Scrap Box Creations

Hello friends!  I have several cards to share with you that I am posting on the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Blog today.  If you are like me, you probably have a scrap box full of designer paper scraps…why is it so hard to throw those little scraps away?  My scrap box is overflowing, so I decided to dig in and use up some of those scraps for my cards.

Creative Nugget:  Paper scraps were stitched together to make the sun rays behind the farm scene.  Two of the images from Landscape Silhouettes were merged to make the scene.  Some Color Burst powders were used to make the sunny colors behind the scene.  The sentiment from the For My Father stamp set was cut with one of the Decorative Plaques Dies.

Creative Nugget:  For my second card, 3/4" strips were cut from DP scraps to make the herringbone pattern on the background. The panel was then embossed to give it a quilted look.  Sew Happy Cocoa is back in stock at the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamp Store and I couldn't resist using him for my Sew Thoughtful card.  The sentiment was stamped and cut with one of the Mini Tag Dies.

All of the stamp sets and dies used on these creations are currently available at the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Store and ready for shipment.

Take some time to check them out along with all of the other favorites that are now back in stock.

Today is the last day to receive a free gift with your $25 purchase before shipping and discounts!

Inspirational Nugget:  These cards serve as a reminder that God can take all of the pieces of our lives…put them together in just right way and make something beautiful!  Nothing is wasted!

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."

Romans 8:28 (NKJV)

These cards will be submitted for the following challenges: 

Alphabet Challenge - F for Furry Friends

Craftyhazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenge - Use Patterned Paper

Through the Craft Room Door - Anything Goes

Tuesday Throwdown 294 - Embossing

Thanks so much for stopping by…have a wonderful weekend!

Hugs,

Cathymac

Make It Clean and Simple

Hello friends…happy Friday!  One Saturday a month our church hosts a Women of Purpose Ministry.  The more "Mature" women share their special gifts and talents with the younger ladies.  Tomorrow it is my turn to share and of course I'll be teaching stamping techniques in card making as a way to send encouragement to loved ones and friends. Since some of the ladies have never stamped before, I kept the cards we will be making very "Clean and Simple."

Creative Nugget:  The first card was inspired by the talented Bridget Finlay who is a master of "Clean and Simple."  Her inspiration card can be found HERE.  One of the images from the Nature Silhouettes stamp set was stamped twice in opposite corners using the "Second Generation" stamping technique.  The sentiments are from God's Purpose.  Some gingham ribbon and a few pearls finish the card.

Creative Nugget:  To create the background, Rose Bud and Cantaloupe Memento Inks were rubbed onto an acrylic block, spritzed with water, and stamped directly on a piece of Mixed Media paper.  This was done twice to intensify the color.  The Majestic Butterflies and the sentiment from the Script Birthdays stamp set were stamped with Watering Can Archival ink.  A few splatters and some rhinestones finish the card.  Any dye based ink will work for this technique.

Creative Nugget:  The final card was made by sponging Memento Inks through a negative mask to create a circle in the center of the card front.  A script stamp was used to add interest while the mask was still in place.  The woodland scene from Landscape Silhouettes was also stamped using Versafine Onyx Black ink while the mask was in place.  The mask was removed and the sentiment was stamped.  Twine, a button, and some pearls finish the card.  The stamps used to make this card are not available at this time.

These are the stamp sets currently available at the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Store used to make these cards: 

Thank you so much for visiting…perhaps you've been motivated to send someone a CAS card of encouragement today!

Hugs,

Cathymac

Scoring at the Beach

Hello friends!  Since it's a little dreary here this morning, I thought I would try to get in a quick card before starting my errands for the day!  Naturally, I checked out several challenges to jump start my creativity.  Here's what I came up with:

Creative Nugget:  Sponging inside a circle mask was used to create the background for this tropical scene.  The island image from one of my favorite Sweet 'n Sassy stamp sets, Landscape Silhouettes, was stamped in Versafine Onyx Black.  Piercing around the circle helps to define it.  A few shells from Beauty by the Sea were colored with Copic Markers and covered with a thin coating of Glossy Accents.  They were then fussy cut and popped onto the card.  Some scoring was done…since that was one of the challenges…and pearls and a sentiment banner were added to finish the card!  This card was easy enough to make, so it will be reproduced and given to my VBS craft team, which was such a blessing to me last week during our church's VBS!

This card was created for the following challenges:

CAS(E) this Sketch! #85







Splitcoaststampers TLC 491 - Scoring
Splitcoaststampers CAS282 - A Day at the Beach

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

Hugs,
Cathymac

DT Favorites: Landscape Silhouettes

Hello sweet friends!  This month, in lieu of a release, the design team at Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps has chosen their favorite Sweet 'n Sassy Stamp Set to feature.  Each day from October 5th through the 9th, different sets will be featured on the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Blog.  Not only will you be able to see fabulous samples made with these all-time favorite sets, but you will be able to purchase them at 20% off the regular price for this week only as long as supplies last.  Click HERE to see the DT Favorites Sale!

Today is Day 2 of the Favorites Features and we will be showcasing my favorite, Landscape Silhouettes, as well as Nature Silhouettes 2.  

Here are my samples made with Landscape Silhouettes:

Creative Nugget:  Both scenes were created by masking and sponging the background with Memento Inks.  The silhouette images were stamped using Versafine Onyx Black ink.  Basic Grey papers were used to make the first card, and The Vintage Postcard set was used to create a background and sentiment for the second card.

For more samples using Landscape Silhouettes and Nature Silhouettes 2, hop on over to the SNSS Blog. Don't forget to leave a comment on the blogs of the DT showing samples today for a chance to win a $10 store credit.  To make it easy to view their blogs, I've included their links below.

*** Kim *** Janette *** Cathy (That's me!) ***

Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps is also beginning a new CASH Rewards Program beginning this month.  For every $50 you spend, you will receive $5 in Sweet 'n Sassy Cash.  See the details Here!

Thanks so much for stopping by!  Have a wonderful Sunday!

Hugs,

Cathymac

Down on the Farm in Autumn

Hello sketch lovin' fans!  Sorry I missed you last week.  My dear hubby and I had an invitation to use a beach condo for the weekend and could not pass up the opportunity.  It was a wonderful way to celebrate my birthday a little early!  Now that Saturday has rolled around again, we have a fun new sketch for you at The Sweet Stop.  Since I love this time of year, I grabbed one of my favorite SNSS sets and turned it into a fall scene for my sample.

Creative Nugget:  I found these wonderful fall papers in my stash...not sure where they are from, and stitched my layers to Vintage Cream and Early Espresso card stocks.  The card front was mounted on an Early Espresso Card base measuring 
5 1/4" x 5 1/4".  Memento inks were used to sponge the sky and the ground.  The trees from the Landscape Silhouettes stamp set were stamped using Toffee Crunch Memento Luxe ink after masking the deer,  and the farm scene from the same stamp set was stamped using Sepia Versafine ink. The result  was that the farm looks like it is tucked behind the trees.  An old retired SU! stamp set called Itty Bitty Backgrounds was used to create the leaves on the trees.  The sentiment from the Autumn Leaves stamp set by SNSS was cut with an oval punch.  It was added along with some fishtail flags, twine, a button, and a few  Small Leaf Dies to finish the card.

For more wonderful inspiration for this sketch, check in with the other Sugar Babies, and join us this week at The Sweet Stop!

Sugar Babies

Ann Tuck
Ceal Pritchett
Cynthia Olheiser
Debbie Owens
Jamie Moore
Marlena Peduzzi
Melissa Schultz
                                               Monika Davis
                                               Robin Parker
                                               Stephanie Serrano

Thanks so much for stopping by...have a wonderful weekend!

Hugs,
Cathymac

Card Recipe
Stamps: Landscape Silhouettes, Autumn Leaves (SNSS), Itty Bitty Backgrounds (SU!)
Ink: Summer Sky, Danube Blue, Dandelion, New Sprout, Bamboo Leaves, Peanut Brittle, Toffee Crunch Luxe (Memento), Sepia Versafine (Tsukineko), Gathered Twigs Distress Ink (Ranger)
Paper: Vintage Cream (PTI), Early Espresso (SU!), DP (Unknown)
Accessories: Sew Mini (Janome), Small Leaf Dies (SNSS), Oval Punch (SU!), Button (PTI), Twine

Oh Happy Day

Hello blogland friends!  Hope you've had a wonderful week.   After finishing up a week of vacation and a week of Vacation Bible School at our church, I'm ready to relax in my favorite crafting space!  It's a Sweet Stop Sketch Saturday, so come play along!

Creative Nugget:  The swinging boy, from a brand new stamp set called God Is...being released this Friday at Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps, was stamped on a piece of Solar Crest card stock along with the sentiment from Long Stem Silhouettes.  My favorite Canvas Impression Plate was used to give this panel some texture.  The scene was sponged and stamped with other silhouettes from the popular Landscape Silhouettes, Nature Silhouettes 2, and Serene Silhouettes stamp sets.  The scene was split, making room for the sentiment, and a little stitching was added before matting the panel on True Black and attaching it to a Solar Crest card base.  No bling...no ribbon...just a very simple design for you today!

The Sugar Babies have some more fabulous samples for your inspiration, so be sure to check them out and join us this week over at The Sweet Stop for SSS222!

Sugar Babies
Ann Tuck
Ceal Pritchett
Cynthia Olheiser
Debbie Owens
Jamie Moore
Marlena Peduzzi
Melissa Schultz
Monika Davis
Robin Parker
Stephanie Serrano

Thanks so much for stopping by!  Have a marvelous weekend!

Hugs,
Cathymac

Card Recipe
Stamps: God Is..., Landscape Silhouettes, Nature Silhouettes 2, Long Stem Silhouettes, Serene Silhouettes (SNSS)
Ink: Versafine Onyx Black (Tsukineko), Antique Linen, Mustard Seed, Dried Marigold, Wild Honey, Peeled Paint, Gathered Twigs Distress Inks (Ranger), Summer Sky (Memento)
Paper:  Solar Crest (Neenah), True Black (PTI)
Accessories:  Sew Mini

Across the Miles

Greetings from across the miles!  Welcome to Day # 4 and the last day of Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps May Release Features.

Today's featured stamp set is:

Across the Miles

This wonderful set designed by Dina Kowal is perfect for those who love to travel, but also for encouraging distant loved ones and missionaries.  The different elements in the set work nicely with the main image to create a variety of styles and the sentiments are beautiful and inspiring.  This set also coordinates well with Dina's Vintage Postcard stamp set.

• Stamp set includes 4 images and 8 sentiments
• Set measures approximately 4" x 6"
• The map image measures approximately 3 5/8" x 2"
• Designed by Dina Kowal
• Stamp set is priced at $15

Here is my sample for Across the Miles:

Creative Nugget:  Masculine cards are not easy for me, but these papers from the Weekend Market Collection by Bo Bunny certainly help.  Several patterns were pieced and stitched to Really Rust card stock and attached to a Vintage Cream card base.  The Friendship Script Background was stamped in Vintage Photo Distress Ink on a Vintage Cream panel.  This layer was distressed and stitched to Really Rust.  The map from Across the Miles was stamped with Versafine Onyx Black on Vintage Cream.  This piece was then scrunched into a ball to create creases which were brushed with Walnut Stain distress ink and spritzed with water. The edges of the map were torn and further distressing was added with Wild Honey, Vintage Photo, and Walnut Stain Distress inks.  The compass was stamped, distressed, punched out, and covered with Glossy Accents.  The sentiment was cut with a Spellbinders tag die and attached to the compass and the card with button twine.  The little cow is from the Landscape Silhouettes set and shows from where the card is being sent.   This is my attempt at masculine...hope you like it!

Click on the thumbnails below to see more amazing samples created by the Sweet 'n Sassy Design Team!

Be sure to leave a comment on each blog along the way because we're giving away this wonderful stamp set to one lucky commenter!

The deadline to comment for a chance to win is Friday, May 17 at midnight EST. The winners will be announced on our website homepage on Monday, May 20th.

Thanks so much for flying by!  Enjoy the last hop for this release!

Hugs,

Cathymac

Landscape Silhouettes

Hello everyone...so glad you decided to pop in today, because not only is it Saturday and time for The Sweet Stop sketch, but it is also time to feature the first of     Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps new May Release stamp sets!  This first feature is chock full of gorgeous landscapes from all around the world. These silhouette images are PERFECT for sponging and background techniques, not to mention the fact that they can be used for any occasion, for any gender, all year long! How's that for versatility!

Today's feature is:

Landscape Silhouettes

• Stamp set includes 12 images
• Set measures approximately 8" 6"
• The cityscape image measures approximately 4 1/8" x 7/8"
• Designed by Korin Sutherland
• Stamp set is priced at $26 

This first card uses the The Sweet Stop sketch for this week:

Creative Nugget: The background and the top panel were made by embossing the sun rays with a Tim Holtz embossing folder.  The rays were masked and sponged with Dried Marigold and Mustard Seed Distress Inks.  The image panel was masked and sponged with Peeled Paint, Shabby Shutters, Dried Marigold, and Mustard Seed Distress Inks.  The farm image was stamped with Jet Black Ink.  All panels were textured with a Canvas Impression Plate, matted in True Black, and the background panel stitched. Everything was mounted to a Pure Luxury card base.  The black gingham ribbon was sponged with Mustard Seed and tied with a button to finish the card.

Be sure to check in with the other Sugar Babies for more inspiration for SSS210.  Hope to see you at The Sweet Stop!

Sugar Babies

Ann Tuck

Ceal Pritchett

Cynthia Olheiser

Debbie Owens
Faye Winn-Jones

Jamie Moore

                                              Marlena Peduzzi

                                                Melissa Schultz

                                                Monika Davis

                                                Robin Parker

                                               Stephanie Serrano

Here are some other samples using Landscape Silhouettes:

Click HERE for yet another sample that was posted yesterday.  Can you tell I LOVE this set?

The Sweet 'n Sassy Design Team has created many more wonderful samples for you.  Check out their amazing creations by clicking on the thumbnails below!

Be sure to leave a comment on each blog along the way because we're giving away this fabulous stamp set to one lucky commenter!

The deadline to comment for a chance to win is Friday, May 17th at midnight EST.  The winners will be announced on our website homepage on Monday, May 20th.

Thanks so much for stopping by!  Have a glorious day and enjoy the rest of the hop!

Hugs,

Cathymac