PPA Sketch Challenges Feed

October 22, 2015

A Flurry of Wishes

A quick post for the Pals Paper Arts Sketch Challenge. This card really evolved as I worked on it. 

Sending you a Flurry of Wishes

Here is the sketch:

PPA 273 Oct 27When I looked at the sketch I saw the square in the middle followed by two half circles. I thought the snowflakes could emulate the half circles. At first I stamped Soft Sky on Whisper White but it looked to washed out against the Night of Navy Label Framelit. So I stamped Soft Sky on Soft Sky card stock and it stands out nicely on the Night of Navy.

The sentiment was stamped in Night of Navy and then cropped with the Squares Framelits (3rd from the center). Then I added a frame of Soft Sky card stock 1/4" larger. I used Dazzling Details and painted it along the Soft Sky frame.

I hope you will visit the Pals Paper Arts Challenge and see what the design team members did with this sketch. Won't you play along as well?

Have you taken advantage of the 15% off of all stamp sets* this week? The offer ends tomorrow, shop NOW.

*Stamp Bundles, Clearance Rack and Hostess items are not included.

 Michelle

Products used for this project:

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog
 
Oct 22, 2015 5:00:00 AM | Card making, Holiday, PPA Sketch Challenges

October 15, 2015

Bordering Blooms for Pals Paper Arts

This week's Pals Paper Arts challenge is a sketch. It is so simple, it was difficult! 

Gleeson PPA272

I really wanted to be true to the sketch, here is the sketch...

PPA272_kwb

Clean and simple with an escape from all the fall colors I have been using lately. The Bordering Blooms is one of my favorite border stamps from last year's annual catalog. I was so glad to see it carried over.

My color combination is Cucumber Crush and Hello Honey. The card does not need much instruction. The flower was punched out with my retired 3/8" circle punch. The circles from the owl punch might work as well.

The sweet sentiment is from the Six-Sided Sampler stamp set.  Wouldn't this just make you smile if this arrived in your mailbox?

Don't miss out on all the great projects from the design team over at the Pals Paper Arts Challenge.

Thanks for stopping by!

Michelle

Gleeson PPA 272

Products used for my project:

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog
 

 

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Oct 15, 2015 5:00:00 AM | Card making, Friendship, PPA Sketch Challenges, Thinking of You

September 24, 2015

Pals Paper Arts Sketch Challenge #269

PPA269

This is a very creative interpretation of this weeks PPA Sketch Challenge. Here is the sketch:

PPA 269 Sep 24

The first thing I did was flip the sketch on its side so that it was horizontal. I was envisioning a forest of Christmas Trees at the top of a hill.

Creating my night sky...

I used my Hearts & Stars Decorative Mask to create the stars in the night sky. I used a Versamark pen (non-SU) and White embossing powder. Even thought I used my Embossing Buddy I still did get some flecks of white on the Night of Navy card stock. I love heat embossing however the stars did not turn out as crisp as I wanted them to be. SO I took my Itty Bitty Accents Star Punch and punched out a few stars with my Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Paper and simply glued them over the embossed stars. I left a few of the embossed stars so you could see how the tips were not as sharp as I wanted them.

Creating the Snowy Hill top...

I used the largest Oval Framelit which is scalloped and cut it out of the Natural White card stock. I cut the oval in half and then frayed it with my distressing tool. Using Fast Fuse I adhered the base of the oval to the Night of Navy piece. This ensured I would get the perfect placement for my trees behind the hill. I glued those trees down. Then lifting the top of the oval I placed small slits in the card stock for the tree trunk to slide into so the tree looked like it was coming out of the snowy hill top. The tops of the trees were adhered with Stampin' Dimensionals.

The sentiment is from the Winter Wishes Stamp Set.

While this is not a crisp pristine card I am tickled with how I interpreted the sketch. This pushed my creativity.

I would love to see what you would do with this sketch! Send me a photo of your card.

Michelle

Gleeson ppa269
Products used to create this card:

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog
 
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Sep 24, 2015 5:00:00 AM | Card making, Holiday, PPA Sketch Challenges

September 17, 2015

Birthday Balloons for PPA 268

Gleeson PPA268

This week's Pals Paper Arts Challenge Sketch was a challenge for me. Every idea I had left me wondering if it would work. So I went pretty basic this week.

Here is the sketch:

PPA268_kwb

My goddaughter has a birthday coming up. She will turn 18 and is a senior in high school. This is a big year for her. Her school colors are red and white so I thought the new red foil sheets as a balloon would make the images pop. I was right. 

The sentiment is from the Cottage Greetings stamp set. I dotted the "i" with a red Rhinestone (non-Stampin' Up) for a bit of added bling.

I used the Balloon Framelits for the balloons. The tails are Smokey Slate Baker's Twine that I pulled apart and adhered with a glue dot. Then I added a bow over the frayed twine.

The background DSP is from the Go Wild DSP Stack in the annual catalog. This paper stack is filled with fun designs.

I would love to see what you create with this sketch. Just upload your card to the Pals Paper Arts site.

Thanks for stopping by!

Michelle

Gleeson PPA268 -2

 

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August 20, 2015

Vintage Leaves

Gleeson PPA264

Oh, I so love Fall.  This is the time of year that I get so homesick for Chicago. While it remains very warm and muggy here in Southwest Florida I can use my stamps and ink to dream of cooler temperatures and days when I would kick through the leaves.

This week we have a fun sketch over at the Pals Paper Arts Challenge:

PPA262kwb

 

I chose to interpret this sketch rather than follow it straight up. The leaves were stamped in Versamark and then heat embossed with Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder. I was inspired by my friend and fellow pal Deb Simonis to use the gold embossing powder. I love the result. 

Gleeson PPA264 flat

I did not add a sentiment to the card front as I thought it could become whatever I need it for on the fly in the future. A small banner across one of the top corners will do the trick.

Inside PPA264

I did embellish the inside of the card. The sentiment is from Lighthearted Leaves stamp set available on September 1st from the Holiday Catalog. The leaves in this set also coordinate with the Leaflets Framelits Dies used here with the Vintage Leaves stamp set. I LOVE when more than one stamp set goes with a set of dies or punches!

I hope you will play with the Pals this week. Check out what the other talented design team members have created here.

Michelle

Products used to create my project:

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Aug 20, 2015 5:00:00 AM | Card making, Friendship, Masculine, PPA Sketch Challenges, Thanksgiving, Thinking of You

July 25, 2015

Rising Stars

Be the Star

I created this card for this week's Pals Paper Arts Challenge. Here is the sketch:

PPA 261 Jul 23

The possibilities are endless with this great sketch.  It is a keeper for inspiration when I need it!

My card earlier this week used the same stamp set - Be the Star. I have been surprised that this stamp set has not been more popular. It is one of my favorites. And this week the Star Framelit Collection is on sale through the Weekly Deals. 

I used deep rich colors - Blackberry Bliss and Delightful Dijon. I think they compliment each other very nicely and result in a great masculine card. I am going to send this one off to my best friend's son who will be starting his Freshman year of high school. 

It is difficult to photograph the dimension in this card.

  • The Very Vanilla, Delightful Dijon framed layer is mounted on Stamping' Dimensionals.
  • The largest star is mounted directly on the Very Vanilla background.
  • The middle star is mounted on Stampin' Dimensionals.
  • The smallest star is mounted on two Stamping' Dimensionals to create the feeling of rising stars.

Be the Star II

Let's talk about the sentiment. Sometimes I get so excited as a card is coming together that I begin adhering all the elements. That is what I did with this card. Then I said, it needs a sentiment. I tried to stamp the sentiment directly on the Very Vanilla but it was not crisp and I got an extra bit of ink next to the sentiment. UGH. So I simply stamped the sentiment on another piece of Very Vanilla, punched it out with my Circle Punch. It needed a frame to stand out so I punched out a Blackberry Bliss circle. Viola! my mistake turned into the perfect finishing touch.

I love how creatively helps us turn mistakes into beautiful results. Imagine the possibilities in real life!

So be the Star YOU Are and get creative today. Play along with the Pals Paper Arts Challenge.

Michelle

Be the Star III

Supplies used for today's card and available through StampinMojo's Online Store:

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July 16, 2015

Just Ripe for Pals Paper Arts

Gleeson PPA260

I love this stamp set, it is called Market Fresh. It is too darn cute. When I saw this week's Pals Paper Arts Sketch I knew I wanted to use this stamp. Here is the sketch:

PPA260_kwb

I watched this Stampin' Up! You Tube video to continue developing my watercoloring skills. I find the shadowing to be so pretty so I gave it a try. I am pretty pleased with this first attempt as I am NO artist at all.

PPA260 close up

It is really fun to watercolor. I do hope you will give it a try. Helpful hint: I have started using the Shimmery White Cardstock rather than the watercolor paper. I like the smooth finish and the shimmer is a nice added bonus.

The background is from the Farmers Market DSP. I thought the rustic background and the burlap went together. What do you think?

Be sure to visit the Pals Paper Arts to see what the other design team members created. Thanks for stopping by!

Michelle

PPA 260 two

Supplies used for this project:

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Jul 16, 2015 5:00:00 AM | Birthday, Card making, PPA Sketch Challenges, Thinking of You

June 25, 2015

I Think You're Great

PPA 257 Sneak Peek

It is Thursday and that means we have another PPA Challenge. This week is a Sketch Challenge. 

PPA257nmw

 

This challenge is a little different and rather than fuss and rack my brain I simply went with the sketch and had some fun. There was no grand plan.  I grabbed a couple of colors (Pacific Point and Cucumber Crush) I don't normally use, my Circle Collection Framelits and a new stamp set.

Gleeson PPA257

I used the I Think You're Great Stamp Set. The flower/splash stamp is actually a rectangle so I centered the circle framelit on the stamped image and cut what I wanted. Then I cut another circle from a piece of Brushed Silver card stock.

The sentiment is a negative imagine which means the lettering is the color of the card stock - Whisper White. I did not realize at first that this stamp is not a perfect circle. I cut it out with a circle framelit and then using my Pacific Point Marker I filled in where any white space showed up. You can't stop this type A from getting the perfect circle!

I cut the banner strip and then ran it through my Big Shot with the Boho Chic Textured Emboss Folder. A few Large Rhinestones add some bling and pizazz.

Fun and simple card by just letting go and having some fun.

I hope you will play along with the Pals this week. I can't wait to see what you do with this sketch.

Michelle

Gleeson PPA257 top view

Stampin' Up! Products Used to create this project:

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Jun 25, 2015 5:00:00 AM | Card making, Celebrations, Friendship, Masculine, PPA Sketch Challenges, Thinking of You

June 18, 2015

Triple Banners Made Easy

Happy Thursday! And we have another PPA challenge this week. This week is a sketch challenge and I am using a combination of new product and old favorites.

Gleeson PPA 256

The card base is 5" square in Whisper White. A layer of Watermelon Wonder (LOVE this color) adds the perfect  pop of color to the card. The next layer is Smoky Slate from the Neutrals DSP Stack. There are great designs in these stacks.

Another new favorite in the catalog is the Triple Banner Punch. You can create 1" 1/2" and 2" flagged end banners with this punch. Woo Hoo! Used Wild Wasabi along with Whisper White for the sentiment which comes from an old favorite stamp set Perfect Pennants. 

I used Smoky Slate 1/8" Ribbon (Retired) as my finishing touch. (You could easily substitute the 1/8" Silver Ribbon and add a bit of bling to the card.)

 Here is the Sketch for this week's Pals Paper Arts challenge:

PPA256kwb

 

And I added some decorative element to the inside as well.

Inside my PPA257 card

The dots are also from Perfect Pennants. My Sweetheart and Itty Bitty Accents punches as some love. I think this card will make the recipient smile and feel the love being sent.

I hope you will play along with the Pals this week. We love to see your creative twist on the sketches.

Michelle

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May 28, 2015

What's Up? Bohemian Style

PPA Sneak Peek

I had some fun over the weekend playing with several of my new stamp sets and designer series papers (DSP). This is called Bohemian DSP and it is exploding with color. Every sheet is better than the next.

Here is the Pals Paper Arts Sketch Challenge this week:

PPA253nmw

I really had fun creating with this sketch. The Bohemian DSP was my focal point and made this sketch come alive.

PPA 253 - Gleeson

To create the angular bottom I placed the top part of the largest banner framelit on an angle until I could see the angle I wanted and then ran it through the BigShot. I hand cut the left side corner off to get the second angle. 

This is a great masculine DSP so I created this card to send to one of our sons. Let's look at the inside.

  PPA 253 Gleeson - inside

I added the new coordinating Bohemain Washi Tape on the inside of the card. The smile is from a framelit I purchased at Hobby Lobby a while ago.

While there is a lot going on with the colors and patterns I really like how this turned out.

I would love to get your comments. I am counting down the days for the launch of the new catalog. I are you as excited as I am? I hope this sneak peek got you more excited!

Thanks for stopping by!

Michelle

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May 21, 2015

A Star Studded Congratulations

This week we have a sketch challenge for the Pals Paper Arts. This card came together very quickly for me this week.

  PPA 252 Gleeson

The card base is Very Vanilla. Then I added a layer of Basic Black card stock followed by one of the patterns in the NEW Bohemian DSP available on June 2nd. The pattern is Delightful Dijon and Very Vanilla, a classic combination.

The stars were cut using one of the star framelits. The sentiment came from the Bravo! stamp set which is carrying over with the new catty.  I love the fonts and sentiments in this set.

I added a bit of pizzazz to the envelope using a star from the Be the Star stamp set. 

A quick and easy masculine congratulations card that will be heading to my brother-in-law. After 29 years with the same company he is leaving for a new position. I think that is something to celebrate.

And here's the sketch

PPA252kwb

I hope you will consider playing along this week.  It is a fun sketch to get your creative mojo going.

Thanks for stopping by.

Michelle

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog
 

 

 

May 21, 2015 5:00:00 AM | Congratulations, Friendship, Masculine, PPA Sketch Challenges

April 25, 2015

The Little Things...

So very glad it is the weekend. While I am still up at zero dark thirty, it is nice to know I can do some errands and get in much needed crafting time.

You have heard me say that I often come back and tweak a card before posting it. Well today's card is another example for you. After completing the card I did not feel it was finished. There was something missing. Here is the first edition of my card: 

PPA the little things

I am one of those people who often solves problems while I am sleeping. Or is it that my mind is clear and rested and the answers seems so obvious with a little rest? Either way I woke up and knew what I wanted to add. Let's see the difference.

PPA the little things take 2

I think the thin pieces of DSP are the perfect finishing touch. Interesting that my card front sentiment says, the little things and that is all my card needed, a little detail to finish it off. What do you think?

And this is the inside of the card. A non-Stamping' Up stamp but I loved the sentiment. The statement is so true.

PPA the little things inside

Now I can upload the second version to the PPA Sketch Challenge. I hope you will play too.

Michelle

I hope you are taking advantage of the Retiring Items that are on sale. The Regarding Dahlias stamp used in this card is on the retired list. This is one stamp set I am sorry to see go. However I am looking forward to NEW fun fresh sets to inspire my creativity. Some items are as much as 50% off. I have added a revolving list of the retiring items below just click on an item and add it to your card. Happy Shopping! 

 Retiring Stamp Sets

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Retiring Accessories

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April 16, 2015

Thankful for you

This past weekend I attended the memorial service for an Aunt that was very special to me. She was someone who truly knew how to love unconditionally. It was a lovely service. I saw family I have not seen in 30+ years.  It was bittersweet. While in Chicago for the memorial service, I had the opportunity to see our son as well as my bestie, Kathy, from high school.  

When I see Kathy it is as if no time has passed. Being together fills my soul in a way nothing else does.

I made this card for her which was inspired by this week's PPA Sketch. During last week's free shipping promotion I ordered this stamp set.  I love these flowers.  

  Gleeson PPA 248

 

And here is this week's PPA sketch

PPA248kwb copy

 

I enjoyed stamping the envelope as well. This is a two step stamp set and oh so easy as a photopolymer set. The greeting is from the Good Greetings stamp set.

Gleeson2 PPA 248

I do hope you will jump on over to the see what the other PPA design team members have done with this sketch.

Michelle

A special note: the stamp set used in my card happens to be on sales this week via the weekly specials! Check it out here.

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March 26, 2015

Pals Sketch Challenge #245

PPA 245

A simple and sweet thank you note.  The sentiment is from the French version of Lots of Thanks.  I have ordered a couple of stamp sets over the years in French.  I adore the font on this sentiment and thought it went well with the whimsy of the card.

The black band is 1 1/4" wide and 5 1/4" long.  The Real Red DSP is 1" by 5 1/4".  I used the Petite Petals stamp set and coordinating punch.  The flowers are stamped in Daffodil Delight and a black Candy Dot finishes them perfectly.

Here is the sketch for this week's Pals Paper Arts Sketch challenge:

PPA245nmw

I hope you will play along this week too.

PPA245 b

Thanks for stopping by!

Michelle

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March 19, 2015

Celebrate Real Nice

It is Thursday and time for a new Pals Paper Arts Challenge.  This week we have a super fun sketch challenge by the talented Kerry Willard Bray.  

I decided to feature on of the large stamp images from the Balloon Bash stamp set.  The sketch is clean and simple and I paired that up with a crisp color combination.

Gleeson-PPA244
 The color combination is Whisper White, Night of Navy and Crushed Curry and oh so crisp in my opinion.  The card is oversized 6" x 4" and the panels are 6" x 2 1.2" and 6" x 2 1/8".  I typically don't fussy cut however I could not find a framelit I was happy with to create the look I wanted.  I did pop it up on Stamping Dimensionals to add to the card.

I felt the card seemed top heavy so I added three Rhinestones to the bottom.  The center rhinestone is larger than the other two.  I think they added the perfect balance I was seeking.

Gleeson inside PPA244

I added some pizzazz to the inside of the card as well.  I just love the fun water squirt images (I don't know what else to call them) on these stamps.

I hope you will play along with the Pals this week.  Here is the sketch:

PPA244kwb

Thanks for stopping by.

Michelle

  Gleeson-PPA244b

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February 19, 2015

What's Up at the Pals Paper Arts

Whats up 3

As you know I have two sons off at college.  I am always working to create a masculine card to send them.  This weeks Pals Paper Arts Challenge was my inspiration.

PPA240kwb

When I saw this sketch I immediately thought flowers.  However that won't really work for a masculine card.  The arrow heads on the Best Year Ever DSP inspired the collection of arrows.  I think this turned out really fun.

Whats up 2

I used all the colors in the DSP Sahara Sand, Crushed Curry, Coastal Cabana, and Soft Suede to add more pops of color and texture to the card.

The arrows on the Soft Suede are from a Photopolymer stamp in the April 2014 Paper Pumpkin kit.  The large arrow is really the  tall house framelit and I simply cut off the chimney.  The other two arrows and the sentiment are from the What's Up stamp set and I used the coordinating punch.

There are so many hidden gems within many of our current products.  And I love that about Stamping' Up! 

I hope I inspired you to play along with the Pals Paper Arts Challenge this week.  The list of everything I used to create my card is below.

Thanks for stopping by!

Michelle

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January 22, 2015

Celebrate Today with a Sketch Challenge

Gleeson PPA 237

You have heard me say I am not going to purchase more Desiger Series Paper (DSP)..until of course Stampin' Up! comes out with another gorgeous DSP collection!  Birthday Bash Specialty DSP is the centerpiece of this card.  The entire collection is fabulous.  The confetti pattern includes bits of shiny gold confetti pieces to add a bit of glam to the paper (and the card).

My card was inspired by this week's Pals Paper Arts Sketch Challenge.  This week's sketch was designed by the very talented Nicole Watt.

PPA237nmw

The bow was created with the new Bow Builder Punch.  Creating the bow is super quick and easy with a few glue dots to hold it together.  

The ribbon is only available through the Sale-A-Bration catalog.  It is FREE with any $50 (before taxes and shipping) purchase.

The sentiment is from the Sketched Birthday stamp set.  Then it was cropped using the Bitty Banners framelits.  Oh how I love framelits and my magnetic platform!

Gleeson 3 PPA 237

You can see the gold confetti in this angle of the card.  Below is a peek at the inside. I used the Celebrate Today stamp set and Gold Emboss Powder to make the confetti in the balloon coordinate with the gold elements on the front of the card.

Inside PPA 237

I think this is a super fun card.  It would make me smile if I received it.

Thanks for stopping by.  Don't forget to go see what the design team created over at the Pals Paper Arts Challenge.  

Michelle

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January 15, 2015

Pals Paper Arts Sketch Challenge #236

 Today we have a fun Pals Paper Arts Sketch Challenge.  This week Kerry Willard Bray makes her debut as the designer of this week's sketch challenge.  I think she gave us a fun sketch.  

PPA236kwb

 

 

I am working to stretch myself and not simply follow the sketch.  I have always been one of those people who colors inside the lines and follows instructions (when I read them).  So I want to stretch my creativity more this year and work to interpret the sketches when I can.  

When I saw this sketch I knew I wanted to do something different with the banners.  I thought the New fun Calypso Coral Pompom Trim would create a fun embellishment.  

Let's see how it turned out...

 

 

 

 

PPA 237 Gleeson 1

The color combination (Soft Suede, Coastal Cabana and Calypso Coral) was inspired by the Best Year Ever DSP from Sale-A-Bration. One of the patterns is the background for the card.

The sentiment comes from one of the new Single Photopolymer Stamp sets called Snuggles and Smooches.


Snuggles and smooches

I have signed my cards to my husband and kids for years "love you ooodles" so when I saw this set I had to have it.  And don't you just love the circle flowers on the envelope flap?

PPA 236 inside

And here is the inside of the card.  The "You" came from the Yippee Skippee stamp set.  

Thanks for stopping by.  Don't forget to check out what the other design team members created at The Pals Paper Arts Challenge.  I hope you will play along with us.

All the supplies used are listed below and available through StampinMojo's 24/7 store.  

Michelle

PPA 236 Gleeson

 

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December 29, 2014

Pals Paper Arts Challenge #233

This is the last Pals Paper Arts Challenge of the year.  I took some creative latitude on this sketch.  

PPA 233 card

Here is the sketch:

2014_PPA233

 

As you can see I rotated the sketch.  

The base of the card is Garden Green. I used a pattern from the Trim the Tree DSP Paper Stack, now on the Clearance Rack, for the special band and bordered it in Garden Green.

Then I used Blessed Easter, a retired stamp from last year's Occasions catalog.  The 2015 Occasions Catalog (goes on sale January 6th) has another beautiful tulip stamp called Love is Kindness.  The image was stamped with Memento Black Ink and then colored using Old Olive and Daffodil Delight Blendabilities.  Note that you can get these Blendabilitites markers FREE during Sale-A-Bration when you spend $50 you get a FREE item from the Sale-A-Bration catalog.

The sentiment is from the 2015 Occasions Catalog called Crazy About You.  This set has 33 Photopolymer stamps to give you a lot of sentiments for your Spring card making.  I quick snip to create the flagged end and the card is complete.

More PPA 233

I know there is a lot of white space on this card.  For me this says simple elegance. I hope you like it as well.  

There is still time to play with the Pals this week.  So won't you join in and play with this week's challenge?

Cheers,

Michelle

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December 18, 2014

A Classic Combination

This week for the Pals Paper Arts Challenge we have a great sketch by Margaret Moody.  Since this is Design Team One's last challenge for 2014 I knew I wanted to create a card to celebrate the new year.  

Gleeson 2

Here is this week's Pals Paper Arts Sketch Challenge badge:

PPA232

Basic Black with Silver to me is a classic New Year's combination.  My husband (John) and I rarely go out on NYE.  We have a tradition of enjoying a long drawn out Fondue dinner with our sons.  They have even included their girlfriends over the years.   John's birthday is on New Year's so we try to keep the celebration about him on the 1st.  

Gleeson PPA232

It is always difficult to photograph a project with gold or silver shimmer as it acts as a reflector.  The small border of silver is very striking in person.  The sentiment from the Mingle All the Way stamp set, was created with Silver Embossing Powder.

As the year winds down I want to thank you for being a loyal blog follower.  My goal is simple, to share what I love and to inspire you to get your creative Mojo going and create something beautiful.  

Cheers,

Michelle

Gleeson 3

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Dec 18, 2014 5:00:00 AM | Card making, Holiday, PPA Sketch Challenges

November 30, 2014

Festival of Trees for PPA 229

Oh, how I love this long holiday weekend.  I have never been drawn to the Black Friday Frenzy of shopping.  I spend my Black Friday decking the halls!  It is all coming together well this year.  I have not had much time to craft as I have had company all weekend.  I got up early (nothing new for me) and grabbed some card making time this morning.  I decided to give the PPA Sketch Challenge a try.

Gleeson PPA 229

Here is the sketch:

2014_PPA229

 

I thought about using stars, snowflakes and ornaments but they had all been done already.  So I decided to try using trees!  At least it is creative...

The garland on the trees is Gold Heat Embossed.  The photo does not do it justice.

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I hope you are having a wonderful holiday weekend and doing exactly what you want to be doing.  Until next time,

Michelle

 

Nov 30, 2014 9:00:05 AM | Card making, Holiday, Hot Promotions, PPA Sketch Challenges

November 20, 2014

Mingle All the Way

Mingle

I am finally breaking into my holiday stamps.  I know I am behind most demonstrators yet I struggle to create and push into Christmas before we celebrate other holidays such as Halloween and Thanksgiving.  Don't get me wrong, I LOVE all things Christmas.  And now I am excited to begin creating for the holidays.

Today is another Pals Paper Arts Challenge.  This week we transition into our sketch challenges.  This is a clean and versatile sketch, perfect for any occasion.  

PPA228

I wanted to use some DSP for this card and selected this fun snowflake print from the Trim the Tree DSP Paper Stack.  This is a great deal only $6.95 for 48 double sided sheets of paper.  Perfect for lining envelopes, creating tags, cards and more.

The tag came from the Under the Tree Tag a Bag Accessory Kit.  I then stamped the sentiment from the Mingle All the Way stamp set in Versamark and embossed the image in Early Espresso Emboss Powder.  This gives the sentiment texture and shimmer against the printed tag.

Mingle all the way

 You can see the shimmer in this photo.  The bow is made from the Crumb Cake Bakers Twine included in the Under the Tree Tag a Bag set.  I adhered the tag with Stampin' Dimensionals to add more interest to the card.

You can see I lined my envelope as well.  This is a cinch with the Under the Tree DSP and the Envelope Liner Framelit.  

I hope you will play along with the Pals.  It is such fun to see your creations.  Check out the other design team members and play along here. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Michelle

Mingle 2

Stampin' Up Supplies Used:  Please click on images below for more details or easy, on-line shopping 24/7!

Nov 20, 2014 5:00:00 AM | Card making, Holiday, PPA Sketch Challenges

October 23, 2014

Flashback Birthday for PPA 225

It is Thursday and another Pals Paper Arts Challenge.  This week we have another sketch challenge.  Here is my card...

Flashback Birthday

And here is the sketch

2014_PPA225


The base of the card is Real Red.  Then I layered Basic Black and a piece of Flashback DSP.  The diagonal pieces are Very Vanilla and Crushed Curry.  

I stamped the Very Vanilla piece with Real Red and Crushed Curry confetti from the Endless Wishes Stamp set.  Too much?  Perhaps yet I liked the whimsy.  Can you ever have too much confetti?  Whimsy? I know my life needs more Whimsy!

The sentiment and candle are from the Big News stamp set - I love all the sentiments in this stamp set.  the candle was stamped and snipped out.

Here is another look at the card...

 

 

Flashback 2

And here is the inside

Flashback inside

We would love to see you play along with the Pals Paper Arts Challenge this week.    

Thanks for stopping by.  Check back tomorrow!

Michelle

Stampin' Up Supplies Used:  Please click on images below for more details or easy, on-line shopping 24/7!

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October 16, 2014

It's Your Celebration

PPA224 Gleeson

I know this is one busy card for this classic look gal.  Let's check out the PPA sketch challenge that inspired my creation.

PPA224

This sketch was a real challenge for me.  I did try to follow the sketch and created a card for my son  in his university's colors.  However it did not photograph well and I just did not want it on display.

So back to the drawing board I went.  I decided to be inspired by the sketch rather than strictly follow it.  I determined the Back to Black DSP was my best bet for four coordinating banners.  I usually pair black and white with a crisp yellow or bright red.  However I wanted something different perhaps even soothing with all the patterns - Pear Pizzazz was perfect.  

Then what should the sentiment or focal point be?  When I saw the cake from the Life's Adventures hostess stamp set I knew it was the right amount of whimsy for the card.  I added the color accents with Pear Pizzazz StampinWrite, Daffodil Delight and Old Olive Blendabilities markers.

I would love to see what you would do with this sketch.  Please give it a try and link up your creation over a the Pals Paper Arts Challenge.  Remember you don't need to have a blog to participate.

Thanls for stopping by!   I hope I got your StampinMojo going.

Michelle

Stampin' Up Supplies Used:  Please click on images below for more details or easy, on-line shopping 24/7!

Oct 16, 2014 5:00:00 AM | Birthday, Card making, PPA Sketch Challenges

September 18, 2014

Pals Paper Arts Sketch Challenge #220

Gleeson PPA 220
When I saw this week's Pals Paper Arts Sketch Challenge the first thing that came to my mind was a large Harvest Moon.  

PPA220

So I followed my vision to create a very different card from my normal style.  Sometimes it is fun to simply experiment and try something new.  

I took a piece of standard white photo paper and using a piece of Stamping Sponge (I cut them into quarters for easy handling) I lightly dabbed it onto my Mossy Meadow ink pad.  Then I swiped it onto the lower edge of the photo paper.  I used circular motion when adding the Mossy Meadow and I think it gave the feeling of the wind blowing the grass

For the sky I cropped a 2 1/2" circle from a post-it note and placed that on the photo paper.  Then I took another piece of Stamping Sponge and swiped Daffodil Delight across the top section to create the setting sun.  After completing the Daffodil Delight I then used Tangelo Twist and Cajun Craze to add more depth to the sunset.  Once I thought I was done with the sunset I Lifted the post-it note off the photo paper.  Then I lightly swiped Daffodil Delight over the large sun.

The new Holiday Home Photopolymer Stamp Set provided the house, tree, bats and the sentiment for the card.  The house was colored using Stampin' Up Blendabilities Markers.  I used Crystal Effects over the windows for added texture, you can see it a little in the photo below.  The photo paper was mounted on a standard A2 Basic Black card base.

PPA result

This card was fun to create and for a few minutes I felt like an artist with her canvas and paints.  

I can't wait to see what you do with this week's Pals Paper Arts Sketch Challenge!

Cheers,

Michelle

PPA last shot

Stampin' Up Supplies Used:  Please click on images below for more details or easy, on-line shopping 24/7!

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August 28, 2014

For a True Friend

PPA 217

I am blessed to have wonderful people in my life.  Many of them I don't get to see that often and sometimes we don't even get to talk that often yet we know we are there for each other.

This week we launched a new document management system at my office.  I worked all last weekend and looong days this week.  On Monday night my husband got stuck at work. Our oldest son is back at school and the younger son and I were knee deep in resolving an issue with this new program at my office.  Then I suddenly remembered - MOJO!  How could I forget Mojo our beloved dog?  Well I called one of our neighbors, and one of the wonderful women in my life, and she rescued Mojo.  Thank goodness dogs can't tell time!

This card was inspired by this weeks Pals Paper Arts Challenge #217.

2014_PPA217

A clean and simple sketch and I tried to stay true to the sketch.  I think the red and green from the flower pop against the black background.

Today the Holiday catalog went LIVE for all customers.  Shop all the holiday products now with StampinMojo click here.

 I hope to get some time in my craft room this weekend and get some posts ready!  Thanks for stopping by.

Michelle

Stampin' Up Supplies Used:  Please click on images below for more details or easy, on-line shopping 24/7!

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Aug 28, 2014 7:56:33 PM | Card making, PPA Sketch Challenges, Thinking of You

August 21, 2014

An Appropriate Send Off

This week we will celebrate being in our house for eight years.  It seems to have gone by so amazingly fast.  About six months after we moved in another family moved in with a son the same age as our youngest.  Now these two young men are heading off to college.  Josh leaves this week while Pierce does not leave until next month.  I wanted to send him off with an appropriate card and gift.  

An Appropriate Send Off

The card was created using the school colors for the university Josh will be attending - (Garden) Green and Gold.  And the layout inspiration came from the Pals Paper Arts Sketch Challenge #216 this week!  Check it out.

PPA216

I am quite pleased with the result.  The gold paper is difficult to photograph here is another angle.

Send off flat

 We got him a couple of gift cards for local eateries for when he wants to escape the dining hall experience.  I know our oldest always appreciates gift cards.  Using the envelope punch board I made an envelope to house the gift cards.

Inside

The sentiment inside the card is from the retired stamp set Word Play that is available in MDS digital format.

I hope I inspired you to paly along with the Pals this week.  Thanks for stopping by!

Michelle

Stampin' Up Supplies Used:  Please click on images below for more details or easy, on-line shopping 24/7!

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July 29, 2014

Endless Birthday Wishes for PPA 213

PPA 213 sketch challenge entry

Let's take a quick look at the PPA sketch challenge that inspired the design for this card.

PPA213 sketch

This card is so bright and cheerie with Starberry Slush as the base of the card.  The three squares layer Bermuda Bay and Confetti Celebration DSP.  The "birthday cake" is from the Photopolymer Stamp Set Endless Birthday Wishes, a must have stamp set.

I colored the cake with Daffolidl Delight and Smoky Slate Blendabilities.  I am still learning how to use these markers for shading and depth.  I love the coverage you get and their ease of use though.

The Strawberry Slush base was embossed using the Decorateive Dots Textured Impressions folder.  These folders are inexpensive and easily create such great texture to your card.

The inside showcases more stamps in the Endless Birthday Wishes stamp set along with the fun candles from Big News.  

PPA213 inside

Speaking of BIG NEWS check out these hot deals for Tuesday's Weekly Deals, they are great this week.  Check it out here.

Demomain_buy3dsp_demo_7.1.2014-7.31.2014_US_CA

Remember only three days left for the Buy 3 get 1 free sale on select packages of DSP.  I placed my order this past weekend and it is already on its way to me! 

Thanks for stopping by!

Michelle

 

Jul 29, 2014 5:56:34 AM | Birthday, Card making, Challenge entries, PPA Sketch Challenges

July 17, 2014

Amazing Birthday for PPA #212

PPA 212 Gleeson

Happy Thursday! I hope your week has been Ridiculously Amazing. The stamp set I am featuring this week for the Pals Paper Arts  sketch challenge includes a stamp that says; Make Today Ridiculously Amazing...simply fun.

PPA212

I struggled with the sketch and decided to stay fairly true to the design with the circles.  The base of the card is made from Crisp Cantaloupe and then I layered Whisper White and DSP from Gold Soiree DSP Collection.  This is such a fun pattern from the collection.

The "band" across the entire card was created with the new 5/8" Gold Satin Ribbon.  I just recently ordered the Gold Satin Ribbon after hearing so many other demonstrators talk or blog about how much they love it.  There was no exaggeration about this ribbon, it is simply beautiful. The photo does not capture the ribbon nor the gold polka dots in the DSP.  

  PPA 212 close up

The circles are stamps from the Amazing Birthday stamp set.  I hung the "It's for You" stamp from the ribbon like a tag then proceeded with the birthday cake and surprise stamps.  So in MY crazy head the card reads - Its for you, birthday surprise!

It turned out to be a fun card.  I can't wait to see what the other design team members created.  What would you do with this sketch?  I do hope you will play along too!

Michelle

Stampin' Up Supplies Used:  Please click on images below for more details or easy, on-line shopping 24/7!

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June 26, 2014

Let's have a little Soiree

This has been a fast week.   It is Thursday already and you know what that means...A Pals Paper Arts Challenge!  This week's sketch challenge by the very talented Nicole Watt is fun, check it out:

PPA209 June 26I loved the sketch yet I was not sure what I wanted to do.  I purchased a few of the new DSP collections  so I went through the papers looking for the perfect inspiration and I believe I found it.

PPA 209 B

The paper is from the Gold Soiree collection and it is so fun!  I did my best to photograph the card without having my reflection in the card. 

The rectangle is Gold Foil paper and the sentiment, from the #hello stamp set,  is embossed with Gold Emboss Powder.   The circle framelits were the perfect tool to cut the sentiment and create the right sized frame.

You may have noticed that I really don't create with many pastel colors.  I did not like them in the 80's and I really still don't like them.  Maybe it is because I don't look good in pastels so I simply stray away from them.  Anyway, back to the card.  I do love the pattern and color palette of this DSP though.

PPA209

I love how the pattern in the sentiment coordinates with the pattern in the DSP.  

 

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Remember only a few more days to Join Stampin' Up! for only $50 and get to select $55 worth of product! There is no long term commitment no strings attached.  Join my team and become part of the Pals team as well.  A fun, creative, and supportive group of men and women.  

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Thanks for stopping by today. I hope I inspired you to play with the Pals this week and perhaps even join my team.

Michelle

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Jun 26, 2014 5:00:00 AM | Card making, Challenge entries, PPA Sketch Challenges, Thank you
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Michelle Gleeson

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