So this happened...

No, I didn't fall off of the planet. I simply changed jobs to a completely different field at the ripe old age of 53. The hours of the day that I used to sleep are now my working hours. I never imagined how long it would take to get somewhat used to the daytime sleeping. I just haven't had much time for blogging or even very much time to stamp. However, my sleep patterns are getting better, which will allow for more stamping time! 

This post will be a simple one. Both of these cards were made by using the negative image from the larger die in the Stampin' Up! set called Bold Butterfly Framelits. I simply cut the butterfly from a piece of scrap paper and then used the negative image as a type of mask or stencil. After watercoloring the negative image using my Stampin' Up inks and my Aqua Painter on watercolor paper, I filled in with a few random stamped images. The final touches are pretty self explanatory. I love the look and these really took no time at all to make. Please feel free to message me with any questions you may have. 

Check out the new Weekly Deals! Save up to 25% on the items below. There are also still some amazing items on the clearance rack.

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

As always, let me know if you have any questions about the project or the products used. Thanks for visiting my blog.

Artfully Yours,
Kim

Watermelon Wonder(ful)

Stampin' Up has hit the sweet spot with the new In Colors available on June 2. This card was made using the color Watermelon Wonder and all products are Stampin' Up!

A little tip: use scraps to cut very thin pieces of card stock to use as visual interest on your projects. 

I love throwing in a piece of vellum with this type of project. Keep in mind that vellum is perfectly content playing second fiddle to some of the other elements on this card. Can you spot it? I used the Decorative Label punch for my shape, then layered it behind the butterfly. 

I just love this look and I hope you do too. Please let me know if you have any questions. 

Product list:

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

It’s almost time to say goodbye to retiring products from the 2014–2015 annual catalog. Before we say goodbye to these amazing products, though, we’re giving everyone an opportunity to order retiring products (some of them at discounts prices up to 50 percent off retail) before they’re gone for good. Retiring products will only be available until June 2 (or while supplies last), so be sure to get your orders in early. Shop now! 

I hope you enjoyed the project. Please use hostess code DRMXE6NT  when ordering online, unless your order will total $150 before shipping & tax. At that point, you become your own hostess and get all the rewards! Please keep in mind if you choose "no contact" from the demonstrator, I'm unable to even send you a thank you note for your order...

Artfully Yours,
Kim

Sneak Peek: Tip Top Taupe

If you knew me well, you would know that neutral colors are in MY wheelhouse, so to speak.  With that said, one of the new Stampin' Up! In Colors is going to be one of my all time favorites. Tip Top Taupe. Say it with me...it kind of rolls off the tongue. TIP TOP TAUPE. This is just a little close up of a watercolor technique I did this  morning.

After I did a "swoosh" of color with water and ink, I dropped extra course sea salt on to the wet area and let it dry. The salt absorbs some of the ink/water mixture and leaves you with a lovely design. 

The leaves are from the Choose Happiness stamp set. The flower is the Pansy Punch. Finished it off with a Neutrals button and some Linen Thread, all Stampin' Up! products. 

It’s almost time to say goodbye to retiring products from the 2014–2015 annual catalog. Before we say goodbye to these amazing products, though, we’re giving everyone an opportunity to order retiring products (some of them at discounts prices up to 50 percent off retail) before they’re gone for good. Retiring products will only be available until June 2 (or while supplies last), so be sure to get your orders in early. Shop now!  

I hope you enjoyed the project. Please use hostess code TE6ZJN9X  when ordering online, unless your order will total $150 before shipping & tax. At that point, you become your own hostess and get all the rewards! Please keep in mind if you choose "no contact" from the demonstrator, I'm unable to even send you a thank you note for your order...That's right, I'm not even able to see your name. 

As always, let me know if you have any questions about the project or the products used. Thanks for visiting my blog. 

Artfully Yours,
Kim

Parting is such sweet sorrow...

This card was made using several of my favorite Stampin' Up! retiring products. 

The center layer was cut using the Labels Collection Framelits Dies and the texture on the Blushing Bride background panel was made using the Beautifully Baroque Textured Impressions embossing folder. These are a whopping 50% off right now and you need to get them quick!

Both of the stamp sets used are retiring also. Blooming with Kindness and the Dictionary background stamp. Both have been staples for all kinds of cards. The Dictionary stamp is a great way to add interest to backgrounds or over central images. 

Products used:

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

              LAST CHANCE FOR RETIRING PRODUCTS

It’s almost time to say goodbye to retiring products from the 2014–2015 annual catalog. Before we say goodbye to these amazing products, though, we’re giving everyone an opportunity to order retiring products (some of them at discounts prices up to 50 percent off retail) before they’re gone for good. Retiring products will only be available until June 2 (or while supplies last), so be sure to get your orders in early! Shop now! Please use hostess code Q4ZZGBGE when ordering. 

Check out the new Weekly Deals! Save up to 25% on the items below. There are also still some amazing items on the clearance rack. Please use hostess code Q4ZZGBGE when ordering. 

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Follow this link to see how you can receive your first 2 months worth of Paper Pumpkin at 50% off. Please choose me as your demonstrator...I would appreciate it!

I hope you enjoyed the project. Please use hostess code Q4ZZGBGE  when ordering online, unless your order will total $150 before shipping & tax. At that point, you become your own hostess and get all the rewards! Please keep in mind if you choose "no contact" from the demonstrator, I'm unable to even send you a thank you note for your order...That's right, I'm not even able to see your name. 

As always, let me know if you have any questions about the project or the products used. Thanks for visiting my blog. 

Artfully Yours,

Kim

A Million & One Reasons

Not to get all mushy, but there are so many reasons I love to create art with my stamps & paper crafting supplies from Stampin' Up! So, it was a natural that after over 15 years of being a customer, I finally signed up to be a demonstrator. My one year anniversary of being partnered with the company I love is next month. A little message to Shelli Gardner & Stampin' Up...Fabulous is What You Are! 

For this card, I chose to use one of my favorite retiring stamp sets, Million & One. Seriously, look at the wonderful "loopiness" of the font. Either of the sayings would be great on their own, with no other adornment or design. However,  I wanted an over the top collage look for this card.  All products are Stampin' Up!

See...this stamp set is crazy good. Grab it before it is gone. 

Don't let the collage look intimidate you. For this card, I started with a single layer of watercolor paper. I then applied various layers of ink & water using Pacific Point & Tempting Turquoise inks. I just gave the pad a little squeeze while the lid was still closed. After you do that, it gives you a little paint pallet in the lid of each ink pad. Feel free to dry the paper in between adding the colors if you want more definition between colors. After the background had been watercolored, I randomly stamped the flower & leaf images from the Choose Happiness stamp set using the same colors of ink. 

I used Staz On black ink to stamp a partial image of the Swallowtail, the words from Million & one and the flower from Choose Happiness on a section of Window Sheet cut to exactly match the size of the watercolored layer, then layered it on top of the background. I only used adhesive under the Jute & the flower embellishment. 

There are so many different ways to use the large Swallowtail stamp! It is completely large enough to cover an entire card front. 

I added the flower & the White Jute ribbon at the end. The flower is a combination of watercolor paper (for the texture) and Whisper White cardstock punched using the Fun Flower punch.  The inside part of the flower was made using watercolor paper and the Stampin' Up! Fringe Scissors. After I fringed a small piece of watercolor paper, I dipped the ends in water & ink. After the piece was dry, I glued it to the center of the flower and added tiny stones from the Rhinestone Basics. I punched the leaves out of scrap of watercolor paper using the Build a Bird punch. 

I know there are several stamp sets & punches represented here, but this look can be made using much less inventory. I was just having a hard time deciding which stamp set to use that day, so I used several.  Please let me know if you have any questions. 

Products used:

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

LAST CHANCE FOR RETIRING PRODUCTS

It’s almost time to say goodbye to retiring products from the 2014–2015 annual catalog. Before we say goodbye to these amazing products, though, we’re giving everyone an opportunity to order retiring products (some of them at discounts prices up to 50 percent off retail) before they’re gone for good. Retiring products will only be available until June 2 (or while supplies last), so be sure to get your orders in early! Shop now!

As always, I appreciate you taking the time to look at my blog and your comments. Follow me on Pinterest, Facebook & Twitter. (Links on right sidebar)

Artfully Yours,

Kim

Pals Blog Hop: Earth Day is Every Day

Welcome to the Pals Blog Hop for April where every day is Earth Day.  This month we are showcasing projects that use recycled, reused or other earth inspired elements and colors.  We hope you enjoy the Pals creative projects.

You may just be starting the blog hop or may have come from Maggie Made Cards, number 7 on the Pals Hop.  If you get off track at any time, the full lineup below will help you move along from blog to blog so you see all the projects.

I have always enjoyed using bits and pieces of paper from magazines & catalogs, along with pieces of cardboard from packaging. 

Do you recognize the lovely, almost "DSP like" paper on this box,  card and envelope liner? It is the back of the Sale-A-Bration cover that is on the Occasions Catalog. 

I made the box using the the Stampin' Up! Gift Box Punch Board. Strips of crinkled cardboard used for packing and some knotted lace complete the look along with a flower made from various punches. 

Trust me when I tell you that the photos do not do this ensemble justice. I love it when I am able to use something creatively, instead of throwing it away. 

The next stop is Stampin' Pretty, number 9 on the Pals Blog Hop!  Thanks for visiting; I hope to see you on next month’s Pals Hop!

Final Line-Up:

1. Michelle Gleeson at StampinMojo
2. Lynn Kolcun at Stamping with Avery' s Owlery
3. Amy Hoptay at Inking of You
4. Becky Volpp at inkblossomwithbecky.com
5. Natalie Bradley at Soiree by Natalie Bradley
6. Jackie Diediker at Stampin' Jackie
7. Maggie Mata at Maggie Made Cards
8. Kim Jolley at Stampin' Artfully
9. Mary Fish at Stampin' Pretty
10. Candy Ford at Stamp Candy
11. Karen Hallam at Karen's Stampin' Site
12. Lisa Ann Bernard at Queen B Creations
13. Benjaman Turner at He Stamps
14. Susan Itell at Simple Stampin
15. Beth McCullough at Stamping Mom
16. Jane Knudsen at see jane stamp
17. Kerry Willard Bray at Peonies and Paper Chains

Don't forget about free, yes FREE shipping through the 10th on orders from Stampin' Up! That's right, you have until Friday to take advantage of free shipping on all orders except expedited, no minimum purchase. 

Thank you for visiting my blog. Please let me know if you have any questions about this project. 

Artfully Yours,

Kim

Here's Your {Birthday} Sign & Sale-A-Bration is almost over!

I'm a bit sad to see Sale-A-Bration go, as I'm sure you are. Only 5 more days left! With that said, here is a darling birthday card I CASE'd from Pinterest, using one of the stamp sets you can get for free with a $50 (before tax & shipping) purchase. I am not sure who came up with this first, as I've seen so many versions online. All products are Stampin' Up!

How cute is this? I love that it looks like wood and I think the banner really sets it off. The banner was made using Baked Brown Sugar Thick Bakers Twine and Retro Fresh This and That Washi Tape. I used the Handheld Stapler (that never leaves my craft area now) to attach the banner to the sign. 

I stamped the sentiment with Versamark on Basic Black card stock and on Coastal Cabana, then embossed each one with White Stampin' Emboss Powder. After heat setting it, I trimmed out the little banner piece from the Coastal Cabana image. To make the Basic Black card stock look more like a chalk board, I used a sponge to rub some of our Whisper White Craft ink on it. 

The card itself was made with Crumb Cake card stock, which is most certainly a staple of mine, along with Whisper White and Basic Black. I stamped the large Hardwood stamp on the outside and inside with Baked Brown Sugar Classic Stampin' Pad. 

Don't wait until it's to late to get your hands on the Big Day stamp set. Look at all of the great images!

Product list for this project:

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Don't miss out on the chance to receive your free Sale-A-Bration item. With only 5 more days to go, time is running out! With a $50 purchase (before shipping & tax), you can choose from one of these items:

I hope you enjoyed the project. Please use the hostess code shown in the top right corner when ordering online, unless your order will total $150 before shipping & tax. At that point, you become your own hostess and get all the rewards! Please keep in mind if you choose "no contact" from the demonstrator, I'm unable to even send you a thank you note for your order...That's right, I'm not even able to see your name. 

As always, let me know if you have any questions about the project or the products used. Thanks for visiting my blog. 

Artfully Yours,

Kim