Having fun and TIME to Craft!!

My schedule at work has changed a little (at least for this week) allowing me a couple of days to craft. So, I took advantage of the time and made a few cards. On Tuesday, I made this card to fit the Operation Write Home Stars and Stamps Sketch Challenge #64. This was such a simple sketch - almost too simple as it took me awhile to figure out how I wanted to actually do this one. You see, I had just gotten some brand new Martha Stewart punches and wanted to try them out. I will actually be getting several more shipments of these punches, but this was from the first shipment. There are 4 punches to this set that I got through HSN. They are the Starburst Punch around the page combo set (which includes two punches), the startburst punch all over the page punch and the aster deep edge punch. I played with the first three and haven't opened up the last one yet. However, I REALLY like the punch all over the page punch. You can literally punch wherever you want on the page. Well, since the sketch was using some kind of design in one corner, I decided to just punch there - but you can really use this punch right smak in the middle if you want. Anyway, I am lacking on birthday cards right now - and with my youngest daughter turning 15 tomorrow, I thought I better make something to give to her. Now, I am not sure this will be the card - this one might just end up in the box to OWH - I really need to get a box sent out to them - and soon - it has been way too long since I have sent anything. Anyway, this was the first card I made.

So, then I played around with a new Spellbinders Die that I purchased through Flowers to Flourish. I get emails nearly daily from them and some of the deals are just too good to pass up. The Spellbinder dies are usually the ones I try to get as I hate paying full price for anything - especially Spellbinders dies - but I DO love them too!! So, I created this card - and it is sort of a sneak peek to a set that will be offered in the new Summer Mini from Stampin' Up! available starting May 1. Now, please don't look to closely at the card as it IS a little crooked -

and it is making me crazy, and I am ready to rip the stamped image off the card and replace it with one that is much straighter, but I can't decide if it is just the image or if it is the entire cut out - in which case, it will remain crooked!! The DSP is another sneak peek of an upcoming item in the NEW Catalog that will be out in July. However, you can order it RIGHT now until the 30th simply by placing an order of $20 or more. There is also a frame set that you can also purchase, but only until the 30th of this month. One of the colors that this package of paper coordinates with is Marina Mist - however, I honestly don't think it matches THAT well - but I did use my new marina mist satin ribbon and my magic bow maker to add the ribbon. another simple card - even if it IS crooked!!

Now if you want REALLY simple - take a look at this next card which highlights a little more of the beauty of this beautiful DSP available only until the 30th with a qualifying order. This has such BEAUTIFUL colors in it, and some of my new favorite ones as well - like Cherry Cobbler and Marina Mist. I used River Rock as my base and then just cut a piece of the DSP that had this beautiful paisley flower on it and matted this on a piece of cherry cobbler - but not before adding the cherry cobblier seam binding ribbon. I LOVE this ribbon - it is so easy to work with and makes a wonderful embellishment, whether tied into a bow, or just left to make a statement of it's own. I used the same spellbinder die that I used in the previous card and stamped the sentiment - from the Vintage Labels (a Sale-a-bration set). I added Stampin' Up! teeny tiny pearls under the sentiment block - these are the last of my little tiny pearls, so I am going to have to order more of those. Now THIS is probably the card I am going to give to my lovely daughter.

Once I get on a roll, I can generally make several cards in a session - but often I get side-tracked, or tired of using a particular DSP - though I am trying to use what I have before buying more - yeah, that doesn't seem to be working out too well.

Well, I hope you have enjoyed looking at my latest creations from early this week. Now, with time still on my hands for today, before I have to run off to work, I just might make some more cards. I LOVE making cards and working on crafting projects - so, off I go.

Have a wonderful day and come back for a visit to the spa real soon.

~Paula~