Relax!

Hello friends!  I needed a retirement card for my sister-in-law and the "Ways to Use It Challenge" on Splitcoaststampers today to include something sea worthy on your creation was the perfect place to start.  I can think of no better place to relax than at the ocean!

Creative Nugget:  The inspiration for my card design came from last week's CAS(E) This Sketch.  The waves from the Master of the Sea stamp set by Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps were white embossed on a piece of Neenah Solar Crest card stock.  Oxide inks were sponged on and spritzed with water for the background.  The Ocean Paradise scene was colored with Copic Markers and a few nautical images also from the Master of the Sea were added.  The sentiment was white embossed on a vellum banner to finish the card.

This card will be submitted for the following challenges:

Addicted to Stamps and More #247 - Make Your Mark
CAS(E) this Sketch - CTS #226
Simply Create Too Challenge #128 - Summer Fun
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Let's Take a Vacation
Mod Squad Challenge - Colorful Creations

Thanks so much for stopping by...hope you've been inspired!

Hugs,
Cathymac

Making Waves

Happy Saturday friends and stampers!  Hope you've had a wonderful week.  Yesterday I spent the day going on a Best Kept Secret Tour with two very special friends.  We had a marvelous time traveling to the different shops, eating way too much, and spending more than I should have, so now it's time to get back to my daily routine...for today that means bringing you the new sketch at The Sweet Stop!

Yesterday Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps released three new die sets for the summer. I used one of the die sets for my sample today and decided to make some waves.  

Creative Nugget:  Fancy Pants DP and Pacific Point card stock were used to create the panels for the sketch.  The waves were cut with the new Wave Dies set, the panels attached to Solar Crest and stitched to Pacific Point, and everything mounted to a Solar Crest card base.  The main image from the Ocean Paradise stamp set was stamped and colored with Copic Markers except for the umbrella which was paper pieced.  This image and the Pumpkin Pie matt were cut with Classic Circle Nesties.  One of the wonderful attributes of clear stamps is that they can be curved on the acrylic block to fit the contours of your card as was done with this sentiment from the Kindness stamp set.  The shells from the Beauty by the Sea stamp set were colored, fussy cut, and covered with Glossy Accents to finish the card.  Now I'm ready for the beach!

I hope you are ready to join us for this week's SSS217 challenge. We have plenty of inspiration for you.  Just check out the sketch and some amazing samples made by the Sugar Babies!

Sugar Babies

Ann Tuck

Ceal Pritchett

Cynthia Olheiser

Debbie Owens

Faye Winn-Jones (on vacation)

Jamie Moore

Marlena Peduzzi

Melissa Schultz

 Monika Davis

Robin Parker

Stephanie Serrano

I so appreciate everyone who visits...thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful weekend!  

Hugs,

Cathymac

Card Recipe

Stamps: Ocean Paradise, Beauty by the Sea, Kindness (SNSS)

Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento), Stormy Sky, Wild Honey, Walnut Stain Distress Inks (Ranger)

Paper:  Solar Crest (Neenah), Pacific Point, Pumpkin Pie (SU!), Fancy Pants DP

Accessories: Waves Die Set (SNSS), Classic Circle Nesties (Spellbinders), Glossy Accents (Ranger), Sew Mini (Janome), Copic Markers B0000, B00, B02, B32, B34, B37, BG05, YG13, YG17, YG21, YG25, E00, E31, E33, E35, E50, E51, E53, E97, E99, T0

Paradise Vacation

Hello Sweet Stampin' Friends!  Happy "Hump Day!"

Today is my day to post on the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Blog so I thought I would share my sample cards with you as well.

Every once in a while, it's nice to break away from the busyness of life and enjoy a little piece of paradise!  Last week my hubby and I, along with Kody, our golden retriever, took off and headed for our definition of paradise...the beach!  I love to wake up early and look out the window to the beach below and listen to the rhythmic sound of waves breaking on the shore.  That's the scene I tried to create in my card sample for today.

Creative Nugget:  The beach scene from the "Ocean Paradise" clear stamp set was stamped on a piece of Neenah Solar White card stock and colored with Copic Markers.  A little bit of white gel pen and Stickles highlight the waves.  The window die was cut from Barely Banana card stock and mounted on top of the beach scene. Some Baker's twine was used for the tie backs, and a little cheesecloth and shells adorn the window sill.  The wall paper and chair rail were made from some My Mind's Eye "Lost and Found" patterned paper and Smokey Shadow card stock. Everything was mounted on a Smokey Shadow card base.

The inspiration for the colors for this card came from the CR84FN56 challenge which was to use yellow,  gray, and a neutral.

Look who else has found time to relax at the beach...

It's RHUBARB from the new "Summertime Rhubarb" clear stamp set! This set just happens to be the prize up for grabs at The Sweet Stop this week.  Check out the fabulous sketch and play along for a chance to win!

Not everyone can slip away to the beach, so I thought I would bring the beach to you!  I hope you can find time to enjoy a little piece of Paradise wherever you happen to be today!

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs,

Cathymac

Card Recipe

Stamps: Ocean Paradise (Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps)

Ink:  Tuxedo Black (Memento), Versafine Onyx Black (Tsukineko), Wild Honey and Tumbled Glass Distress Inks (Ranger)

Paper: Neenah Solar White (Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps), Barely Banana (SU!), Smokey Shadow (PTI), Lost and Found (My Mind's Eye)

Accessories:  Window Die (ODBD), Diamond Stickles (Ranger), Lemon Drop Baker's Twine, Cheesecloth, Shells, Signo Gel Pen, Copic Markers BG10, 57, 70, 72, 75, 78, 90, 93, 96; B52; Y21, 26; YR30; W00, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9