dear ones, Rest in Peace.

~ Donna